The Department of Medical Education oversees the academic mission of the school: to educate physicians and scientists in all of the disciplines of medicine and biomedical investigation for careers in practice, teaching, and research. We are responsible for educating and nurturing health professionals who serve the health needs of Alabama, the nation and the world through excellent clinical medicine, research, education, and health care leadership.
Latest Department News and Updates
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Equal Access Birmingham hosts the third annual EAB on the Green golf tournamentJune 17, 2026On June 6, 2026, Heersink School of Medicine’s Equal Access Birmingham (EAB) hosted its third annual EAB on the Green golf tournament. Golfers of all levels gathered at Highland Park Golf Course for a day of games, prizes, and fundraising for an impactful cornerstone in the Birmingham community. -
From Idea to Impact: Faris Zaibaq and the growth of Better BirminghamJune 16, 2026Faris Zaibaq, a student in the M.D.-Ph.D. program at Heersink School of Medicine, has focused his extracurricular work on how city design shapes daily life in Birmingham. Together with his collaborators, he helped launch Better Birmingham, a community initiative focused on improving access across the city, particularly in transportation and housing. -
From Programs to Global Partnerships: The Evolution of International Medical Education at UABJune 16, 2026For the International Medical Education (IME) office at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, 2025 marked a defining year. What began as a collection of global programs has matured into an office-led effort that strengthens the school while building international partnerships and creating meaningful value across UAB. -
Where Art Meets MedicineJune 9, 2026For fourth-year medical student Leopold Nkengbeza, art and medicine are two sides of the same calling. From illustrating complex surgical procedures to contributing to the Volker Hall mural, he uses creativity to make medicine more accessible and meaningful. -
Legislative Changes to Federal Financial Aid Beginning July 1, 2026June 3, 2026New federal legislation was passed last year that impacts federal financial aid for our current and incoming medical students. Most changes will be implemented on July 1, 2026, which is the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year. -
Medical Education begins transition from MEDMap to CanvasJune 3, 2026The Department of Medical Education is moving its coursework from MEDMap, a homegrown system the school has used for years, to Canvas, the learning management system used by all other schools across UAB. As the transition continues ahead of the upcoming academic year, several key milestones have already been reached. -
Medical Education staff updates for June 2026June 3, 2026The Department of Medical Education at Heersink School of Medicine is pleased to announce recent additions to the team. Three new staff members have started their roles since the beginning of 2026. -
House Staff Council leaders speak about their 2025-2026 serviceMay 29, 2026At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, more than 1,100 residents and fellows are engaged in graduate medical education across over 100 programs. The House Staff Council (HSC) represents these trainees, bringing together residents and fellows from all programs to serve as a key liaison between learners and institutional leadership. -
Heersink School of Medicine celebrates Commencement 2026May 19, 2026On May 16, 2026, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine celebrated its annual Commencement ceremony. The event was held at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. -
Recognition of Distinction in Global Health celebrates first graduates and welcomes new cohortMay 18, 2026The Recognition of Distinction in Global Health (RDGH) program at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine has reached a significant milestone with the graduation of its first two students. This achievement marks an important step in preparing future physicians with a broader understanding of health care delivered across diverse global settings. -
Caring while learning: How Audria Wood, MS4, balanced medical school and familyMay 18, 2026In the span of four years, medical school asks students to master science, develop clinical judgment, and grow into physicians. For Audria Wood, MS4, it also meant learning how to care for a family member—her father. -
Remembering Roy KrackeMay 18, 2026Roy Kracke, M.D., helped lay the foundation for what would become the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers.