On the second floor of Volker Hall, a group of first-year medical students gather in clinic practice rooms, their voices bright with energy as they run through patient histories and exam steps together. They compare notes, swap reminders, and encourage one another before stepping into a test session. These moments capture the essence of the Clinical Reasoning and Integrated Skills Program (CRISP), a pivotal element of the curriculum within the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Launched in 2023, CRISP was built to ease the leap from the classroom to the clinic, giving students a structured, safe environment to build the skills—and confidence—they will need when they meet their first patients.

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.