UAB is an ever-expanding community, and growth begins with leadership. That is why we are so proud that, from February 1-June 30, 18 new full-time faculty members joined the Heersink School of Medicine, and a number of existing faculty members assumed new leadership roles. Two examples of these dedicated, engaging, innovative and inspiring individuals who bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our school are Herbert Chen, M.D., FACS, and J. Victor Garcia-Martinez, Ph.D.
Herbert Chen, M.D., FACS, is the new senior associate dean for Academic Affairs in the Heersink School of Medicine, effective June 1
Herbert Chen, M.D., 2023.
Chen’s role focuses on developing and communicating a vision for the future that builds upon Heersink’s existing strengths in research,
clinical care, education, global health and biomedical innovation. Chen will also participate in the school’s Executive Committee to advise and recommend policies according to the school’s bylaws and work with department chairs, center and institute directors and other senior leaders to support new programmatic initiatives.
“There is so much excitement about the dean’s vision for the future of the Heersink School of Medicine,” said Chen, who serves as the chair of the Department of Surgery, holds the Fay Fletcher Kerner Chair of Surgery, and is the surgeon-in-chief of UAB Hospital. “I am honored to join Dean Agarwal’s Leadership Team.”
J. Victor Garcia-Martinez, Ph.D., has been named chair of the UAB Department of Microbiology. He will officially assume the role on August 1, 2023, pending provost approval.
J. Victor Garcia-Martinez, Ph.D.“I decided to join UAB because it is a first-rate institution in an upwards trajectory with no ceiling in sight,” he says. “I hope to bring a great deal of enthusiasm, optimism and energy to invigorate an already outstanding department with a historical track record that I feel honored to be part of.”
During his tenure at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Garcia-Martinez served as a founding member of the Diversity and Inclusion Council and the UNC Latinx Faculty Council Executive Board, and as a member of the UNC School of Medicine’s Diversity Council. He was also elected to the Board of Directors of the Society for the Advancement of Hispanos/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS).
“Dr. Garcia-Martinez has an outstanding track record in academic leadership, scientific excellence, education, collaborative biomedical research and extramural funding,” said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., dean of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. “His passion, expertise and talents will be integral to the future growth of our Department of Microbiology.”