Elizabeth Turnipseed, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, has been appointed Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs in the UAB Department of Medicine. A former resident and Chief Medical Resident at UAB and faculty physician in the Hospitalist Program, Elizabeth joined the Division of General Internal Medicine and the Department three years ago as Assistant Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, soon thereafter rising to Co-Vice Chair.  

In those roles, Elizabeth did much to help the Divisions improve the care of patients in the hospital and in clinic. She developed and managed the Medical Officer of the Day Program, which coordinates admission of patients evaluated in the Emergency Department, and she has worked with UAB Health System leadership and faculty in each Division to improve the efficiency of hospital care. 

As Vice Chair, Elizabeth will work with the Department Chair, the Divisions, and other stakeholders to develop and implement our strategic vision, with the goal that each Division will have clinical programs that are among the best in the nation. She will lead efforts to support our faculty, trainees, and Divisions in improving inpatient and outpatient care. 

Elizabeth will also oversee our Quality and Safety Program, lead the Department’s inpatient efforts in the Physician Integration Network, and help lead the UAB Health System Population Health Program. She will also continue to direct the Medical Officer of the Day Program and attend on our inpatient Tinsley Harrison Service.