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The Department of Medicine is thrilled to announce Olivia Krantz, RD, a registered dietitian in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Population Science, as the recipient of the DOM STAR Award for Staff Excellence for Fall 2024. Krantz is recognized for her unwavering support for patients, mentees, and staff. Nominators highlight her dedication to initiatives, noting her willingness to go beyond expectations to meet participants' scheduling needs and keep projects on track. Additionally, Krantz advocates for others beyond the division through her work as a DOM Wellness Committee member where she focuses on addressing key concerns within the department's work environment. Thank you, Olivia, for your unmatched care for others and invaluable contributions to our department!

Center in light blue: Krantz with nominators from the Division of General Internal Medicine and Population Science.

This week, we proudly observe National APP Week — an initiative designed to honor advanced practice providers (APPs) and raise awareness of their crucial role in health care. More than 100 APPs work in the Department of Medicine, collaborating with physicians, patients and interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality care. Thank you to all our APPs for making a meaningful difference. Your hard work is celebrated this week and beyond!

DOM Interim Chair Dr. Mark Dransfield and MICU APP Stephanie Pruitt reminisce about the early days of APPs at UAB and rounding in the MICU.

Rob Smola, M.D., director, and Andy Marshall, M.D., associate director, will lead the new Point-of-Care Ultrasound track for the Tinsley Harrison Internal Medicine Residency Program. In addition to the longitudinal POCUS curriculum for all residents, the POCUS track offers upper-level residents more advanced didactics, additional hands-on experience and personalized learning to enhance their clinical and diagnostic skills in areas like cardiology, pulmonary, abdominal, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and much more. The program supports each participant's individual career goals through customized learning opportunities and mentorship.

Above: Dr. Smola demonstrates POCUS for Dr. Emily Knowling.

Jennifer Hicks, MSHA, MBA, administrator for Palliative Care and Serious Illness Services, has won a Heersink School of Medicine Dean’s Excellence Award for Staff. She was recognized for her exceptional contributions to the school's core mission areas.

Hicks has played a key role in advancing UAB's Age-Friendly Health System initiatives, aligning care with individual patient needs and preferences. She has led the UAB site of the Palliative Care Leadership Center Training Program, helped establish the Southeast Institute for Innovation in Palliative and Supportive Care, and managed the Palliative Research Enhancement Program to support pilot projects across UAB. Additionally, Hicks was crucial in her center’s successful bid for University-Wide Interdisciplinary Research Center status. Kudos on this well-deserved recognition!

Above: DOM supporters celebrate Jennifer Hicks as she receives her award.

Andrew Land, M.D., will assume the role of associate chief medical officer for UAB Medicine, effective Oct. 1, 2024. An ambulatory quality officer for Primary Care and clinical associate professor in the UAB Division of General Internal Medicine, Land has led initiatives to enhance patient safety and standardize care. His work includes developing clinical decision support tools and co-management algorithms. In his new role, Land will continue to advance of UAB Medicine's mission to provide life-changing care. Congratulations, Dr. Land!