News

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics welcomed Patel in the month of November. Please join us in making her feel at home!

Babajide Ojo, Ph.D., assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, received the Richard J. Grand and John B.

Faculty and providers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Division of Pediatric Neurology and Children’s of Alabama (COA) shared their expertise at the 55th Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting, held Oct. 14–17 in Montréal, Québec, Canada, with preconference sessions on Oct.

As children and young adolescents are turning to caffeine as an energy source, a UAB pediatrician shares his insight on the effects of energy drinks and caffeine on pediatric health.

Marjorie Lee White, M.D., M.P.P.M., M.A., and David W. Kimberlin, M.D., in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics, have received national awards from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for their contributions to health care simulation and pediatric publishing.

For more than 27 years, Jill Griffin, RN, MSN, has found purpose at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) through work that helps improve health care worldwide. As a research nurse manager in the UAB Department of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, she guides clinical research studies from development through completion while supporting the teams conducting them.

Samantha Hanna, M.D., MPH, assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, became director of the Alabama Child Health Improvement Alliance (ACHIA) on Sept. 1, 2026, following the retirement of Cason Benton, M.D.

For children living with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, specialized care once meant a long trip to Birmingham.

UAB pediatric experts offer practical tips to help families navigate sensory challenges and create a more comfortable, inclusive Halloween experience.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics welcomed Murray in the month of October. Please join us in making her feel at home!

Flashing lights, unfamiliar costumes and unexpected sounds can make Halloween overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. Preparation and flexibility can help families create a comfortable, enjoyable celebration.

A UAB expert explains how to recognize hand, foot and mouth disease, prevent its spread, and know when to seek care.

For critically ill newborns, seizures can be difficult to recognize and because effective treatments can reduce brain injury and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, it is important to identify them early. Vivek V.

Brittany Huynh, M.D., MPH, assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics’ Divisions of Pediatric Rheumatology and Adolescent Medicine, has received a $366,000 mentored career development award from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA)-Arthritis Foundation Grant Program.

As labor and delivery approaches, many expecting moms are creating a birth plan to prepare for childbirth. Learn what one UAB expert recommends, including in a birth plan during the third trimester of pregnancy.

In an online-centered world, digital technology has shaped how we focus. Two UAB experts share insight on how to protect attention and balance responsiveness.  

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics is proud to announce that Alyssa Goldman, D.O., PGY-2 resident in the Department of Pediatrics, has been recognized with the Rud Polhill Award for Outstanding Resident in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

Congratulations to the 27 faculty promoted effective October 1, 2026!

Kennon Ulicny, D.O., assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics’ Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, has been named associate program director of the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship.

UAB’s new Clinical Trialist Development Program (CTDP) has selected 24 Heersink applicants for its 2026-2027 cohort. The program will provide these candidates with training, mentorship, and salary support to lead industry-sponsored clinical trials. It will also supply them with a 20% protected time allowance, allowing them to dedicate more time to research.

Randy Cron, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, has been named 2027-28 chair of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) Rheumatology Subboard.

Ambika Ashraf, M.D., professor, will be stepping down from her role as Division Director of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, effective September 28, 2026. This decision will allow her to spend more time with family.

Twenty-three Heersink School of Medicine faculty were recognized Sept. 22 for their appointment to endowed chairs and professorships during a special reception.

For the 17th consecutive year, Children’s of Alabama has been ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics welcomed three new faculty members in the month of September. Please join us in making them feel at home!

Researchers showed how neuroblastoma cells change as the cancer spreads, helping them grow, survive treatment and escape the body’s immune defenses. 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Children’s of Alabama have been named a Team Telomere Center of Excellence for Telomere Biology Disorders (TBDs). The designation recognizes the institutions’ commitment to providing comprehensive, coordinated care while advancing research, education, collaboration and advocacy for patients and families affected by these rare conditions.

The funding will be used for specific initiatives, including direct engagement with families and youth, mental and behavioral health support, and support for children and adolescents with special healthcare needs. 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics is proud to announce that Namasivayam Ambalavanan, M.D., has been named Executive Vice Chair for Research.

The UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office (LDO) recently recognized 14 individuals in its ninth cohort of Sharing Authentically to Inspire and Lead (SAIL). The fall 2026 graduates received their certificates on Sept. 1.