UAB Division of Pediatric Surgery professors Elizabeth Beierle Chen, M.D., (who goes by Dr. Beierle), and Mike Chen, M.D., MBA, are not only two faculty members within the UAB Department of Surgery and pediatric surgeons at Children’s of Alabama - they are also spouses of 29 years - 30 years in March.

Dr. Beierle, who serves as the Charles Dr. McCrary Endowed Chair in Pediatric Surgery and the Surgical Director of Children’s of Alabama’s Hepatobiliary Clinic, and Dr. Chen, the Joseph M. Farley Endowed Chair in Pediatric Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at Children’s of Alabama, met as trainees.

Their love story began while completing their general surgery residency at the University of Florida. They both knew then that they wanted to be pediatric surgeons. 

They now have nearly 30 years of clinical practice caring for children each, and were just been recognized for 15 years of service at UAB. They don’t have children - Dr. Beierle jokingly says “we take care of everyone else’s.” With Valentine's Day coming up, we asked the couple a few questions about their careers, their marriage, and their advice for couples aspiring for careers in the medical field.

What do you love about each other?

Dr. Beierle: “I love how Chen inspires me to be a better person and also his ridiculous sense of humor.”

Dr. Chen: “Beierle’s not afraid to be ridiculous and will absolutely always do the right thing. I love our adventures. And she’s beautiful!!”

You both recently were recognized for 15 years of service at UAB – what do you love about UAB, Childrens of Alabama, and the Birmingham area?

Dr. Beierle: “I absolutely love working at Children's of Alabama because of the people who work there; they are my family. Birmingham is a great place to live. The people here are beyond friendly, it is a super easy city to navigate, and the weather is perfect for an outdoor activity almost every day.”

Dr. Chen: “UAB and Children’s of Alabama Hospital are amazing places to work because of the people. We’re a family, and we have a mission to help people! What more can one ask for? Birmingham is a hidden gem. Awesome people and such an easy place to live. Beautiful outdoors, fabulous food, and friendly and inviting community.”

What made you fall in love with the field of pediatric surgery?

Dr. Beierle: “Pediatric surgery is very unpredictable, and I enjoy the fact that I have no idea what each day will bring. It's like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates.”

Dr. Chen: “Nothing beats taking care of innocent kids. It's a true privilege and humbling to have parents trust us to operate on their babies!!! The specialty is amazing, with a huge variety and interesting and complicated surgical problems.”

What advice would you give couples who are both aspiring to be doctors or to be in the medical field? How can they make it work despite the stress?

Dr. Beierle: “Young medical couples face unique challenges in that it may be difficult to balance really busy lives, but it will afford you an amazing insight into the life of your partner. We have a rule: we always eat dinner together, no matter what. That often means one of us is eating a snack to tide over, but that time shared together everyday is so important.”

Dr. Chen: “Love and respect each other for what they do. Don’t make it about you, but about us. There will be the need for give and take because there are times when a decision benefits one spouse’s career over the other. Listen and support each other. It can be quite stressful, but when you deal with it as a team, nothing is insurmountable. Have each other’s back and together, go conquer the world!"

Dr. Beierle and Dr. Chen are pictured above on a trip to the Serengeti.