Two alumni of the UAB Department of Otolaryngology who passed away in late 2024 and early 2025 leave an indelible mark on not only the legacy of the department, but on the field of otolaryngology as a whole.
Kristopher F. Lay, M.D., an alumnus of the 2013 residency class, passed away on Dec. 6, 2024. David A. Kropf, II, M.D., an alumnus of the 2000 residency class, passed away on Jan. 23, 2025.
“They were both very solid—huge contributors to the program,” said Glenn Peters, M.D., who served as director of the Division of Otolaryngology from 1992 to 2012. “The whole department is expressing their condolences for their loss, and our prayers are with their families.”
In memory: Dr. Kristopher Lay
Lay, a native of Dothan, Alabama, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Bachelor of Health Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida, where he also played football as a defensive back for two years, including as part of the 1991 SEC Championship team. It was at the University of Florida, through the UF Fellowship of Christian Athletes, that Lay met his wife, Simone Allen, whom he married in 1994.
Lay went on to earn his medical degree from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, where his first child, Emery, was born his senior year. The family then moved to Birmingham for Lay’s residency in otolaryngology at UAB, during which his son, Asa was born. After residency, the family moved to Valdosta, Georgia, where Lay practiced for seven years and where he and Simone welcomed their third child, Aubrie. Lay returned to Birmingham in 2013 and entered private practice with Michael Sillers, M.D., at the Alabama Nasal and Sinus Center.
As Lay’s longtime business partner and friend, Sillers said Lay served as an inspiration to him and others around them.
“Dr. Lay loved God, loved and served his family, and was deeply committed to patient care,” Sillers said. “His work ethic in all aspects of life was an example for all of us. He is deeply missed.”
John Pezold, M.D., served as chief resident along with Lay in 2006. He met Lay in July 2001 as they began their otolaryngology residency at UAB.
“Dr. Lay was a compassionate and caring physician,” Pezold said. “It was a privilege to be his friend and colleague. He was a very devoted husband and father, and he will be missed.”
In memory: Dr. David A. Kropf, II
Kropf, a native of Kirksville, Missouri, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Missouri in 1991 and his medical degree in 1995, graduating Magna Cum Laude and as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha. He moved to Birmingham for his residency at UAB in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, which he completed in 2000. Along the way, he met his wife, Terri, with whom he had his daughter, Mari, and sons, Neal, Jack, and Otto.
Following his residency, Kropf practiced in Saint Joseph, Missouri, and then returned to Birmingham to practice at UAB Medical West Hospital. Most recently, Kropf was practicing in Columbia, Missouri.
Christopher Paskowski, M.D., was an otolaryngology resident at UAB at the same time as Kropf, graduating one year after Kropf in 2001. He remembers Kropf’s love of music, passion for University of Missouri athletics, and devotion to his wife, Terri, and family.
“They had a wonderful family together, and we were able to visit them in 2002 in St. Josephs, Missouri, and he hosted us in Columbus for Oklahoma vs. Missouri football,” Paskowski recalled. “We also had a great time with them at the Big 12 basketball tournament in Oklahoma City in 2009 when Mizzou won. David was a caring physician and respected resident. I miss him greatly.”
Cristy (Richter) Buckman, M.D., was also a graduate of the 2001 UAB Otolaryngology residency class and said that Kropf was “like a big brother” to her.
“He was a year ahead of me, which felt like a whole universe of ENT knowledge and experience, but still a junior resident so not so intimidating to be able to ask questions,” Buckman said.
Buckman described Kropf as a “friend and mentor, quick to help and give advice.” She also remembers his sense of humor and love of music, as well as his determination to help others.
“He had endless energy to help others,” Buckman said. We were always so busy in residency; time off is precious. But he took time to help me move into my first house.”
David Rosenstiel, M.D., also a 2001 UAB Otolaryngology residency alumnus, echoed the fact that Kropf was a supportive colleague and friend.
“He was senior to me, and I learned a lot from him,” Rosenstiel said. “He was such an empathetic and gentle physician. He was kind and had a great sense of humor. And I will always remember his fondness for music, especially Phil Collins. I know he will be missed by many.”
Susan McCammon, M.D., Ph.D., John W. Poyner Endowed Professor in Otolaryngology and director of the Division of Head and Neck Oncology, remembers Kropf fondly from her own time during residency at UAB.
“Dr. Kropf was one of my upper-level residents when I was an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery resident at UAB between 2000 and 2003,” McCammon said. “I remember his very dry sense of humor and how unflappable he was. Calling him at night on call always promised some good perspective and a pragmatic, calm demeanor. I worked with him at Children’s Hospital and on the head and neck service at UAB, and I know that he was one of the most compassionate physicians I have ever known.”