Category Newsletter


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…


University Medical Center Social Work Services 

March is Social Work Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role social workers play in patient care. At University Medical Center, social workers are an essential part of the health care team, providing compassionate support, guidance and resources to patients and their families.  From helping patients navigate complex medical and social needs…


Watson earns obesity medicine certification

Dr. Tiffany Watson, a family medicine physician at University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, recently earned her certification in obesity medicine, further expanding specialized care services available to patients across West Alabama.  The certification, awarded through the American Board of Obesity Medicine, recognizes physicians who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and competency in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of obesity and…


Community outreach: Healthy hearts

University Medical Center hosted a free community event Feb. 19 at the McKenzie Court Activity Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., as part of UMC’s Healthy Hearts, Healthy Communities Series.   The series is a new outreach program that partners UMC with communities across West Alabama to help individuals connect with health care providers and resources, take charge of their health and promote wellness through prevention. …


Share your voice: UMC seeks members for Patient Advisory Committee 

University Medical Center invites patients and their families to play a direct role in improving the care it provides through its Patient Advisory Committee. The committee, created in 2023, brings together patients, family members, providers and clinic staff to exchange experiences, identify challenges and suggest ideas for strengthening patient‑centered care.  Committee members offer insights into a wide range of topics that affect the patient experience, from…