The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics is proud to announce that six pediatric residents have been selected as the 2026-2027 McDonald Scholars.
The 2026-2027 McDonald Scholars are:
- Lauren Brooker, M.D.
- Sarah Hicks, M.D.
- Tabitha Kearns, M.D.
- Margaret Forshag, M.D.
- Kelsey Staggs, M.D.
- Danielle Windom, M.D.
The McDonald Scholars Program provides pediatric residents with the opportunity to expand their clinical training through a two-week immersion experience in a rural or underserved community in Alabama. During the program, each scholar is paired with an established pediatric practice, where they gain firsthand experience caring for children and families while learning about the unique opportunities and challenges of practicing pediatrics in underserved settings.
Open to rising PGY-2 and PGY-3 pediatric residents, as well as PGY-2 through PGY-4 Med-Peds residents, the program accepts applications each spring and selects four to eight residents annually.
The program is designed to strengthen residents’ general pediatric education by exposing them to diverse patient populations and encouraging an interest in practicing in rural or underserved communities. It also honors the generosity and legacy of Dr. and Mrs. Jack McDonald, whose support made the program possible.
The McDonald Scholars Program is led by Candice Dye, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics and associate program director of the Pediatric Residency Program, and Michele Nichols, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and program director of the Pediatric Residency Program.
Congratulations to the 2026-2027 McDonald Scholars on this achievement as they prepare to serve communities across Alabama while broadening their pediatric training.