Division of Transplantation Professor and Surgical Director of Kidney Transplantation Michael J. Hanaway, M.D., was named the inaugural recipient of the Martha Robinson Tankersley Endowed Professorship in Transplant Clinical Excellence.
As a specialist in kidney and pancreas transplantation as well as live donor surgery, Hanaway has played a large role in the UAB Division of Transplantation since he joined in February 2005.
As the surgical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at UAB, Hanaway oversees all aspects of the program, with particular attention to pre-transplant evaluation. As an advocate for equitable organ allocation, Hanaway has served on United Network for Organ Sharing committees including the Membership and Professional Standards Committee.
In addition to mentoring surgical trainees, Hanaway has also encouraged knowledge-sharing and research in the field of transplantation as a reviewer for the American Journal of Transplantation, Transplantation, and The American Journal of Surgery.
Over the past 17 years, Hanaway has performed a high volume of laparoscopic donor nephrectomies and has one of the largest experiences in the U.S. His research interest has focused on induction therapy in kidney transplantation.
Hanaway is honored to receive the professorship that was established in honor of Martha Tankersley, M.S.N., R.N., and her transformative commitment as the transplant administrator for UAB Medicine.
“Knowing what Martha Tankersley has done to support the field of transplantation, it is a great honor to have received her endowed professorship,” said Hanaway. “I look forward to representing Martha, UAB Medicine, and the Comprehensive Transplant Institute in this role.”
Tankersley completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Boston College in 1987 and her Master of Science in Nursing degree from UAB in 2000. She participated in the UAB RN Intern Program (1987-1988), served as a staff nurse (1988-1991), and clinical transplant coordinator (1991-2000).
After completing her graduate studies in 2000, Tankersley served as a nurse practitioner (2000-2006), kidney and pancreas transplant manager (2006-2009), and administrative director of transplantation (2009-2012).
In January 2013, Tankersley accepted the role of associate vice president, transplant administrator with UAB Medicine, where she directs, integrates, and coordinates all activities necessary to support the growth and delivery of quality, cost-effective services in a timely manner within the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute.
UAB's Comprehensive Transplant Institute has performed more than 16,000 organ transplants with more than 400 organs each year, and the programs rank among the nation's leaders both in the number of transplants performed and in patient outcomes. Tankersley’s years of experience and commitment contributed to a strong foundation that fostered growth and stability for the institute.
In addition to retaining and recruiting top transplant surgeons, the endowment will enhance and support the mission and goals of the UAB Department of Surgery and the UAB Heersink School of Medicine for the ultimate benefit of UAB, the Birmingham community, the state of Alabama, and beyond.
“We are so grateful to Martha and her incredible impact on transplantation surgery here at UAB as well as across the nation,” said Jayme Locke, M.D., MPH, director of the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute. “Her leadership has ensured that the surgeons, nurses, techs, administrators, and other staff in the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute are able to thrive in our clinical mission.”