UAB Nursing would like to congratulate the latest nurse residents on completing their program. The nurse residency is a comprehensive, 12-month program for newly licensed nurses that helps them transition into more competent clinical practice.

The UAB Undiagnosed Diseases Program, an affiliate site of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) since 2022, has received another UDN award from the National Institutes of Health. A previous X01 Resource Access Award in 2023 designated the program as a Diagnostic Center of Excellence, and this latest award transitions it to a U01 Cooperative Agreement that enables additional funding.

Organized sports can be a great way for children to get active while learning important life skills such as teamwork, time management and perseverance. While parents can be involved in their children’s sports, one University of Alabama at Birmingham pediatric psychologist says that a parent who focuses too much on the outcome and mistakes made can make sports stressful and not enjoyable for their children.

The path to a career in medicine and health care is unique for every person. For some, the first spark of interest occurred while they were answering the call for a different kind of service in the military. In advance of Veterans Day, UAB Medicine magazine talked with several military veterans at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine to learn how their time in the armed forces impacted their professional lives and their journeys to medicine. With a unique blend of experience, dedication, and compassion, they continue to make a profound impact on the lives of others, embodying the true spirit of sacrifice.

A University of Alabama at Birmingham professor and anesthesiologist in the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, Jeff Simmons, M.D., has spent the past decade developing programs and helping shape the educational opportunities available to students in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine.

Nursing teams from UAB Medicine and Children’s of Alabama came together on October 20th for the first-ever Heart of Bham Nurses Block Party, which was an unforgettable celebration that included food, games, fun, and community spirit.

Spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect that is associated with life. Each year, approximately 1,400 babies born in the United States have spina bifida, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Spina bifida, usually apparent at birth, is a type of neural tube defect in which the neural tube does not completely close during development in the womb, resulting in damage to the spinal cord and nerves.

UAB Health System, Hospital and School of Medicine leadership celebrated with UAB St. Vincent's leaders, caregivers and associates on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. Leaders commemorated the day with employees at UAB St. Vincent's locations in Birmingham, Trussville, Pell City, Chilton County, Blount County and Highway 119.

While Halloween offers fun-filled activities for families, it also raises significant safety concerns, especially related to traumatic brain injuries among trick-or-treaters.

Oct. 23 is National Medical Assistants Day, which highlights the important work that certified medical assistants (CMAs) do in clinics and hospitals nationwide. Join UAB Medicine in recognizing the excellence of our own CMA staff and their crucial role in our mission to deliver the highest quality, most compassionate care possible.

How can bladder infections be prevented? It helps to drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria. Avoid drinks that may irritate the bladder, such as those containing alcohol or caffeine. Urinate often, avoid holding it, and make sure to empty the bladder completely. For women who’ve gone through menopause, vaginal estrogen therapy also can help prevent UTIs. Also, it’s best to avoid things that can irritate sensitive skin, such as bubble baths, hot tubs, and sanitary and personal hygiene products that are perfumed or scented.

Days after finishing her first semester of medical school, Amaris Elston awoke in a hospital room. She felt drained as her body started to adjust to its new reality.