UAB Briefs: UAB Hospital honored, ASC opens season, virtual ArtBLINK
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 COVID-19.
Let us know about people, events and programs on campus that deserve a mention in UAB Briefs. Email jchambers@starnespublishing.com.
And remember that the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Continue to follow all of the usual protocols and stay safe.
WOMEN’S CHOICE WINNER
UAB Hospital has received the 2021 America’s Best Hospitals designation from Women’s Choice Award for the practice areas of obstetrics, orthopedics, heart care, stroke care, cancer care and breast care, according to UAB News.
The Women’s Choice Award is an independent referral source for women, aiming to empower them to make better health care choices.
In creating its Best Hospitals list, the Women’s Choice Award uses the most recent publicly available information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as accreditation information and surveys from thousands of women.
By appearing on the Best Hospitals list, these UAB clinical areas are considered to represent the top 10 percent of hospital practices across the country.
NEW SEASON AT THE ALYS
The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center at UAB kicks off a new season in January with two exciting musical performances, according to UAB News.
On Jan 14, acclaimed Birmingham hip-hop artists Shaheed and DJ Supreme will present a performance to be live streamed from the center. The performance is free, but donations are welcome.
The duo’s critically acclaimed LPs — “Health Wealth & Knowledge of Self” and “Scholar Warrior (The Remix Album)” — showcase Shaheed’s lyrical prowess and DJ Supreme’s soulful production.
On Jan. 21, the ASC will present an intimate, live streamed performance starring acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright, who will be accompanied by Kenny Banks Sr. on piano.
Praised by such media outlets as The New York Times, Wright has released five albums and is known for her songwriting and her skillful renditions of American pop classics.
Tickets are $15 per device.
For a $29 monthly Virtual Arts Pass subscription, get full virtual access to all events presented by the ASC and UAB’s arts partner organizations Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts and ArtPlay.
For tickets or more information about these shows and other ASC events in January, call 205-975-2787 or go to alysstephens.org.
VIRTUAL ARTBLINK
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center will host its 36th annual ArtBLINK Gala in a virtual format on Friday, Feb. 5, 6:30-7:45 p.m., according to UAB News.
The gala, as usual, will feature local artists who create original works rapidly during the event to be sold via auction to the highest bidder.
This year, however, attendees will watch the event at youtube.com/onealcancercenter and make their bids online.
Proceeds will support cancer research and other top-priority through the O’Neal Cancer Center Fund for Excellence.
Local TV personality Jeh Jeh Pruitt will host the event, which includes 20 local artists working in a variety of media, including watercolor, metal, glass, oil and clay.
Each attendee will have the option to buy a ticket to reserve a special ArtBLINK dinner from Iz Catering to enjoy at home.
To view the final pieces of art that will be available for auction, register by texting ARTBLINK to 72727.
For more information, go to artblink.org/virtual-artblink.
NEW DIRECTOR
Dr. Charles A. Leath III has been named director of the UAB Division of Gynecologic Oncology, effective immediately, according to UAB News.
He has been a professor of medicine with the UAB School of Medicine since 2013.
“I’m looking forward to furthering the division’s strong reputation of exceptional patient care and research.” Leath said
An accomplished physician-researcher, he has a longstanding interest in clinical trial development and execution.
“Dr. Leath is an exceptional, accomplished educator, mentor and surgeon,” said Dr. Warner Huh, chair of the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
A graduate of The Citadel and the Medical University of South Carolina, Leath completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and his fellowship training in gynecologic oncology at UAB.