The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery achieved its highest-ever national ranking in the 2025 Blue Ridge Rankings, placing No. 34 among orthopaedic surgery departments nationwide.
The Blue Ridge Rankings evaluate departments across the country based on National Institutes of Health research funding, a key measure of academic research activity.
Steven M. Theiss, M.D.“This milestone represents a significant moment in our department’s history and reflects the collective dedication of our faculty, researchers, and staff who continue to advance orthopaedic science and patient care,” said Steven M. Theiss, M.D., professor and chair, John D. Sherrill Endowed Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Theiss also highlighted the role of Hassan Ghomrawi, Ph.D., MPH, Triton endowed professor and vice chair of research and innovation in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery whose leadership has helped strengthen the department’s research efforts and national standing.
“His ability to actively engage our surgeons in meaningful research efforts has been instrumental in reaching this achievement,” Theiss said. “His collaborative approach has elevated our research portfolio.”
Hassan Ghomrawi, Ph.D., MPHGhomrawi said the department has focused on strengthening its research foundation while expanding opportunities for collaboration.
“I’m really proud of this achievement for our department,” Ghomrawi said. “It truly reflects the cutting‑edge research of our group. We are actively building our research capacity and expanding our network of collaborations, both locally and nationally.”
That growing emphasis on research reflects a broader effort to align the department’s academic mission with its long‑standing clinical excellence.
Joseph Johnson, M.D.“This achievement reflects the strong leadership of Dr. Theiss and Dr. Ghomrawi within our department, university, and health system,” said Joseph Johnson, M.D., associate professor and director of clinical research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “It underscores our commitment to becoming a nationally recognized leader in orthopaedic research and innovation. In many ways, our research growth now mirrors the clinical excellence we have provided to the people of Alabama for decades.”
The ranking also highlights the department’s continued emphasis on balancing clinical excellence with impactful research, supported by broad participation from surgeons and investigators.
“I am deeply grateful to all our faculty for their continued engagement and commitment to pursuing funded research,” Theiss added. “Their efforts have propelled our growth in measurable and meaningful ways and strengthened the foundation for the future of orthopaedic innovation at UAB.”