On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine welcomed the 196 students of the class of 2029 at the annual White Coat Ceremony, held at the Alabama Theatre.

In a recent article, the 2024 House Staff Council leadership for the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Office reflected on their year of service. In a yearly election, the small group of individuals are selected to serve as support for the 1,100+ residents and fellows training at UAB Heersink School of Medicine, operating as a direct link between trainees and institutional leadership.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine welcomed 196 new students to the class of 2029 for New Student Orientation, held July 28–31. Throughout the week, incoming first-year medical students engaged in a variety of sessions and activities designed to equip them with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to begin their medical education confidently

On July 28, 2025, the newly constructed atrium for UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s Volker Hall opened its doors. After one year of construction, the brand-new space welcomed the incoming class of medical students for their first day of new student orientation. The opening of the atrium marks the completion of a major milestone to refresh Volker Hall and enhance the student experience for UAB’s medical students.

UAB Heersink School of Medicine aims to serve the state of Alabama and surrounding region through forward-thinking and patient-centered physician training of its medical students. Heersink School of Medicine’s regional campuses provide sites across the state that extend the school’s reach and embed its vision and values into the communities they serve. Lanita Carter, Ph.D., Dale Dickinson, Ph.D., and Britney Sellers, MPH, who have a combined 30+ years in their roles, provide crucial services to Heersink students in their path to become future physicians.

Akanksha Malepati, a third-year medical student in the M.D. program at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, is deeply engaged in ophthalmologic research that spans both systemic disease and pediatric trauma. With a sharp focus and a personal connection to her work, she brings a high level of commitment to every research endeavor she undertakes.

Following the Medical Education Committee (MEC) faculty retreat in May 2025, the committee has continued discussions relating to medical student experience. One current initiative focuses on how medical students face difficulties distinguishing themselves when applying for residency. To address this challenge, the MEC has recently approved the establishment of a Clinical Commendation designation for MS1–MS3 students.

Three students from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), housed within the Physician Scientist Development Office (PSDO), recently earned first place in an international hackathon hosted by the Mission: Brain Foundation. Hazel Cho, Abdulraheem Kaimari, and Riyaz Razi competed in the three-day virtual event, which brought together more than 80 teams from more than 40 countries to develop practical solutions to challenges in neurosurgical care. Their project stood out for its innovation, clarity, and teamwork.

It is with heavy hearts that the Heersink School of Medicine mourns the passing of Latesha Elopre, M.D., MSPH. Latesha served in a multitude of roles at UAB since 2015 and made positive impacts throughout many areas of our institution. She is survived by her husband, Chris; two children, Jacob and Gabrielle "Gigi"; brother, Kenneth; and her mother, Glenda.

Research at UAB Heersink School of Medicine enhances future physicians' understanding of evidence-based medicine and critical thinking. Hands-on experiences prepare students to apply scientific discoveries to clinical practice, bridging the gap between research and patient care. Gelare Ghajar-Rahimi, a student in the MD/PhD program, exemplifies the commitment to research and mentorship emphasized by Heersink School of Medicine.

UAB Heersink School of Medicine is pleased to announce several new individuals joining the Department of Medical Education team. Four new staff members have started their roles since May, and a new staff member will join us at the end of June. The department also has a few members who are departing for other opportunities. Please join us in providing a warm welcome to these new additions and well wishes to those who have been pivotal to our team for many years.

Thirteen medical students from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and one resident physician spent their Memorial Day serving runners and honoring fallen heroes during the 45th annual Cotton Row Run on Monday, May 26, 2025, in downtown Huntsville.

As the 2024–2025 Alabama Albert Schweitzer Fellowship draws to a close, seven UAB Heersink School of Medicine students—Andee Beierle, Caroline Davies, Ben Honan, Kavita Kantamneni, Salem Khalaf, Leanne D. Jeong, and Faris Zaibaq—are being recognized for completing their service years, spearheading projects that improved health and well-being across Alabama. Through hands-on work in education, advocacy, and access, these future physicians addressed pressing health care needs while developing leadership skills and experience with community engagement that will shape their medical careers.

At UAB Heersink School of Medicine, many work quietly behind the scenes to ensure medical students have the tools, support, and structure to succeed. One key figure is Kenneth Hurd—a technician turned educator whose influence shapes everything from high-stakes exams to hands-on electives. His blend of technical expertise and student-centered service makes him a trusted presence during one of the most demanding phases of a future physician’s journey.

On May 9, 2025, members of the Heersink School of Medicine Medical Education Committee (MEC) met for its annual retreat to discuss directions for the undergraduate medical education curriculum. The MEC’s primary responsibility is to plan and oversee the curriculum and the communication of curricular changes to wider faculty, student, and administrative audiences across Heersink’s four campuses and instructional sites. The presentations and organized discussions throughout the day facilitated the beginning of conversation around the future of undergraduate medical education.

Research at UAB Heersink School of Medicine gives medical students hands-on experience in investigative medicine, helping deepen their understanding of and develop solutions for health care access and accessibility.

On May 17, 2025, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine proudly celebrated the graduation of 183 medical students during its annual Commencement ceremony, held at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, more than 1,100 residents and fellows participate in graduate medical education through over 100 training programs—74 of which are exclusive to UAB in the state of Alabama. Representing the voices of these trainees is the House Staff Council (HSC), a body composed of residents and fellows from across all programs that serves as a vital bridge between learners and institutional leadership. 

The UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine recognized 15 faculty members for their outstanding contributions to research, education, and clinical care at the Spring 2025 Endowed Chairs and Professorships Reception.

Holden Thorp, Ph.D., editor-in-chief of Science, will deliver the keynote address at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine 2025 commencement ceremony.