UAB Department of Surgery Executive Vice Chair and Chief of the Medical Staff Marty Heslin is featured in the UAB Memories collection, an initiative of the 50th anniversary celebration of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

A collection of memories from current students, faculty and staff, UAB Memories is intended to capture memories from any and all positions across the campus, creating a holistic campaign. These memories are shared on the web, social media, in print or in a podcast.

For Heslin, it was a moment to share about his passion to become a cancer surgeon and the rewarding, impactful and tough realities that he has faced throughout his career. Though his segment was condensed into a recording under five-minutes long, he left listeners with a valuable perspective of his role as an advocate for his patients. 

“The reason I became a cancer surgeon is that I really value the longitudinal relationships that I develop with patients.” says Heslin. “It’s some of their most challenging times of life to try to come to terms with...”

As the segment wraps, Heslin encourages others to learn something from those around them. For healthcare providers, that is their patients.

“So, I think that my story comes down to what we can learn from people, what we can learn from patients” says Heslin. “It’s been incredibly useful to me, and I really appreciate that they’re there.”

To share your own UAB Memory, visit the 50th anniversary site to book a session in the audio booth located in in the Lister Hill Library on the first floor lobby before February 29, 2020.