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 general 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.

In an ongoing series, the Department of Surgery will feature incoming and outgoing trainees for all UAB Surgery programs. This week, learn about the General Surgery Residency Program’s eight new categorical interns.

Hello:

Stephanie Rakestraw, M.D. shares a photo on Match Day.This year, the General Surgery Residency Program welcomes eight new categorical interns from Alabama, Georgia, Texas, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and India. Of those eight categorical interns, two are UAB students: Mackenzie Abraham, M.D., and Haddon Mullis, M.D.

Abraham said she was excited to stay at UAB and join the Department of Surgery team after having worked with the department previously.

“On paper, UAB checks all the boxes for clinical and research excellence, but it was the people- from the current interns to the department chair- who made this institution stand out to me.” said Abraham.

Mackenzie Abraham, M.D. is excited to be matched with UAB Surgery.Abraham has worked with the Department of Surgery to complete research projects, publish manuscripts and present at conferences with faculty from multiple divisions within the department. It was this work that initially introduced Abraham to the world of academic surgery, solidifying her interest in the field.

“I am excited to start working with my new co-interns and continue to work with the amazing residents and faculty I have come to know over the past two years.” said Abraham.

Incoming Residents

Goodbye:

Five graduating chief residents of the General Surgery Residency Program will leave UAB to take positions in fellowship programs at different institutions in three different states throughout the country. Three chief residents, Evan Garner, M.D., Tyler Wahl, M.D., and Adam Witcher, M.D. will stay at UAB Department of Surgery, all within the cardiothoracic division.

Outgoing Residents