Professor Gwendolyn Boyd, M.D., will be retiring this month. A member of the department since 1984, she has served as Chief of Anesthesia Services at UAB Callahan Hospital since 2005. But ask anyone who's ever worked with her and you'll learn about her commitment to caregiving both in Birmingham and around the world: She chaired the Global Health Strategic Plan initiative as well as the Spirituality in Medicine Medical Student Elective. She has conducted numerous medical mission trips, some in honor of her adopted daughter's home country of Ecuador.

"My career has always been a blessing in so very many ways," said Dr. Boyd, adding that one of the joys of being an anesthesiologist is taking the time to get to know a little bit about her patients and guiding them through difficult times. "It's been a real honor to be here at UAB and watch our department grow in every way—and all of UAB as well."

Dr. Boyd earned her medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, where she also completed her anesthesiology residency and postdoctoral work in neurophysiology. She was one of 13 women in a medical school class of 180, where she was told by male classmates that she had taken a man's place in medical school and would never practice. This was at a time when halothane had just been introduced and common anesthetics included ether and cyclopropane. 

She went on to practice for 50 years, while also raising her two adopted daughters as a single parent. 

"Dr. Boyd has been a pioneer and inspiration throughout her career," said Associate Professor George Dumas, M.D. "After 50 years in medicine, she has done it all. She has encouraged and mentored numerous medical students, residents, and young physicians. Her work in the ORs, ICUs, and global mission work are impressive. And while all of her accomplishments are too numerous to list, I think that her enthusiasm for her work and her selfless dedication to advancing the careers of others are some of the most remarkable. Congratulations, Dr. Boyd!"

Dr. Boyd plans to spend time with her family, as well as travel, garden, and catch up with old friends in the years to come. We wish you all the best, Dr. Boyd!

Please join us for a retirement celebration on Thursday, June 21, at 3:30 in the Wallace Tumor Institute lobby.