The Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Announces Division of Congenital Cardiac Anesthesiology
The new division, approved by the Board of Trustees on April 8, represents a move to more fully align and integrate with other clinical divisions that provide care for congenital cardiac patients at Children's of Alabama, said Department Chair Dr. Keith A. (Tony) Jones. “Because of the highly complicated nature of these surgical procedures, the faculty members who provide this care have become highly subspecialized,” Jones said. “Moving forward, they will be fully dedicated to congenital cardiac anesthesiology and will have their own space at Children’s.”
Yung R. Lau, M.D., director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology and the Thomas N. Carruthers Endowed Chair in Cardiology, welcomed the new division. “The formation of the Division of Congenital Cardiac Anesthesiology is a welcomed step by all the stakeholders of the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center at Children’s of Alabama. We see this as an important part of the evolving understanding that congenital heart disease is one of the unique and signature programs that UAB has,” he said. “Having dedicated Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia colleagues codifies the practice of focused multidisciplinary care of patients as well as research efforts that contribute significantly to the knowledge.”
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Yung R. Lau, M.D., director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology and the Thomas N. Carruthers Endowed Chair in Cardiology, welcomed the new division. “The formation of the Division of Congenital Cardiac Anesthesiology is a welcomed step by all the stakeholders of the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center at Children’s of Alabama. We see this as an important part of the evolving understanding that congenital heart disease is one of the unique and signature programs that UAB has,” he said. “Having dedicated Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia colleagues codifies the practice of focused multidisciplinary care of patients as well as research efforts that contribute significantly to the knowledge.”
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Breaking the Poverty Cycle
A panel of local doctors including Jaime McKinney, M.D., General Pediatrics, and educators discuss the complications of childhood poverty and what can be done to improve the quality of life in the news source Weld for Birmingham. Alabama is a poor state that consistently ranks among the lowest in categories pertaining to child poverty. A town hall meeting hosted by the UAB School of Medicine sought to address these issues last week.
“Frederick Douglass once said, ‘It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,’” said Dr. Jaime McKinney, a general pediatrician at UAB who moderated the event. “I think that really encapsulates what we are trying to do.”
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“Frederick Douglass once said, ‘It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,’” said Dr. Jaime McKinney, a general pediatrician at UAB who moderated the event. “I think that really encapsulates what we are trying to do.”
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Read the Spring/Summer 2016 Issue of Inside Pediatrics
Children's of Alabama published the spring/summer 2016 issue of Inside Pediatrics, which highlights the excellent care provided by Children's of Alabama and the UAB Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery.
Among the highlights: our innovative pediatric concussion clinic, global surgery program, and Alan Percy, M.D., as one of the world's leading experts in Rett Syndrome.
If you have not received your printed issue, click here for a link to the electronic, flipping book version of the recent edition of Inside Pediatrics. Please feel free to share this link with any colleagues around the country.
Among the highlights: our innovative pediatric concussion clinic, global surgery program, and Alan Percy, M.D., as one of the world's leading experts in Rett Syndrome.
If you have not received your printed issue, click here for a link to the electronic, flipping book version of the recent edition of Inside Pediatrics. Please feel free to share this link with any colleagues around the country.
Dr. Atkinson in Birmingham Medical News.
Prescott Atkinson, M.D., Ph.D., Division Director of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, writes in Birmingham Medical News on potentially life-changing changes afoot for children with food allergies.
New medical research is ushering in big changes in how doctors think about food allergies and the way they will be treated in the near future.
The turning point came last year with the LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut) Study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This five-year study showed that avoidance of food allergens by children at risk for food allergy is often the wrong strategy, which, of course, is contrary to something doctors had been advising for decades.
Data in the study were so powerful that doctors have already changed the advice they are giving to parents with children pre-disposed to food allergies.
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New medical research is ushering in big changes in how doctors think about food allergies and the way they will be treated in the near future.
The turning point came last year with the LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut) Study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This five-year study showed that avoidance of food allergens by children at risk for food allergy is often the wrong strategy, which, of course, is contrary to something doctors had been advising for decades.
Data in the study were so powerful that doctors have already changed the advice they are giving to parents with children pre-disposed to food allergies.
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Fox 6 Interviews Dr. Maddox on Later School Start Times and Teen Sleep Deprivation
Click here to read an interview with Mary Halsey Maddox, M.D., Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, on Fox 6 WBRC. It's something adults can easily say we don't get enough of: sleep. But adults aren't the ones some doctors say we should be worried about. A new CDC study shows teens aren't getting enough rest - putting them at risk of injury and even death. It’s a concern Dr. Maddox says needs to be adjusted for kids and teenagers.
"Over 50 percent of teenagers nationwide do not get sufficient sleep,” Dr. Maddox said. Dr. Maddox is a sleep medicine specialist. Typically, she says 56 percent of teenagers ages 15 to 17 get fewer than seven hours of sleep.
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"Over 50 percent of teenagers nationwide do not get sufficient sleep,” Dr. Maddox said. Dr. Maddox is a sleep medicine specialist. Typically, she says 56 percent of teenagers ages 15 to 17 get fewer than seven hours of sleep.
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Dr. Madan-Swain Uses Caring Attitude to Help Children, Families Cope with Cancer Diagnosis
Avi Madan-Swain, Ph.D., Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, was a recipient of the 2015 Dean’s Excellence Award in Service. Click here to read the story in an ongoing series highlighting the 2015 award winners.
One of the lessons Avi Madan-Swain learned early in life was the importance of seeing the beauty and good in individuals and reaching out to provide a helping hand to those in need. She observed this directly through her experiences as a young woman studying to be a teacher and working at a school for multi-handicapped children in Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta), India. It was the only school in Kolkata that provided services to school-aged children regardless of their ability to pay.
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One of the lessons Avi Madan-Swain learned early in life was the importance of seeing the beauty and good in individuals and reaching out to provide a helping hand to those in need. She observed this directly through her experiences as a young woman studying to be a teacher and working at a school for multi-handicapped children in Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta), India. It was the only school in Kolkata that provided services to school-aged children regardless of their ability to pay.
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Dr. Rutledge Receives Faculty Development Grant
Crystal Rutledge, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, was selected to receive a 2016-2017 Faculty Development Grant Program award. The proposal, entitled “Assessing Emergency Care for Alabama's Children” has been funded for May 15, 2016 to August 30, 2017 from the UAB Office of the Provost and the Department of Pediatrics.
Dr. Friedman Awarded FDA Grant for Orphan Product Development Program
Gregory Friedman, M.D., Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, received a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) R01 award for his project, "Ph1 of HSV G207 and Radiation to Treat Pediatric Brain Tumors IND16294," in the amount of $250,000 per year through 2018.
Dr. Bhatia Selected to Participate in Blue Ribbon Panel
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) has invited Smita Bhatia, M.D., MPH, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, to participate in the BRP Working Group on Pediatric Cancer. Through participation, Dr. Bhatia will be filling an essential role in advising the Institute and the National Cancer Moonshot.
In late January 2016, President Barack Obama announced the establishment of the National Cancer Moonshot initiative, led by Vice President Joe Biden. The initiative aims to accelerate current cancer research efforts and break down barriers to progress, making more therapies available to more patients, while also improving the ability to prevent cancer and detect it at an early stage.
The National Cancer Institute has assembled a Blue Ribbon Panel, a working group of the National Cancer Advisory Board (NCAB) that is charged with providing expert advice on the vision, proposed scientific goals, and implementation of the National Cancer Moonshot. The BRP will consider how to best advance the themes proposed for the Moonshot, including an intensive examination of the opportunities and impediments in cancer research. For more information, please click here. The findings and recommendations of the BRP and its Working Groups will be reported to the NCAB later this summer. Ultimately, the NCAB will use the BRP’s findings and recommendations to provide final recommendations to the NCI Director. Congratulations to Dr. Bhatia on this great honor!
In late January 2016, President Barack Obama announced the establishment of the National Cancer Moonshot initiative, led by Vice President Joe Biden. The initiative aims to accelerate current cancer research efforts and break down barriers to progress, making more therapies available to more patients, while also improving the ability to prevent cancer and detect it at an early stage.
The National Cancer Institute has assembled a Blue Ribbon Panel, a working group of the National Cancer Advisory Board (NCAB) that is charged with providing expert advice on the vision, proposed scientific goals, and implementation of the National Cancer Moonshot. The BRP will consider how to best advance the themes proposed for the Moonshot, including an intensive examination of the opportunities and impediments in cancer research. For more information, please click here. The findings and recommendations of the BRP and its Working Groups will be reported to the NCAB later this summer. Ultimately, the NCAB will use the BRP’s findings and recommendations to provide final recommendations to the NCI Director. Congratulations to Dr. Bhatia on this great honor!
UAB Magazine Publishes Spring 2016 Issue
In the UAB Magazine cover story, "The Meaning of Life: Palliative Care Makes Every Moment Count," read about Ashley Nichols, M.D., assistant professor in Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, specializing in Palliative Care at both UAB and Children's of Alabama.
Dr. Nichols is the Medical Director of UAB's 12-bed Palliative and Comfort Care Unit. Palliative care helps patients get the most out of life, whether they’re newly diagnosed, a survivor, or nearing the end of their journey. UAB’s palliative care pioneers provide a fresh look at the fast-growing specialty and its emphasis on listening, choices, patient goals, and quality of life.
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Dr. Nichols is the Medical Director of UAB's 12-bed Palliative and Comfort Care Unit. Palliative care helps patients get the most out of life, whether they’re newly diagnosed, a survivor, or nearing the end of their journey. UAB’s palliative care pioneers provide a fresh look at the fast-growing specialty and its emphasis on listening, choices, patient goals, and quality of life.
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Four From UAB Named to AAP
From among only 60 physicians selected in the United States, four physicians from the UAB School of Medicine have been named to the prestigious Association of American Physicians. Among those inducted are pediatric faculty members: Smita Bhatia, M.D., professor and vice chair for Outcomes in the Department of Pediatrics and director of the Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship and William Britt, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases in the Department of Pediatrics. The other two faculty members from UAB are Ravi Bhatia, M.D., and Victor Thannickal, M.D.
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Dr. Britt Leads UAB Observational Study of Zika Virus During Pregnancy in Brazil
An observational study of pregnant women in Brazil to further understand Zika virus and its impact on reproductive health and fetus development has been launched. William Britt, M.D., professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, leads the study, which complements his current research in Brazil on cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy. CMV infection can lead to hearing and vision impairment in babies. Suresh Boppana, M.D., and Karen Fowler, M.D., professors in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, are co-investigators on this project.
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Pediatric Mini-Conference to Focus on Advocacy Next Wednesday and Thursday
You're invited to attend our Town Hall Meeting with Community Leaders! Learn more about Poverty Status, Education, Health Equity in Children and Adolescents with potential solutions to address these issues. This event is free and open to the public. No registration or tickets required. This two-day, mini-conference is sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics Leonard P. Rome CATCH Visiting Professorship.
Panelist Include:
Frank Franklin, MD, MPH, PhD, Professor Emeritus of UAB School of Public Health
John Stone, MBA, Manager of the Community Action Arm of Children's of Alabama
Kristina Scott, JD, Executive Director of Alabama Possible
Michael Ramsey, MD, Immediate Past President of Alabama Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics
Randall Woodfin, JD, Immediate Past President of Birmingham Public School’s Board of Education
Veda Johnson, MD, Director of Partners for Equity in Child & Adolescent Health at Emory University School of Medicine
To view the agenda, click here.
To view the flyer for the Town Hall Meeting, click here.
For more information contact Dr. Jaime McKinney.
Panelist Include:
Frank Franklin, MD, MPH, PhD, Professor Emeritus of UAB School of Public Health
John Stone, MBA, Manager of the Community Action Arm of Children's of Alabama
Kristina Scott, JD, Executive Director of Alabama Possible
Michael Ramsey, MD, Immediate Past President of Alabama Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics
Randall Woodfin, JD, Immediate Past President of Birmingham Public School’s Board of Education
Veda Johnson, MD, Director of Partners for Equity in Child & Adolescent Health at Emory University School of Medicine
To view the agenda, click here.
To view the flyer for the Town Hall Meeting, click here.
For more information contact Dr. Jaime McKinney.
Dr. Sanchez Becomes New Member of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center
Veronica Sanchez, PhD, Pediatric Infectious Disease, received an appointment as Associate Scientist in the Neuro-Oncology Program effective April 1, 2016. Congratulations to Dr. Sanchez on joining theUAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Neonatology Fellow Receives HSOER T32 Fellowship
Colm Travers, M.D., Neonatology Fellow, was selected to join the Health Services, Outcomes, and Effectiveness Research (HSOER) T32 Fellowship Program effective July 1, 2016. In addition to a National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend, the fellowship award also includes tuition and fees for additional didactic training, a travel stipend, and additional funds for research training related expenses. Congratulations!
Dr. Britt Receives RO1 Five-year Grant
Bill Britt, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, received a National Institute of Health RO1 award for his study, "HCMV miRNA Regulation of Secretion and Formation of the Viral Assembly Compartment" in the amount of $779,109 per year through 2021. This award includes funds awarded for subrecipient activity with Oregon Health and Science University.
In the News- Nichols Leads in Training the Next Generation of Pediatricians
Click here to read the story in an ongoing series highlighting the 2015 Dean's Excellence Award winners.
From an early age Michele Nichols valued the privilege of education. A single mother raising two daughters, Nichols’ mother instilled one thing in her children: consider education a privilege, not an entitlement. These words still resonate with Nichols as she has dedicated nearly her entire career with the UAB Department of Pediatrics and Children’s of Alabama as not only an educator, but a leader in educating the generations of future pediatricians.... Continue reading here
From an early age Michele Nichols valued the privilege of education. A single mother raising two daughters, Nichols’ mother instilled one thing in her children: consider education a privilege, not an entitlement. These words still resonate with Nichols as she has dedicated nearly her entire career with the UAB Department of Pediatrics and Children’s of Alabama as not only an educator, but a leader in educating the generations of future pediatricians.... Continue reading here
In the News - Kong Sees Service as a Foundation for Life
“Service is the foundation of our life, our people, our community. Service is what connects you to the next person. Service should be the core of everything we do.”
Michele Kong, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Children's of Alabama, cofounded Kulturecity with her husband in 2013 after their oldest son was diagnosed with autism. The nonprofit works to create a network for families with autism and to change the way the disorder is viewed in society.
Dr. Kong was recognized for her work in the community as a winner in the 2015 Dean's Excellence Awards, established to recognize outstanding contributions made by faculty across the School of Medicine. She was also recently selected by the UAB Commission on the Status of Women to receive the Outstanding Woman in the Community Award. Clickhere to read the story in an ongoing series highlighting the 2015 Dean's Excellence Award winners. Nominations for this year's awards are due today, April 1, 2016 by 11:59 p.m. to Heather McGuire. Click here for details.
Michele Kong, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Children's of Alabama, cofounded Kulturecity with her husband in 2013 after their oldest son was diagnosed with autism. The nonprofit works to create a network for families with autism and to change the way the disorder is viewed in society.
Dr. Kong was recognized for her work in the community as a winner in the 2015 Dean's Excellence Awards, established to recognize outstanding contributions made by faculty across the School of Medicine. She was also recently selected by the UAB Commission on the Status of Women to receive the Outstanding Woman in the Community Award. Clickhere to read the story in an ongoing series highlighting the 2015 Dean's Excellence Award winners. Nominations for this year's awards are due today, April 1, 2016 by 11:59 p.m. to Heather McGuire. Click here for details.
Dr. Carlo Receives Fifth Consecutive Five-Year Grant
The UAB Department of Pediatrics recently received the competitive renewal for a National Institutes of Health grant, for which Wally Carlo, M.D., division director of Neonatology, is the principal investigator. This marks the fifth consecutive successful five-year cycle of the grant titled, "Cooperative Multi-center Neonatal Research Network-UAB," in the amount of $277,607 per year through 2020.
Chu Family Educational Scholarships - Application Reminder
Due to a generous donation from the Chu family to support educational initiatives, a portion has been set aside for Pediatric Fellows. Applications remain open for the Chu Family Educational Scholarship for the Fall of 2016. There will be three scholarships given for the Fall 2016. Please see memo for details.
Candidates are selected on a competitive basis and selection is made upon a Review Committee’s analysis of the written application. For the academic year starting in July 2016, three candidates will receive a $5,000 scholarship for their chosen educational endeavor.
Should you have any questions, please contact Ronda Chandler or Dr. Ann Klasner. Applications should be emailed to or delivered to Ronda Chandler in the Sergio Stagno Center, 4th Floor Dearth Tower, no later than Monday, April 11, 2016.
Scholarship recipients will be announced in late May/early June.
Candidates are selected on a competitive basis and selection is made upon a Review Committee’s analysis of the written application. For the academic year starting in July 2016, three candidates will receive a $5,000 scholarship for their chosen educational endeavor.
Should you have any questions, please contact Ronda Chandler or Dr. Ann Klasner. Applications should be emailed to or delivered to Ronda Chandler in the Sergio Stagno Center, 4th Floor Dearth Tower, no later than Monday, April 11, 2016.
Scholarship recipients will be announced in late May/early June.