UAB’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation traveled the globe with their winning table display at the Heersink School of Medicine Cultural Connections Food Fair on February 6, 2025. During this event, the UAB North Pavilion Atrium was transformed into a global experience allowing guests to visit the 28 beautifully decorated tables, each highlighting a culture unique to their department.
As attendees stepped into the atrium, they were greeted by world music from the band Geni Skendo & The Astronauts of Albania, featuring Geni Smith on the flute and band members on amplified violin, guitar, electric bass, and drums.
Beyond serving as a time to unite people through food, music, and culture, the event also featured a friendly competition, with departments vying for the title of Best Table. A panel of judges, including members of the Dean’s leadership team, evaluated each table based on flavor, presentation, creativity, and design.
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation’s table theme “Rehab Your Sweet Tooth” highlighted a mix of faculty members and their family heritage. Goody bags were distributed with candies from each faculty members’ country of origin. The table also provided a fun photo opportunity as guests were offered the chance to take a “passport” photo.
After tallying the scores, winners of the 2025 Cultural Connections Food Fair were announced. The competition was incredibly close, and because of this, PM&R tied with Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology for first place!
Best Table Winners:
First Place (Tie)
• Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology
Second Place
• Department of Pediatrics
Third Place (Four-way Tie)
• Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
• Department of Emergency Medicine
• Department of Family & Community Medicine
• Department of Surgery
Honorable Mention — Best Presentation (Tie)
• Department of Microbiology
• Department of Neurology
Honorable Mention — Best Flavor
• Department of OB/GYN