Cindy Joiner, PhD, MPH, RN, Associate Professor of Medicine, has accepted a new role as Vice Chair for Research Operations and Development, effective October 1, 2024. In this capacity, Dr. Joiner will lead research operations and administration for the Department of Medicine (DOM). She will develop processes, programs, and initiatives to create a successful research environment.

This new role builds on Dr. Joiner’s exceptional track record for administrative leadership. Her responsibilities include:

• Collaborating across the enterprise to enhance research administration, working with the Heersink School of Medicine, Office of the Vice President for Research, Central Administration and the Health System Building our infrastructure to support research growth with processes, systems, space and facilities
• Collaborating with the Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Vice Chair for Research to focus on professional development for research faculty and staff
• Developing a model to integrate DOM clinical research as seamlessly as possible into university and health system research operations

She will work directly with the DOM Interim Chair Dr. Mark Dransfield and other senior leaders in these efforts. She will also continue as Executive Director for DOM’s Clinical Research Enterprise (CRE) — our successful shared services approach to clinical research support and administration.

Dr. Joiner has served in successive roles of increasing responsibility in her 23 years at UAB. In the department, she has established a reputation for excellence, with a host of notable accomplishments: expansion of our leadership development programs, building the CRE from the ground up, and the development and implementation of department-wide protocols that kept our research teams operating safely during COVID.

Dr. Joiner’s dedication and expertise will enhance all we do in the department to advance our research mission in collaboration with partners across Heersink, UAB, and UAB Medicine.