The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery proudly celebrates Thank a Resident Day, recognizing the dedication, hard work and sacrifices of our neurosurgical residents.

Medical residents are vital to healthcare, balancing patient care, research and collaboration. Neurosurgical residency is especially demanding, requiring long hours, rigorous training and deep commitment. Thank a Resident Day, observed on February 28, 2025, was established by the Gold Humanism Honor Society to honor residents’ dedication and sacrifices.

At UAB Neurosurgery, our residents play a key role in advancing patient care, research and medical leadership. They tirelessly contribute to innovation and quality improvement, representing our department with excellence, day, night and even holidays. Their dedication shapes the future of neurosurgical care.

Words of appreciation from our residency program leaders

• Curtis Rozelle, M.D., Director: “Our neurosurgical trainees are the hardest working, most dedicated residents in the entire medical center. Every day of the week/month/year should be ‘thank a resident day’ in UAB Neurosurgery.”
• Nicole Bentley, M.D., Associate Program Director: “Neurosurgery residents are the engine of our department, balancing intense training with an unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care. We are deeply grateful for their hard work and dedication and recognize that they allow us to do our jobs to the fullest.”
• Brandon Rocque, M.D, MS, Assistant Director Emeritus: “Neurosurgery is a tough business. The patients have difficult problems, the work is hard, and there are lots of things that can go wrong. The front line for all of this is the neurosurgery residents. Every day they tirelessly lead the charge in caring for the patients, managing the service, and striving for excellence.”

Other program leaders include: Chair of Neurosurgery James Markert, M.D., MPH, Program Director Emeritus Mark N. Hadley, M.D., Director of Medical Student Education Marshall Holland, M.D., MS, and Program Coordinator Chloé Ward.

Meet our chief residents

The UAB Neurosurgery Residency Program is a rigorous seven-year training program that prepares future neurosurgical leaders. Residents gain hands-on experience in a high-volume medical center, progressing in patient care and surgical management. With a strong focus on education, innovation, and leadership, UAB provides the foundation for success in both academic and clinical neurosurgery.

To our residents - Thank you for all you do!

To learn more about UAB Neurosurgery residency program, click here.