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Bhatia receives inaugural Department of Surgery Mentorship AwardJune 30, 2025Smita Bhatia, M.D., MPH, a pediatric oncologist and distinguished professor in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, received the inaugural UAB Department of Surgery Mentorship Award. The award recognizes her for her role in supporting the success of faculty members, especially in the area of research. -
Buzzing with Innovation: Heersink’s thriving start-up culture is producing creative solutions to improve health care outcomesJune 27, 2025Heersink’s thriving start-up culture is producing creative solutions to improve health care outcomes. Academic medical centers (AMCs) are among the United States’ most active hives of biomedical innovation thanks to their often robust research enterprises. -
Pediatrics welcomes two new faculty members in June 2025June 26, 2025The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed two new faculty members in the month of June. Please join us in making them feel at home! -
UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership recognizes 10th cohort of graduatesJune 26, 2025The UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership, the flagship program of the UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office, recently celebrated the graduation of its 10th cohort. -
UCDC researchers prominently represented in Type 1 diabetes research collectionJune 24, 2025UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC) researchers have contributed to the Frontiers in Endocrinology Research Topic on Disease-Modifying Approaches in Type 1 Diabetes. -
Dr. Law appointed to division director of Pediatric CardiologyJune 12, 2025The Department of Pediatrics announces with great pleasure and gratitude the appointment of Mark Law, M.D., professor in the Department of Pediatrics, to the permanent position of division director of Pediatric Cardiology. -
Bhatia named recipient of the 2025 American Cancer Society Professor AwardJune 12, 2025Smita Bhatia, M.D., MPH, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, has been named the recipient of the 2025 American Cancer Society (ACS) Professor Award. -
World-record-breaking quadruplets delivered at UABJune 11, 2025The Bryant quadruplets were born at 23 weeks and four days — 115 days premature — and are the new Guinness World Records title holders for the most premature quadruplets. -
Pediatric Residency present 2025 graduation awardsJune 5, 2025Last week, we honored our UAB Pediatric Residency graduating class of 2025! This class has been an absolute joy, and we are thankful and grateful to them. -
Congratulations to the pediatric fellow graduates 2025June 5, 2025Congratulations to our UAB Pediatric Fellowship Class of 2025. Thank you to all who helped us celebrate the graduates at a reception in their honor on May 28th. -
Three graduating pediatric fellows receive 2025 achievement awardsJune 5, 2025Every year the Department of Pediatric Subspecialty Fellowship Programs give out achievement awards to graduating pediatric fellows in three separate areas: research, quality improvement, and service. -
Pediatrics welcomes one new faculty member in May 2025June 5, 2025The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed one new faculty member in the month of May. Please join us in making them feel at home! -
Zebrafish model for an ultra-rare genetic disease identifies potential treatmentsJune 5, 2025XMEA is a recessive, genetic disease that causes progressive muscle weakness. -
Tourette syndrome: From pediatric to adult careJune 3, 2025Tourette syndrome (TS) often begins in childhood, but for many patients, its challenges and care needs continue into adulthood. From early recognition and behavioral interventions to managing transitions and overcoming adult treatment barriers, TS demands a comprehensive, lifespan approach. -
Gut fungi in very-low-birthweight infants modulate oxygen-induced lung damageJune 2, 2025Very-low-weight newborns need extra oxygen and can develop deadly bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Differences in gut fungi predict getting, or not getting, BPD. -
Nine UAB faculty members elevated to Distinguished and University professorshipsJune 2, 2025This spring, the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor to five and the rank of University Professor to four faculty members. -
Schmitt gives Paul Kaplowitz Lecture at the Pediatric Endocrinology Society annual meetingMay 29, 2025Each year the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) selects a member who advocates for cost-effective practice and quality improvement in pediatric endocrinology to present the Paul Kaplowitz, MD, Endowed Lectureship at the annual meeting. -
Novara named Fellow of the Child Neurology SocietyMay 29, 2025Sarah Novara, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Neurology, has been named a Fellow of the Child Neurology Society (FCNS). -
Department of Pediatrics announces 2025 Chu Educational Scholarship AwardeesMay 28, 2025The Chu Family generously donated funds to Children's of Alabama and the Department of Pediatrics to support educational initiatives. -
Department of Pediatrics announces 2025 Dixon FellowsMay 28, 2025The Dixon Foundation supports the Dixon Pediatric Fellowship training program for fellows who intend to pursue an academic career with a research emphasis (ranging from basic and translational science to education or QI-centric research) in approved pediatric subspecialties. -
Pediatric Residency Program hosts 19th Annual Coat of Arms Spring Scramble 5KMay 28, 2025The UAB Pediatric Residency Program hosted the 19th Annual Coat of Arms Spring Scramble 5K on Saturday, May 17 in downtown Homewood. -
Shaugnessy announced as executive vice chair for operations for Department of PediatricsMay 22, 2025Erin Shaughnessy, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, has been announced as the executive vice chair of operations for the Department of Pediatrics, effective June 1, 2025. -
Pediatrics announces 2025 Staff Recognition AwardsMay 15, 2025The Department of Pediatrics would like to introduce the 2025 Department of Pediatrics Staff Recognition Awards. These awards were created to honor staff members throughout the department for their contribution and commitment to the department's mission. -
UAB Pediatrics attends the Spring Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of PediatricsMay 8, 2025The spring meeting of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) was held this past weekend in Gulf Shores, AL. -
Hope and resilience: Two mothers from two different countries fight for one baby’s lifeMay 6, 2025Becca, a mom from England, and Zoy, a mom from Alabama, first connected as a potential surrogate match. Their journey through a high-risk pregnancy and a five-and-a-half-month NICU stay bonded them forever as sisters. -
May-cember madness: A survival guide for parentsMay 2, 2025End-of-year testing, parties and spirit days can have parents feeling overwhelmed and stressed. One UAB expert recommends four ways to survive the infamous May-cember. -
Pediatrics welcomes one new faculty member in March 2025March 27, 2025The UAB Department of Pediatrics welcomed one new faculty member in the month of March. Please join us in making them feel at home! -
March 2025 Pediatric Pandemic Network updatesMarch 20, 2025
Mini Medical School
Dr. David Osula and Dr. Eva Ingram, along with cardiology fellows and UAB Imaging, hosted the Mini Medical School on March 12, 2025. The team led sessions on dissecting a pig heart, CPR training, and performing ultrasounds on the human heart.
Youth Advisory Board Service Project Central Alabama
On Saturday, March 8, members of the Central Alabama Youth Advisory Board (YAB) volunteered at HUB Worldwide, a local nonprofit that diverts surplus medical supplies from landfills to individuals and organizations in need. YAB members helped organize the HUB warehouse, gaining first hand insight into the scope of products the organization distributes.
Equally as important as the hands-on work was hearing from HUB staff about how they source and distribute products to communities ranging from the mountains of Ecuador to rural clinics in Alabama to flood-stricken areas of North Carolina. Inspired by these stories, some YAB members made plans for future service at the HUB.
Youth Advisory Board Service Project Black Belt Region
The UAB Pediatric Pandemic Hub’s eighth Adolescent Medicine Youth Advisory Board meeting in Wilcox County for the 2024-2025 term was a success. Jasmine S. Kennedy, clinical research coordinator II and PPN YAB facilitator, led an interactive activity focused on a service project centered on mental health and social-emotional resilience.
Students designed a flyer conveying their message, featuring a QR code linked to a self-designed interactive app conceptualized as a "virtual diary." They also developed questions for the Daily Feelings Journal Form. The app can be added to a home screen.
MCH Hopes
Maternal Child Health HOPES participants from Jackson-Olin, Parker, and Carver high schools took part in simulation exercises at Children's of Alabama under the leadership of Dr. Chrystal Rutledge and the hospital’s simulation team.
Students performed simulations in hyponatremic seizures, coding, anaphylaxis, respiratory issues, and suturing. Marsha Sutton Kelly, MPA, clinical research manager, facilitated the group.
PARCA Annual Forum
The 2025 Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) held its annual forum on Friday, March 7, at the Harbert Center, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, nonprofit executives, educators, and mental health professionals to address mental health challenges in schools and the workforce.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey delivered the keynote address. Children’s of Alabama’s Lou Lacey spoke on “Where Do We Go From Here?” Attendees included Lonnie Pressley, MPH, MSEM, PPN director; Jasmine Kennedy, MA, clinical research coordinator II; and Katy Smith, MPA, educational liaison.
Blood Drive
The Pediatric Pandemic Network partnered with Children’s of Alabama and the Red Cross for a March blood drive. Free A1C testing was available, and donors received a $10 Amazon gift card. Special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Baker, Dr. Mark Baker, Lonnie Pressley, and Marsha Kelly Sutton for their participation.
Reality Check
Marsha Kelly-Sutton, program manager for UAB Medicine, staffed the “Life Happens” table for the Reality Check program at Ramsay High School on March 18, 2025. Approximately 120 students in 10th through 12th grade participated. While some were satisfied with their outcomes, others faced financial challenges. The event was engaging, and many students realized the importance of adaptability in navigating life’s uncertainties.
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Dr. Kong presents at Birmingham Kiwanis ClubMarch 20, 2025Michele Kong, M.D., professor in the Division of Critical Care, recently presented at the Kiwanis Club in Birmingham. -
Dr. Coyne-Beasley elected as APS president-electMarch 20, 2025Tamera Coyne-Beasley, M.D., MPH, professor in the Division of Adolescent Medicine, has been elected as the 2025-2026 president-elect of the American Pediatric Society (APS), beginning June 1, 2025.