The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery celebrated resident scholarship and academic achievement during its 2026 Resident Research Day on June 18. That evening, the department honored its graduating residents and fellows during its annual graduation dinner, celebrating the completion of their training and recognizing outstanding achievements across the residency program.
Held at UAB Hospital-Highlands, the annual Resident Research Day provided residents with an opportunity to showcase their research, engage with faculty mentors and peers, and highlight scholarly work conducted throughout the academic year.
Michael D. Johnson, M.D., associate professor and director of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, welcomed attendees and recognized the accomplishments of the department's graduating residents.
"We are incredibly proud of this exceptional class of Orthopaedic Surgery graduates," Johnson said. "It's an honor to celebrate their achievements alongside their families, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make throughout their careers."
The event featured a keynote presentation from Eric O. Klineberg, M.D., professor and vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UTHealth Houston. Klineberg delivered lectures on adult spinal deformity surgery, sharing insights from his clinical experience and research career.
Resident presentations addressed a variety of research topics, including fracture care, antibiotic prophylaxis, pediatric orthopaedics, and shoulder arthroplasty. Presenters included Austin Atkins, M.D.; Addison Cimino, M.D.; Travis Fortin, M.D.; Katie Frith, M.D.; James "Rush" Jones, M.D.; and Pearce Lane, M.D.
The day concluded with recognition of faculty and residents whose contributions have advanced research within the department.
Resident Research Day award recipients
Chief Research Day Award
Katie Frith, M.D., PGY5
Resident Researcher of the Year
David Patch, M.D., PGY4
Research Faculty Mentor of the Year
Joseph Johnson, M.D.
Graduation dinner award recipients
Neimann Award for Outstanding Chief Resident
Pearce Lane, M.D., PGY5
John Gould Award for Outstanding Junior Resident
Matthew Turner Sankey, M.D., PGY3
Clinician of the Year (most cases logged during the academic year)
Farzam Farahani, M.D., PGY4
Scholar of the Year (highest OITE score)
Farzam Farahani, M.D., PGY4
Neimann Award for Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year
Thomas Evely, D.O.
Faculty MVP (faculty member with the best overall contribution to the program)
Clay Spitler, M.D.