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.

With this in mind, we have focused our attention on faculty and leadership development. These efforts aim to identify, nurture, and align each faculty member's interests and aspirations with our department's missions and overall goals. We must approach this work strategically and transparently to provide our faculty with the best opportunities for professional growth and ensure effective investment of our resources.

As this work will require significant time and resource commitment and close collaboration with all of our vice chairs, I have decided to elevate the director of faculty development position to a vice chair role.

I am pleased to announce that we have appointed Elizabeth Duggan, M.D., our previous director of faculty development, to the position of vice chair of faculty affairs and professional development within the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine.

Dr. Duggan's dedication to fostering professional growth makes her a clear choice for this pivotal role. With a Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology, she has a unique knowledge base to restructure our working environment and align individual motivation with career advancement and professional fulfillment.

Dr. Duggan’s experience is nationally recognized within our specialty. She has been invited to lecture at several conferences and multiple department Grand Rounds on various facets of organizational development: including organizational justice, physician engagement, leadership training, and the cultivation of optimal team dynamics. She has partnered with many of our faculty to support career crafting, coaching, and leadership. Her multifaceted approach ensures that our faculty members receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual and collective needs.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Duggan on her new position. We are excited to position our department to nurture careers, enhance workplace culture, and facilitate your growth and development. Above all, we strive to elevate your contributions, ensuring your value and expertise are recognized.

Sincerely,
Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D
Alfred Habeeb Professor and Chair
UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine