Faculty members from the UAB Department of Pathology gathered for an all-day retreat at the UAB Hilton on Friday, February 7, for community-building exercises and special topic discussions.

The day featured a State of the Department address from Cristina Magi-Galluzzi, M.D., Ph.D., Robert and Ruth Anderson Endowed Chair, strategies for improved communication, team-building exercises and topic-focused sessions.

The UAB Leadership Development Office facilitated an icebreaker activity that incorporated the Ikigai model, a framework that helps individuals find purpose and meaning in life by identifying the intersection of passion, profession, mission and vocation.

Attendees learned about communicating and building a team while leveraging the concept of the ideal team player. This session was followed by practical strategies for improved communication and team building. 

In the afternoon, the retreat featured topic-focused sessions covering various aspects of communication and development. These sessions included Enhancing Interpersonal Communications led by the Leadership Development Office, Organizational and External Communication led by Hannah Buckelew, Mentorship led by Drs. Shannon Bailey and Ralph Sanderson, and Rewards and Recognition led by Dr. Cristina Magi-Galluzzi. Faculty collectively prioritizing action items and outlining next steps for implementing session insights into daily practice. 

The retreat ended with a reception to celebrate a successful day of community-building. The event was organized by staff members Fatima Igdoura, Hannah Buckelew and Kaitlin Davis.