From its recent accolade as one of the nation's top culinary destinations to its stunning Appalachian foothills views, Birmingham has earned a reputation as a destination ideal for both work and play.
To share our favorite things about Birmingham, the UAB Department of Surgery has launched the series, “Loving Life and Work in Birmingham, Alabama,” to highlight faculty members who have moved to Birmingham to join our team of surgeons and what they love about the area.
Our first faculty spotlight is Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery Assistant Professor and Medical Student Surgery Clerkship Director Jessica M. Fazendin, M.D., FACS.
About Dr. Fazendin
Dr. Fazendin is a graduate of the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed her general surgery residency at Hahnemann University Hospital/Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She is a passionate leader in surgical education with clinical interests in thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal diseases. She treats patients at both UAB and BVAMC.
She also serves on national committees for the Association for Academic Surgery and the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES).
Q & A
1. Why did you decide to join the faculty at UAB?
I completed my endocrine surgery fellowship here at UAB and knew that I could continue to grow personally and professionally with my group and this department. I interviewed across the country for other faculty positions, but there were too many great opportunities here to pass up that I would never be given at other institutions this early in my career.
2. Once you arrived, were there any aspects of being in Alabama that pleasantly surprised you?
The amount of green spaces and proximity of recreational activities on lakes, down at the beach, and the foothills in the area.
3. What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the OR in Birmingham?
Well at this stage in our lives, we love taking our daughter to the Birmingham Zoo, the McWane Science Center, and Remy’s Dog Park at Red Mountain regularly!
4. Birmingham is known for its culinary scene. What’s your favorite restaurant in the area?
We love Helen. But our list includes Automatic Seafood and Oven Bird as well.
Stay tuned for more installments of the Surgery Faculty Relocation Interview Series!
Are you subscribed to the Department of Surgery News? Click here to join our email list!