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Morissa Ladinsky, M.D., professor in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics, has been selected for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on State Government Affairs. She will serve a six-year term beginning July 1, 2024.

Matthew Stoll, M.D., PhD, professor in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, has been elected as the Chair for the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN). SPARTAN is a network of health care professionals in North America who are dedicated to research, awareness and treatment of spondyloarthritis. 

David Kimberlin, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, has been invited to serve as a co-chair of a “Growth with Purpose” initiative working group, alongside Virginia M. Hedberg.

Namasivayam Ambalavanan, M.D., professor in the Division of Neonatology, Kent Willis, M.D., assistant professor, and Viral Jain, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology, and Amy CaJacob, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology have been appointed to the UAB Lung Health Center.

Candice C. Dye, M.D., Department of Pediatrics' Associate Professor in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics, graduated from the UAB Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA).

Top L to R: Alex Broadnax, Gabriel Daniels, Josh Cooper and Aphton LaneEvery year the Department of Pediatrics Subspecialty Fellowship Programs give out achievement awards to graduating pediatric fellows in three separate areas: research, quality improvement and service.

Congratulations to our UAB Pediatric Fellowship Class of 2024. Thank you to all who helped us celebrate the graduates at a reception in their honor on May 23rd.

We are excited to announce that Emily Franklin has joined the Department of Pediatrics as the Communications Coordinator. A Huntsville native and recent graduate from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in public relations and minor in public health, she brings a passion for communication and healthcare. Franklin had previously worked as the Department of Pediatrics Intern since September 2022. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!

Top L to R: Rahmath Althaf, Carter Barnett, Kulsajan Bhatia, Chloe Braun and Ting WeiThe Dixon Foundation supports the Dixon Pediatric Fellowship training program for fellows who intend to pursue an academic career with a research emphasis (ranging from basic and translational science to education or QI-centric research) in approved pediatric subspecialties.

L to R: Kennon Ulicny and Jeffrey CooteThe Chu Family has generously donated funds to Children's of Alabama and the Department of Pediatrics to support educational initiatives. A portion of this donation has been set aside for the pediatric fellows to fund scholarships for fellows who apply. Candidates were selected on a competitive basis. These awards will provide funds for tuition, books and fees related to their educational endeavors.

Stephen Obaro, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, was named a Sparkman Center for Global Health Scholar. His appointment is effective as of April 22, 2024.

Erin Shaughnessy, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, recently graduated from the Executive Leadership in Health Care (ELH) program. The program is offered by Drexel University School of Medicine.

The Department of Pediatrics would like to introduce the 2024 Department of Pediatrics Staff Recognition Awards. These awards were created to honor staff members throughout the department for their contribution and commitment to the department's mission. Our staff are essential to making our department run, and this is an opportunity to show our appreciation.

David Ingram, director of Administrative and Fiscal Affairs for the Department of Pediatrics (HSF), was recently inducted into the Chelsea High School Hall of Fame for his outstanding community involvement. Ingram, a 1991 Chelsea High School graduate, has made a lasting mark on his community.

We are thrilled to announce the selection of our 2024 Children’s of Alabama Scholars: Chibuzo Ilonze, M.D., MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and Jessica Schmitt, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes. 

Morissa Ladinsky, M.D., professor in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics, received the Lion Award from SOJOURN, (Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity), on March 30, 2024, in Atlanta, GA. 

The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed one new faculty member in the month of March. Please join us in making them feel at home!

The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed one new faculty member in the month of February. Please join us in making them feel at home!

Zaili Luo, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

L to R: Camden Hebson, David Askenazi and Ahmed AsfariLast month in honor of National Heart Month, three researchers from UAB were chosen as the 2024 inaugural recipients of the Hope Fund Award and received $25,000 each in research support. The Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center at Children’s of Alabama is honored to support the following researchers and their commitment to enhancing the care of pediatric patients affected by congenital heart disease:

L to R: Sam Gentle, Viral Jain and Kent WillisSam Gentle, M.D., assistant professor, Viral Jain, M.D., assistant professor and Kent Willis, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology, received Career Development Grants from American Heart Association.