UAB Department of Surgery Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair Herbert Chen, M.D., has been named a distinguished professor, one of the highest academic honors UAB confers, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to surgical education, clinical care, research, and leadership in academic medicine.
This prestigious appointment recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in research, education, clinical care, leadership, and service throughout their careers – bolstering UAB’s tripartite mission as an academic medical center.
Chen has authored more than 750 original research and review articles, edited 29 textbooks, and maintains an H-index of 98, reflecting the broad and sustained impact of his work in endocrine surgery and cancer research across clinical application and surgeon-scientist education.
A legacy of distinguished professors
Chen joins four previous recipients of the designation within the UAB Department of Surgery.
Last year, Elizabeth Beierle, M.D., professor and Charles D. McCrary Endowed Chair in the UAB Division of Pediatric Surgery, was named a distinguished professor and was recognized for her work on novel therapeutics for pediatric solid tumors
In 2024, Helen Krontiras, M.D., Kirby I. Bland Endowed Professor and division director in the UAB Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery and a leader in breast cancer prevention and risk assessment, received the designation.
Jeffrey D. Kerby, M.D., Ph.D., Brigham Family Endowed Professor and division director in the UAB Division of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, was also acknowledged for his contributions to pioneering surgical critical care, acute care surgery, and pre-hospital emergency care.
In addition, Aurelio Galli, Ph.D., D.Sc., vice chair of basic research for the UAB Department of Surgery and Champ Lyons Endowed Chair in the UAB Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, received the designation for his work in brain development and plasticity, neurotransmitters, and substance abuse research.
About Distinguished Professorships at UAB
Candidates for the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s distinguished professorship accolade are recognized not only for excellence in scholarship and innovation, but also for sustained commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and advancing the mission of UAB.
The designation is recommended by the President and Chancellor of UAB following a highly selective nomination and review process that includes evaluation by a designated committee, input from deans and university leadership, and final approval by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.