Bertagnolli Visits UAB, Delivers Surgery Grand Rounds
Photo: UAB
NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli recently visited the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine and was guest speaker for its department of surgery’s annual Kirby I. Bland, M.D., Endowed Lectureship.
The lecture was established to honor the distinguished career of Bland, who served as chair of the surgery department for nearly 16 years and mentored countless medical students and residents, while also setting the bar for patient care and surgical research.
While at UAB, Bertagnolli delivered the morning’s Grand Rounds address and discussed how NIH is strategically prioritizing translation of clinical research into tactical application in primary care.
“Our work is not finished when we deliver scientific discoveries,” she said. “Our work is finished when all people are living long and healthy lives.”
A surgical oncologist by training, Bertagnolli also mentioned the importance of mentors for trainees and thanked Bland for his guidance in her career, as well.
Photo: UAB
Later, she met with clinician-scientists to hear more about the groundbreaking research happening on campus and visited with UAB leadership to discuss the continued impact of UAB applied science in patient populations across the state and beyond.
“Dr. Bertagnolli’s insight into our research as a medical institution is absolutely invaluable,” said Dr. Anupam Agarwal, senior vice president for medicine and Heersink dean. “I am so thankful that our faculty and researchers have had the opportunity to connect with and learn from her during her visit to campus.”
A dedicated mentor herself, Bertagnolli met with trainees from UAB’s General Surgery Residency Program and students from Heersink’s Medical Scientist Training Program to discuss the future of research and what it looks like to be both a practicing physician and a committed researcher.
Photo: UAB
Throughout the day, Bertagnolli reiterated the importance of owning your authentic voice and approach: “You don’t have to be like everyone else. It is the very best way to bring benefit to where you are.” The words derive from lived experience—Bertagnolli is the first surgeon to lead NIH and the second woman of 17 directors to helm the organization.
“It has truly been an honor to welcome our colleague and friend of the department, Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, for her first visit to Birmingham and UAB,” said Dr. Herbert Chen, Fay Fletcher Kerner endowed chair of surgery. “She brings invaluable wisdom and insight that has inspired our faculty and trainees to continue seeking the answers to hard questions that can change the way we practice medicine and perform surgery for the better.”
To watch Bertagnolli’s lecture, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkRy8Vk9iYs.
*The writer is communications manager for UAB Medicine’s department of surgery.
Photo Gallery
