Over 100 million Americans are experiencing temperatures below 10°F, with the Southeastern U.S. seeing record lows, causing many individuals, especially those with joint pain, to feel the effects of the cold weather. As one University of Alabama at Birmingham orthopaedic surgeon explains, the low temperatures—coupled with changes in barometric pressure—can intensify symptoms of joint pain, leading to discomfort and stiffness, but these helpful tips can provide relief.

This December, the Heersink School of Medicine Office of Access & Engagement sought to connect with the medical community by learning about the season’s rich variety of holidays. In part three of our holiday series, we explore Christmas, celebrated worldwide for its message of love, generosity, and joy. To capture the spirit and significance of the holiday, we spoke with Monica Henderson, Administrative Director in Clinical Simulation, and Dominique McCray, Clinical Program Manager II in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, to learn more about how Christmas' themes of giving and togetherness resonate in their lives and work.

In Fall 2024, UAB Heersink School of Medicine announced the winners of the 2024 Dale J. Benos Medical Student Research Day (MSRD). All medical students were invited to present the results of their research projects and submit posters for judging.

Thirty-three individuals comprising seven teams recently graduated from UAB Medicine’s High Performing Care Collaborative summer 2024 program. The program, presented by UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office, recognized its graduates at a ceremony on Aug. 14, 2024. 

Hassan Ghomrawi, Ph.D., MPH, has joined the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine as an associate professor and the inaugural vice chair for Research and Innovation for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as associate director for the Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC).

Twenty-eight UAB employees recently graduated from the Emerging Leaders Series (ELS) Spring 2024 program. In its pilot year, the program, presented by UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO), recognized its first cohort of graduates at a ceremony on May 23, 2024.

In Birmingham, Alabama, the commitment to fostering the potential of young athletes extends far beyond the playing field. Thanks to the initiative spearheaded by James Jones, head athletic trainer for the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Birmingham City Schools, and Bama Wellness Advocacy, and from the financial support provided by the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine, a revolutionary nutrition program has been launched. This program not only emphasizes the significance of proper nutrition but also highlights the importance of self-wellness factors such as sleep, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall performance and well-being of student-athletes.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening event that can happen unexpectedly to anyone, including young individuals. Unlike a heart attack, SCA occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning, leading to unconsciousness and cessation of breathing. It's crucial to recognize the signs, understand the risks, and be prepared to take action, especially in sports and other high-risk settings.

Sara Gould, M.D., MPH, associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Camden Hebson, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, were recently featured as experts on ESPN’s SportsCenter regarding athlete Bronny James’ recent cardiac arrest.

Aaron Casp, M.D., and Amit Momaya, M.D., attended the Annual American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Conference in Washington, D.C. on July 13-16. Casp presented on cartilage injuries in elite athletes.

The one-day conference included talks on common running injuries and treatments, performance optimization, nutrition, mental health and more.

In the last several years, UAB Medicine and Heersink School of Medicine have worked to bring leadership development to faculty and staff through the UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership and Momentum in Medicine programs.

Medical Student Research Day celebrates the research accomplishments of medical students and provides them with the opportunity to present their projects to fellow students and faculty.