The UAB Department of Surgery is proud to announce Professor Robert Dabal, M.D., the chief of pediatric cardiac surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, as the 2025 recipient of the Champ Lyons Award for Outstanding Clinical Service, recognizing his exceptional dedication to patient care, clinical excellence, and leadership in pediatric cardiac surgery.
The Champ Lyons Award honors faculty members who exemplify the highest standards of clinical service, professionalism, and commitment to patient-centered care. Dabal joins a distinguished group of prior recipients whose work has made a lasting impact on patients, trainees, and the institution.
“Dabal embodies the clinical excellence and integrity that define the Champ Lyons Award,” said James Davies, M.D., John W. Kirklin Endowed Chair of Cardiovascular Surgery. “His leadership in pediatric cardiac surgery and his relentless focus on outcomes and quality improvement have elevated the care we provide to some of our most vulnerable patients.”
Dabal holds the A.D. Pacifico, M.D., Endowed Chair of Cardiovascular Surgery, a role that reflects his leadership within one of the nation’s most respected cardiac surgery programs. His clinical and academic work focuses on pediatric cardiac surgery, with particular emphasis on quality improvement and outcomes research. Dr. Dabal’s research aims to improve surgical care and reduce morbidity following neonatal cardiac surgery, translating data-driven insights into meaningful improvements in patient outcomes. Through this work, he has helped advance best practices in congenital heart surgery while maintaining a strong commitment to individualized, compassionate care.
In addition to his clinical and research contributions, Dabal is deeply invested in surgical education and mentorship. As director of the fourth-year medical student clerkship, he plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of physicians, fostering a learning environment grounded in excellence, accountability, and patient-centered values.
Dabal is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, Jefferson County Medical Society, and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
“Dabal’s career reflects an extraordinary commitment to patient-centered care, education, and continuous improvement,” said Herbert Chen, M.D., Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair of the UAB Department of Surgery. “His work in outcomes research and quality improvement has had a meaningful and lasting impact on surgical practice at UAB and beyond.”
About the Champ Lyons Award
The Champ Lyons Award for Outstanding Clinical Service is one of the UAB Department of Surgery’s highest honors, recognizing faculty members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to clinical excellence, patient-centered care, professionalism, and service. The award is named in honor of Champ Lyons, M.D., who was a professor and chair of Surgery at UAB from 1950 to 1965. Recipients are selected based on their sustained contributions to patient care, leadership, and their positive impact on colleagues, trainees, and the communities they serve.