Established by a generous $75K donation from the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation, the Martin J. Heslin Endowed Lectureship honors the work and career of UAB Department of Surgery Vice Chair and UAB Hospital Chief of Medical Staff Martin J. Heslin, M.D.
The lectureship, which has been submitted for review and official approval by the UAB Board of Trustees in September 2020, supports gastrointestinal (GI) cancer research and knowledge-sharing between national research institutions and seeks to enhance the field of GI oncology.
The Reed Foundation was formed in 2002 while Robert E. Reed was battling pancreatic cancer. The foundation’s goals are to increase awareness and understanding about all GI cancer as well as to financially support research and patient care at UAB. The foundation has supported UAB for over 15 years and contributed more than $1.5 million to fund GI cancer research and patient care under the direction of Heslin.
Heslin joined the faculty of UAB Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology in 1996, following completion of his Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Sloan-Kettering Hospital. He is the James P. Hayes, Jr., Endowed Professor in Gastrointestinal Oncology.
Heslin has extensive training in hepatobiliary, pancreatic and colorectal surgery. He has established a thriving GI oncology practice which focuses primarily on neoplasms of the pancreas, stomach, colon and rectum. In 2001, Heslin was instrumental in the establishment of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Center at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.
“This lectureship, only made possible by the Reed Foundation, is an incredible honor. The lectureship is not only part of my future legacy here at UAB, but it is part of the legacy of Robert E. Reed.” Heslin said. “I am deep
ly appreciative of the Reed Foundation’s generous donation and their partnership with UAB throughout the years to support research, treatment and awareness of gastrointestinal cancers.”
Executive Director of the Foundation, Hannon Davidson, is pleased to continue supporting GI oncology research and the UAB Department of Surgery simultaneously through the establishment of the lectureship.
“Knowing that we are supporting the advancement of GI oncology right here at UAB while also honoring the legacy of Robert E. Reed through research funding, is a wonderful way to live out our mission as an organization,” said Hannon. “We are proud to support the work of Dr. Heslin and the UAB Department of Surgery.”
Incoming Director of the Division of Surgical Oncology, Vikas Dudeja, M.B.B.S., is proud of the excellent patient care and level of service that Heslin has brought to UAB over the years.
"Marty has provided compassionate cancer care to the people of Birmingham and state of Alabama for the last 24 years. He is not only an accomplished physician but has contributed significantly to our understanding of the biology of cancer. This is a well-deserved honor.”
The department, including Dudeja, is grateful to the foundation for their generous- and continuing- support of surgical oncology efforts.
“We are grateful to the Reed Foundation for their continued support and partnership as we fight gastrointestinal cancers through education, research and clinical care,” said Dudeja.
Department of Surgery Chair Herbert Chen, M.D., FACS looks forward to a continuing partnership with the foundation and is proud of Heslin’s career at UAB.
“Dr. Heslin has built an incredible legacy here at UAB and within the Department of Surgery,” said Chen. “His contributions to surgical oncology, GI oncology research and the field of surgery as a whole are felt by many across the globe.”