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Topgun, a male Golden Retriever who is trained and certified as a facility dog, recently joined the staff at UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center (Spain Rehab). He’s now there each day assisting his partner and best friend, Recreational Therapist Emily Rider, in helping patients in their recovery and in therapy sessions. In the Q&A session below, Topgun – with a little help from Emily – shares some experiences and explains his new role as a facility dog.

Half of pregnancy-related deaths in Alabama occur in the first six weeks postpartum. Studies show early recognition and treatment of post-birth complications can prevent many of these deaths.

UAB Hospital was once again named the best hospital in Alabama by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-2025 Best Hospital rankings, released today. University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital also claims the No. 1 ranking as the best hospital in the Birmingham metro area.

In the heat of southern summers, pregnant women are especially vulnerable to overheating and dehydration, which can lead to problems for both moms and their babies. Get tips for staying cooler and safer from UAB Medicine OB/GYN physician Sima Baalbaki, M.D.

UAB Hospital was recognized as a high-performing hospital that provides excellent care to patients in underserved communities on U.S. News & World Report’s first-ever list of “Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access”.

Last week, the University of Alabama at Birmingham partnered with Whitfield Regional Hospital to launch the first UAB Tele-Intensive Care Unit expanded hospital. With this collaboration, Whitfield now has access to 24-hour Tele-ICU support including a team of experienced ICU nurses and tele-intensivists stationed at UAB. The Tele-ICU allows patients to receive vital care closer to their homes, saving valuable time and extending much-needed services.

Dawn Bulgarella, chief executive officer of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System and UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance, was recently elected president of the Birmingham Regional Council of the Alabama Hospital Association. The election took place at the association’s recent annual meeting.

Most people understand the importance of protecting their skin while spending time in the sun, but it’s also important to protect your eyes. UAB Medicine vision experts share some advice for preserving your eyesight while enjoying the sunshine and outdoor activities.

Drew Ferguson, whose distinguished career in sports medicine at UAB and Children’s of Alabama spans over 40 years, understands the pursuit of excellence in health care. He has witnessed and been part of many care and safety advances for athletes, but he’s also benefitted personally from the progress of medical science. He’s received two kidney transplants at the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute that, in his words, have been a major part of his good fortune in life.

Experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cardiovascular Institute are offering a new treatment for patients with uncontrolled hypertension who have not had success lowering their blood pressure with the use of medications. The new treatment involves renal denervation — a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure.

UAB Medicine patient Malinda Upchurch experienced years of symptoms and inconvenience caused by pelvic organ prolapse, a condition caused by a weakening of tissue and muscles in the pelvic floor. About 40% of women are affected by some form of it.

Amanda knew that Adam had Goodpasture syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that causes the body to make antibodies that attack the lungs and kidneys.
“When I turned 18, Adam got really sick and was in and out of the hospital a lot,” Amanda recalled. “Ultimately, we were told that he needed a kidney transplant.”