The UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Division of Gynecologic Oncology announces a transition in leadership within the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship program. After a remarkable and long-standing tenure of 14 years, J. Michael Straughn, Jr., M.D., has made the decision to step down as the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Director. We extend our deepest appreciation for his outstanding contributions to the field and his unwavering commitment to the program's success.
“Dr. Straughn is truly one of a kind," said Warner Huh, M.D., FACOG, FACS, professor and Chair of the UAB Department of OB/GYN. "He and I were co-fellows together and benefited from an amazing training experience and culture. Over the past 14 years, he has turned up the dial and transformed the fellowship into consistently one of the very best gynecologic oncology training programs in the world. Most importantly, he has a remarkable talent for carefully listening, understanding, and implementing changes that are important and meaningful to the training program. This may sound straightforward but it is far from it. Further, he has been able to consistently maintain high standards and expectations, which in turn has resulted in highly skilled gynecologic oncologists throughout the US. I personally want to say ‘thank you’ and know that dozens of past fellows want to say the same.”
Throughout his tenure as fellowship director, Straughn has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of gynecologic oncology care at UAB. His expertise, passion, and dedication have helped shape numerous promising careers, as well as further the understanding and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Straughn's leadership and mentorship have been invaluable assets to the program and have positively impacted countless lives.
“Dr. Straughn has been instrumental in keeping UAB's Gynecologic Oncology fellowship as one of the top programs in the nation,” said Teresa Boitano, M.D., Gynecologic Oncology Fellow, PGY7. “He always demands excellence, sets the highest standards, and strives to bring the best patient care for every woman we treat. He has been an outstanding mentor and has always pushed me to be a better surgeon and physician than I thought I could be. I’m very grateful to have been trained by him and will never be able to thank him enough for the impact he’s had on who I’ve become as a physician. Kobe Bryant once said ‘I think the definition of greatness is to inspire the people next to you.’ Dr. Straughn has inspired countless residents and fellows to be better surgeons, physicians, and human beings. Thank you, Dr. Straughn!”
Under Straughn's leadership, the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship program has flourished: attracting top talent and maintaining a reputation for excellence. His commitment to the education and professional development of fellows has set a high standard of comprehensive, patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. His efforts have contributed significantly to advancing the field of gynecologic oncology and establishing UAB as a leader in the specialty.
Per Charles A. (Trey) Leath, III, M.D., Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, “Impressively, greater than 50% of Dr. Straughn’s fellowship graduates remain in Academic Medicine and are in impressive leadership roles across the country, including Residency Program Directors, multiple Division Directors, with trainees at Comprehensive Cancer Centers to include not only the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) at UAB but also at Roswell Park CCC in Buffalo, New York, Winship CCC in Atlanta as well as the Masonic CCC in Minneapolis. This acts as a literal force multiplier where UAB trainees continue to train the next generation of Gynecologic Oncologists.”
While we fully recognize his role as Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Director, it is with great pleasure that we announce Haller J. Smith, M.D., as his successor. Smith is a highly esteemed physician and researcher who has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to gynecologic oncology and the training of future specialists.
“It has been an honor and privilege to lead the fellowship program for the last 14 years, said Straughn. “Training and graduating 23 fellows during my tenure as fellowship director has been the highlight of my career. I am excited about the future of the program under Dr. Smith’s leadership.”
With an impressive background in academic medicine and a strong commitment to advancing the field, Smith is poised to lead the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship program to new heights. Her extensive experience in patient care, research, and education will undoubtedly strengthen the program's reputation and ensure the continued delivery of outstanding healthcare services.
Having already been an integral part of the UAB OB/GYN department, Smith is familiar with the institution's values, culture, and commitment to excellence. Her expertise and passion for gynecologic oncology make her the ideal candidate to take over as Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Director. We have full confidence that Smith's leadership will continue to elevate the program, inspire fellows, and shape the future of gynecologic oncology care.
As Dr. Smith assumes her new role, we express our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Straughn for his exceptional service and significant contributions to the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship program at UAB OB/GYN. We also extend our warmest welcome to Dr. Haller Smith as she takes the helm, confident in her ability to build upon the program's successes and lead it to new achievements.