Congratulations to our newest class of graduating residents on their completion of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program. Our 2024 graduates include Natalie Dean, D.O., Sarah Lopes, D.O., Daniel McBride, M.D., and Nelson Santos Agosto, D.O.
The department is excited to watch each graduate create their own path for success in rehabilitation medicine. Daniel McBride, M.D. is doing a Brain Injury Fellowship with JFK Johnson in Edison, NJ. Nelson Santos Agosto, D.O. is doing a Sports Medicine Fellowship with Andrews Sports Medicine in Birmingham, AL. Natalie Dean, D.O. is pursuing general PM&R. Sarah Lopes, D.O. will remain at UAB for general PM&R.
The graduation ceremony took place on June 20, 2024, at The Fennec in downtown Birmingham. In addition to celebrating our graduates, awards were given to staff and residents who have excelled in PM&R.
Resident Anchor Award - This annual award is given to a non-faculty member who goes above and beyond their regular duties to best support the residents. This person exemplifies a high level of dedication to the residents, as well as their normal role and responsibilities. This award is voted on by the residents and given annually to a non-faculty member that the residents feel best exemplifies the spirit of this award in all that they do in their daily role.
Recipient: Gracie McGuire, MPH, PA-C
Laura B. Kezar Award for Dedication and Commitment to the Residency Program - This annual award is named for Dr. Laura B. Kezar who served as a valued member of the PM&R faculty as well as the PM&R Residency Program Director from 1996 to 2007, and the Assistant Program Director from 2007 to 2014. Throughout her tenure with the department, Dr. Kezar has always made the PM&R Residency Program and education for all a top priority. Her dedication and commitment were noted by every residency class. She served not only as a teacher and educator, but also mentor to a countless number of residents over the years. This award is voted on by the residents and given annually to a faculty member that the residents feel best exemplifies the spirit of this award in all that they do in their daily practice.
Recipient: Elizabeth Twist, M.D.
Samuel L. Stover Excellence in Teaching Award - This annual award is named for Dr. Samuel L. Stover who served as a valued member of the PM&R Faculty as well as Chair of the Department of PM&R from 1976 to 1994. Dr. Stover was known as a lifelong learner and throughout his career placed great emphasis on education. He felt the education of our residents should be a top priority for the department and instilled this expectation in all of our faculty members through the years. This award is voted on by the residents and given annually to a faculty member that the residents feel best exemplifies the spirit of this award.
Recipient: Mark Carter, D.O.
C.T. Huang Award - This award is intended to go to the resident that the department feels best exemplifies high clinical excellence during their training.
Recipient: Nelson Santos Agosto, D.O.
Outstanding PGY2 Award - This award is given to a deserving second year resident who consistently displays excellence in professionalism, patient care, accountability, integrity and leadership during his or her initial year of training at Spain Rehabilitation Center.
Recipient: Ian Cummins, M.D.
Matthew T. Smith Humanism in Medicine Award - This award is given to a PM&R Faculty Member and a PM&R Resident who has excelled in service to others during his/her tenure with the Department of PM&R. It is intended to honor those who exemplify Dr. Smith’s qualities of compassionate caring, support for others, teamwork, involvement in community and UAB activities and upholding the highest standards of practice.
Resident Recipient: Nelson Santos Agosto, D.O.
Faculty Recipient: Dale Colorado, D.O.
Resident Research Award - This a newly developed award collaborated by the Research department and Residency Education Office. This award is given to a resident who has demonstrated exemplary overall research efforts.
Recipient: Darien McNeill, MD
Research Presentation Award - This a newly developed award collaborated by the Research department and Residency Education Office. This award is voted by attendees of Grand Rounds following the PGY4 poster presentations and is given to the senior resident with the most outstanding research poster.
Recipient: Daniel McBride, M.D.
Highest SAE Score Award Recipients
PGY2 – Casey Roark, M.D.
PGY3 – Cynthia Francis, M.D.
PGY4 – Natalie Dean, D.O.