Andrada Diaconescu, M.D., a research resident in the UAB General Surgery Residency program working under the supervision of Brenessa Lindeman, M.D., MEHP, vice chair of education in the Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, has received a $1,500 Career Enhancement Award from the UAB Office of Postdoctoral Education (OPE) to attend the Fundamentals of Surgical Research Course at the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS) Fall Courses on September 25, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
The OPE Career Enhancement Award supports professional development opportunities that help UAB trainees build skills and knowledge relevant to their future careers. Diaconescu will use the award to participate in the AAS course, which is designed to strengthen foundational skills in surgical research and support the development of surgeon-scientists and academic surgeons.
“I am very grateful to the Office of Postdoctoral Education for this opportunity and for supporting my continued development as a surgical trainee and researcher,” said Diaconescu. “I look forward to gaining new skills through the course that I can apply to my research and future career in academic surgery.”
The Fundamentals of Surgical Research Course provides participants with focused training in the principles and methods that underpin successful surgical research. Diaconescu’s participation will further complement her clinical training at UAB while providing additional tools to pursue scholarly and research interests throughout her surgical career.
“Dr. Diaconescu is highly deserving of this recognition, and this opportunity will provide valuable training as she continues to build skills for a bright career in academic surgery,” said Britney L. Corey, M.D., MACM, program director of the UAB General Surgery Residency Program. “We are excited to see her continue to grow as both a surgeon and researcher.”
The award reflects Diaconescu’s continued commitment to developing as both a surgeon and researcher and highlights UAB’s investment in providing trainees with opportunities to expand their skills beyond the clinical environment.
About the UAB Office of Postdoctoral Education
The UAB Office of Postdoctoral Education, housed within the UAB Graduate School, supports the professional and career development of postdoctoral scholars and other eligible trainees across the university. Through funding opportunities, educational programming, mentorship, and career development resources, the office helps trainees build the skills and experiences necessary for successful careers in research, academia, and related fields.