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.

Do you wake up feeling tired, struggle to focus during the day, or hear from others that your snoring shakes the walls? It could be more than just a noisy inconvenience. For many people, poor nighttime breathing stems from physical issues in the nose or throat that get worse while we sleep. And for others, it may signal a more serious condition like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is a rare, but serious, genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessels to form throughout the body. These abnormal vessels bypass much smaller blood vessels, or capillaries, creating direct connections between arteries and veins known as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This can lead to serious health issues, including internal bleeding and complications in vital organs like the lungs, brain, spine, liver and gastrointestinal tract.

Just as we care for our overall health, our voices deserve the same attention. Vocal health is essential for those who rely on their voices and want to communicate clearly and comfortably.

A new UAB clinic offering a range of ENT services is backed by decades of experience in one convenient location on Highway 119. UAB ENT at 119, previously known as Alabama Nasal and Sinus Center, officially opened its doors under its new moniker in January 2025. The clinic is led by Michael J. Sillers, M.D., FACS, who recently rejoined the UAB Department of Otolaryngology as a clinical professor specializing in rhinology.

When most people think of a surgeon, they don’t typically imagine handcrafted musical instruments, hill country blues, or early morning painting sessions. But for Kirk Withrow, M.D., associate professor and director of Salivary and Sleep Surgery in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology, creativity isn’t a side hobby; it’s part of how he sees the world.

The UAB Department of Otolaryngology hosted its 20th Annual Ann B. & Julius N. Hicks Lectureship in Otolaryngology and 2025 Residents’ Research Day on April 26 at Valley Hotel in Homewood.

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.

Two members of the UAB Department of Otolaryngology were recently recognized for 25 years of service to the institution.

Bradford A. Woodworth, M.D., FACS, James J. Hicks Endowed Professor of Otolaryngology in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology, has been appointed to the rank of Distinguished Professor.

Parkinson’s disease can lead to dysarthria and dysphonia, which are difficulties with speech and voice, respectively. Thanks to a grant awarded to researchers in the UAB Voice Center, part of the Department of Otolaryngology, to support speech therapy specifically for Parkinson’s disease patients, one patient feels that he has not only enhanced his speech but also improved his life.

At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, research is more than academic enrichment—it’s a pathway to discovery, mentorship, and clinical clarity. For third-year medical student Maddie Bald, engaging in research has been a transformative experience that shaped her understanding of patient care and ultimately guided her toward a future in Otolaryngology.

As flowers bloom and temperatures climb, spring brings in allergy season for many. When sneezing, itchy eyes, or sinus pressure strikes, knowing whether to see a general allergist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) allergist can be confusing.

Two alumni of the UAB Department of Otolaryngology who passed away in late 2024 and early 2025 leave an indelible mark on not only the legacy of the department, but on the field of otolaryngology as a whole. Kristopher F. Lay, M.D., an alumnus of the 2006 residency class, passed away on Dec. 6, 2024. David A. Kropf, II, M.D., an alumnus of the 2000 residency class, passed away on Jan. 23, 2025.

Dean Stovall, MHA, CPAR, was recently announced as the new Executive Administrator for the UAB Department of Otolaryngology.

The UAB Department of Otolaryngology is excited to welcome our newest class of residents in the 2025 Match.

Justin Turner, M.D., Ph.D., professor and John S. Odess Endowed Chair, delivered the UAB Department of Otolaryngology’s inaugural State of the Department address on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

The Facial Nerve Program in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology, the first and only program of its kind in the state of Alabama, offers a comprehensive team approach for patients experiencing facial paralysis in an effort to improve their condition and therefore, their quality of life.

Daniel Rocke, M.D. J.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology, has been named the Third Holder of the Julius N. Hicks Endowed Chair in the Department of Otolaryngology.

Eight faculty members recently graduated from UAB Medicine’s LEading Advancing Developing (LEAD) Fall 2024 leadership development program. The program, presented by UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO), recognized its graduates at a ceremony on Oct. 24, 2024.