Yung Lau, M.D., has been named interim chair of the UAB Department of Pediatrics, effective Nov. 1. Lau is a professor of Pediatrics and vice chair of Clinical Affairs in the Department of Pediatrics. He holds the Thomas N. Carruthers Endowed Chair in Cardiology. He also serves as division director for Pediatric Cardiology.
Yung Lau, M.D.
Lau assumes the interim chair role upon Mitch Cohen, M.D., stepping down after leading the Department of Pediatrics as chair for 10 years. Lau will work closely with Cohen during the transition to enable a smooth transition for the department.
“It is an honor to be chosen for this position, and I greatly appreciate the support of my colleagues,” said Lau. “Dr. Cohen’s chairship has been exemplary, and during his tenure, our department’s fulfillment in each of the tripartite missions has increased substantially. He has also built an excellent team, and we will continue that legacy in preparation for the permanent chair.”
Cohen will be the chief medical officer at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and senior associate dean for Maternal and Child Health at Stanford University. His contributions to our school, city, and state have been invaluable, and we extend our best wishes as he embarks on this next chapter in his career.
Lau received his medical degree at Loma Linda University in California. He then trained at UAB for his internship and residency and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. He joined the faculty at UAB in 1994.
Lau is a nationally recognized expert in pediatric electrophysiology, which includes arrhythmia management with catheter ablation, pacing and device. He has a research focus in congenital heart disease. Lau has given several lectures around the country on these topics and is the first author or principal investigator on a number of peer-reviewed publications, as well as contributions to books on the topic.
He is an active member of several professional societies and memberships, including the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Medical Association of Alabama, and Alpha Omega Alpha. He is a fellow with the American College of Cardiology and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“Dr. Lau’s commitment to scientific innovation, clinical excellence, dedicated mentorship, and academic leadership will be critical assets in sustaining the vitality and distinction of our Department of Pediatrics during this transition period,” said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the Heersink School of Medicine.
A national search for a permanent chair for the Department of Pediatrics is currently underway.