UAB Medicine Magazine

Heersink faculty members share insights on the power of innovation, compassion, and discovery to shape the future of medicine.

Before there were MRI machines or CT scans—never mind the possibility of using AI to unlock the mysteries of the human brain—there was Civitan International.

When it comes to cervical cancer, Alabama has one of the highest rates of new cases and mortality. A dire situation to be sure, but there is a silver lining: Alabama also leads the country in the effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

As chair of the UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Adrienne Lahti, M.D., has a unique perspective on the mental health care landscape in Alabama. “Alabama ranks very low in mental health care,” she said. “In metrics comparing different states’ mental health statistics and access to care, Alabama is usually at 47, 48, 49. The demand is huge.”

As our society evolves so, too, do the health challenges we face. UAB Medicine is at the forefront of addressing emerging and evolving health issues with the introduction of new clinics and programs designed to meet the dynamic needs of patients at every stage of life. Among these are the UAB Comprehensive Smell and Taste Clinic, which responds to the increased prevalence of smell and taste disorders following the COVID-19 pandemic, providing specialized care and innovative treatment options.