University Medical Center is increasing access to obstetrics and gynecology care for its patients with the addition to its practice of a leading medical group for women’s health care. Partlow, Harbin & Poist OBGYN of Tuscaloosa officially joins UMC May 29.
“This group is very experienced and well respected in the community,” said Dr. John McDonald, clinical professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, which operates UMC. He is also a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist at UMC.
Their doctors “bring more than 65 years of serving the West Alabama community to UMC. We are very fortunate to have them join University Medical Center and continue to provide very high-quality women’s health services in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area,” McDonald said.
Partlow, Harbin & Poist have three highly trained and board-certified physicians who provide both routine and specialized care for women. Services include gynecology, obstetrics and basic infertility, as well as bladder disorder testing and enhanced ultrasound for uterine fibroids.
The physicians at Partlow, Harbin & Poist are board certified fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recognized for their high professional standing, ethical conduct and expertise in women’s health care.
“The physicians and staff of Parlow, Harbin & Poist are proud to be joining the UMC family, said Dr. James Poist. “We have worked alongside our UMC colleagues for years, and now we feel energized and excited to be partnering with them.”
Current Partlow, Harbin & Poist patients should experience a seamless transition. Though the practice name will change to UMC OBGYN Associates, patient appointments will continue to take place at Partlow, Harbin & Poist’s current location at 701 University Boulevard East (DCH Medical Tower).
UMC is the largest multi-specialty medical practice in West Alabama with a main location in Tuscaloosa and clinics in Northport, Demopolis, Fayette, Carrollton and Livingston. UMC has long provided OB/GYN and other women’s health services, and the addition of Partlow, Harbin & Poist will expand access to that care, said Dr. Richard Friend, dean of CCHS.
“This will provide much-needed access to women’s health care services for the community, and it will provide additional learning and training experiences for the College’s medical students, resident physicians and fellows,” Friend said.
In addition to UMC, the College also operates the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy and Capstone Hospitalist Group that, all together, recorded a total of nearly 300,000 patient visits in 2025.