As part of an ongoing commitment to invest in employee growth, the UAB Department of Neurosurgery continues its professional development series: Professional Development for All. This series, carefully crafted by administrative leaders in the department, provides valuable learning opportunities for faculty, advanced practice providers (APPs), staff and trainees.

At the end of the 2023 fiscal year, “professional development for all” was highlighted as a key goal moving forward. Now, the department has successfully turned this goal into a reality with quarterly events designed to foster continuous learning and development for its team.

Executive Administrator Donna Bailer, J.D., LL.M, expressed her enthusiasm for the series saying, “Many professional development programs are offered only to people who are already leaders. We want to do something different here by offering the same professional development opportunities to all in the department. We are investing time and money in the program and are excited to be investing in our entire team.”

Each quarter, the series covers a range of topics relevant to different aspects of professional development. Sessions include guest lectures and simple, hands-on and interactive activities. These events are led by leadership and growth experts, both from within UAB and from outside organizations.

The most recent session, “Job Crafting,” was led by David A. Rogers, M.D., MHPE, chief wellness officer in the UAB Medicine Office of Wellness. Rogers led session attendees in a discussion centered around increasing job satisfaction.

Jennifer Clements, MPH, a program director II in the Office of Research, said she learned that, while some job-related tasks are less desirable than others, delegating too many of these tasks to colleagues may lead to job apathy. Clements also learned that “stepping out of your comfort zone and volunteering for more responsibility” may improve job satisfaction.

“Also, it is important to be willing to work with a team to maximize job satisfaction,” said Taylor Brinkley, MS, a clinical researcher coordinator I in the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery.

The Department of Neurosurgery invites all faculty, APPs, staff and students to participate in this exciting series. With Professional Development for All, the department reaffirms its dedication to excellence in both patient care and professional development.