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The education division is an integral part of our department, consisting of approximately 100 trainees at any given time. Before medical students officially join the department, they benefit from multiple opportunities hosted by our curriculum team. This team—led by Lee Ann Riesenberg, Ph.D., R.N., CMQ, and Victoria Elison, M.S. (pictured right), and supported by Carol Anne Hopper, MPA (pictured right); Ted Barco, EdS, MAEd, M.A.; and Diane Vakakes—is pivotal in developing and implementing programmatic objectives for medical students, residents, and fellows.

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.

Dr. Jennifer DeBerry is a true rising star in pain research. Find out how her time at UAB shapes her current research and opens avenues to develop future endeavors.

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.

Jeff Simmons, M.D., MSHQS, FASA, shares how his time in the Air Force transformed him into the health care leader he is today.

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

National Presentations

Sadis Matalon, Ph.D., ScD, FAPS, the Alice McNeal Endowed Chair in Anesthesiology and a distinguished professor at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, is the 2024 recipient of the American Physiological Society’s (APS) Physiology in Perspective: The Walter B. Cannon Award.

In March 2024, anesthesiologists from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine embarked on a seven-day medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic, supported by the Hispaniola Medical Charity organization.

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

Community Outreach

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

Dear Colleagues,

It is my pleasure to announce that the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine has appointed Beomjy Kim Ohlman, M.D., as the associate medical director of the UAB Preoperative Assessment, Consultation & Treatment Clinic (PACT).

During this season of love, and with Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, we tell the story of a truly inspirational couple in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine: Hanna Hussey, M.D., and Patrick Hussey, M.D.

In the fast-paced environment of health care, demanding careers often dictate life’s rhythm. For the Husseys, their journey began in residency at Columbia University where they met in July of their intern year. By the following September, the couple headed to Las Vegas to officially tie the knot in a drive-thru wedding ceremony.

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

Dear Colleagues,

After a rigorous search committee process, it is with great pleasure that the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine announces the appointment of John Huidekoper, M.D., as the co-medical director of the anesthesia labs.

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

Dear Colleagues,

After a rigorous search committee process, it is with great pleasure that the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine announces the appointment of Justin Routman, M.D., MSHA, as the associate vice chair for the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesia.

Thank you to all of our faculty and staff members who attended the departmental Holiday Party held on December 8, 2023, at The Fennec. Click through our photo gallery to see the photos from the party, taken by Nik Layman.