Joseph Johnson, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been inducted as a fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) during its 138th Annual Leadership Meeting.

The UAB Orthopaedics’ Optimization Clinic was established to improve surgical outcomes for patients with complex medical needs by proactively addressing modifiable risk factors before surgery. The clinic focuses on patients who may have one or more co-morbid conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, or nicotine use, that can increase the risk of complications during or after orthopaedic procedures, especially hip and knee replacement surgeries.

In April 2025, the UAB Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the John S. Gould, M.D. and Sheryl H. Gould Endowed Support Fund, designed to support the educational mission of UAB’s Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship.

Complications following surgical procedures pose significant risks to pediatric patients. Detecting complications after an operation can pose a challenge due to heavy reliance on symptom reports from children and their caregivers. Children may struggle to effectively convey their symptoms, leading to delayed recognition of post-operative complications. A new article published in Science Advances may show a promising solution.

According to the CDC, each year, 1 in 4 older adults experiences a fall, often leading to serious injuries like hip fractures, which can require surgery and months of recovery. While falls are common, the good news is that many are preventable, especially with a few simple safety steps at home and outdoors.

UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office welcomed 18 individuals in its 11th cohort of Institute for Leadership in August 2025.

Joseph Johnson, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been awarded a Pilot and Feasibility Study grant from the UAB Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC). His study, titled “Immunologic Phenotyping of Fracture-Related Infection Patients at Risk for Treatment Failure,” seeks to improve clinical outcomes for patients with fracture-related infections (FRIs) through early immunologic intervention.

Hassan Ghomrawi, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor and vice chair for research and innovation in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been named treasurer of the Orthopedic Research Society's Strategies in Clinical Research section.

Summer marks the ideal opportunity for travel and relaxation, allowing individuals to plan their perfect getaway. However, for those who struggle with chronic joint pain, increased travel and outdoor activity can pose unique challenges, making movement more difficult.

After decades of living with chronic orthopedic issues, Terry Sanfilippo thought she knew what to expect from surgery and recovery. But thanks to the care she received at UAB Orthopaedics, her recent experience was both surprising and hopeful.

UAB Hospital has been reverified as a Level I adult trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) and remains the only ACS-Level I adult trauma center in the state of Alabama. Learn what it takes to meet the rigorous standards set by the ACS.

Following a successful Match Day, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery welcomes a distinguished group of physicians who will continue their advanced training in specialized fellowship programs.

On April 28, 2025, Jasmine Thum, M.D., M.S. assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Biomedical Engineering, hosted a peripheral nerve education course for trainees at UAB. The event offered residents in-depth lectures and anatomic demonstrations of peripheral nerve anatomy, pathology, diagnostic techniques and surgical approaches.

The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is taking action to revolutionize its research efforts. Through identified focus areas, increased collaborative efforts, and research priorities, the department is working to be a leader, not only in the field of orthopaedics, but also in orthopaedic research.

The AHSAA Super 7 football state championship games showcased more than just athletic talent this past year. Patients from the UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine clinic and Children’s of Alabama took center stage as honorary captains, representing resilience, determination, and hope on the state’s largest high school sports stage.

Over 100 million Americans are experiencing temperatures below 10°F, with the Southeastern U.S. seeing record lows, causing many individuals, especially those with joint pain, to feel the effects of the cold weather. As one University of Alabama at Birmingham orthopaedic surgeon explains, the low temperatures—coupled with changes in barometric pressure—can intensify symptoms of joint pain, leading to discomfort and stiffness, but these helpful tips can provide relief.

This December, the Heersink School of Medicine Office of Access & Engagement sought to connect with the medical community by learning about the season’s rich variety of holidays. In part three of our holiday series, we explore Christmas, celebrated worldwide for its message of love, generosity, and joy. To capture the spirit and significance of the holiday, we spoke with Monica Henderson, Administrative Director in Clinical Simulation, and Dominique McCray, Clinical Program Manager II in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, to learn more about how Christmas' themes of giving and togetherness resonate in their lives and work.

In Fall 2024, UAB Heersink School of Medicine announced the winners of the 2024 Dale J. Benos Medical Student Research Day (MSRD). All medical students were invited to present the results of their research projects and submit posters for judging.

Thirty-three individuals comprising seven teams recently graduated from UAB Medicine’s High Performing Care Collaborative summer 2024 program. The program, presented by UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office, recognized its graduates at a ceremony on Aug. 14, 2024. 

Hassan Ghomrawi, Ph.D., MPH, has joined the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine as an associate professor and the inaugural vice chair for Research and Innovation for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as associate director for the Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC).