What began as a small medical school has transformed into an institution that spans 75 city blocks and boasts a comprehensive medical center rated among the nations best for its outstanding clinical, educational, and biomedical research programs. Since 1968, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Children's Hospital (CH) have had an affiliation agreement that established CH as the primary site for all pediatric educational programs and patient care activities within the UAB Medical Center.
Medical care for pediatric patients is provided through a multidisciplinary team approach involving physicians, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, social workers, doctors of pharmacy, pharmacists, and case managers. This approach ensures excellent quality of care for pediatric patients, integration of research and discovery, and innovative treatments for pediatric illnesses. No other source in Alabama can provide more current or comprehensive information and treatment for pediatric illnesses and disease.
It takes the convergence of patient care, research, and education to ensure the finest care and to build true centers of excellence. Much of the department's success is attributed to its well-balanced, strong, and dedicated faculty. The faculty has earned a national reputation for excellence in providing superior medical care and cutting edge research and discovery and for mentoring young physicians.
Over the last decade, the UAB Department of Pediatrics and the Children's Health System have experienced enormous growth in clinical services and programs. Some recent initiatives include:
- An enhanced, dedicated pediatric stem cell transplantation program;
- A statewide network for the management of children with sickle-cell; anemia and hemophilia;
- A neuro-oncology program;
- Establishment of hospitalist service;
- A pediatric rheumatology program;
- A rehabilitation medicine program;
- Accreditation of the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Center;
- Establishment of the Child Health Research Unit (CHRU); and
- Creation of a headquarters for the regional biodefense program.