Dr. Biasini Receives McNulty Civitan Scientist Award
Since 2005, the McNulty Civitan Scientist Award has been awarded to outstanding scientists with a long-term career commitment to research on developmental disabilities. The award is given each year in honor of the McNulty family who were long-time members of the Chesapeake District of Civitan International. Tom and Mary McNulty with their son Tommy were the driving force behind the creation of the Civitan International Research Center and the research focus of Civitan International Foundation. To date, the award has provided support for a number of successful research projects and helped to develop successful clinical programs benefitting individuals with developmental disorders. Fred Biasini, Ph.D., director of the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics, is the 2016-2017 recipient of the coveted McNulty Civitan Scientist Award. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and he is the director of the Lifespan Developmental Psychology Program. His research and teaching interests include autism spectrum disorder, developmental disability, social development and children of substance abusers.
DOP Visits Wilcox County
On Tuesday, Nov. 29, a diverse team of Children's physicians, trainees, and faculty visited Calhoun, Ala., in the heart of Wilcox County. This Black Belt region is likely the most impoverished in the U.S. Our team saw health care delivery first hand visiting the Spartan J. Paul Jones Hospital and outpatient clinics. The county has only three practicing physicians, one dentist, and no psychiatrists. Its single youth enrichment program, Bama Kids, is in dire need of literacy materials and resources. A ferry ride brought us to the history rich but resource destitute Gee’s Bend area. Our visit instilled new insights into health disparities the challenges of rural poverty, and the resilience of those who practice there. We left inspired and grateful to our Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) hosts for the venture.
Four Faculty Members Elected to Society of Pediatric Research (SPR)
Congratulations to Ambika Ashraf, M.D.,Pediatric Endocrinology, Santiago Borasino, M.D., Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care, Jeffrey Lebensburger, D.O., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, and Julie Wolfson, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, on their recent election to the Society of Pediatric Research. The goal of the Society for Pediatric Research is to create a network of multidisciplinary researchers to improve child health. Each of these new members will contribute greatly to this mission.
Genetics Clinic Relocate to Children's of Alabama and The Kirklin Clinic
UAB's genetics clinics have moved from the previous locations in the Hugh Kaul Human Genetics Building. Pediatric clinics are now on the sixth floor of the Dearth Tower at Children's of Alabama. Adult clinics are located on the first floor of the Kirklin Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling 934-4983. Click here for more information.
The UAB Department of Pediatrics Welcomes Dr. Mohamed
Please join us in welcoming Associate Professor Ismail S Mohamed, M.D., FAAP, FRCPC, to the UAB Department of Pediatrics and the division of Pediatric Neurology.
Ismail S. Mohamed, M.D., FAAP, FRCPC, joins us from the IWK Health Center in Halifax, Canada. Dr. Mohamed graduated from Alexandria University in Egypt and completed pediatric neurology residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, clinical neurophysiology fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio and an epilepsy fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. His research interests are in functional brain imaging, in normal development, and reorganization after brain injury.
Ismail S. Mohamed, M.D., FAAP, FRCPC, joins us from the IWK Health Center in Halifax, Canada. Dr. Mohamed graduated from Alexandria University in Egypt and completed pediatric neurology residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, clinical neurophysiology fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio and an epilepsy fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. His research interests are in functional brain imaging, in normal development, and reorganization after brain injury.
David Ingram Elected to Chelsea City Council
David Ingram, MBA, Director of Administration and Fiscal Affairs in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, was recently re-elected into Place 3 on Chelsea City Council by taking almost 80% of the votes in the municipal election in August. Chelsea, in Shelby County, is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Alabama. This will be David’s 2nd term on the council. He was first elected in 2012 and his current term will run through 2020. In addition, he was appointed as Mayor Pro Tempore of the city at the organizational meeting on Monday, Nov. 7. David brings his 18 years of financial and budgetary experience to the council, in addition to leadership and involvement within the Chelsea parks and recreation arena.
UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinic Receives Grant to Better Serve Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Central Alabama
One of three Alabama Regional Autism Networks has opened at the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics to empower persons of all ages and all levels of functioning who have an autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families.The UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics were awarded a $75,000 grant to establish the network at UAB that will serve central Alabama by providing connections to resources for those with ASD, and for their families, technical assistance, and consultation services, as well as ASD-education programs to the general public and professional training.
These network centers are a key step in developing a system of care for people with ASD and their families throughout Alabama,” said Fred J. Biasini, Ph.D., director of the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, and associate professor in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology. “In working with Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, we will be able to provide additional resources and promote meaningful public awareness for those with ASD.”
Click here for to continue reading the press release on UAB news.
What if Birmingham Was Known as the City that Cured Cancer?
The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center just released a video titled, "What If Birmingham was Known as the City that Cured Cancer?" Maaike Everts, PhD, Associate Professor in Pediatric Infectious Disease and Associate Director of the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance (ADDA) is featured. Take a look by clicking here.
Dr. Friedman Approved for Appointment to Graduate Faculty
Gregory Friedman, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, has been approved as Full Graduate Faculty in the UAB Graduate School.
Dr. Kimberlin Honored by Ronald McDonald House Charities with Prestigious 2016 Medical Award of Excellence
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) honored David Kimberlin, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, for his work in the treatment, control and eradication of infectious diseases affecting children. More than 1,300 RMHC leaders and guests came together to recognize Dr. Kimberlin at the annual Awards of Excellence in Rosemont, Ill., where he received the 2016 Medical Award of Excellence, along with a $100,000 grant that will be given to the children’s charity of his choice, Camp McDowell. Dr. Kimberlin and his wife, Kim, are pictured (right) at the ceremony. Past Medical Awards of Excellence recipients include: Agnes Binagwaho, M.D., MPed, Ph.D., Ben Carson, M.D., Catherine DeAngelis, M.D., MPH, Ralph Feigin, M.D., Philip Pizzo, M.D., and Walter Orenstein, M.D. To view a full list of all RMHC Awards of Excellence recipients, click here. Among the non-medical recipients includes: puppeteer and screenwriter Jim Henson (1990); Former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter (1991); Former First Lady Betty Ford (1998); Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan (2002); founder of Southwest Airlines, Herbert D. Kelleher (2010) and many more.
Click here to read the UAB News press release.
Dr. Barnes Approved for Appointment to Graduate Faculty
Margaux Barnes, Ph.D., Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, has been approved as Full Graduate Faculty in the UAB Graduate School. With this appointment, Dr. Barnes will have the opportunity to expand mentorship opportunities by serving on thesis and dissertation committees to help further promote the growth and development of graduate students within the UAB community.
A Race Against Time For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
B-Metro Magazine recently did a series of feature stories dedicated to finding cures. Among the features, is local 11-year-old Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient, Gabe Griffin, in an article discussing the condition, the possible treatments, and the work of our very own, Matthew S. Alexander, Ph.D., Pediatric Neurology, and his lab here at Children's of Alabama and UAB Department of Pediatrics. Click here to read the story.
Dr. Alexander Participates in NIH Early Career Reviewer Program
Matthew S. Alexander, Ph.D., Pediatric Neurology, recently participated in the NIH Early Career Reviewer (ECR) Program. Specifically, he was assigned to the Therapeutic Approaches to Genetic Diseases (TAG) study section.Dr. Alexander comments on the experience. "I think that a lot of new faculty would be interested in the ECR program as it was helpful to get a behind the scenes look at the grant review process," Dr. Alexander said, "Overall, it was a very useful program for learning about what grant review panels are looking for and also how they are dealing with the new NIH guidelines for scientific rigor and reproducibility."
Click here to learn about the program.
Dr. Lebensburger to Serve on ASH Guideline Panel
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) recently asked Jeffrey Lebensburger, D.O., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, to serve on the committee to develop new clinical practice guidelines on sickle cell disease-related cardiopulmonary and kidney disease. The ASH anticipates that guideline development will launch in January 2017 and conclude with the publication of guidelines in spring 2019 in the journal, Blood. Congratulations to Dr. Lebensburger on this national leadership position!
Dr. Sorrentino to Serve on ACEP Steering Committee
Annalise Sorrentino, M.D., Pediatric Emergency Medicine, was selected to serve on the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Council Steering Committee for 2017. The Steering Committee is a key leadership position in the College. Members typically serve on the committee for two years.
Drs. Whelan and Ross to Attend 2016 Mid-Career Women Faculty Professional Development Seminar
Congratulations to Kim Whelan, M.D., Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, and Shannon Ross, M.D.,Pediatric Infectious Diseases, for being selected to attend the 2016 Mid-Career Women Faculty Professional Development Seminar in Austin, Texas, Dec. 10-13. The Seminar is designed for women who hold medical school appointments at the associate professor level and leadership positions within their discipline, department or institution. The program goal is to enhance knowledge and skills needed to support progress along the path to leadership in academic medicine.
Pediatric Grand Rounds Announcement
Dr. Paola Mendoza-Sengco is now the new Director of Children's of Alabama/UAB Pediatric Medical Grand Rounds. Dr. Mendoza will begin leading Pediatric Grand Rounds on Nov. 1, 2016.Dr. Mendoza is an Assistant Professor in the UAB Department of Pediatrics in the division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. Prior to joining UAB, Dr. Mendoza completed her residency training at East Carolina University and her fellowship in pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. We are excited to see the educational opportunities she brings to our grand rounds audience.
Dr. Casazza Receives Lacey Academic Leadership Award
The Association of the Teachers of Maternal and Child Health (ATMCH) announced Krista Casazza, PhD, RD, LD, General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, as the winner of the 2016 Loretta P. Lacey Academic Leadership Award. View the announcement here.
ACHIA Early Screening Collaborative Now Enrolling
The Alabama Child Health Improvement Alliance (ACHIA) is enrolling practices in a learning collaborative to improve screening and referrals for children at risk of delays, autism, and behavioral concerns.Which practices should enroll?
- Practices that want to start screening.
- Practices that want to increase screening consistency.
- Practices that want to switch screens from a paper to an electronic format.
The collaborative will run from January to September 2017. Enrollment is through December 31, 2016.
Contact lchampion@alaap.org or click here to learn more.
Dr. Maddox on ABC 3340 Discussing Sleep Deprivation in Teens
Only 10 percent of teenagers are getting the sleep they need according to experts. The American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend schools not start before 8:30 a.m. for high school. That may be a tough sell to parents. But when you consider how dangerous it is for our kids to do things like drive and play sports sleepy, doctors say we need to take a hard look at this issue. Over 50 percent of teens sleep 7 hours or less a night. Doctors say they need 8.5-9 hours a night.Click here to see ABC 3340's story interviewing Mary Halsey Maddox, M.D., Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine.