The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Surgery hosted the prestigious Halsted Society’s 98th Annual Meeting, from September 25-28, 2024.

Upon arrival to Birmingham, guests enjoyed a full schedule filled with research updates and social events representing the culture and heritage of the area.

UAB Department of Surgery representatives delivered comprehensive updates for each division – just in time to commemorate the 3,000th adult liver transplant performed by the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute.

Halsted Society members also spoke on individual contributions ranging from advancements in melanoma to the utilization of ultrasound for breast disease.

After each morning’s scientific sessions, members and guests explored the city – including stops to view the Birmingham Museum of Art’s expansive displays and to enjoy the fall foliage and expansive scenery at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Attendees also visited the 16th Street Baptist Church to reverently listen to former Senator Doug Jones’ moving message as he recounted his experience in prosecuting two of the suspects from the 1963 bombing – just days after the 61st anniversary of the horrific event.

Guests concluded their visit with a final scientific session on Saturday, September 18 – with optional outings to golf or enjoy a football Saturday watching the nail-biting Alabama-Georgia game at Bryant Denney Stadium.

“This event is a once-in-a-career opportunity to collaborate with some of the most talented minds in surgery through the lens of our clinical and research operations,” says Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair of Surgery Herbert Chen, M.D.

About the Halsted Society

The Halsted Society, which pays tribute to surgical pioneer William Stewart Halsted, M.D., has a limited membership comprised of 100 surgeons and other individuals in allied branches of medicine. Active members have the right to hold office, present papers, to serve on all committees and to participate in all transactions of the Society.