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Orthopaedic Surgery March 24, 2026

Jack Lemons, Ph.D., and Steven Theiss, M.D.Jack Lemons, Ph.D., and Steven Theiss, M.D.UAB recently recognized 25 individuals for their years of service in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, ranging from 5 years to 35 years. The UAB and UAB Medicine Service Awards honor employees who have made a significant career commitment to UAB, with recognition happening at every five-year milestone.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery had seven individuals recognized for 20 or more years of service for 2025: Jack Lemons, Ph.D. (35 years), Steven Theiss, M.D. (30 years), Shawanna Hunter (25 years), and Fred Horton, Brian Mueller, and Barbara Smoot (20 years), marking a longstanding dedication within the department.

“These awards honor not only the time our colleagues have spent at UAB, but the countless ways they’ve shaped our department,” said Steven Theiss, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Their expertise, professionalism, and generosity of spirit set a standard that inspires all of us. I am truly grateful for their service.”

The comprehensive list of Service Awards recipients is as follows: 

35 years

Jack Lemons, Ph.D.

30 years

Steven Theiss, M.D.

25 years

Shawanna Hunter

20 years

Fred Horton
Brian Mueller, C.P., BSME
Barbara Smoot 

15 years

Melissa Harvey
Deanna Langhout, CRNP, RNFA
Ashish Shah, M.D.

10 years

Sonya Adams
Delores Jones
Sakthivel Rajan Rajaram Manoharan, M.D.

5 years

KaDezia Bouyer
Emily Canonaco, OTR/L, CHT
Rebecca Duke
Erin Fynan Ransom, M.D.
Tarmeatrice Hooks
Joseph Johnson, M.D.
Donielle King
Ashraf Amir Lakhani
Alexandra Mitchell
Troy Stewart
Tinesha Tubbs
Jennifer Wallace
Kevin Williams, M.D.


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