Author Kandis Snyder


Understanding concussion treatment and recovery 

A concussion isn’t always as simple as a bump on the head. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person and identifying the specific challenges a patient is experiencing can help guide treatment and recovery, according to Dr. Michael Collins, professor and Arthur J. Rooney Sr. Chair in Sports Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.  Collins spoke about the assessment, management and treatment of…


Skin cancer: the importance of detection and prevention 

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but early detection and prevention can help reduce the risk of serious disease, according to Dr. Lauren Hughey, clinical professor at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and founder of Renew Dermatology in Birmingham.  Hughey spoke about the recognition, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin cancer during…


Menopause Hormonal Therapy treatment available at UMC 

Many women experience physical and emotional changes during menopause, but treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, according to Drs. Catherine Lavender and Savannah Giovane, family medicine obstetricians at University Medical Center.  They discussed a treatment option called menopause hormone therapy (MHT) during a recent presentation to faculty, residents and medical students at the College of Community Health Sciences,…


Mental health care available at two locations 

University Medical Center’s Betty Shirley Clinic now provides mental health care services at two locations in Tuscaloosa.  The Betty Shirley Clinic at University Medical Center Tuscaloosa is now open in its newly renovated space at 850 Peter Bryce Blvd.  The Betty Shirley Clinic at Northeast Medical Building will continue serving patients at 211 Peter Bryce Blvd. Drs.…


Taking care of your health 

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month  Migraines and headaches are common neurological conditions that can affect overall health. They can cause severe pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, and can disrupt daily functioning and quality of life. Triggers can include stress, lack of sleep, certain foods and environmental factors. University Medical Center provides comprehensive care for neurological conditions. If you experience frequent or severe headaches and…


Broadening access to OB/GYN care 

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…


Sleep center reaches milestone for accreditation 

The DCH Sleep Center in Northport, Ala., directed by University Medical Center neurologist Dr. James Geyer, has reached a national milestone – maintaining 25 years of continuous accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.  “This milestone reflects our team’s dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered sleep medicine services,” Geyer said.  The recognition places the center among just 28 programs nationwide to reach…


Lifestyle medicine services now available  

University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa is enhancing care by offering lifestyle medicine services to help patients prevent, manage and even reverse chronic disease through healthy lifestyle changes.  Led by Dr. Ansley Baccus, a family medicine physician at UMC, and Dr. Jon Baccus, an internal medicine physician at UMC, these services focus on addressing the root causes of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease.  Ansley…


Physician Spotlight 

Improving health for older adults  Two University Medical Center physicians have been serving as medical directors of Crossings at North River Assisted Living in Tuscaloosa, helping guide care for residents at the facility.  In their roles, Drs. Grier Stewart, an internal medicine physician at UMC, and Jackie Luker, a geriatrician at UMC, work with Crossings staff to oversee resident…


Taking care of your health 

April is recognized as Alcohol Awareness Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol misuse and its effects on overall health. Excessive alcohol use can have serious long-term health consequences, including alcohol use disorder, liver disease, heart disease and high blood pressure. It also…