UAB Briefs: New chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology, virtual art camp, wellness center
In this weekly online feature, we keep track of interesting people and events on campus at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
We also provide updates regarding UAB’s efforts to cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, UAB Hospital and UAB Medicine clinics have implemented and visitation guidelines.
For information regarding how to plan your in-person UAB Medicine hospital or clinic visit, click here.
To read other UAB COVID-19 updates or find health information, go to uab.edu/coronavirus.
To learn more about UAB’s COVID-19 safety procedures, visit uab.edu/uabunited.
Let us know about people, events and programs on campus that deserve a mention in UAB Briefs. Email jchambers@starnespublishing.com.
NEW CHAIR IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
Dr. Warner K. Huh, has been named chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UAB School of Medicine, according to UAB Media Relations.
He will officially assume the role of chair Nov. 1.
“This department has a remarkable, rich history and an impressive list of achievements and accomplishments,” Huh said in a news release. “It is a national and international leader in women’s health care and has contributed to setting the bar in clinical care, research and education. I very much look forward to raising that bar, improving the health of all women in the state of Alabama, and training and mentoring the next generation of leaders in women’s health.”
Huh received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1996, followed by a residency at Tufts University School of Medicine.
He went on to complete a fellowship at UAB in 2002 and then joined the faculty in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
During his time with the department, Huh has served as vice chair of Gynecology, the Margaret Cameron Spain Endowed Chair in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, professor in the Department of Surgery, professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the UAB School of Public Health, director of the UAB Comprehensive Ovarian Cancer Program, senior scientist for the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, and medical director of the O’Neal Cancer Service Line.
VIRTUAL ART CAMP
Kids ages 7-12 can sign up for a one-day virtual arts camp to be held on Wed., Nov. 11, the Veterans Day holiday, thanks to the UAB Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.
The event, to be held on Zoom from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., will feature teaching artists from ArtPlay.
The camp will allow kids to explore many forms of art, including music, dance and visual arts. It is designed to provide kids with a mental break from schoolwork, and screen breaks will be scheduled throughout the day.
The cost is $50. Supplies are provided and will be available for pickup on ArtPlay’s front porch. Pickup dates will be sent in the camp registration confirmation email.
Reservations are first-come, first-served, and enrollment closes at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.
To register, click here.
For complete event information, call ArtPlay at 205-975-4769 or go alysstephens.org.
SAVING TRAINEES FROM BURN-OUT
A wellness center designed to help reduce burnout among medical residents and fellows in training is to open next summer at UAB Hospital, according to UAB Media Relations
The facility, the Graduate Medical Education Wellness Resource Center, is the first of its kind in the Southeast.
It is designed to give trainees quick access to a place where where they can decompress, exchange ideas, pursue research projects, visit their families and exercise.
Leaders say the idea for the space is to promote camaraderie, team-building and work-life balance, while helping the young physicians feel more fulfilled in their careers in medicine.
“As medical professionals, residents and fellows are at high risk of burnout, and we want to give them tools they need to care for themselves and their well-being,” said Dr. Alice R. Goepfert, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education in the School of Medicine and designated institutional officer at UAB Hospital.
The facility will be made possible by a gift of $500,000 from the School of Medicine, UA Health Services Foundation and UAB Hospital and a gift of 3,348 square feet of space in the hospital’s West Pavilion.
Construction is expected to begin in June 2021.A campaign will raise the remaining funds to complete the project.