Category: Newsletter


Ask the Docs: Bird flu and weight-loss medications

Members of The University of Alabama’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) had the opportunity to ask health-related questions to Drs. Jane and Tom Weida, family medicine physicians at University Medical Center, during a February Mini Medical School presentation. Mini Medical School is a collaborative program of UMC and OLLI that provides lectures by UMC health-care…


Taking care of your cardiovascular health

February is American Heart Month and raises awareness about heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Adults over the age of 18 should schedule a visit with their primary care provider each year to be screened. A healthy diet,…


By the Numbers

University Medical Center clinics in Tuscaloosa, Northport, Demopolis, Fayette, Carrollton and Livingston had a total of 102,602 patient visits in 2024.


New psychiatrist joins UMC 

Dr. Thomas Fister joined University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa as a psychiatrist in the Betty Shirley Clinic. He is also an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the College of Community Health Sciences, which operates UMC. In addition, Fister teaches resident physicians with The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Family Medicine…


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…