Category: Newsletter


Maximizing meal planning and the importance of protein

Including protein in meals helps with muscle growth, boosts metabolism and can help people maintain a healthy weight, Suzanne Henson, University Medical Center’s registered dietitian, said in an October Mini Medical School presentation. Proteins are nutrients that give the body strength and energy. Without enough protein, the body can lose muscle mass and experience slower…


Digital health devices can improve health

Digital patient monitoring helps patients keep track of their health conditions and transmit real-time medical data to their health-care providers, said Dr. Richard Friend, a family medicine physician and professor and dean of the UA College of Community Health Sciences. Digital patient monitoring, or remote patient monitoring, uses technology to monitor patients when they are…


All about anesthesia

People who smoke, are obese and have multiple medical conditions face a risk of complications during anesthesia, Gary Hankins, a retired certified registered nurse anesthetist, said during a Mini Medical School lecture in October. Hankins worked for many years at DCH Regional Medical Center and NorthRiver Surgical Center, both in Tuscaloosa. Mini Medical School lectures…


Community Outreach

University Medical Center sponsored the 6th Annual Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation’s Strike Out Suicide Bowling fundraising event at Bowlero in Tuscaloosa on Oct. 24. KAYF works to raise awareness about youth suicide. Games, food and music were provided, and facts and statistics were also shared. Visit here to learn more about KAYF’s mission for youth…


Free flu shots provided for UA students and employees

The University of Alabama is helping faculty, staff and students protect themselves from the flu with free flu shots on campus. Now in its 13th year, the annual UA Flu Shot Campaign, led by the University’s College of Community Health Sciences, kicked off Sept. 3. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that causes mild…


University Medical Center welcomes two new physicians

Dr. Savannah Giovane joined University Medical Center in August as a family medicine obstetrics physician. She is also an assistant professor in the Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine with CCHS, which operates UMC. Giovane received her bachelor’s degree in biology from The University of Alabama. She completed medical school at the University of…


University Medical Center offers Medicare Annual Wellness Visits

University Medical Center clinics in Tuscaloosa, Northport, Demopolis and Carrollton provide Annual Wellness Visits for patients with Medicare with the goal of keeping them as healthy as possible. An Annual Wellness Visit is a free appointment with your primary care provider to create a personalized health care plan based on your current health and risk…


University Medical Center cares for West Alabama

University Medical Center provides high-quality, patient-centered health care for people of all ages throughout West Alabama. With clinics in Tuscaloosa, Northport, Demopolis, Fayette, Carrollton and Livingston, UMC, which is operated by The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, has expanded its patient and geographic reach well beyond the UA campus and its employees…


University Medical Center appoints new lab director

Rhonda Waldrop was named director of University Medical Center’s Laboratory and X-ray Department. She previously served as assistant director. As director Waldrop manages the day-to-day operations of the department, where she has worked since 2001. Waldrop received her bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Mississippi State University in Starkville and completed her clinical internship at…


University Medical Center welcomes new psychologist

Dr. Crystal Dillard joined University Medical Center in May as a psychologist in the Betty Shirley Clinic. Before joining UMC, she was clinic director of The University of Alabama Psychology Clinic and held a clinical faculty position with UA’s Department of Psychology. Before joining UA, Dillard spent 10 years in clinical practice at Children’s of…