Category Newsletter


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…


University Medical Center now provides sports medicine care from two locations 

University Medical Center in Northport now offers sports medicine care for athletes and active individuals. Drs. Cole Marshall and Ginger Medders began providing sports medicine services at UMC-Northport in February.  UMC in Tuscaloosa has long provided sports medicine care through its Dr. Bill deShazo Sports Medicine Center. UMC Sports Medicine is also the provider of choice for UA’s athletes.  Sports medicine physicians…


AI tools are shaping health care  

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how health care providers deliver care and manage information, Dr. Tamer Elsayed, a family medicine physician with University Medical Center, said during a February Mini Medical School lecture.  Mini Medical School is a collaborative program of UMC and The University of Alabama’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute that provides educational lectures by UMC health care…


Table for one: Tips for affordable meal prepping 

A little planning can go a long way in helping people prepare balanced, affordable meals for themselves, said Suzanne Henson, a registered dietitian with University Medical Center, during a Mini Medical School presentation.   Mini Medical School is a collaborative program of UMC and The University of Alabama’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute that provides educational lectures by…


Accolades 

Drs. Jane Weida, Tom Weida and Alan Blum, family medicine physicians at University Medical Center, were named Caste Connolly Top Doctors for 2026. Doctors on the Caste Connolly list represent the top 7% of U.S. practicing physicians. The list seeks to help patients find high-quality care by connecting them with premier physicians.  


January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 

Cervical cancer is most diagnosed in women over the age of 30 and an estimated 4,00 annually in the United States die from this cancer. Cervical cancer may not cause symptoms early on, but warning signs can include pelvic pain or unusual bleeding during menstrual cycles, menopause or intercourse. Regular screenings with your doctor and vaccination against HPV, the human papillomavirus, are effective in…