The UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) honored its 2026 graduates during a ceremony on June 24 at the UAB Alumni House. The event recognized four residents and one fellow as they completed their training and prepared to begin the next chapter of their careers.
The graduating residents are David Berry, D.O.; Ian Cummins, M.D.; Nandan Patel, M.D.; and Casey Roark, M.D. Nelson Santos Agosto, D.O., was recognized as the department’s inaugural Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine fellow.
The department looks forward to seeing each graduate forge their own path in rehabilitation medicine. Following graduation:
- Berry will join the UAB Department of PM&R as a faculty member.
- Cummins will pursue a sports medicine fellowship at Andrews Sports Medicine in Birmingham.
- Patel will practice general physiatry at Cullman Regional Medical Center.
- Roark will serve as a consulting physiatrist with Medrina.
- Santos Agosto will join the UAB Department of PM&R as a faculty member specializing in sports medicine.
In addition to honoring graduates, the department recognized exemplary faculty, staff, and trainees who demonstrated excellence in education, research, and patient care.
Laura B. Kezar Award for Dedication and Commitment to the Residency Program: Named for Professor Emerita Laura B. Kezar, MD, former residency program director and assistant program director, this award honors a faculty member who exemplifies dedication to resident education. Recipient: Radhika Sharma, M.D.
Samuel L. Stover Excellence in Teaching Award: Named for Samuel L. Stover, MD, former department chair, this award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to teaching.
Recipient: Johan Latorre, M.D.
C.T. Huang Award: Recognizes a resident who exemplifies clinical excellence.
Recipient: Ian Cummins, M.D.
Resident Anchor Award: Honors a nonfaculty staff member who goes above and beyond to support residents.
Recipient: Valerie Harrison
Outstanding PGY-2 Award: Recognizes a second-year resident demonstrating excellence in professionalism, patient care, and leadership.
Recipient: Meaghan White, M.D.
Matthew T. Smith Humanism in Medicine Award: Honors a faculty member and resident who exemplify compassion, teamwork, and service.
Faculty recipient: Rachel Teranishi, M.D.
Resident recipient: Nandan Patel, M.D.
Resident Research Award: Recognizes a resident with outstanding research contributions.
Recipient: Victoria Christian, D.O.
Research Presentation Award: Awarded to the senior resident with the top poster presentation at Grand Rounds.
Recipient: Nandan Patel, M.D.
Highest SAE Scores:
- PGY-2: Chris Truong, M.D.
- PGY-3: Victoria Christian, D.O.
- PGY-4: David Berry, D.O.