After 14 years with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Professor Brent Ponce, M.D., will transition his clinical practice to the Hughston Clinic in Columbus, GA. His last day with the department will be Feb. 28.

As Department Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, Ponce oversaw clinical operations with patient experience and outcome in mind. Not only did he keep an active clinical presence, but Ponce also was an avid researcher and highly-published during his time on faculty.

Additionally, Ponce held many leadership roles at UAB including program director of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Research Fellowship, was the Co-Director of the Musculoskeletal Medicine Special Topics course for medical students, faculty leader of the Orthopaedic Journal Club, member of the School of Medicine Student Academic Standing Committee, and member of the Orthopaedic Residency Education Committee.

“The legacy that Dr. Ponce leaves with the department will not be soon forgotten,” said Steven Theiss, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Dr. Ponce was a research and clinical force, and we wish him all the best at his new practice.”

A pillar in his legacy, Ponce grew the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Research Fellowship to include six to seven outstanding medical students each year. Associate Professor and Director of International Education Ashish Shah, M.D., will now serve as program director of the Research Fellowship while Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Research Clay Spitler, M.D., will oversee the fellowship’s integration into the research enterprise of the department.

“The program will only grow and improve from here, thanks to the strong foundation that Dr. Ponce built,” said Spitler. “Dr. Shah and I look forward to leading the program to new heights and welcoming more fellows in the future.”