Children's and Kaul Pediatric Research Institute announce 2018-2019 grant application
Children’s of Alabama and the Kaul Pediatric Research Institute (KPRI) have released the announcement and guidelines for the 2019 KPRI grant application process. This year there are two grant categories that will be funded: Established Investigator Awards and New Investigator Awards. A new round of Quality/Safety/Educational Awards will be announced at a later date. The major goal of the New and Established Investigator grant program is to allow investigators to obtain data that will advantage applications for additional extramural funding. This will bring new knowledge to the care of children, leverage the investment of the KPRI and allow projects to be competitive for the very best science on the national stage. Awards are open to all faculty in pediatric disciplines and all employees at Children’s of Alabama.
Established Investigator Awards: Up to two awards will be funded, one named in honor of Dr. Sergio Stagno and one named in memory of Dr. Rud Polhill, each at an amount of $50,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
New Investigator Awards: Up to five awards will be funded, each at an amount of $35,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
To ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper processing through UAB OSP – all KPRI applications from Department of Pediatrics faculty (ONLY) should be submitted to Carla Parrish for internal review on or before Wednesday, September 9. Investigators must submit final applications by email to Mary Aiken by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 28.
The PRO is available to assist all investigators with application development. Please do not hesitate to contact Cheryl Perry, Melissa McBrayer or David Ingram with questions.
Application guidelines and forms, along with an FAQ section, can be found on the Pediatric Research Office (PRO) website or download FAQ here.
DOP representatives participate in Health Careers Exploration Experience in Alabama Black Belt
On June 24, a team from UAB Department of Pediatrics and the School of Medicine traveled to Livingston, Alabama for a third year as Workshop Presenters with rising high school juniors in the West Alabama Rural Health Initiative's health career exploration experience. Attendees hail from Choctaw, Marengo and Sumter Counties in the Alabama Black Belt where infant mortality and life expectancy are among the worst in the nation. They will be first in their families to attend college and from our trainees, received living proof and true encouragement they can change the outcome as adults. Faculty, residents and students then visited the Rush Rural Medical Group's Livingston Clinic where providers Todd Vaughan, M.D. and Sharon Henson, FNP discussed the eye opening unpredictable challenges of primary care delivery in a harshly underserved area along with the immense rewards.
Attendees included: Morissa Ladinsky, M.D., Academic General Peditrics, Tina Simpson, M.D., Adolescent Medicine, Jaime McKinney, M.D., Academic General Pediatrics, Derrill Wilson, Patient Relations, David Windler, M.D., MedPeds PGY-4 Resident, Leen Matalka, M.D., Pediatric PGY-3 Resident, Catherine Gooch, M.D., PedsGenetics PGY-3 Resident, and students from the UAB Schools of Medicine and Public Health.
Dr. Keith win 2018 Quality Improvement Award
Congratulations to Claire Keith, M.D., Pediatric PGY-3, on winning the 2018 Quality Improvement Project Award for her project titled Use of Quality Improvement Process to increase influenza Vaccination in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients. Her mentor on this project was Traci Jester, M.D., Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
Pictured L to R: Drs. Susan Walley, Claire Keith and Traci Jester
2018-2019 Founders' Fund Grants Announced
![FOUNDERS FUND AWARDLOGO](/medicine/peds/images/residency/2018/FOUNDERS_FUND_AWARDLOGO.png)
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2018-2019 Founder's Fund Grants!
The Founders' Fund was established by the UAB Department of Pediatrics to honor the exceptional lifetime achievements of the founders Drs. John W. "Bill" Benton, Ralph E. Tiller and Paul A. Palmisano. For more than a decade, the Founders' Fund has been used to encourage and support educational endeavors in the Pediatric Residency Program through educational grants. These educational grants support new, innovative educational research or programs related to the curriculum or quality and outcomes research of the residency program.
11 Founders' Fund Awards were given this year:
Principal Investigator and Project Titles
Emily Bufkin, M.D.- Creating a Medical Home for Children with Medical Complexity within Primary Care Clinic.
Eunice Dixon, M.D.- Infant Safe Sleep QI: Exit Counseling to Reduce Unsafe Sleep Habits.
Austin Doss, M.D.- Procedural Competence in Pediatric Residents.
Eric Jorge, M.D.- Improving Firearm Safety Counseling in Primary Care Clinic.
Will Sasser, M.D.- Introduction of an Ultrasound Fundamentals Training Session to the Pediatric Intensive Care Education Curriculum Supplemented with a Vascular Access
Training Model.
Kristyn Jeffries, M.D.- All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Injury Prevention through Education in Schools.
Sai Surapa-Raju, M.D.- Teaching residents Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) cardiac arrest guidelines using Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP).
Rashmi Patil, M.D.- Baby Shower for Young Mothers Program.
Kristyn Jeffries, M.D.- Pediatric Research Academic Program (Pediatric RAP).
Candice Dye, M.D.- Use of Mental Health Simulation to Improve Pediatric Primary Care, Resident Reflection on Suicide Prevention, and Development of Support Groups.
Michele Nichols, M.D.- Spanish Class for Residents.
Drs. Britt and Carlo appointed Distinguished Professors in the School of Medicine
Congratulations to William Britt, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease, and Waldemar Carlo, M.D., Neonatology! Both were appointed as Distinguished Professors in the School of Medicine in recognition of their outstanding academic accomplishments and peer recognition.
Dr. Ashworth appointed as Professor Emerita in the School of Medicine
Congratulations to Carolyn Ashworth, M.D., Academic General Pediatrics, on being appointed as Professor Emerita in the School of Medicine! She was appointed to this role in recognition of her outstanding service and years of dedication to the Department of Pediatrics.
Eight Children's of Alabama Specialties Recognized Among Nation's Best By U.S. News & World Report
For the ninth consecutive year, Children’s of Alabama is ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Eight of Children’s pediatric specialty services – Cancer, Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Neonatology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery and Pulmonology – were placed among the top 50 in the United States in the magazine’s 2018-19 Best Children’s Hospital rankings. Currently, U.S. News & World Report ranks 10 specialties. The complete listing and corresponding rankings may be found at https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/pediatric-rankings.
Read the story at Childrensal.org
Dr. Windler awarded Primary Care Extra Mile Award
The Primary Care Extra Mile Award winner for this quarter is David Windler, M.D., PGY-3 Med/Peds Resident. The following was Dr. Windler's nomination from colleagues in Primary Care Clinic:
"A severely autistic child came in for her depo and Tdap shots. She was very agitated on this particular day, and staff had a hard time even getting her into the room. When it came time for her shots, Dr. Windler immediately volunteered. He stayed in the room until family and staff were able to come up with a safe plan for administering her shots. The mom was distressed, and he was calm and reassuring with both the family and staff. Thank you for your positive attitude and teamwork, Dr. Windler!"
Dr. Kandasamy selected for PRS Young Investigator Award
Congratulations to Jegen Kandasamy, M.D., Neonatology, on being selected for an award under the Perinatal Research Society Young Investigator program to attend the upcoming Perinatal Research Society Annual Meeting and the NIH - Abbott Nutrition Pre-meeting Workshop September 5-9, 2018 in Englewood, Colorado. Selection into this program is highly competitive. This is the third year in a row that one of our neonatal junior faculty have been selected to attend the pre-meeting workshop.
Dr. Friedman to lead Developmental Therapeutics
The Department is pleased to announce that Gregory Friedman, M.D., Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, has been appointed the new Phase 1 PI at Children's of Alabama and approved by the DVL Executive Committee of the Children’s Oncology Group effective June 18. In addition, Dr. Friedman will lead Developmental Therapeutics in the Division of Hematology-Oncology and the Department of Pediatrics.
Clinical trials follow a typical series from early, small-scale, Phase 1 studies, which may be the first in human trials to assess safety, to late-stage, large scale, Phase 3 studies. Phase 1 studies are the first step in clinical drug development after pre-clinical studies are complete. Patients referred to the Developmental Therapeutics Program typically have recurrent or refractory cancers that have failed standard therapies. Other patients may be diagnosed with rare tumors for which no effective therapies have been established. As one of only 21 premier pediatric oncology programs in the country that are selected through peer review by the Children’s Oncology Group Phase 1 and Pilot Consortium, we are able to provide patients access to innovative therapies not widely available.
Dr. Friedman’s research focuses on improving outcomes for children with malignant brain tumors. His goal is to develop and improve targeted immunotherapeutics such as oncolytic engineered herpes simplex virotherapy and then translate these therapies to clinical trials, benefiting children with brain tumors and other solid tumors. Dr. Friedman has received funding from the FDA and St. Baldrick’s Foundation for these Phase 1 studies.
Dr. Friedman is a nationally known scholar who has demonstrated clinical, teaching and research success at UAB and Children’s of Alabama. In addition to providing specific leadership for this program, he will also participate as part of the leadership team for a growing division of Hematology-Oncology. The Division has added 7 new faculty in the last three years and four more will join this summer.
Dr. Sasser named as new Assistant Program Director for Pediatric Residency Program
The Pediatric Residency Program is excited to announce that Will Sasser, M.D., Pediatric Critical Care, will be joining the program as an Assistant Program Director as of July 1, 2018.
When asked about his new role, Dr. Sasser said "I'm thrilled about the opportunity to work more closely with our residents alongside faculty and staff that have meant so much to me as a trainee and junior faculty member."
Dr. Sasser joins Michele Nichols, M.D., Program Director, Nancy Tofil, M.D., Senior Associate Program Director, Candice Dye, M.D., Associate Program Director, and Lauren Nassetta, M.D., Associate Program Director as leadership of the program.
Prior to this role with the Residency Program, Dr. Sasser served as the Director of the Acting Internship and Elective Program with the Pediatric Clerkship. He attended the Medical University of South Carolina for medical school and completed both his pediatric residency and pediatric critical care fellowship at UAB.
Dr. Salas recipient of a National Scientific Achievement Award from ASN
Congratulations to Ariel Salas, M.D., Neonatology, on being awarded the Samuel J. Fomon Young Physician Award endowed by the Nestlé Nutrition Institute. This award is one of the National Scientific Achievement Awards given out by the American Society of Nutrition Foundation. These awards are given in honor of scientists, clinicians and scholars for significant achievements in nutrition research and practice.
Read more
New Pediatric Appointment, Promotion and Tenure Committee Members Announced
Congratulations to Pallavi Iyer, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinology, who has been elected by the faculty to serve a three year term on the Pediatric Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure Committee (APTC).
Gregory Friedman, M.D., Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and Susan Walley, M.D., Pediatric Hospital Medicine, have been selected to fill the two vacancies for appointed faculty on the APTC.
Thank you for agreeing to represent your pediatric faculty peers on this important committee for the next three years!
Congratulations to the Residency Class of 2018!
![2018gradpic](/medicine/peds/images/residency/Graduation_banqeut/2018gradpic.jpg)
Below is what our graduates will be doing after residency:
Baani Bawa, M.D.- Hospital Medicine, Nashville, TN
Megan E. Boothe, M.D. - Genetics Fellowship, UAB,
John Mark Bouchillon, M.D. - 2018-2019 Chief Resident, UAB,
Stephen T. Clark, M.D. - Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship, UAB,
Adam W. Cohen, M.D.- Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship, UAB,
Orlando Esparza, M.D.- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, University of Colorado
Anna L. Hoppmann, M.D.- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, UAB
Claire S. Keith, M.D.- Gastroenterology Instructor followed by Pediatric GI Fellowship, UAB
Angela J. King, M.D.- General Pediatrics, Clinical Instructor, UAB, Birmingham, AL
Tiffany D. Moore, M.D.-General Pediatrics, Acton Road, Birmingham, AL
Anastasia T. Nelson, M.D.- General Pediatrics, Tots n Teens, Trussville, AL
Jamie L. Powell, M.D.-General Pediatrics, Mayfair Medical Group, Homewood, AL
Robert D. Sellers, IV, M.D.-2018-2019 Chief Resident, UAB
Mary E. Silverberg, M.D.-Research at UAB, Pursuing NICU Fellowship
Karlene D. Walker, M.D.-2018-2019 Chief Resident, UAB, Birmingham, AL
Carter D. Wallace, M.D.-Gastroenterology Instructor followed by Pediatric GI Fellowship, UAB
Timothy A. Wang, M.D. -Neonatology Fellowship, Cincinnati Children's
Anna P. White, M.D.-General Pediatrics, Health Department, Birmingham, AL
Sara E. Williams, M.D.-Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship, University of Colorado
Andrea M. Wolf, M.D.- General Pediatrics, Dallas, TX
Taylor A. Woodfin, M.D.-Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship, UAB
Sarah E. Bagwell, M.D.-General Medicine/Pediatrics, UAB, Gardendale, AL
K. Shannon Booker, M.D.- Medicine/Pediatrics Hospitalist, Minneapolis, MN
Sarah E. Bragg, M.D.- General Medicine/Pediatrics, UAB, Leeds, AL
Teresa B. Cornelius, M.D.-Medicine/Pediatrics, Hospitalist, UAB
Sarah Joy Dean, M.D.-Medical Biochemical Genetics Fellowship, UAB
2017-2018 CHIEF RESIDENTS
Bryauna S. Lewis, M.D.-General Pediatrics, Christ Health Center, Birmingham, AL
T. Spencer Poore, M.D.- Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship, University of Colorado
Michelle Udine, M.D.- Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship, Children’s National
Dr. Bhatia named Fellow of American Society of Clinical Oncology
Congratulations to Smita Bhatia, M.D., Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, on being named a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology! As mentioned on the ASCO website, "the Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO) distinction recognizes ASCO members for their extraordinary volunteer service, dedication, and commitment to ASCO. Their efforts benefit ASCO, the specialty of oncology, and, most importantly, the patients at risk for or with cancer.”
Read more
Congratulations to the Fellowship Class of 2018!
![2018 Fellow Graduate PhotoRS600](/medicine/peds/images/Fellowships/2018_Fellow_Graduate_PhotoRS600.jpg)
Congratulations to our UAB Pediatric Fellowship Class of 2018. Thank you to all who helped us celebrate the graduates at a reception in their honor on May 31st. Below is a list of where the fellows will be going after completing fellowship training.
2018 Pediatric Fellow Graduate Plans
- Erin Boyd, MD, MSPH - Adolescent and Young Adult Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Miranda Curtis, MD, PhD – Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, UAB
- Njeri Maina, MD, PhD - Alabama Asthma and Allergy Clinic, Birmingham, AL
- Cara Lasley, DO – Al DuPont Children’s Hospital-Nemours Cardiac Center, Wilmington, DE
- Rune Toms, MD – Neonatology, focus on neonates with congenital heart disease, UAB
- Steven Nye, MD – Pediatric Critical Care at Integris Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- Nicki Sims, MD - Pediatric Intensivist of Louisiana, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA
- Todd Fleenor, MD - Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, AL
- Joshua Haupt, MD - Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Memorial University Medical Center, Savannah, GA
- Kathleen Richard, MD – Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, Huntsville, AL
- Shelly Mercer, MD – Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK.
- Osman Ahmad, MD - Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Florida- Shands Children Hospital, Gainesville, FL
- Jamie Aye, MD – Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, UAB
- Corey Falcon, MD – Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
- Susan Buckingham, MD – Hospice and Palliative Medicine, UAB with a secondary appointment at Children's of Alabama.
- Kate McKillip, MD – Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Creighton University, Omaha, NE.
- Adolfo Molina, MD – Pediatric Hospital Medicine, UAB
- Erinn Schmit, MD – Pediatric Hospital Medicine, UAB
- Claudette Poole, MD – Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UAB
- Sam Gentle, MD – Neonatology, UAB
- Christine Stoops, DO, MPH – Community Neonatology Group, UAB
- Rachael Tindell, MD – Marietta Neonatology Group, Marietta, GA
- Lydia Marcus, MD – Pediatric Neurology and completing a MS fellowship, UAB
2018 Residency Award Winners
The 2018 graduating class presented the following awards at their Graduation Banquet on Friday, June 1.
Michele St. Romain Award
Robert D. Sellers IV, M.D.
![St.RomainRS600](/medicine/peds/images/residency/Graduation_banqeut/St.RomainRS600.jpg)
This award recognizes a graduating resident with the finest qualities of a pediatrician: enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication to the care of children.
Ralph E. Tiller, M.D. Distinguished Faculty Award
Morissa Ladinsky, M.D., Academic General Pediatrics and Christiana Cochran, M.D., Pediatric Emergency Medicine
![TillerRS600](/medicine/peds/images/residency/Graduation_banqeut/TillerRS600.jpg)
This award recognizes a faculty member who has contributed the most to overall education and training.
Sergio Stagno, M.D. Friend of the Housestaff Award
Morissa Ladinsky, M.D.
![FriendoftheHousestaffRS600](/medicine/peds/images/residency/Graduation_banqeut/FriendoftheHousestaffRS600.jpg)
This award recognizes an individual demonstrating a strong commitment to resident education and quality of life.
Quarterback Subspecialty Education Award
Lydia Marcus, M.D.-Child Neurology Fellow
This award recognizes a selected fellow’s contributions to resident education.
Best Teaching Rotation Award
Nephrology
This award recognizes the rotation that is viewed to be the best teaching rotation by the graduating class.
Joe LaRussa Intern of the Year Award goes to...
Congratulations to Rachel Calhoun, M.D. and Brooke Goar, M.D. for winning the Joe LaRussa Intern of the Year Award!
Dr. Salas awarded grant for pilot research project
Congratulations to Ariel Salas, M.D., Neonatology, on receiving a pilot research award from the Obesity Health Disparities Research Center! He was awarded $50,000 for his project "Serial Assessments of Body Fat Accrual in Very Preterm Infants."
Dr. Reddy Farewell Reception
Monday, June 18 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Bradley Lecture Center
Please join us for a reception honoring Alyssa Reddy, M.D., Pediatric Neurology and Hematology/Oncology, for her outstanding service!
Reception invitation