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Over the past 10 days, Birmingham became a hub for sports of all kinds as athletes from around the world descended and delighted fans with everything from canoe water polo to softball, lacrosse to parkour. It was a fun few weeks for sports fans in our city and an exciting time for our Sports and Exercise Medicine and Family Medicine teams as UAB served as the official medical provider.

Our Sports and Exercise Medicine providers and staff provided sideline coverage for World Games athletes at venues across Birmingham, including at UAB, while many of our Family and Community Medicine staff volunteered their time and effort. The result was a total team effort that not only showcased the best of Birmingham, but the best of UAB.

Check out some of our favorite photos from an exciting 10 days. Follow the Department of Family and Community Medicine (@uabfcm) and UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine (@uabsportsmedicine) on Instagram for more great photos.

 The Opening Ceremony lit up Protective Stadium. (Photo: The World Games)

Photo: The World Games

The games could not have happened without contributions from so many volunteers, including many providers and staff from our department. Thank you!!

Members of the UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine team with Team USA after a flag football practice day.

Sara Gould, M.D., MPH, Jennifer Wallace, ATC, and Joel Evans, D.O., at flying disc.

Events took place throughout Birmingham and UAB, including lacrosse at PNC Field.

UAB's Recreation Center hosted squash and racquetball.

Christian Muller, D.O., Irfan Asif, M.D., and Megan Steirer, MA, LAT, ATC, at the racquetball competition. Do you notice the IRF in the background?

Megan Steirer, MA, LAT, ATC, at inline hockey.

Kala Dixon, Ph.D., far left, with the Ukrainian team while volunteering at the opening ceremonies.

Jill Marsh, M.D., took her children to The World Games Plaza, where they met Team USA Wheelchair Rugby athletes and got to learn more about the sport.

Jon Ezell, Ph.D., and his family took in some gymnastics competitions.

Caroline Cohen, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., with her family before a karate competition.

Low point wheelchair rugby is coming to The World Games in Birmingham. (Photo by Lexi Coon)

As The World Games get underway in Birmingham on July 7, UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine providers are slated to care for, among many others, athletes competing in the wheelchair rugby tournament.

It will not be UAB’s first contact with the sport. Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, associate dean for primary care and rural health, and a medical director for UAB’s partnership with The World Games, also serves as the team physician for USA Wheelchair Rugby, which practices at the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham. That team, currently ranked No. 3 globally, won silver in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and will compete in the 2022 World Championships in Denmark.

Jim Murdock, certified athletic trainer and medical coordinator for the USA Wheelchair Rugby team, said Asif and UAB have been “phenomenal partners” for Team USA.
“This is my 44th year as an athletic trainer. I have had to deal and interact with lots of different medical professionals. Dr. Asif and the UAB group are by far the best,” Murdock said. “We feel blessed and kind of spoiled, because we get phenomenal care.”

Asif is on call to consult with Murdock and Team USA for any medical needs and works with athletes when they visit Birmingham for camps and training sessions. He helped the team develop it’s COVID-19 protocols – Murdock notes the team has not yet had a positive COVID-19 test while in Birmingham – and get the vaccinations necessary to compete in Tokyo and other global competitions. Before the last Paralympic Games, for example, Asif and UAB Highlands Family Medicine Nurse Manager Felicia Boyd, R.N., hustled to vaccinate athletes in a one-day clinic after a rapidly spreading strain of influenza in South American prompted the United States Olympica and Paralympic Committee to require additional vaccines for those traveling to Tokyo.

Irfan Asif, M.D. (Photo by Keith Bailey)

“There are only a few paralympic teams that have access to physicians full-time,” Murdock said. “Whenever we are in Birmingham, if anything happens, our men and women get treated immediately, with very little wait time, and that all comes back to Dr. Asif and his staff... We just feel really fortunate to have a staff of this caliber on our team.”

Asif said that he enjoys caring for the inspiring athletes on the wheelchair rugby team and that he is grateful for a "fantastic” partnership with the Lakeshore Foundation.
“I believe that Lakeshore and UAB can really become a hub for Olympic and Paralympic training,” he said.

The World Games offers another opportunity to grow in that mission. UAB is a Foundation Partner and official medical provider of The World Games, which will bring thousands of athletes in 30-plus sports to Birmingham. UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine will be caring for many of them, ranging from lacrosse and squash to canoe water polo and wheelchair rugby teams.

Among the UAB providers overseeing medical needs for The World Games wheelchair rugby team are Calvin Spellmon, M.D., Ashley Williamson, LAT, ATC, William Tremlett, D.O., Matt Miesch, M.D., Peter Rippey, M.D., Christian Muller, D.O., Lendrum Morrow, M.D., Danielle Powell, M.D., Rachel Vines, PA, Brett Bentley, M.D., Beau Grantier, M.D., Jacob Schultz, M.D., and Sheila Ramos, ATC.

The World Games focuses on low-point wheelchair rugby, a slightly different style designed for players with less mobility in their arms. The athletes competing in The World Games do not overlap with members of Team USA, though Murdock said that the games will be an excellent opportunity for players who are working their way on to the national team.

Medically, however, there are similarities and The World Games offer another opportunity for UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine providers to utilize their expertise in caring for athletes with disabilities. Athletes who use wheelchairs, for example, can face increased risk of infection as well as concerns about the fit and function of the wheelchair, especially in high-intensity sports like wheelchair rugby.

"No two patients are the same, in our case all of them have spinal cord injuries with unique complexities and differences from able-bodied athletes’ systems,” Murdock said.
Asif agreed. “Sometimes athletes with disabilities can be overlooked, or do not have access to the same resources, but it is critically important that they get the right care,” he said. “The wheelchair rugby athletes I have worked with are some of the hardest working people I have ever met, and I am honored to be part of their care team.”

Sameera Davuluri, M.D.According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, dementia starts to appear in 10 million people every year, and the number of people with dementia is only expected to increase. However, there are ways to improve brain health and prevent at least some of the complications that come with aging, dementia and similar conditions. As June, National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, concludes, Sameera Davuluri, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and medical director of the family medicine clinic at UAB Hoover Primary Care, answers four questions about lifestyle changes that can improve brain health.

Which foods should I eat and which should I avoid to support a healthy brain?

“Our diet can affect brain’s ability to think and remember. It could be that certain diets affect biological processes such as oxidative stress or inflammation that underlie diseases such as Alzheimer’s,” Davuluri said. “In general, we know that what is good for the heart is good for the brain. There is not a single food which is key to brain’s health, and there is no evidence that eating or avoiding a single specific food can prevent cognitive decline. Instead, patients should focus on a combination of healthy foods throughout the lifespan.”

Following diets such as Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and a combination of the two called MIND diet could help improve brain health. The MIND diet includes leafy green and other vegetables, berries, whole grains, fish once a week, poultry twice a week, beans, nuts and olive oil as a cooking fat. Moderate amounts of wine are recommended in both the Mediterranean and MIND diet.

Davuluri also suggests remaining mindful of alcohol consumption and how the body handles alcohol as one ages, as well as limiting pastries, processed food, red meat, whole fat dairy and salt. As for foods to eat more of, she suggests fish as the strongest factor that influences higher cognitive function and slower decline.

“Diets high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are beneficial for improving brain health by decreasing the risk factors such as stroke and heart disease,” Davuluri said. “There are no vitamins or supplements that have shown to prevent cognitive decline. Always talk to your primary care doctor as certain conditions and vitamin deficiencies’ (B12 and folate) which can cause cognitive decline are reversible. It’s never too late to start a healthy diet and try to make small practical incremental changes that can sustain longer.”

Please visit Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2022 at health.gov for more specific recommendations about daily alcohol intake and talk to your primary care provider.

What is the best way to exercise to keep my brain healthy?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, good for not just muscles and bones, but for your brain.
According to Davuluri, several studies have linked aerobic physical activity to improved cognition. One study, a randomized controlled trial with 120 older adults, showed that aerobic exercise training increases the size of the anterior hippocampus, leading to improvements in spatial memory. The hippocampus is a complex brain structure which has a major role in memory and learning and usually shrinks in late adulthood.

Another study pointed out that among US adults age 45 and older, the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline and resulting functional limitations was greater among those with lower physical activity levels, particularly those who were inactive.

“Most adults should get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, this can be broken down in 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week,” Davuluri said. “This does not have to happen in one stretch and happen only at a gym, try to incorporate activities in your daily routine such as walking your dog, being physically active while watching TV, etc.”

What types of activities should I do to keep my brain sharp?

“Be engaged in social activities and communities, this can reduce isolation and improve wellbeing which in turn improve cognition,” Davuluri said. “Keep up with your hobbies, try to learn something new, try to challenge yourself intellectually such as solving cross word puzzles, learning a new language etc. Get good sleep, have a daily routine, and focus on healthy diet.”

Is my brain health impacted by my Vitamin D levels?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, available naturally in certain foods, fortified in others and as a supplement over the counter. It’s also produced within the body when ultraviolet rays touch the skin.

“Vitamin D mainly promotes calcium balance within the body and helps with strengthening the bones. It also has other roles such reduction in inflammation, modulation of immune function, etc.,” Davuluri said. “At this time there is not enough information available to find any correlation between vitamin D levels and brain health.”

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine wants to help patients learn more about the relationship between brain health and lifestyle. This is the main goal of the Brain Health Initiative, established by clinics at the Department of Family and Community Medicine and the UAB Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute. This program helps patients make lifestyle changes to support their brain health. Last year, former UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine Erin Slay-Wilson, M.A., tried out the program and wrote about her experience. To hear her thoughts and learn more about the program, click here.

Resources

How Nutrition Affects Risk of Alzheimer's Disease from the National Insitute on Aging

Brain Health Dietary Guidance from the Global Council on Brain Health

Physical Activity-Brain Relationship Study from the Alzheimer's and Dementia Journal

Cognition Health in Seniors by the National Insitute on Aging

Exercise's Relationship with Subjective Cognitive Decline from the Preventative Medicine Journal

Information about Vitamin D from the National Institutes of Health

Written by Caroline Newman, Communications Director, and Ann Marie Stephens, Communications Intern.

This June, we are recapping all the health-related advice our UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine providers have given us through our Ask a Provider social media series. Keep reading for trustworthy guidance on the importance of bedtime, questionable moles and a good warmup and cooldown routine for exercising.

Does What Time I Go to Bed Really Matter?

Kathleen Pridgen, M.D.Kathleen Pridgen, M.D., associate professor and UAB Student Health Services associate director, says that it is important to maintain a steady sleep schedule, both for those with an evening bedtime and those with unorthodox work schedules or shifts. In addition to having the same sleep schedule each night, Pridgen recommends that people sleep a certain number of hours.

“Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep, and children and adolescents typically need more,” Pridgen says. “What is most important is that bedtime and wake time are consistent, and that you are getting enough sleep between those times.”

When Should I Go Get My Mole Checked Out?

Erin DeLaney, M.D., assistant professor, Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs and Quality, ambulatory medical quality officer and Family and Community Medicine-Highlands medical director, says that although a patient should have a mole check every year, they should see a provider earlier if the mole or skin lesion has certain qualities.

Erin DeLaney, M.D.“If a mole itches, bleeds, is scaly, crusty or has grown rapidly, or if a skin lesion changes color or won't heal, schedule an earlier than annual visit to your primary care physician or dermatologist,” DeLaney said.

DeLaney said that a good way to see if you need to schedule a doctor’s appointment for these skin issues is to look at this acronym, the ABCDEs of Melanoma (asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolving). She described each word in the acronym to show what the sign would look like in a mole.

“A – asymmetry. If the mole was folded in half and the two sides did not match. B – border. If the edges of the mole are blurry or jagged. C – color. If the mole has multiple colors or changes colors. D – diameter. If the mole is larger than 6 mm or roughly the size of a pea. E – evolving. If the mole has changed rapidly or appears different than your other moles,” DeLaney explained.

She urged people to visit their doctor if they have a mole that exhibits at least one of these signs.

How Can I Best Warmup and Cooldown for my Workout?

Ian McKeag, M.D., M.S., assistant professor and UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine Fellowship director, explained the difference between a warmup and cooldown, who should do each and what it should look like. McKeag said that while a warmup should increase both blood flow and heart rate, a cooldown should do the opposite.

Ian McKeag M.D., M.S.“The goal for every warmup is to increase your heart rate above your resting rate, and to initiate some additional blood flow to the larger muscle groups you plan on working out. Conversely, the goal for your cooldown is to gradually reduce your heart rate toward your resting rate and return blood flow back to the pre-exercise state,” McKeag said.

However, both a warmup and cooldown should be an easier version of your predominant workout movements.

McKeag explained, “So, if you are warming up for a long run, a slower paced light jog would fit the bill as an appropriate warmup. If you are in the weight room, then try some slow, controlled, body-weight squats, push-ups, or other significantly reduced-weight lifts.”

Although McKeag says doing a pre-workout warmup and post-workout stretching is something he recommends to everyone working out, he says that it is less important for resistance trainers to cool down than it is for people doing an aerobic/cardiovascular-based workout. McKeag still advised, however, that most people incorporate a cooldown into their workout routine.

Follow the Ask a Provider series on the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine’s social media for more tips and advice from our providers.

Michael Faircloth, M.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine, won the American College Health Association (ACHA) Edward Hitchcock Award for Outstanding Contributions in College Health. According to AHCA, members who have sought to improve college student healthcare everywhere by completing exceptional work are highlighted with this 61-year-old, national award.

Faircloth’s influence is especially seen through his leadership as medical and lab director at UAB Student Health Services (SHS). Assistant Vice President for Student Health and Wellbeing at UAB Rebecca Kennedy, Ph.D., explained in her nomination letter that Faircloth has worked on several programs to help students who have dietary issues, need radiology and more have access to the care that they need.

Faircloth also played a pivotal role in UAB’s COVID-19 response, both in SHS and on the Rapid Response Team at UAB. Within SHS, he helped to make sure that COVID tests would be accessible and utilized campus-wide and that students could use telehealth during a spike in COVID cases to continue receiving care.

The Rapid Response Team at UAB, which provides recommendations to UAB leadership on how to handle complicated situations associated with COVID, was established by Faircloth as well. According to nominator Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine and associate dean for Primary Care and Rural Health, many other teams at UAB and elsewhere enlisted Faircloth’s expertise during the pandemic.

“Dr. Faircloth has dedicated his career to advancing medicine in both rural and urban areas while at UAB.” Asif explained. “He has been a tremendous asset to our university and state, and our department has benefitted firsthand from his work. His abilities transcend the work of others and is characterized by leading, inspiring, and developing those around him.”

His contributions before and during the pandemic make Faircloth revered by his colleagues.

“He makes everyone feel important and valued and he makes you want to come to work each day and serve others. He leads by modeling the way and encouraging and uplifting the team.” Kennedy wrote. “Under his leadership [during the pandemic] UAB SHS has transformed itself into a public health mecca worthy of duplication at any other institute of higher education.”

In addition to Faircloth’s award-winning work at UAB, he is also the director of the Alabama Statewide Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). Alabama Statewide AHEC conducts outreach across all 67 counties in the state with particular attention to locations that are rural or neglected, working to expand Alabama’s health care workforce and recruit medical providers from all backgrounds. In a previous article, Faircloth talked about how this meant that during the COVID pandemic he led AHEC to provide COVID testing and vaccine availability to places and people in Alabama that were underserved. To learn more about Faircloth’s work with UAB SHS and AHEC, click here.

Saturday, June 11, marked National Family Health and Fitness Day. This day encourages families to take care of their health, be active and enjoy time together.

To celebrate, here are some pictures of the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine faculty and staff spending time with their families, getting outside and getting active.

Department chair Irfan Asif, M.D., and his two children, all soccer enthusiasts.

Research writer Beka Kummer and her husband Angelo enjoy hiking and are shown here at the Land Trust of North Alabama: Monte Sano Nature Preserve.

Physician assistant Lindsay Kolasa, PA-C, also enjoys hiking with family members in places like the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the Bankhead National Forest.

The Kolasa kids get in on the action.

Ian McKeag, M.D., M.S., assistant professor and director of the Sports and Exercise Medicine Fellowship, with his daughter Finley at a Birmingham Legion FC game. McKeag is one of the physicians providing sideline care for the Legion.

Celebrating together is another part of family health and fitness. Assistant professor Sumayah Abed, M.D., and her family shared photos from her daughters' high school and college graduations.

The Abed family had a lot to celebrate this year.

Tiffani Maycock, D.O. associate professor and director of the UAB Selma Family Medicine Residency, enjoys a hike with her family.

The Maycock family also took on a ropes course.

Instructional designer Jon Ezell, Ph.D., and his family enjoy a USFL game. UAB employees got free tickets to the games and UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine is the medical provider.

Assistant professor Jill Marsh, M.D., director of the CU2RE program's urban underserved and rural pathways, plays tennis with her daughter.

Alabama AHEC Associate Director Becky Reamey, Ph.D., and her family at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

Clinical health psychologist and clinical scientist Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D., and her husband attempt "goat yoga".

This May, the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine’s social media posted advice, summarized below, from department providers on how to handle stress, anxiety and picky eaters.

What Can I do to Reduce Stress?

At the beginning of May, Sameera Davuluri, M.D., assistant professor and medical director of the UAB Family Medicine – Hoover clinic, talked about stress and what it can do to your body and mind. She mentioned that stress symptoms occur in people who consistently overschedule their days because their bodies cannot take the prolonged strain.

Sameera Davuluri, M.D.

Davuluri also talked about different kinds of stress symptoms people experience.

She said, “You will start to notice physical and mental exhaustion, and this stress and can manifest in different symptoms. You may start to become easily tired or overwhelmed, lose focus, feel down or have body pains. Stress can also worsen underlying health conditions such as blood pressure, blood sugar issues and depression.”

To alleviate these symptoms, Davuluri suggested a few tips to help readers de-stress.

“It is important to take a step back and listen to your body. Take time for yourself and make lifestyle changes to improve your stress levels such as eating balanced meals, getting good sleep and exercise, as well as doing things to help alleviate your stress that you enjoy,” Davuluri said.

For individuals who cannot control their stress, Davuluri recommends getting their doctor involved.

I’ve Been Feeling a lot More Anxious Than Usual. How can I Manage my Anxiety?

It is extremely important to be aware of our mental health, the role it plays in our lives and how to take care of our mental well-being as well as our physical health. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D., clinical health psychologist and clinical scientist, explained what anxiety is and how to manage it.

Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.

Although anxiety can function incorrectly in people, Crockett said, it serves a role to help people stay safe when functioning properly.

“Everyone experiences some anxiety.” Crockett said. “However, anxiety becomes maladaptive when it starts overreacting to things that are non-threatening, causes a lot of distress, and interferes with daily activities.”

She offered several techniques to help ease anxiety.

“Managing anxiety can have a few components including recognizing what situations cue anxiety, learning relaxation skills like diaphragmatic or “belly breathing” and muscle relaxation, mindfulness skills (being present in the moment), and increasing flexibility in thinking as our thoughts can often contribute to our fear (e.g. “My heart is racing so I must be having a heart attack!” vs “My heart is racing because I just walked up a hill.”),” Crockett said.

Crockett also said that another technique is to accustom yourself to the fear that is causing anxiety, such as purposely meeting new people if that is something you fear. This can gradually lower anxiety, but can be uncomfortable in the beginning, Crockett explained.

My Child is a Picky Eater. How do I Help Them Overcome This?

Parents who have a child who is a picky eater can sometimes wonder if this is affecting children’s health since their choosiness can sometimes keep them from eating more nutritious meals. Jill Marsh, M.D., discussed how parents can convince their children to try new foods.

Marsh advises that this issue should not be a pain point for parents, as parenting a picky eater is common. She believes that a healthy child doesn’t need to eat perfectly every day “as long as the child is growing well overall.”

Jill Marsh, M.D.

Marsh also offered specific ways to succeed during mealtime. “My biggest piece of advice is to avoid food fights! No yelling, begging, or crying to get your child to eat,” Marsh said.

Marsh also recommended that parents prepare at least one favorite food for the child in addition to healthy foods, but to make sure the child knows it’s ok if they don’t want to try a certain food. Enforcing boundaries, however, is also important.

“If they refuse, say, “You don’t have to eat it.” Some parents will have one easy back-up option (e.g. PB&J), but resist the pressure to become a short-order cook,” Marsh said.

Worried parents should also contact their child’s physician, Marsh said, as this advice doesn’t apply to everyone.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded Cahaba Medical Care and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Family and Community Medicine a grant in the amount of $640,000 to create a new Family Residency Program at UAB Hospital-Highlands. This grant will expand the existing partnership between UAB and Cahaba Medical Care. Combined, the Cahaba-UAB Family Medicine Residency program is now a 20-20-20 Graduate Medical Educational Program with four “campuses” or “tracks”.

UAB Hospital - Highlands

This residency program will help address the shortage of primary care physicians in Alabama, especially in rural Alabama, by training the next generation of family practice doctors and improving access to medical care for all Alabamians.

The residency program provides doctors with a community-based training program accredited and osteopathically recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Resident Physicians have completed medical school and have earned their medical degree. They practice medicine in a supervised setting for three years to complete their training in family medicine.

The Highlands track will include resident education and scholarship in key areas such digital health, genomics, health promotion (exercise, nutrition and mental health care), interprofessional care, cultural awareness, social determinants of health and population health.

B. Earl Salser, Jr., M.D., associate professor and director of medical student education in the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine within the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, will direct the Highlands program.

“We are thrilled to launch the Highlands Track within our UAB-Cahaba Family Medicine Residency and to welcome family medicine residents to UAB Hospital Highlands,” said Irfan Asif, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, associate dean for primary care and rural health and director of UAB’s primary care service line. “Family medicine physicians have such an important role to play in improving health care access and outcomes in Alabama. The students who come to Highlands will be part of a rising generation of physicians meeting those needs.”

“UAB is a national leader as an innovative academic medical center, and Cahaba Medical Care has a decade-long proven track record of community-based training, placement, and retention of physicians in rural and underserved locations, said John B. Waits, M.D., Program Director and DIO, Cahaba-UAB Family Medicine Residency. “As a UAB alumni and clinical faculty member, I’m honored to have worked with UAB and Dr. Asif in this next chapter of the joint venture of UAB and Cahaba Medical Care.”

The Cahaba-UAB Highlands program will start its first class of residents in July 2022, as an important next step in addressing the primary care workforce shortages in Alabama. Learn more about the program and how to apply.

Future family medicine physicians make up the largest chunk of the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine 2022 graduating class, with 23 physicians matched into family medicine residencies.

Photo: UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine

That percentage – 12.2% - is the largest share of graduates going into any one specialty, matched by 12.2% also going into internal medicine.

In total, 68 of the 189 members of the graduating class, or 36%, matched into primary care specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and medicine-pediatrics. One hundred percent of the graduating class matched into residency programs, another remarkable stat for the 2022 group of graduates.

“We are so proud of this class and excited to see so many students pursuing careers in family medicine and primary care,” said Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, associate dean for primary care and rural health and head of UAB’s primary care service line.

“Family medicine physicians can build strong relationships with patients and families over a lifetime of care and they can truly make a difference in their communities,” Asif said. “In general, Alabama is in dire need of more family medicine and primary care physicians and I applaud the graduates who have committed themselves to meeting that need.”

“The expanded number of our students entering into family medicine and primary care residencies is a tremendous result for our school and the state of Alabama,” said Craig J. Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for medical education. “UAB primary care physicians on every campus have served as superb role models and mentors for our students. Innovate longitudinal curricular programs such as the CU2RE program or the Rural Medical Scholars program have provided students interested in primary care with the opportunity for sustained engagement and professional development.”

The Department of Family and Community Medicine’s Comprehensive Urban Underserved and Rural Experience (CU2RE) program was established in 2020 to further build up the pipeline of primary care providers serving rural and urban underserved areas of Alabama. That program has now welcomed two cohorts of UAB Heersink students in their first and second year of medical school and, this summer, will host 13 undergraduate students in the inaugural CU2RE Primary Care Pipeline Program. Students benefit from mentoring and coaching, unique clinical experiences including a 10-patient panel, service opportunities, summer programming and more, all aimed at encouraging and equipping them to meet the need for primary care physicians in Alabama.

The Comprehensive Urban Underserved and Rural Experience (CU²RE) program is opening a new component to its mission—the CU²RE Primary Care Pipeline Program.

The pipeline program is designed to help undergraduate students from Alabama and neighboring states with pre-medical education and service-learning opportunities to encourage their interest in primary care and future practice in underserved urban and rural areas.

The program admitted its first cohort early this month, welcoming 12 undergraduate students who are interested in careers in medicine. Eight students currently attend UAB and will join students from Oakwood University and Alabama A&M University in Huntsville; Huntingdon College in Montgomery; and Samford University in Birmingham.

Sameera Davuluri, M.D., assistant professor, medical director of Hoover Family Medicine Clinic, will lead the program as its new director.

"I look forward to an enthusiastic and energetic group of students who are eager to dive in and engage in all the activities,” said Davuluri. “The program has summer and longitudinal activities, which are being uniquely designed and/or facilitated to the undergraduate students. We are committed to deliver the best experience to students and anticipate students will enjoy being a part of the program.”

Davuluri said that she believed primary care providers are the backbone of health care and that programs like the CU²RE Pipeline Program will make it easier to funnel more candidates into medical school from rural or urban underserved backgrounds who may not have the resources needed to get into a four-year medical program.

“Getting into medical school is not a straightforward process, especially if you have limited resources-- which could be socioeconomic factors, distance, lack of guidance and role models,” she said. “I have a great opportunity in my role to help create an impact highlighting the importance of primary care physicians and to guide future generations to pursue their dreams of going to medical school.”

The program is open to sophomores and juniors who are enrolled in four-year degree program and interested in applying to medical school. The program works best for those who plan to take a gap year in between undergraduate graduation and medical school. Students must also be from a medically underserved community or rural area.

After being accepted into the program, students will be given the tools needed for a successful medical school application, opportunities to tour medical facilities and shadow primary care providers, educational experiences and guided discussions, mentorship from current medical students and more.

"Our pipeline program will ensure that even more students interested in medical careers will have access to mentorship and resources,” said Adrienne Fowler Payne, program director for CU²RE. “Each of our programs creates more opportunities to address the primary care practitioner shortage in our state, and we look forward to working with our new group of pipeline students beginning this summer.”

For many students coming from underserved backgrounds, the challenges and rigor of a medical education can be hard to navigate without support. The pipeline program will provide that support, in the form of mentorship from current medical students and faculty members, along with resources and training that can help students prepare for their next steps in education.

Applications are currently closed but the program will begin accepting applicants for its next cohort in early 2023. Visit the program’s webpage to learn more.

Sumayah Abed, M.D., assistant professor and practitioner at the Hoover Family Medicine clinic, Felicia Boyd, R.N., nurse manager at the Highlands Family Medicine clinic, and Annie Shedlarski, R.N., nurse manager at the Hoover Family Medicine clinic, were recently named UAB Patient Experience Heroes.

The award, given by UAB Medicine’s Office of Patient Experience and Engagement (OPXE), during Patient Experience Week, recognizes employees who help provide an exceptional experience for UAB patients and families, including both clinical and non-clinical faculty and staff members who consistently go above and beyond to show compassion, prioritize patients and offer a great patient experience.

Abed’s nomination noted her exceptional patient experience scores, as well as the extra work that she put in to translate important medical documents into Arabic for her Arabic-speaking patients, a resource now available to all UAB providers. In addition to the translation project, Abed also regularly volunteers in the community and works weekly at Cooper Green. She has advocated for quality patient care and, specifically, women’s health during episodes of UAB’s Medcast.

Every day, her nominator wrote, Abed “shows compassion and understanding as she puts her patients first every day in both her clinical and academic positions.”

Boyd, nurse manager at the Highlands clinic, “regularly goes above and beyond in her daily task list and in cultivating an environment where patients are given excellent care,” according to her nomination.

Working with the medical director, Erin DeLaney, M.D., Boyd implemented a number of measures to improve the patient experience at Highlands during COVID-19 and beyond, despite numerous constraints. These initiatives include clinical staff trainings and workshops, lobby improvement projects aimed to provide patient education and improve communication, intake refinements, a new method of moving patients around the clinic to reduce wait times, and advocating for more space for clinical service.

Boyd’s leadership has also led to improvements in key patient experience scores, with the Highlands clinic now receiving its first Level 5 score and highest to-date.

Shedlarski is a tireless advocate for both patients and her team. Her clinical team, whom she manages as the nurse manager at UAB Hoover Family Medicine, has been named in the Top 10 of all UAB clinics and regularly receives both clinical and patient experience excellence awards since it opened in 2019. In 2021, the Hoover team earned an average of 9-10 out of 10 from 95.3% of patients on clinic staff satisfaction.

“Annie is a compassionate supervisor and patient advocate. She is quick to spot opportunities to improve the care and health of her patients through various studies and programs that the department participates in,” Shedlarski’s nomination noted.

She also works as an informal mentor for other managers across the UAB enterprise to train and equip others to have teams as successful as her team in Hoover, further improving patient care models beyond her clinic.

“She is a compassionate and selfless leader, and a huge part of why Hoover is able to provide such a great experience for UAB patients.”

"I am so proud to see Sumayah, Felicia and Annie's work recognized," said Irfan Asif, M.D., department chair, associate dean for primary care and rural health and director of UAB's primary care service line. "They each do so much for our patients and for their colleagues and are truly inspiring in the way that they go about their work, advocate for their patients and take care of their teams. I am thankful for each of them and all they do."

Family medicine physicians in the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine are answering some frequently asked questions about common health concerns on social media.

Here is a recap of the questions covered in April:

How does sleep impact my overall health? How much sleep should I be getting each night?

Sleeping is vital for your overall health. B. Earl Salser Jr., M.D., associate professor and director of Medical Student Education, explains why we need to sleep more.B. Earl Salser, M.D.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 3 adults are not getting enough sleep on a daily basis.

"The general consensus of medical sleep experts is that adults should get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly for optimal health benefits,” Salser said. “Sleeping less than 7 hours has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression, and increased risk of death.”

Salser notes that lack of sleep is also is connected with an impaired immune system, poor job performance, poor concentration and a greater risk of accidents.

“Infants, children and adolescents have various levels of necessary sleep that benefit their health, brain development and school performance,” Salser said. “This can range from 8-16 hours dependent on age.”

Salser suggests consulting your family doctor or pediatrician regarding the number of hours of sleep to provide the maximum health benefits to your child or adolescent’s growth and development."

How much water do I really need to drink every day?

Ksenia Blinnikova, M.D., MPH, assistant professor, shares her answers about daily water intake.

Ksenia Blinnikova, M.D.Beverages have a significant impact on one's dietary quality, Blinnikova said. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, mood changes, constipation and kidney stones.

Water is one of the most important and beneficial beverages and getting enough water every day is important for your health, Blinnikova said.

“The daily fluid intake (total water) is the amount of water consumed from foods, plain drinking water and other beverages,” Blinnikova said. “On average men should consume 2.5L/day (around 80 oz) and women 1.6L/day (54 oz) of water.”

Blinnikova explains that the amount of recommended water consumption depends on a lot of things: physical activity, overall health and medical conditions, medications, diet, ambient temperature, humidity to name a few.

Blinnikova suggests talking to your primary care provider and getting more specific advice on the water intake that is recommended for you.

I want to have a baby soon. What should I do to make sure my body is ready?

If you’re considering pregnancy, pre-pregnancy health can increase the chances of getting pregnant and prevent complications. Sumayah Abed, M.D. and assistant professor, shares her answers about pre-pregnancy health.

Abed says that a pre-conception visit is recommended to talk about how to maintain a healthy pregnancy.Sumayah Abed, M.D.

“Patients who are considering pregnancy should be sure they are taking folic acid a few months before conception, eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising regularly,” Abed said.

According to the CDC, women of reproductive age can take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid a day. Folic acid is a B vitamin and is important in cell growth and red blood cell formation. Folic acid is crucial in pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. Foods rich in folic acid include dark leafy green vegetables, oranges, lemons, bananas, strawberries, beans, peas and nuts.

Abed says patients should also prioritize getting plenty of sleep and stop behaviors such as smoking and drinking alcohol or consuming large quantities of caffeine. The American Pregnancy Organization recommends limiting caffeine intake to 200 mg a day.

Abed suggests that those with pre-existing conditions or family history of hypertension, diabetes, mental illness and others should talk with their providers about treatment options during pregnancy before becoming pregnant.

I think I hurt myself exercising. what are some things I can do to treat a minor injury at home?

Exercising is a great way to keep your physical and mental health in great condition. Injuries while working out can happen but don’t let it from keeping you from exercising. Heath Hale, M.D., MPH, associate professor, director of the Sports Medicine Clinic at Student Health Services, and UAB Athletics medical director, explains how to treat a minor injury.

Heath Hale, M.D."First, assess the severity of the injury by asking a few questions: Does it cause significant dysfunction (i.e., can you bear weight on the limb/area, can you move it without significant pain?), is there swelling and is the pain manageable by over-the-counter medicines at home,” Hale said.

Hale says if the injury cannot bear weight and the pain is not manageable at home, seek medical care as soon as possible.

After evaluating the injury, implement some measures to avoid further injury such as applying a brace or bandage (depending on the injury), Hale says.

“Next, control pain, swelling and acute inflammation by applying ice and resting the injured area,” Hale said. “If you are feeling ok to treat it at home, use recovery training such as light stretches and basic range of motion exercises once the acute pain and swelling have decreased.”

Hale suggests talking with your doctor if you have further questions or are concerned that your injury is more serious than a sprain or strain.

For weekly answers to more frequently asked questions, follow the Department of Family and Community Medicine on social media.

Written by Kenia Hernandez

April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the many contributions Arab Americans have made to U.S. history and culture and to learn more about Arab American heritage. For Sumayah Abed, M.D., assistant professor in UAB’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, the month offers an occasion to reflect on her own journey and on the contributions Arab Americans have made to medicine.

Abed, who was born in Iraq, practiced medicine in several countries in the Middle East before emigrating to the U.S. with her husband. She now practices at the UAB Hoover Family Medicine Clinic, treating both adult and pediatric patients and particularly expanding the department’s focus and expertise in women’s health care. She is also a faculty advisor and diversity liaison for the department.

Abed treats many Arab American patients and recently used her own time to translate important medical documents into Arabic so that Arabic-speaking patients can better understand their diagnoses and what they need to do to stay healthy. These translated documents are now available to all UAB providers.Sumayah Abed, M.D.

Reflecting this month, Abed shared an article written by Ahmed Asfari, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Division of Pediatric Cardiology. In the piece, Asfari discusses Arab American identity and Arab and Arab Americans’ contributions to medicine beginning centuries ago, including research advancements and innovations in the delivery of care, such as divisions of “outpatient” and “inpatient” medicine, in-hospital pharmacies and in-hospital training programs.

“As we celebrate the month of April as Arab American Heritage Month, I echo Dr. Asfari’s article about the role played by Arab Americans in the last two centuries, not only in the health care but in all aspects of life in the U.S.,” Abed said. “UAB is an example of organization that has a large number of academic and clinical health staff of Arabic descent who have greatly contributed to the progress of the institution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of Arab American physicians worked on the frontlines here at UAB and nationwide.”

Abed, of course, is among those on the frontlines. Currently, she is also involved in UAB’s Post-COVID Treatment Program, seeking to help patients experiencing lingering COVID-19 symptoms.

Looking back at COVID and beyond, Abed is proud of the work she and her UAB colleagues have done, particularly when it comes to reaching underserved populations.

“I am proud to be a part of UAB, which helps me serve the diverse population of Birmingham and the state of Alabama,” she said. “Being an Arabic-speaking physician has allowed me to have efficient communication with patients speaking Arabic. I have also been able to build a repository of educational materials for the common clinical conditions in Arabic that can be used by clinicians at UAB. Given my background of working in different countries overseas, I enjoy working in an ethnically and culturally diverse community like Birmingham and to serve the underprivileged population here.”

She and Asfari both point out that a lack of documentation, including when Arab Americans are classified as white in some data, can make recognizing and serving that population more difficult.

“The lack of proper documentation of Arab Americans as they are classified as White making it difficult to estimate their contribution to the society including the health care system in the US.,” Abedsaid. “As a minority, Arab Americans are exceeding 3.5 million and they share ethnically common health needs”

Department leadership, sports medicine faculty and fellows attended the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine’s (AMSSM) annual conference in Austin, Texas this month. Department team members contributed research poster presentations, podium presentations, conference lectures and roundtables throughout the five-day event.

Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the department and associate dean for primary care and rural health, is the AMSSM Collaborative Research Network chair and leads the organization’s research and research-based educational initiatives. Asif presented several times at the conference and led the academic interest group sessions.

"My favorite part of the conference was getting a chance to see people in person after several years of Zoom-only,” he said. “It was great to share stories about sports medicine and to think about the future direction of the discipline.”

Asif and other faculty members were also there to recruit new fellows and support the current class as they presented research.

“Beyond the information and guidance the establishment provides to sports medicine physicians, it is an outstanding outlet for networking for physicians and students at all levels,” said Ian McKeag, M.D., assistant professor and director of the Sports and Exercise Medicine Fellowship Program. “AMSSM also holds a sentimental value for me—my father is one of the founders of the organization.”

McKeag serves on the program planning committee for the 2023 conference as well as the fellowship, education and ultrasound committees.

Sports and Exercise Medicine fellows Matthew Miesch, M.D., left, Christian Muller, D.O., right, with fellowship director Ian McKeag, M.D., center.

According to Matthew Miesch, M.D., Sports and Exercise Medicine Fellowship Program fellow, AMSSM’s annual conference offers exciting educational and networking opportunities.

“AMSSM ensures that we are getting exposure to new and updated topics in sports medicine so that we can treat our athletes with the most accurate information,” said Miesch. “The networking opportunities also create communication links with some of the best sports physicians around the country.”

Miesch and Christian Muller, D.O., also a fellow, presented research findings from their curriculum and clinical work this year.

Muller noted that there was a lot to take in at the conference and that participants were able to explore topics related to college athletes, specific area injuries, ultrasound injections and more.

“AMMSM is important to my career because it is where the leaders in sports medicine come together to discuss new ideas and research,” Muller said.

Kim Fagan, M.D., associate professor and sports medicine division chief, commented on the personal value of the conference and organization as one of its charter members.

“I have had the opportunity to watch the society grow from the first meeting of approximately 100 members to now over 4500,” she said. “The scope and quality of the educational opportunities seem to improve each year, and the personal relationships I’ve developed over the past 31 years are what makes this a do-not-miss meeting for me.”

Calvin Spellmon, M.D., assistant professor said he attended several lectures that related to his current practice and gave him insight on how to handle future situations.

“I was able to meet with some peers from the diversity community to speak on different ways of diversifying not only sports medicine but the medical field in general,” Spellmon said. “I was also able to keep a longstanding tradition alive by playing in the annual basketball game with colleagues from all over. Lastly, I was able to get some much-needed R&R and spend time with family, friends, residency mentors, my fellowship director and fellow fellows, as well as networking and meeting new people.”

Learn more about the department’s sports and exercise medicine programs here, and visit the AMSSM website to learn more about the organization and its mission.

March was a month of awards as two Department of Family Medicine staff members were honored with UAB awards and Chinavia Prad, CMA, certified medical assistant lead at Hoover Primary Care, received a 2022 Ambulatory Clinical Nurse Excellence Award.

Learn more about each award recipient and their unique contributions to UAB and our department.

Shyla K. Fields Honored at 2022 Padma Awards

Shyla K. Fields, MBA, director of the department’s Office of Identity, Inclusion and Collective Conscience, was selected as the Outstanding UAB Staff Member by the UAB Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) as part of their 2022 Padma Awards.

The CSW, founded in 2005, works to ensure that UAB serves the needs of women faculty, staff and students and advocates for inclusiveness and equitable opportunities for all. The Padma Awards, previously the Outstanding Women Awards, honors those who go above and beyond to persevere in support of underrepresented populations at UAB and beyond.

Fields was nominated by department leadership for her work within I2C2 and student mentoring.

Shyla K. Fields, MBA

“Every part of [Field’s] daily work is motivated by her desire to support people who, through no fault of their own, have had to struggle in an unequal society,” noted the nominator. “Everyone in our department has learned from her example and we are fortunate to have her on our team.”

Fields and the other recipients of the awards were honored at a virtual ceremony on March 24.

“I am truly honored to get this award and to be nominated,” said Fields. “My work allows me to get to know my colleagues more on a personal basis and allows me to know the work that needs to be done. Seeing them see how we can embrace one another on a human level but also how we can be better practitioners in our fields-- it truly is uplifting to me. I am grateful to be seen and I look forward to continuing to do this work.”

Fields stewards departmental growth in areas of inclusion and equity by partnering with team members to create anti-oppression individualized development plans (AO-IDPs) designed to facilitate growth and personal awareness surrounding topics on anti-bias behaviors, community activation and healing and more.

Each recipient will receive a glass award hand-crafted by a local artist with unique color and design elements. The awards represent the Padma and the symbolic resilience and ability of the recipients to bloom in their areas of leadership.

For more information about I2C2, please visit their webpage.

Adrienne Fowler-Payne Among UAB VIP Award Honorees

Adrienne Fowler-Payne, MPA, program director of the Department of Family Medicine’s CU²RE program, was recently honored with a UAB VIP Award from the UAB Values in Action Program.

The award, formerly known as the UAB Employee of the Month Award, is presented quarterly to three UAB employees who exemplify or embody one or more of UAB’s core values, including integrity, respect, diversity and inclusiveness, collaboration, excellence and achievement, stewardship and accountability.

Adrienne Fowler-Payne, MPA

Fowler-Payne's nomination highlighted her work with the CU²RE, or Comprehensive Urban Underserved and Rural Experience program. Established in 2020 with a $7 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the program aims to increase the number of primary care and family medicine physicians practicing in rural and urban underserved communities. In her work as program director, Fowler-Payne stewards the grant funding, including an additional $5.2 million in supplemental funding awarded in 2021. She has helped grow the program – which welcomed its second cohort of medical students in January – across all of UAB’s campuses.

Fowler-Payne's nomination particularly focuses on her work upholding values of collaboration, excellence and achievement. As CU²RE program director, she regularly collaborates with faculty and staff across four campuses, bringing people together to encourage open dialogue while making decisions for the program. Her nomination said that she “seeks to understand problems from the point of view of all stakeholders and is quick to ask for clarification or provide it herself if needed to improve a situation. Her work connects people across campuses, professions and departments.”

Fowler-Payne has also played a key role in the excellent work produced by the CU²RE team so far. The program has been a finalist for an international education award at the ReImagine Education Conference and has nearly tripled in size since its inception, with 23 students in the program currently. Fowler-Payne leads planning for the logistics and requirements of each student’s program experience and collaborates with fellow CU²RE team members to ensure that each student has what they need to succeed in the program. In addition, she reports all grant expenditures, while documenting that the program is meeting and exceeding expectations of the HRSA grant.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this acknowledgment. Building a medical student education program during a global pandemic came with its challenges but I am proud of my contributions to the work we are doing. I am thankful to my supportive team members who have extended grace as I navigated my role as program director and have been open to learning and growing alongside me as we collaborate and work to develop engaging program activities for our students who have a heart to serve vulnerable populations within our community.”

Chinavia Prad, CMA, Receives 2022 Ambulatory Clinical Nurse Excellence Award

Prad, a certified medical assistant lead at Hoover Primary Care who also covers the Hoover Family Medicine clinic, received a 2022 Ambulatory Clinical Nurse Excellence Award.

The award is given by the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing “in recognition of a member’s excellence in nursing skills, knowledge, expertise and personal attributes that contribute to the delivery of quality patient care,” according to the academy’s website. Recipients receive a monetary prize and will be recognized at the academy’s upcoming annual conference in May.

Chinavia Prad, CMA, left, with Annie Shedlarksi, R.N., and Lia Williams

Prad began working for the Hoover clinic in 2018 and was promoted to her current role in 2021. She is currently completing a master’s of education degree in community health. In addition to her work at Hoover, Prad has contributed to the broader UAB community through her assistance with new hire orientation and by building connections with other clinics.

Annie Shedlarski, R.N., nurse manager at the Hoover Family Medicine clinic, called Prad, “delightful, articulate, eager to work and grow,” and a colleague who consistently demonstrates UAB’s core values.

“Chinavia is able to work independently as well as part of a team and can be relied upon to remain calm in tense situations,” Shedlarski said. “She has been instrumental in Hoover’s success, providing all onsite CCMA training and acting as a role model for all team members by providing excellent patient care and clinical support wherever needed.”

Prad said she was, “beyond honored and grateful to have received the 2022 Ambulatory Clinical Nursing Excellence award. Being a healthcare worker is extremely special to me. I take pride in helping people, whether it’s a patient, peer or stranger. Being recognized by UAB leadership as well as my peers is such a special feeling.”

Irfan Asif, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine, associate dean for primary care and rural health, and director of UAB’s primary care service line, was thrilled to see several team members’ work recognized.

“We see and appreciate this excellent work every day in our department and I am so glad that it is being spotlighted for the wider UAB community,” Asif said. “I am excited for Shyla, Adrienne and Chinavia and thankful for what they bring to our department, our patients and our community."

Written by: Kenia Hernandez

The Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) is a student-led organization that empowers medical students on campus to learn more about the family medicine specialty. FMIG is sponsored by the Department of Family and Community Medicine and funded by the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians Foundation and the Alabama Rural Health Board.

FMIG recently selected its 2022-2023 executive leadership team. The team includes four medical students, all in their second year, who will collaborate to plan events with their departmental advisor, Ksenia Blinnikova, M.D., MPH, assistant professor, to increase awareness and education in family medicine among their peers.

Sam Johnson, Devin Dobbins, Lauren Mims, Hudson Honeywell will serve the organization this year as executive leaders. New to FMIG this year, an advisory team will assist the leadership team in planning events. The advisory team is composed of medical students in their third and fourth year and includes Betty Trushaw, Ben Nelson, Shefa Suhaila, Yulianna Jimenez and Hana Habchi.

Learn more about the new student leaders:

Devin Dobbins

Why did you decide to get involved with FMIG?
I have a passion for family medicine and want to share what family medicine is and what you can do with it with my colleagues. 

What inspired you to pursue medicine?
I fell in love with family medicine after shadowing my family physician, and I see the need for more physicians in the rural areas of Alabama.  

What are you most looking forward to about being a doctor?
I plan on moving back to the area I grew up in, so I am looking forward to taking care of the people of my community that took care of me and shaped me into who I am today.   

What part of family medicine interests you the most?
Family medicine allows you to see all different types of patients, and you never know what a patient is going to come in with. 

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Hudson Honeywell

Why did you decide to get involved with FMIG?
I wanted to find one leadership position in medical school where I could invest myself.  My goal has been to become a family physician since the beginning of high school, so FMIG was a perfect fit.   

What inspired you to pursue medicine?
With my father being a family physician, I grew up seeing the impact he made in people’s lives. I knew that I also wanted to work in a field where I could be a part of changing lives and felt my gifts aligned well with medicine. I love working with people and I am the type of person that does not like when I do not know the answer to a question; medicine allows me the ability to help others while gaining a wealth of knowledge. There is a need for more primary care physicians and I believe my calling is to help fill that void.  

What are you most looking forward to about being a doctor?
I think the best thing about being a doctor will be the authority to ensure patients get the help they need. Not knowing how to help someone or not having the platform and credibility to get someone in a position to receive the help they need is a terrible feeling. As a physician, I will be able to directly care for patients and make sure patients who need assistance outside what I can provide get that care.   

What part of family medicine interests you the most?
I think the continuity of care is the most drawing factor of family medicine for me.  Developing relationships with generations of families is a special privilege that I look forward to taking part in. I want to create a deep and lasting impact in the lives of my patients and seeing them on a consistent basis should make goal possible. 

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Sam Johnson

Why did you decide to get involved with FMIG?
I have been interested in family medicine for a while and originally did not know that FMIG existed. When I first heard about it, I knew I wanted to get involved so I could meet other like-minded students, acquire more information on the specialty, and gain opportunities to volunteer. Knowing that I most likely want to be a family doctor, this was the perfect chance for me! 

What inspired you to pursue medicine?
Growing up, I often heard about what it’s like to care for people from my father who is a physical therapist. I saw how much he enjoyed helping others to solve their health problems and I think that was subconsciously instilled in me. As I went through school and even as I would go for check-ups to my primary care provider, it became clear to me that I was really interested in medicine. As I began to shadow physicians as an undergraduate, it was certain that I wanted to become one myself. 

What are you most looking forward to about being a doctor?
For me, my main draw to medicine is that very opportunity to help others heal and be there for them as a friend and supporter. I will really value my patients’ trust as their physician and will love being able to give them what they need to enjoy a healthy life. I’ve been lucky to see firsthand how much something like beneficial healthcare can impact a person and I think I would love nothing more than to get to do that.

What part of family medicine interests you the most?
I feel as though family medicine will give me the best opportunity to get to know my patients, especially over the long term. I love the idea of being able to see the same patients throughout their lives and provide care on a medical and personal level. 

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Lauren Mims

Why did you decide to get involved with FMIG?
I was excited to get involved with FMIG to learn more about the important role that family medicine physicians play in healthcare. There are so many different avenues to explore family medicine and ways that physicians can personalize their own practice styles to better fit the community they serve. I have enjoyed hearing from many family medicine doctors in our own community and learning about their stories. I

What inspired you to pursue medicine?
Many things have inspired me to pursue medicine, but I would say my family has played a large role. I look up to both of my parents who have such kind and compassionate hearts. I think they motivated me to have the same attitude about learning and life, and medicine seemed like the perfect career to put those things in to practice. 

What are you most looking forward to about being a doctor?
I most look forward to the opportunity to meet and learn about the people in the community I will serve in. I love having the opportunity to hear people’s stories. I am excited that family medicine is a field that allows you to develop strong patient relationships and be involved in supporting and caring for an entire community. 

What part of family medicine interests you the most?
I think the most exciting and interesting part about family medicine to me is the opportunity to reach communities that may not have always had available and reliable access to healthcare. I love the idea of being able to use my career as a way to provide preventative healthcare and support the foundational needs of others and their families. 

Tapan Mehta, Ph.D., M.S., is joining the Department of Family and Community Medicine as the department’s inaugural vice chair for research. He will also serve as a full professor for the department. Mehta started his research career as a graduate research assistant at UAB nearly 20 years ago and has served in various positions within UAB ever since. He started his new role with the department on April 1, 2022.

Tapan Mehta, Ph.D., M.S.

Mehta’s background includes degrees in engineering and biostatistics. His academic work informs his research as he seeks to build systems and utilize data in improving outcomes through targeted research projects that can help primary care providers address important needs in Alabama and beyond.

When asked why research is important to him, Mehta noted the impact that research allows him to have in his community.

“For me, it is all about impact and the ability to serve as leaders in primary care through research and innovation,” Mehta said. “Research offers the ability to learn what is working and what is helpful in patient care. It allows us to rigorously study and inform our teams on how to implement interventions and programs that can help our patients, and learn about how to effectively implement them.”

Mehta will lead the department’s research efforts and looks forward to working with clinical providers to smoothly bring more research into family medicine clinics.

“The first thing I am planning to do is build a robust infrastructure and facilitate the ability for our clinicians and researchers to do research. I want to make research an enjoyable experience for all members of our department.”

Mehta notes that, especially coming out of a pandemic, clinical providers are often stretched thin and adding research to their schedules can feel overwhelming.

“Mehta, serving as a principal investigator on several grants including an NIH-funded project seeking to identify and eliminate disparities in health care and has already begun working on protocols to increase research opportunities within the department—all with the end goal of creating change in the primary care landscape of the state.

“Grants and publications are important means to an end,” he said. “The objective is to use our research as a tool to deliver excellent patient care.”

Irfan Asif, M.D., professor and chair of the department, sees Mehta’s arrival as a big step for the department and the role it will play in shaping primary care for the next generation.

“Tapan is an excellent researcher and brilliant leader,” Asif noted. “One of our major goals for our department is to continue to become a leader in primary care education and research. Tapan’s experience and vision will help us do that.”

Mehta hopes to continue the research projects that are ongoing within the department, including partnerships with the UAB Departments of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Nutrition Sciences, and others, as well as grow the Alabama Practice-Based Research Network to expand research beyond the Birmingham campus to the department’s community partners across the state.

As UAB is a teaching and research hospital system, Mehta notes that patients should expect and partner with providers as they research.

“To me, it is about how we can improve Alabama’s primary care delivery through our research,” he said. “Sometimes the impact will be very direct through grants or creating access for treatments, but we will always benefit from the knowledge that our projects generate and that will inform our care models.”

In his free time, Mehta loves to travel and is passionate about music. He has performed as a vocalist at events hosted by local Indian community groups.

To learn more about research within the Department of Family and Community Medicine, please click here.

For some patients, long after the acute symptoms of a COVID-19 infection fade, lingering symptoms remain and can alter their day-to-day quality of life.

These “post-COVID” symptoms can vary, from fatigue, dyspnea (difficult breathing), chest pain or palpitations to continued loss of smell or taste, body aches, headaches, trouble sleeping or brain fog and difficulty concentrating. Whatever their symptoms, many post-COVID patients experience one similar frustration. It is very hard to find answers and treatment for a condition that is so new and that scientists and health care providers are still learning about.

That is where UAB Medicine primary care physicians can play a role. In November 2020, about eight months after COVID hit the United States, UAB Medicine launched a multidisciplinary Post-COVID Treatment Program to help patients experiencing these lingering symptoms. The program consists of specialists, including neurologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, psychiatrists and more, and primary care providers such as Sumayah Abed, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and a clinician at UAB Medicine Hoover Primary & Specialty Care.

In addition to her regular patients, Abed now sees post-COVID patients referred to her for symptoms that persist more than 12 weeks after the initial illness. She walked us through four key points to keep in mind about post-COVID syndrome, which varies but on average affects about 15-30% of COVID patients in some way.

The symptoms can vary widely and might be unexpected.

To be eligible for the post-COVID program, patients must be at least three-four weeks post-COVID infection and experiencing ongoing symptoms. Many patients considered to be experiencing post-COVID syndrome have ongoing symptoms at least 12 weeks out from infection.

Sumayah Abed, M.D.

In her time treating patients with lingering post-COVID symptoms, Abed has seen a wide variety of issues. Some patients experience ongoing problems with “typical” COVID symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath. Others experience more neurological problems – headaches, brain fog, trouble concentrating, dizziness, irritability, loss of taste or smell or strange tastes or smells. Still others have cardiac symptoms, such as heart palpitations or chest pain, or problems with excessive sweating, trouble sleeping, or psychological complaints of anxiety, depression and PTSD. Many patients experience multiple symptoms at one time.

Though researchers and providers are still looking into the causes of these symptoms, Abed said they most often occur in patients who were hospitalized during the acute phase of their illness or who had a severe case even without hospitalization. Providers suspect that many of the symptoms could be due to the extreme inflammation that COVID triggers in the body, seemingly system-wide.

“During COVID, most of [a patient’s] inflammatory markers go up,” Abed said. “Chronic inflammation (post-viral) and excessive autoimmune or organ damage due to acute illness could contribute to post-COVID syndrome. These are some of the theories.”

Primary care providers can help diagnose, manage and refer.

For many post-COVID patients, managing all of their symptoms, from pulmonary to neurological, can get tricky. That is where a primary care provider can help. As a family medicine physician, Abed can take a holistic look at the patient’s symptoms and health history, run tests, discuss diet, sleep and exercise habits, provide treatment where possible and refer the patient to other UAB specialists as needed.

“When I am evaluating a patient with post-COVID symptoms, I will take a history of their illness, including the severity of the acute phase, if they were hospitalized and what treatments, such as oxygen or antibodies infusion, were used,” Abed said. “We will talk about how symptoms changed over time, what is mainly bothering them now and do a systemic-based examination.”

The examination might include respiratory tests, oxygen saturation levels, walking tests to check for shortness of breath, EKG or other cardiac testing, and any necessary labwork or imaging, such as chest X-rays or CT scans. There is no definitive test specifically for post-COVID syndrome.

Then, Abed will evaluate the case and use mainly supportive treatment that can include rehabilitation, such as cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation for those with dyspnea (trouble breathing) or chest pain. She discusses a healthy diet, programmed exercise and getting enough sleep. Then she will follow up with the patient to see if the symptoms resolved. For cases that are not improving or worsening, or have abnormal work-ups, she will refer the patient to a cardiologist, neurologist or other specialist, sharing the facts of the case and streamlining and expediting care as much as possible.

Mental health is an urgent issue.

Psychological concerns play a huge role in treating post-COVID patients, according to Abed.

“We have seen a spike in depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms,” she said. “Not only were these patients infected with COVID, often experiencing severe illness, many of them also had friends and family members who were infected or who died. All of that is connected, emotionally and physically.”

For patients needing mental health treatment, Abed refers them to Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and a clinical health psychologist and clinical scientist or to another mental health provider at UAB Medicine. She can also help patients begin to seek mental health care through their employer or connect them to supportive groups.

“For many patients, it is very important for them to connect with a psychologist and/or psychiatrist,” Abed said.

Post-COVID treatment for children is a growing need.

Looking forward, Abed sees an expanding need for post-COVID programs for children, who were affected by the hyper-contagious omicron variant and who, if they are under the age of five, are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.

“Unfortunately, in this latest surge, we saw more cases in children,” Abed said. “I think there is a need for a post-COVID program specifically for them.”

Patients who want to learn more about UAB’s Post-COVID Treatment Program can call 205-975-1881. Both UAB and community physicians can refer patients to the Post-COVID Treatment Program. For more information, visit https://www.uabmedicine.org/covid.

Written by Kenia Hernandez

Asking your doctor questions and being informed is an important part of being an active participant in your health. Over the last four weeks, family medicine physicians in the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine shared their answers to some of the most common questions that patients have. Here is a recap of the questions covered in March:

1. I want to eat healthier but don't know where to start. What are three foods I should eat that would make my diet better?

Having a healthy diet lowers your risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Eating healthier is a critical part of your health, but figuring out what foods are best to eat may be overwhelming. Caroline Cohen, Ph.D., R.D., assistant professor, recommends adding avocado, berries, and Greek yogurt into your diet. Cohen notes that avocado is high in healthy fat that improves heart health, and they are rich in potassium and magnesium.

“Berries are a great concentrated source of antioxidants, which help protect our body’s cells,” Cohen said. “They are also among the lowest in sugar content and highest in fiber, making them a great choice for managing blood glucose.”

Cohen noted that Greek yogurt, contains live active cultures (probiotics), which are important for gut and immune health, and a great source of protein.

2. What's the deal with supplements? Should I be taking them and if so, which ones?

Supplements include probiotics, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. Supplements come in many forms such as pills, powder and liquid. Kim Fagan, M.D., sports medicine division chief and assistant professor, shares her answers about what supplements to take:

"Ideally, we would all get our needed vitamins and minerals through a nutritious diet, but the reality is that nine out of 10 Americans don't get the recommended 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day that supply those vitamins and minerals,” Fagan said.

Supplements can help fill the nutritious gaps in patients’ diets. Fagan notes that a multi-vitamin is a good place to start, as well as considering a vitamin B complex and vitamin d3 supplement.

“Different stages of life also require more or less of something-- so talk with your doctor about specific needs for your age, reproductive or personal health goals," Fagan said.

3. What is the best type of exercise for a beginner to try?

Exercising has many benefits including combating health conditions and diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and depression. Exercising can also boost your energy, improve your mood and help you maintain a healthy weight. Calvin Spellmon, Jr., M.D., sports medicine physician and assistant professor, shares his advice regarding the best type of exercise for beginners.

“Walking is the best type of exercise for anyone to try, especially beginners because you can go at your own pace. Spellmon said. “You don't need any fancy equipment or a gym membership and it can be done literally anywhere.”

Spellmon notes that most people complete this exercise whether they want to or not. Spellmon suggests recommends walking on soft surfaces, wearing supportive shoes and orthotics if needed, and drinking fluids.

During your exercise make sure you warm-up and stretch before and after, gradually build up your distance and ice for recovery if needed. Spellmon recommends wearing bright colors for safety, keeping headphone volume low, avoiding high traffic areas, and letting someone know the route you are on.

4. As a woman, which screenings should I be talking to my doctor about?

Screenings and tests can spot critical conditions and diseases early on and are a major factor in preventive care. Female patients should know which screenings are recommended for them and when they need to get them. Erin DeLaney M.D., assistant professor and vice-chair of clinical afairs and quality and medical director of UAB Family and Community Medicine Clinic at UAB Hospital-Highlands shares her answers regarding women’s health screenings:

"Female patients should talk with their provider about the following important screenings: cervical cancer, with pap smears starting at age 21 and then every three to five years based on age and risk factors,” DeLaney said. “Breast cancer, with mammograms starting as early as age 40 for some women; and sexually transmitted diseases (STD), for those who are sexually active.”

DeLaney also suggests osteoporosis with bone density studies starting at age 65 or younger depending on risk factors; and skin cancer, hypertension and depression screenings.

The providers of the Department and Family Community take pride in answering your health needs and concerns including advice for a healthier diet, supplements, exercising and preventative screenings. Be on the lookout for more answered common health questions. For more helpful answers, follow the department on social media.

In preparation for the United States Football League (USFL) kickoff game on April 16, the UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine team, along with other UAB providers and volunteers, performed preseason physicals for the nearly 400 players who arrived in Birmingham in March. 

UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine will be the medical provider for the USFL during its inaugural 2022 season.The USFL is a professional football league that includes eight teams, divided into Northern and Southern divisions. All teams will play their regular season games in Birmingham, Alabama.

UAB providers and volunteers performed various exams for the players, including eye, EKG and concussion baseline exams, along with full physicals. UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine providers will also provide sideline medical coverage during all regular season games this year.

“It is an exciting time to be a sports medicine physician in Birmingham,” said Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, sports medicine physician and director of UAB Medicine’s Primary Care Service Line. “Our talented group of providers will be able to serve the USFL with comprehensive medical care, ensuring they are at their best on and off the field.”

Asif will serve as medical director for the league and will lead the USFL Medical Advisory Committee, made up of seven members from a variety of health-related disciplines. Two sports medicine providers from the Department of Family and Community Medicine will also serve as lead team physicians. Ian McKeag, M.D., M.S., director of the UAB-Cahaba Sports and Exercise Medicine Fellowship program, will be the head team physician for the Michigan Panthers, and Calvin Spellmon, M.D., will be the head team physician for the Pittsburgh Maulers. All members of the UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine team will support the team through sideline and outside medical care.

UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine, a partnership between the Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery [need PMR?], includes a team of experienced sports medicine physicians and orthopaedic surgeons that are able to provide top-level care that addresses every facet of personal wellness for the athletes. Medical team members also include personal trainers, dietitians, rehabilitation specialists and more.

“We are pleased to support the USFL, all of its teams, and all of its players,” said Amit Momaya, M.D., associate professor and section chief of Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “This is a gifted league of players who will get the best possible medical care from our team.”

To learn more about UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine, visit their website.