Explore UAB

 L to R: Cynthia Joiner, PhD, Jennifer Wilson, and Nisha Patel, MSHA, MBA

The Developing Emerging Administrative Leaders (DEAL) program kicked off last week—a new HSF-GEF grant-funded program designed to equip promising staff with the skills to succeed in administrative and managerial roles at UAB. Cindy Joiner, Ph.D. (DOM Vice Chair) is principal Investigator. She developed the program alongside Shane Wiley, MBA (DOM Executive Administrator), Jennifer Wilson (Division Administrator, ID), and five other administrative leaders from across UAB. The initial cohort of 28 participants will take part in the ten-month program that blends instructional presentations with real-world case studies, discussions, and interactive learning.

 L to R: Kevin G. Dsouza, M.D.; Ishan Lalani, M.D., MPH; Joseph B. Barney, M.D.; Maria del Pilar Acosta Lara, M.D.; Kelli Montz, BSN, RN; Lanier O'Hare, Ph.D.

UAB's Multidisciplinary Sarcoidosis Clinic directed by Joseph Barney, M.D., (Professor, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care) has joined the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research as a founding member of their Global Sarcoidosis Alliance. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in one or more organs of the body. The alliance was designed to create a network for patient and clinician education, to promote the sharing of information to advance new therapies, and to develop a collaborative referral network.

 L to R: Seth Landefeld, M.D., Stuart Frank, M.D., Michael Mugavero, M.D., MHSc

Friends and colleagues recently gathered to honor Dr. Stu Frank (Professor Emeritus and Executive Vice Chair in the Department of Medicine) at the naming dedication of the Stuart J. Frank, M.D., Conference Room in the Boshell Diabetes Building. Special guests including Dr. Anupam Agarwal, Dr. Seth Landefeld, Dr. Mike Mugavero, shared stories of Frank’s selfless leadership, mentorship, and his ability spread joy throughout his three-decade career at UAB.

L to R: Andre Lessears, MBA, Jessy Deshane, Ph.D., and Division Director Mark Dransfield, M.D.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the UAB Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine partnered with UAB Medicine to address the misidentification of non-white and non-male providers by patients and staff. A survey had revealed that this issue was common in UAB clinical settings, so Jessy Deshane, Ph.D., (Associate Professor and Committee leader) worked with former fellow, Taku Mkorimbindo, M.D., to find solutions. Mkorimbindo suggested implementing a badge system, like those used at peer institutions. UAB Chief Diversity Officer, Andre Lessears, MBA, supported the idea and proposed the solution to UAB Medicine leadership. This month, the Division will distributed badges that clearly identify each provider’s role on the health care team. The team will evaluate whether badges improve identification and inclusion to determine next steps. Kudos to the Division of PACCM for their innovation!

L to R: Aaliyah Spivey, Emily Welch, Aquila Brown, Dr. Mona Fouad, Kaitlyn Waugaman, and Erin Carley

The Department of Medicine is delighted to celebrate Aquila Brown-Galvan, Program Director II in the Division of Preventive Medicine, as the Winter 2022 recipient of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence. Her colleagues sent raving nomination letters detailing Brown-Galvan's communication style, mentorship, and ability to consider and adapt diverse perspectives during her decision-making process. Congratulations, Aquila, for being named a DOM Staff Star!