The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program, operated by the College of Community Health Sciences, marked its 50th anniversary with a weekend of events June 13-15. The celebration brought together alumni, retirees, faculty, staff and current residents for a welcome reception, Continuing Medical Education seminars, and a Gala and Awards Dinner.
The three-year residency was established in 1975 and is one of the oldest and largest family medicine residencies in the United States. Since its founding, more than 600 physicians have received their specialty training through the program, and 567 are currently practicing family medicine. In Alabama, one of seven family medicine physicians is a graduate of the residency and 90% of all graduates practice in the Southeast.
“The residency has educated hundreds of compassionate, community-centered family medicine physicians who are dedicated to improving and promoting the health of individuals in Alabama and the Southeast,” Dr. Richard Friend, dean of CCHS and a former residency director, said during remarks at the Gala and Awards Dinner.
During their time in the program, residents are educated and trained in academic and community environments by physicians in family medicine and other specialties and learn to provide high-quality and patient-centered care. Residents have opportunities to practice in hospitals and continuity and community clinics and connect with patients in the context of their families and communities.
Special awards were given during the Gala and Awards Dinner to alumni and faculty whose contributions helped shape the program’s legacy.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Beverly Jordan, an alumna of the Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program who received the Distinguished Alumni Award. “Training here in this program has been an incredible experience, and it’s truly amazing to look out and see the mentors who have guided us—we wouldn’t be here without them. It’s also inspiring to see the residents and students coming up behind us, and I hope that one day we can be the kind of mentors to them that ours have been to us.”
Awards given out during the gala:
The Legacy of Excellence Award
Honors an alumnus whose career exemplifies sustained excellence in family medicine and leadership in the field.Dr. Michael McBrearty, first graduate of the Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program.
The Lifetime Achievement in Family Medicine Award
Celebrates a career of enduring impact, leadership, and service to the profession.Dr. Robert Pieroni, retired CCHS faculty member.
The Educator of Distinction Award
Recognizes alumni who have shaped future generations through outstanding teaching and mentorship.Dr. Sam Gaskins, served as director of the Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency from 1980-1994 and again from 1999-2003; and Dr. Robert Ireland, retired CCHS faculty member and Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency alumnus.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Celebrates alumni whose remarkable dedication and achievements have left an indelible mark on the field of family medicine.Dr. Beverly Jordan, an alumna of the Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program.
The Crimson Legacy Award
Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional loyalty, advocacy and support for the program across the years.Dr. Edward Markushewski, an alumnus of the Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency.
The Pillar of Support Award
Honoring the steadfast presence and encouragement of those who support the mission of academic medicine from behind the scenes.Cindy McBrearty, Dorothy Pieroni and Madeline Hill, longtime supporters of CCHS and the Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency.
The UATFMR Excellence in Leadership and Service Award
In recognition of outstanding leadership, enduring commitment and exemplary service to The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program.Dr. Tamer Elsayed, current director of the Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency.