The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery held its annual Chief Resident Graduation Dinner on Friday, June 21, 2024, at The Florentine, bringing together residents, their families and faculty members for a night of celebration, recognition and reflection.

The Neurosurgery Residency Program chief residents for the 2023-2024 academic year included Nicholas Erickson, M.D., Adeel Ilyas, M.D., and James Mooney, M.D.

The Chief Resident Graduation Dinner is a time-honored tradition within the department, recognizing the accomplishments of its residents and the invaluable lessons they have learned while caring for patients, expanding their knowledge and participating in medical research.

James Markert, M.D., MPH, James Garber Galbraith Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery and Department of Neurosurgery professor opened the evening with a welcoming speech, highlighting the significant milestones achieved by the residency program and its trainees over the past year. “This chief dinner is a great opportunity for reflection and to think about the young men and women who have trained in this institution. Completing an entire training program in neurological surgery is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Markert. “I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to work with these men and women every day. They are a remarkable and superb group.”

Throughout the evening, several senior faculty members took the stage to share their thoughts and experiences working alongside the residents, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the lasting impact it has on the development of training physicians.

One of the night’s highlights was the presentation of awards. These accolades recognized residents who have demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership and dedication to their training and the field of neurosurgery. Among the award recipients were:

• The James “Buddy” Nobles Jr. Resident Education Award: Established in 2008, this award was presented by Charles A. and Patsy W. Collat Endowed Professor of Neurosurgery Mark Hadley, M.D., FACS, to PGY6 Neurosurgery Resident Travis Atchley, M.D. The criteria for this award includes professionalism exemplary of a neurosurgeon; exceptional clinical acumen; outstanding academic performance; perseverance, drive and commitment; and being a team player.
• The Beverly C. Walters Academic Achievement Award: Established in 2017, this award was presented by Markert to PGY6 Neurosurgery Resident Dagoberto Estevez, M.D., Ph.D. The criteria for this award includes an outstanding publication record for the academic year, both in quantity and quality; the creative development of clinically relevant, innovative research projects; outstanding work with co-residents; and leadership and role modeling through Journal Club participation, demonstrating an affinity for lifelong learning.
• The Award for Resident Leadership: Established in 2010, this award was presented by Neurosurgery Professor and Residency Program Director Curtis Rozzelle, M.D., to Chief Resident James Mooney, M.D. The criteria for this award includes promoting the art and science of neurosurgery; demonstrating outstanding clinical skills; offering leadership by word and example; and providing mentorship to junior residents.
• The W. Jerry Oakes Resident Teaching Award: This award is given by the chief residents to a faculty member chosen by them, who demonstrated a profound dedication and affinity for clinical and operative teaching at all levels of training. This year, the award was presented to Hadley.

The chief residents also received several special recognitions and certifications:

• The Mark N. Hadley UAB Chief Resident Recognition in Spinal Surgery: Hadley presented each chief resident with a commemorative plaque featuring real surgical spine hardware.
• Certificates of Residency from the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine: Rozzelle presented each chief resident with two certificates—one for completing a term of training in a neurosurgical residency program and another for completing a term of training as a chief resident in neurosurgery.
• Certificate of Residency from the Department of Veterans Affairs: Each chief resident received a certificate for completing a term of training as a neurosurgery resident at the Birmingham VA Health Care System.
• Custom art presentation: Griffith Harsh Endowed Professor of Neurosurgery Winfield Fisher III, M.D., presented each chief resident with a piece of custom art titled, “Life Savers.”

The graduating residents also had an opportunity to address the gathering, delivering heartfelt speeches that reflected on their journey and expressed gratitude to their families, colleagues and mentors.

Residents who are not yet graduating were invited to share a few words about their departing peers. Their remarks were filled with admiration and appreciation, highlighting the strong bonds formed during their time in the program.

The evening also included special recognition for the graduating pediatric fellow, Michael Feldman, M.D., and endovascular fellow, Chad Claus, D.O., who were commended for their specialized training and contributions to the department.

Professor and Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery Director Jeffrey Blount, M.D., MPH, Professor James Johnston, M.D., and Rozzelle offered appreciation for Feldman’s exceptional work and commitment to patient care and patient advocacy efforts.

As the event drew to a close, Markert concluded with a final note of congratulations, well wishes and encouragement.

The Chief Resident Graduation Dinner is a testament to the dedication, resilience and excellence of the department’s residents and faculty. The event not only honors their achievements but reinforces the department’s commitment to advancing the field of neurosurgery through education, research and patient care.

For more information about the Department of Neurosurgery Residency Program, visit https://www.uab.edu/medicine/neurosurgery/education.