Naranje awarded UAB Faculty Development Grant
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Assistant Professor Sameer Naranje, M.D, MRCS, was awarded $10,000 in funding through the UAB Faculty Development Grant Program (FDGP). Naranje also serves as the director of the Fracture Fragility Care Program at UAB.
Johnson and Shah awarded an OMeGA grant for the Foot and Ankle Fellowship
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor, Foot and Ankle Fellowship Director and Director of Clinical Research Ashish Shah, M.D., and Assistant Professor Michael Johnson, M.D., were awarded a one-year, $60,000 OMeGA grant.
Orthopaedic Surgery GEMs
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery prides itself on how our employees embody the mission and vision of UAB. Oftentimes, our employees "go the extra mile" to for their patients and colleagues. Below are many of our Ortho GEMs.
Residents sweep the AOS essay competition
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery residents Jonathan Isbell, M.D., Jeff Pearson, M.D., and James McMurtrie, M.D., placed first, second and third- respectively- in the Alabama Orthopaedic Society’s (AOS) Chestley L. Yelton Resident Essay Competition.
Isbell’s paper, “Resilience Correlates with Patient Reported Outcomes After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty,” received first place in the annual competition. Isbell’s co-authors included UAB medical students Alex Dombrowsky, Graham Kirchner, Tyler Montgomery, as well as Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Assistant Professor Eugene Brabston, M.D., Professor Brent Ponce, M.D., and Assistant Professor and Chief of Sports Medicine Amit Momaya, M.D.
As the primary presenter for his paper, Isbell will receive a cash award of $1,500 from the AOS. Isbell, Pearson and McMurtrie would have presented their essays at the Alabama, Mississippi and Florida Orthopaedic Societies 2020 in Point Clear, Alabama, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual meeting has been canceled. Although unable to present his essay, Isbell is pleased to have placed in the competition and recognizes the impact his paper has on orthopaedics.
“This study further demonstrates the importance of resilience in patient reports outcomes, specifically as it relates to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty,” said Isbell. “In a climate where patient reported outcomes are becoming increasingly scrutinized, it is important for surgeons to identify patients whom may be less resilient and have a candid discussion regarding both the surgeon's and the patient's expectations.”
Pearson’s paper won second place and was titled, “Comparison of Compression Plating through Circular and Oblong Holes with Eccentric Drill Placement.” His paper was co-authored by Bridgette Love, M.D., Ponce, Kayla Rettig, M.D., Alan Eberhardt, M.D., and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Assistant Professor and Trauma Section Chief Jon Quade, M.D.
McMurtie’s paper, “The Effect of Corticosteroid Injection on Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review,” took home third place. His paper was co-authored by AM Cimino, C Garrison as well as Isbell, Brabston, Ponce and Momaya.
Hello, goodbye 2020: Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
Although Match Day 2020 did not look exactly like match day in years past due to the COVID-19 outbreak, fourth-year medical students across the country engaged online through social media, sharing where they were matched. While it was impossible to have everyone in the same room at one time, the excitement could still be felt virtually.
That means that it is time for us to say goodbye to our chief orthopaedic surgery residents who have matched into fellowship programs or private practice. But, it is also time to say hello to our incoming residents from medical schools across the nation.
As part of our annual series, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery will feature incoming and outgoing trainees for all UAB Orthopaedics programs. Read more about the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency below, as well as its six new residents and its six graduating residents.
Hello
The Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program welcomes six new residents from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia and Massachusetts. Of those six residents, one is a UAB student: Alex Heatherly.
Heatherly said he was impressed by UAB’s Orthopaedic Surgery Residency and is looking forward to sharing in the feeling of camaraderie observed between the program’s faculty and residents.
“I chose UAB Orthopedics because of my memorable experience during my medical school rotation. The group of residents in this program shared a great deal of comradery while working, and their enjoyment in the work provided an unmatched work environment," said Heatherly. "I was confident there would be a large volume of operative experience, and I knew there would be limitless opportunities while working at UAB. The faculty are truly invested in the success of not only the program, but in the residents as professionals individually.”
*More information about incoming residents to be added during onboarding in June 2020.
Incoming Residents
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Andrews, Nicholas, M.D.
Andrews, Nicholas, M.D.
Hometown: Titusville, Florida
Undergraduate: University of Florida; Gainesville, FL
Medical School: University of Central Florida; Orlando, FL
Why I Chose UAB: UAB offers the outstanding clinical volume, research infrastructure, and collegial resident culture that I sought in a residency program. I quickly noticed that the faculty here fostered deep bonds with their residents and truly invested in their development as future leaders in orthopaedics.
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Bonner, Vince, M.D.
Bonner, Vince, M.D.
Hometown: Roanoke, AL
Undergraduate: Auburn University; Auburn, AL
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine; Birmingham, AL
Why I Chose UAB: I wanted a program to give me the confidence to go out in practice at the end of these five years and take care of any case that may come my way. I'm confident that the high volume of cases here will prepare me for any situation after residency. Also, the mentorship and camaraderie here are second to none. You can be in the trenches with your co-residents in the hospital, but still be super close and have a good time outside of work.
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Farahani, Farzam, M.D.
Farahani, Farzam, M.D.
Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate: The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Medical School: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX
Why I Chose UAB: The overall structure, with a comprehensive clinical experience and high operative volume really attracted me to the program. The faculty and residents here are undoubtedly hard workers, friendly, and very supportive of each other.
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Halstrom, Jared, M.D.
Halstrom, Jared, M.D.
Hometown: Bellmore, NY
Undergraduate: The University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa, AL
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine; Birmingham, AL
Why I Chose UAB: As a medical student, UAB provided my first exposure to orthopedics. As I started to learn about other programs, I quickly realized how unique UAB is. We have an extremely high volume of orthopedic cases and hardworking faculty who are passionate about teaching.
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Patch, David, M.D.
Patch, David, M.D.
Hometown: Macon, GA
Undergraduate: Georgia College; Milledgeville, GA
Medical School: St. George’s University; St. George’s, Grenada
Why I Chose UAB: UAB was my top choice for residency due to the programs cohesive culture, exceptional leadership, and access to top notch academic opportunities. After completing a research fellowship with UAB, I witnessed the work ethic of the program and believe it ensures the highest level of training among mentors, and colleagues, who are committed to the future of orthopaedic surgery.
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Starnes, Ellie, M.D.
Starnes, Ellie, M.D.
Hometown: Monroe, LA
Undergraduate: University of Louisiana at Monroe
Medical School: LSU health - Shreveport
Why I Chose UAB: I was very impressed with how well rounded each subspecialty of orthopedics is represented here. I also loved how well the residents got along not only amongst themselves, but also with the faculty. The city of Birmingham also has so much to offer in terms of places to eat, hangout, and explore.
Outgoing Residents
Six graduating residents of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program will soon leave UAB to take positions in fellowship programs at six different institutions across six different states throughout the country.
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Christie, Matthew, M.D.
Christie, Matthew, M.D.
Post-Residency: Joint Study in Salt Lake City, Utah
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: Tufts University; Boston, MA
Medical School: University of Virginia; Charlottesville, VA
Why I chose UAB: Overall, I felt that UAB offered the perfect balance of surgical exposure, didactic time, and research opportunity. -
Hunter, Allison, M.D.
Hunter, Allison, M.D.
Post-Residency: Hand/Upper Extremity Fellowship at the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, Thomas Jefferson University
Hometown: Ashland, KY
Undergraduate: University of Louisville; Louisville, KY
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine; Louisville, KY
Why I chose UAB: As a rotator, I found myself comparing all of my experiences as a student to my time at UAB during interview time. -
Hyde, Zane, M.D.
Hyde, Zane, M.D.
Post-Residency: VA- Sports Medicine at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Hometown: Trussville, AL
Undergraduate: University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa, AL
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine; Birmingham, AL
Why I chose UAB: UAB is a great program that exposes you to all aspects of orthopaedics, representing all of the subspecialties on one major medical campus. -
Odom, Christopher, M.D.
Odom, Christopher, M.D.
Post-Residency: Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Hometown: Arlington, TX
Undergraduate: Baylor University; Waco, TX
Medical School: Texas Tech; El Paso, TX
Why I chose UAB: I chose UAB because I felt like it was the whole package-- the program has an outstanding reputation; -
Pearson, Jeff, M.D.
Pearson, Jeff, M.D.
Post-Residency: Southern Joint Replacement Institute in Nashville, TN
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Undergraduate: Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA
Medical School: Louisiana State University Shreveport; Shreveport, LA
Why I chose UAB: Birmingham is a great place to live and work. I knew I wanted to stay in the South, -
Yu, Jonathan, M.D.
Yu, Jonathan, M.D.
Post-Residency: Vanderbilt Orthopaedics, Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate: Brown University; Providence, RI
Medical School: UAB Heersink School of Medicine; Birmingham, AL
Why I chose UAB: UAB offered the best combination of technical training, surgical exposure, and research opportunities,
Residents elected to AOA honor society
Four UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery residents were recently elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society at UAB. Although the ceremony was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the residents are still considered full members of the society.
Orthopaedic surgery residents Matthew Christie, M.D., Allison Hunter, M.D., Zane Hyde, M.D., and Jonathan Yu, M.D., were officially inducted into the AOA on Mar. 19.
The AOA notes that, “election to Alpha Omega Alpha is an honor signifying a lasting commitment to scholarship, leadership, professionalism, and service. A lifelong honor, membership in the society confers recognition for a physician's dedication to the profession and art of healing.”
About 3,000 students, alumni, house staff and faculty are selected to join AOA each year. Since its founding in 1902, more than 150,000 members have been elected to the society.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery welcomes Ransom as a faculty member
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery welcomed Erin Ransom, M.D., as a faculty member on Mar. 16.
Department begins teaching affiliation with Meharry Medical College
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery will welcome a student from Meharry Medical College for a clinical rotation as part of an agreement to contribute to Meharry’s clinical curriculum.
Garth honored for 35 years of service during annual UAB Service Awards
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Professor William P. Garth Jr., M.D., was honored for 35 years of service at the annual UAB Service Awards, which celebrates those employees who have made a substantial career commitment to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The program was designed to acknowledge and illustrate gratitude to employees at each five-year milestone of service to UAB.
UAB Orthopaedic Surgery heads to Orlando for AAOS 2020
Update: The 2020 AAOS annual meeting has been canceled. Please visit their website, for more information.
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery will travel to Orlando, Florida, March 24-28 for the annual gathering of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), where faculty, fellows and residents from UAB will present poster and paper research as well as attend enriching sessions and receive awards. This year, the conference expects to welcome 30,000 attendees.
Read moreUAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery represents at the AAHS/ASPN annual meeting
Dr. Ransom (Left) and Dr. Meyer (Right)
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery faculty led one instructional course, participated as lecturers in a second instructional course, and showcased six poster presentations at the 2020 American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) and American Society for Peripheral Nerve (ASPN) annual meeting.
Read moreFour UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty named best doctors in Alabama
From top left: Ponce, Theiss, Sherrill and Siegel
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Professor Brent A. Ponce, M.D., Associate Professor Herrick J. Siegel, M.D., and Chair Steven M. Theiss, M.D. were named best doctors in orthopaedic surgery, and Clinical Assistant Professor Joseph Sherrill, M.D., was named a best doctor in hand surgery on the official Best Doctors® list.
Read moreTheiss appointed to NASS International Education Commission, heading Simulation Training work group
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Professor and Chair Steven Theiss, M.D., was appointed to the North American Spine Society (NASS) International Education Commission. Theiss was also named co-chairperson to the Simulation Training work group within the commission, alongside Washington University Orthopedics Professor and Vice Chair Heidi Prather D.O.
Read moreGould attends MASA roundtable on patient access to care issues
Associate Professor Sara Gould, M.D., on behalf of the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Alabama Orthopedic Society, attended a roundtable discussion on the quality of patient access to care issues, hosted by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama in December 2019.
Read moreMomaya joins Arthroscopy Editorial Board
Section Chief of Sports Medicine, Amit Momaya, M.D., joined the editorial board for Arthroscopy, the leading peer-reviewed journal in the field of minimally invasive surgery, published by Elsevier publishing company.
Gould research accepted into International Olympic Committee World Conference
A new study co-authored by UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Sara Gould, MD, found that resistance training during pregnancy does not cause decreased blood flow to the fetus.
Read moreThree new department section heads named
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery recently named three new section chiefs to lead the sports medicine, joint arthroplasty, and trauma subspecialty areas.
Read moreStay connected to UAB Orthopaedics with new subscriber sign-up option
Whether you trained with us, are visiting us, or just want to learn more about us, the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery now has a better way to stay connected. By completing this online form, friends of the department will be added to our newsletter distribution list and receive a monthly email newsletter outlining updates from our team.
Read moreWomen's mentorship program aims to combat gender disparities in orthopaedics
The UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery celebrated Women in Orthopaedics last month with a community event for local orthopaedic surgeons to learn more about mentorship and participate in open dialogue related to professional development for women in the field of orthopaedic surgery.
Read moreThomas to support 3 departments in new role
Beginning Nov. 1, UAB Department of Neurosurgery Business Officer Michel Thomas, MSHI, will assume a new role as quality outcomes analyst. This position will support the Department of Neurosurgery, the Department of Otolaryngology and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Michel Thomas
Thomas will serve as a resource to the three departments by obtaining quality data and assisting with quality improvement projects. First-year goals for this position include developing and providing quality reports and benchmarks to faculty.
This position will work in collaboration with the UAB Hospital Quality Team.
“I have a very close and personal connection to UAB and patient care,” said Thomas, who had a blood clot removed from his brain two years ago by his colleagues in the Department of Neurosurgery. “With my passion for data and knowing firsthand what a patient experiences, I feel it is very important that providers have the information they need to make decisions regarding the quality of care they are providing.”
Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Thomas has worked for The University of Alabama at Birmingham since he was 19. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UAB in 2012 and completed the UAB Medicine Quality Academy in 2015. This year, Thomas received his master’s degree in health informatics from UAB while continuing to work as a business officer in the Department of Neurosurgery. In January 2020, Thomas will begin pursuit of a Master of Science in Analytics degree with a concentration in computational data and analytical tools from the Georgia Institute of Technology where he will focus his thesis project on the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to predict surgical outcomes.