Smita Bhatia, M.D., MPH, a pediatric oncologist and distinguished professor in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, received the inaugural UAB Department of Surgery Mentorship Award. The award recognizes her for her role in supporting the success of faculty members, especially in the area of research.
At the 2025 State of the Department of Surgery address, Bhatia was recognized by several of her mentees in Surgery. They praised her dedication, passion and patience as a mentor.
“Smita is a superb teacher, mentor, advocate, sponsor and connector,” said Andrea Gillis, M.D., MSPH, assistant professor in the Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery. “I’m forever grateful for all she has done to support me and help promote my career.”
Kristy Broman, M.D., MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology, called Bhatia a “consonant scientist.”
“It doesn’t matter the subject matter - she can easily understand what’s being presented, understand its potential impact and its limitations, and understand where the leading edge of discovery is,” adds Broman.
About Dr. Smita Bhatia
Bhatia serves as the Vice Chair of Outcomes for UAB Pediatrics, the Gay and Bew White Endowed Chair in Pediatric Oncology, and the founding director of the Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship at UAB.
Her current research focus is to establish a comprehensive program for cancer outcomes and survivorship research at UAB. She also coordinates survivorship research across 200 pediatric oncology institutions in the U.S.
Bhatia joined UAB in 2015 from the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California.
The Creation of the Department of Surgery Mentorship Award
The Department of Surgery Mentorship Award was created to recognize a UAB faculty member who has had a significant positive impact on the research and careers of mentees in the department. Recipients of this award must have demonstrated committement to their mentees through giving of their time, energy and experience, and must have a proven record of success in their mentees’ careers that includes published articles, conference presentations, grant funding and more.