Heersink School of Medicine News

UAB Heersink School of Medicine attends 2024 Learn Serve Lead conference

The Association of American Medical Colleges hosted its annual Learn Serve Lead conference Nov. 8-12, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference gathered leaders and professionals from across academic medicine to discuss pertinent issues in health and health care. The UAB Heersink School of Medicine was represented at the conference by a variety of deans, faculty, staff, and students. Winter Williams, M.D., co-director of the Clinical Reasoning and Integrated Skills Program, graciously agreed to detail his experience and provide insight into his takeaways from the 2024 conference.

UAB Heersink School of Medicine clinical training curriculum evolves to meet modern demands of medical education

In 2023, UAB Heersink School of Medicine piloted a new approach to clinical skills education for students. The Clinical Reasoning and Integrated Skills Program (CRISP) was launched to address the evolving demands of medical education nationwide. The move highlights the Heersink School of Medicine’s commitment to preparing future physicians with cutting-edge teaching and learning methodologies.

Goepfert receives ACGME’s Parker J. Palmer Courage to Lead Award

Alice Goepfert, M.D., professor in OB/Gyn and Maternal-Fetal Medicine and associate dean for GME/Designated Institutional Official (DIO), has been named by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) as a recipient of the Parker J. Palmer Courage to Lead Award. The ACGME announced its decision on October 22, 2024 and will honor the two recipients at the 2025 ACGME Annual Educational Conference February 20-22, 2025.

UAB Graduate Medical Education celebrates the opening of its GME Wellness Center

In August 2024, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education office hosted a grand opening for its newly completed GME Wellness Center. The celebratory open house was attended by Heersink School of Medicine deans, faculty, UAB Hospital residents and fellows.

Gavin aims to grow premier biomedical programs at UAB

Cristin Gavin, Ph.D., serves as associate dean for undergraduate biomedical programs for the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. In this role, she has fostered thriving opportunities for UAB students, many of whom matriculate into medical schools, through the programs she oversees.

Heersink School of Medicine celebrates 2024 White Coat Ceremony

On August 10, 2024, members from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine incoming MS1 class gathered with friends, family, faculty, and staff to celebrate the White Coat Ceremony. The annual ceremony is the first milestone event for medical students, honoring the receiving of their white coats. The ceremony took place at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham, AL and was facilitated by Heersink School of Medicine leadership from each of its campuses.

Upcoming Access to Volker Hall

Work has begun on a transformational renovation to Volker Hall’s entrance to create a modern atrium. Due to this construction, the primary entrance into Volker Hall, located at the corner of 16th St and University Blvd, has closed until further notice. This includes the entrance itself, the exterior stairway, a portion of the sidewalk, and the pedestrian crosswalks leading to Volker across both University Blvd and 16th St. S.

Heersink School of Medicine hosts 2024 Commencement ceremony

On May 18, 2024, UAB Heersink School of Medicine hosted its 2024 Commencement ceremony at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, to celebrate its 169 graduating medical students.

Heersink School of Medicine hosts POCUS trainings in partnership with the Global Ultrasound Institute

Since October 2023, Heersink School of Medicine’s Department of Medical Education has hosted several faculty training sessions in partnership with the Global Ultrasound Institute (GUSI). GUSI aims to equip medical professionals with skills to effectively use Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) devices.

Craig Hoesley, M.D., participates in AAMC-sponsored U.S. Congressional briefing

On April 9, 2024, an AAMC-sponsored briefing was held in a U.S. Congressional session to examine the impact of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, 2021). UAB’s Craig Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for Medical Education, participated as one of three panelists representing health systems and hospitals that have benefited from the legislation.

Phillip Pinyan