Finding your way in academic medicine can feel like a puzzle, with many pieces competing for attention. Daniel Chu, M.D., Division Director of Gastrointestinal Surgery at UAB, has identified ten “threads” that, when woven together, provide guidance and structure.

“Academic medicine is one of the best places for faculty, staff, and students to explore their passions and discover new opportunities,” says Thomas Chi, M.D., MBA, chair of the Department of Urology at UAB. With experience spanning three major universities, Chi has seen how a few guiding principles can shape careers and sustain momentum.

Join the Heersink School of Medicine for the 2025 Juneteenth Commemoration on Tuesday, June 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For Donna Duke-Pope, “You’re not alone” isn’t just a cliché phrase—it’s a truth she’s lived and now shares with others. She knows how isolating mental health struggles can be.

In a profession marked by long hours, precision, and high emotional stakes, health care specialists may burn out and disconnect from themselves. To meet demands and care for others, whether through teaching, research, or clinical work, many overlook one of the simplest yet most powerful forms of support: engaging with nature.

The Heersink School of Medicine offers various programs designed to spur innovation and enhance leadership, communication, and networking skills in academic medicine. Join us this April for three upcoming events where faculty, staff, students, and trainees can explore key topics such as mentoring, career development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and work-life integration.

Discussing salary, promotions, or career advancement can feel daunting, particularly in health care, where a culture of teamwork and patient care often overshadows self-advocacy. Yet, these conversations are essential to career growth and professional fulfillment.

For faculty in academic medicine, career growth and professional development often come with challenges. To explore these challenges and opportunities for growth, Sima Patel, M.D., FAES, FANA, an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, began collaborating in 2021 with Jane B.

The Heersink School of Medicine transformed the UAB North Pavilion Atrium into a vibrant celebration of global traditions on February 6, 2025, during the Cultural Connections Food Fair. From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in sights, smells, and sounds from around the globe, setting the tone for an evening of celebration, unity, and joy.

The Heersink School of Medicine hosts a variety of events each month to enrich and connect faculty, staff, and students. This February is no exception, with events ranging from a food fair to educational seminars to trivia.