On September 7, 2023, the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System approved the appointment of Akila Subramaniam, M.D., M.P.H., as the next holder of the Bruce Harris, Jr., M.D. Endowed Professorship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
The Bruce Harris, Jr., M.D. Endowed Professorship in Obstetrics and Gynecology was formally established at UAB through a resolution adopted on May 7, 1999. This professorship serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Bruce Harris, Jr., a distinguished figure in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Bruce Harris, Jr., earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1939 and subsequently achieved his M.D. from Harvard in 1943. His illustrious career was marked by significant accomplishments, including certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1953 and Subspecialty Certification in Maternal and Fetal Medicine in 1979. Dr. Harris's dedication to the field led to his tenure as Associate Professor and Chairman of OB/GYN at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa from 1974 to 1976, along with holding the position of Clinical Associate Professor of OB/GYN at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He continued to contribute significantly to the field, serving as Professor and Chairman of OB/GYN at The University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1976 to 1978 and finally being named Professor of OB/GYN at the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1979. Throughout his career, Dr. Harris was an active member of numerous distinguished professional societies and colleges, leaving an indelible mark on the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
One of Dr. Harris's notable contributions was his role in the growth and development of the Maternal Fetal Medicine program at UAB. His dedication to improving maternal and fetal healthcare has left an enduring impact on the institution.
Now, UAB is taking another monumental step by appointing Dr. Subramaniam as the next holder of the Bruce Harris, Jr., M.D. Endowed Professorship in Obstetrics and Gynecology. This appointment comes with the full approval of the UAB administration, as recommended by Dr. Anupam Agarwal, Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean of the Heersink School of Medicine at UAB, and with the concurrence of the University's leadership.
Dr. Subramaniam, a native of Metairie, Louisiana, brings an impressive academic and professional background to this distinguished role. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2004 and completed post-graduate work in Social Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2003. Her academic journey continued with the completion of both her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in 2008. Dr. Subramaniam further honed her expertise through a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2012 and a combined fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Medical Genetics at the same institution in 2016.
Dr. Subramaniam's career has been distinguished by her exceptional contributions as a clinician and scientist. She has received numerous awards for her work in Women's Health, particularly in the field of Maternal and Fetal Medicine. Her expertise encompasses various facets of Maternal and Fetal Medicine research and education, including multiple grant awards, participation in clinical trials, authorship of manuscripts, books, and book chapters, as well as delivering published abstracts, oral presentations, and invited lectures.
Furthermore, Dr. Subramaniam is nationally and internationally recognized for her groundbreaking research and clinical activities, which have advanced medical practices in the evaluation and therapy of patients experiencing reproductive and moderate to high-risk pregnancy challenges.
Her dedication to education and training has been exemplary. Dr. Subramaniam has made significant contributions within the Heersink School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine. Her roles as Vice Chair of Education and Program Director for Maternal Fetal Medicine attest to her commitment to shaping the future of healthcare. Additionally, she has served as the Director of the UAB OB/GYN Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and Co-Director of both the Resident Research Program and Placenta Accreta Program.
This resolution, a testament to Dr. Subramaniam's achievements, will be permanently recorded in the annals of the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama, ensuring her legacy endures. Dr. Subramaniam's appointment sets a high standard for excellence in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a significant step toward advancing healthcare and education in this critical field.