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

Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Grace Rafield, M.D., as the new director of scheduling for the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesia (MSA) and associate director of faculty assignments in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine.

This role is pivotal to enhancing the operations of our largest division, and Dr. Rafield is exceptionally qualified to lead these efforts.

Dr. Rafield received her Doctor of Medicine from UAB in 2013, followed by residency within our department. After joining our faculty as an assistant professor, she spent six years as a coordinator in MSA, where she gained invaluable experience navigating our department’s complex scheduling system. Dr. Rafield has developed an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of MSA operations, earning a stellar reputation for her attention to detail and efficiency through her direct, solutions-oriented approach.

In this new role, Dr. Rafield will focus on managing and refining the MSA call, PTO, and assignment schedules—ensuring fairness and transparency across the division. Her vision centers on clear communication, which she recognizes as vital for maintaining provider job satisfaction and promoting a healthy work-life balance. Dr. Rafield’s leadership and experience will be instrumental in streamlining the scheduling process, fostering trust and ensuring an equitable workload distribution.

I am confident that Dr. Rafield will greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our scheduling processes, contributing to a positive working environment for all members of our team. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rafield on this well-deserved appointment.

Sincerely,
Dan E. Berkowitz, M.D.
Alfred Habeeb Professor and Chair