General Surgery Resident Burke Smith, M.D., received second place with his group in the annual UAB Postdoc Research Day.

The research day is an opportunity for postdoctoral students across all areas of research at UAB to come together and present their current research topics. This year, the event was virtual, so participants presented their research in a slideshow while walking audiences through their research.

Smith’s project was titled “Patient engagement technology: who are we leaving behind?” The work focused on who uses and does not use patient engagement technology, and how patient engagement technology impacts surgical outcomes. 

The research day is organized by the UAB Office of Postdoctoral Education, which works with the UAB Postdoc Association to develop career opportunities that enhance and define the training experience for all postdoctoral scholars at UAB. Past and continuing events include awards for career enhancement, travel, grant incentives, and internships, like this postdoc research day.

Because of its commitment to the success of postdoctoral fellows, UAB ranks consistently as one of the top locations among US universities for training postdoctoral scholars.

“I’m glad to be pursuing my postdoctoral training at UAB,” said Smith. “It is great that our general surgery residency program is so supportive of developing its trainees as surgeon scientists, who not only support patients through clinical experience but also through research.”