You’re invited to participate in the webinar “Modern Approaches to Research in Physiology,” sponsored by the American Physiological Society and Physiological Reviews on June 18, 2020, 2:00 to 5:00 PM EDT. This webinar is being organized by Dr. Willis K. “Rick” Samson, associate editor and incoming deputy editor of Physiological Reviews.

Expert speakers will highlight new advances in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal physiology as well as neurobiology. Dr. Sadis Matalon will also summarize what we have learned by two reviews on COVID-19 published recently in Physiological Reviews.

On behalf of Dan E. Berkowitz, MB BCh:

It is with great enthusiasm and expectation that I announce a restructuring of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine’s IT team. Please join me in congratulating Dale A. Parks, Ph.D., who has been appointed Associate Vice Chair for Quality Improvement and Director of Quality Integration, and Josh Hagood, B.S., who has been appointed Director of Information Technology.

I believe it is time for us to speak with some candor about the tragic events that are unfolding in our country today. Our black communities stand battered and bruised, incredulous, and angered by the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, and the ongoing violence and injustices that they are continually faced with. These times demand our profound empathy, compassion, humanity, and most importantly, our unity and commitment to justice.

Congratulations to the following physicians who will be joining our residency program in June 2020. Dr. Susan Black reports that after a strong interview season, 21 residents have been matched from 13 medical schools with one resident to enter our new STAR (formerly RACD) research track. 

We look forward to welcoming them to UAB!

The department held its first Research Day on Monday, January 13, in the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Organized by Associate Professor Brant Wagener, M.D., Ph.D., the event featured 38 research posters and three speakers. 

Congratulations to those awarded funding in the fall 2019 REINVENT cycle. REINVENT is a collaborative research seed funding program for faculty projects within the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. The recipients of the awards are granted up to $50,000 in support of their projects. 

Click through to see photos from the BMR II Holiday Potluck, held Dec. 16. 

Click through to see photos of our holiday party, held Dec. 12 at The Florentine.

The rain didn't stop the sounds of hammers and saws as a mix of medical students from SIGA (Student Interest Group in Anesthesiology) and faculty members from the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine partnered with Habitat for Humanity on Oct. 26 to help a family in need. 

The Department is pleased to announce our fellows for the 2020-2021 academic year: 

Cardiothoracic (PD-Brad Meers):

Zach Colbaugh: Anesthesiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Patrick Hussey: Anesthesiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital

Brooke LeBlanc: Anesthesiology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation

Christopher Racine: Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Medical Center

Katherine Talbott: Anesthesiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Benjamin Tuck, M.D., has been appointed to the permanent position of vice chair and director of the Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia. 

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY AS A RESIDENT

It varies depending on the rotation. We rotate through many areas of the hospital, and the hours are specific to each rotation. However, a usual day in the general OR begins by setting up your room before the 6 a.m. morning conference. At 6:30 a.m. you’ll go talk to your patient and roll back to the OR by 7:00 a.m. You’ll continue your caseload (with morning and lunch breaks) until 3 p.m., when you’ll either change assignments or stay in your room if you’re on-call or moonlighting. If not, then you’re free to leave.

Why did you choose anesthesiology as a your speciality?

I initially had a difficult time choosing a specialty because I enjoyed so many rotations in medical school. Anesthesia was one of my last rotations, and I discovered that the field had a unique assortment of many different experiences and skills that I felt would make me a well-rounded physician.

Come celebrate the last Ice Cream Friday of the summer with us! Stop by NP 5401 2-3 p.m. or BMR II 3-4 p.m. on Friday, August 23 for a sweet treat. 

All residents are invited to join Dr. Berkowitz for lunch on Thursday, August 22, from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Feel free to come by when you can. 

Click through to see photos of our New Resident Welcome at Regions Field.

If you joined us last year during our Annual Alabama Reunion we hope to see you again this year on October 20 in Orlando. Presented by the Alabama State Society of Anesthesiologists and the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, this celebration is open to all alumni and their guests.