Welcome Event and White Coat Ceremony
Each year, the Medical Alumni Association hosts a special event to welcome the class of incoming medical students. On August 5, the incoming class enjoyed a happy hour at Good People Brewing Company, followed by a Barons baseball game at Regions Field just across the street. Dean Agarwal and faculty from the Heersink School of Medicine were also in attendance to warmly greet the incoming students and help kick off their medical school journey.
On August 16, Birmingham’s historic Alabama Theater welcomed the newest—and largest—incoming class of the Heersink School of Medicine, along with their families and friends, to celebrate this milestone in their medical careers. At 196 students in total, the Class of 2029 represents over 50 undergraduate institutions and has completed over 204,000 hours of medically related experiences prior to medical school, impressive facts shared by Caroline Harada, M.D., associate dean for Strategic Initiatives.
“It is a longstanding tradition of the Medical Alumni Association to present each incoming class with their first white coat. These coats are made possible through the generous support of our active alumni, and we are proud to continue this legacy each year,” shared Rebecca Byrd, M.D., Medical Alumni Association president. “We hope you are always proud to wear your white coat.”
Unlike many medical schools that rely on sponsorship programs, the Medical Alumni Association funds the cost of every coat directly through its operating budget. This tradition ensures that no student bears the burden of purchasing their first white coat—a powerful symbol of both responsibility and the community of alumni who stand behind them.
Upcoming Events
More Than a Doctor Series
The More Than a Doctor monthly, virtual speaker series highlights alumni who are more than doctors in their communities. Hear from physicians who are navigating private practice, shaping healthcare policy, and everything in between. CME is available. View past presentation.
November 19, 2025, 12 p.m.
More than a doctor ... life as a physician social media influencer
Abby Threet, M.D., '18, discusses using social media to promote her career as a plastic surgeon.
January 28, 2026, 12 p.m.
More than a doctor ... life as a rural physician
Arnelya Chatman, M.D., '15, and John Wheat, M.D., '76, share their experiences as rural physicians in Alabama.
February 25, 2026, 12 p.m.
More than a doctor ... life as an academic medicine leader:
Mark Dransfield, M.D., chair of the UAB Department of Medicine, shares insights into balancing the needs of administration, faculty, and trainees, all while caring for patients.
Medical Alumni Weekend Save the Date
The countdown is on for the reunion celebrations March 6-7, 2026, honoring classes ending in 1 and 6. Be sure to update your contact information so you don’t miss important details, which will be shared primarily via email.
Each year, Medical Alumni Weekend offers alumni the chance to come together and participate in a variety of activities, including the Welcome Event, the Reynolds-Finley Historical Lecture, the 50th Reunion Recognition Dinner, the Annual Saturday Awards Luncheon, a Reunion Reception, and individual Class Dinners.
Share Your Creative Spark
Calling all creative alumni! We’re building the Beyond the Stethoscope Showcase to highlight the artistic talents of our physician alumni—from music and writing to painting and more. Whether it’s a hidden hobby or a lifelong passion, we’d love to feature what inspires you outside of medicine.
Watch a video of Anand Iyer, M.D., Pulmonary Critical Care physician and associate chief medical officer at UAB Hospital and class president and reunion chair for the Class of 2011, as he discusses his passion for playing the piano and shares one of his favorite pieces.
Note from the President
Dear Alumni and Friends,
I hope the year has treated each of you well. Even while students were away from campus for summer break, the Medical Alumni Association staff were hard at work preparing for the coming year’s programming and events.
Over the summer, we hosted two Summer Series sessions. The first focused on Planned Giving and Establishing Scholarships, with guest presenters from the UAB Advancement Team. The second featured Heersink School of Medicine Huntsville Regional Campus Dean Roger Smalligan, M.D., who shared his experiences taking current MS3 and MS4 students on global health trips.
The last week of July we welcomed the newest class of medical students during their Orientation. Coincidentally, their first day in Volker Hall was also the first day the building’s new entrance and atrium were ready for use. The updates to the space are beautiful and offer all building guests the ability to enter from street level.
Our year of programming began anew on October 1, 2025. In today’s financial and economic climate, where rising costs are a constant reality, the dues received from our active members are more important than ever. Mindful of our operating budget, this year’s programming will be carefully planned to make the most of every resource while still delivering the engaging experiences our alumni have come to expect. We are continuing with virtual CME opportunities, Dine with the Docs, and will return to hosting Specialty Interest Lunch and Learns as a way to engage with our students.
We are proud of the programs, connections, and opportunities we provide for our alumni, students, and the broader medical community—but we can only do this with your support. Your membership dues directly fund events and initiatives that strengthen our network and enrich the lives of current and future alumni. By renewing your membership or joining today, you’re not just supporting the MAA—you’re investing in the future of medicine at UAB and ensuring that our tradition of excellence continues for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Byrd, M.D.
Class of 1995
Volker Hall Atrium Opening
School leaders, alumni, donors, students, and supporters gathered at Volker Hall on November 5, 2025, to celebrate the opening of a new atrium as well as renovations throughout the building. Hosted by the Heersink School of Medicine and the University of Alabama Medical Alumni Association, the event highlighted updates that have modernized learning spaces, administrative offices, student study areas, and more. The atrium was made possible by a gift from the Heersink Family Foundation.
Left to right: Ray Watts, M.D., Marnix Heersink, M.D., Mary Heersink, Craig Hoesley, M.D., and Anupam Agarwal, M.D., at the Volker Hall Atrium Opening reception.