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The following are monthly updates from the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Education Division.

APPLIED Exam

Congratulations to our 2023 residency graduates and others. All who have taken the APPLIED Exam thus far have passed with many getting the good news at the end of October. This includes Drs. Andrew Braun, Arren Carter, Andrew Hackney, Annalese Neuenschwander, Beomjy Ohlman, and Teshi Kaushik.

The following are monthly updates from the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Education Division.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine is privileged to announce the promotion and tenure of six esteemed faculty members, effective Oct. 1, 2024. These accolades are significant accomplishments that show each recipient’s commitment to the department and its academic missions and mark a milestone in their academic careers.

The following was sent on behalf of Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D.

Dear Colleagues,

I am incredibly pleased to announce that Jennifer DeBerry, Ph.D., is the second faculty member to hold the David Hill Chestnut Endowed Professorship in Anesthesiology in the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine.

The following was sent on behalf of Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D.

Dear Colleagues,

As you well know, our department’s Division of Multispecialty Anesthesia (MSA) is a massive enterprise—administering more than 90,000 anesthetics annually in the UAB coverage sites, including UAB Hospital, UAB Hospital-Highlands, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, and UAB Medical West.

Since 2002, Bert Pierce, M.D., has held leadership roles within the MSA, most recently serving as vice chair and division director. As he transitions into the role of associate vice chair for the division, I am pleased to announce that Justin Routman, M.D., MSHA, will assume the role of vice chair and division director for the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesia.

A foundation of service and adaptability

Born in Gainesville, Ga., Harold Goss, MLS, Ed.D., grew up in a hardworking family with parents who were first-generation high school graduates. Shortly after graduation, his father was drafted into the military and served in the Vietnam War. Due to his father’s military service, Goss experienced life in various locations; including Georgia, South Carolina, California, and Germany. These early travels shaped his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. 

The following are monthly updates from the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Education Division.

The following was sent on behalf of Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D.

Dear Colleagues,

After a rigorous selection process, I am delighted to announce that Lee Hammonds, MSHA, MBA, has been appointed as the new executive administrator for the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, effective Sept. 1, 2024. This is a critically important leadership position, and we are confident that he will fulfill this role with expertise, vision, and commitment.

The following are monthly updates from the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Education Division.

Faculty Kudos

Dr. Lee Ann Riesenberg was recently highlighted in the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation newsletter for the publication Perioperative Handoff Education Resources.

Dr. Prentiss Lawson has been appointed as secretary for The Association of Pain Program Directors. This is recognition of his experience and work as our Pain Medicine Fellowship Program Director.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine recently announced multiple new leaders within the department.

“We recognize that the success of any organization lies within its people; and the dedication, expertise, and passion of these faculty members are the assets that drive our department and the institution forward,” says Alfred Habeeb Professor and Chair Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D.

Please join our department in congratulating the following new appointees.

On June 3, 2024, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine hosted its fourth annual Research Day. This event gives residents, fellows, faculty, and CRNAs the opportunity to gather and present on their latest research while celebrating all research efforts within the department. Each year, the resident and non-resident abstract winners give an oral presentation, and a keynote speaker presents on the topic of their choice. This year, we were honored to welcome Emily Anne Vail, M.D., MSc., from Penn Medicine as she presented “Developing a Research Career in Clinical Anesthesiology.”

 The following are monthly updates from the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Education Division.

Resident Updates

Our new CA1s completed their first month in the operating rooms along with multiple education sessions including didactic days, simulation, and ATLS. Thanks to all of our faculty who taught sessions and contributed valuable bedside mentorship. Thank you to our CA2 and CA3 residents and CRNAs for their OR teaching. In August, our CA1s will begin to be unpaired on some days based on case selection.

John Briggs, M.D., MSHA, shares how his time in the Air Force instilled a perspective of purposefulness that cascades into his work as an anesthesiologist.

The following is a personal message from Carolyn Maddox, executive assistant in the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine.

Celebrating Juneteenth is our opportunity to recognize, reflect, and redirect. Recognizing that in 1865, my people were led to believe that their freedom was never returned. Their freedom—constitutionally theirs on Jan. 1, 1863, with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation—was selfishly delayed more than two years by their enslavers. This portion of our U.S. history makes recognizing Juneteenth our duty. Truth and then reconciliation are the first and most profound steps in the healing process.

The following was sent on behalf of Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D.

Colleagues,
We recognize that the success of any organization lies within its people; and your dedication, expertise, and passion are invaluable assets that drive our department and the institution forward. Therefore, it is critical for us to provide the necessary support and resources for you to thrive both professionally and personally.

The following are monthly updates from the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Education Division.

Graduation Season

Congratulations to our graduating residents and fellows!

The following was sent on behalf of Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D.

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Yasser Sakawi, M.D., to interim vice chair of the Division of Obstetric Anesthesiology in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, effective July 1, 2024, for one year.

The following was sent on behalf of Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D.

Dear Colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Joel Feinstein, M.D., to interim vice chair for Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, effective June 30, 2024.

The following was sent on behalf of Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D.

Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Nagi, M.D., as vice chair of the Division of Pain Medicine in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine.

After 22 years of devoted service, Perioperative RN Quality Coordinator Joyce Crump says goodbye to the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. Reflecting on her career, she shared the pivotal moments that made up her time in the department. With a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the future, she leaves behind a legacy woven with compassion, learning, and cherished connections.