August 8, 2022
Dr. Catherine Lavender, associate professor of family, internal and rural medicine with CCHS, was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society as an outstanding University of Alabama at Birmingham alumnus. In her nomination, Lavender was cited for her strength in leadership, contribution to research and commitment to humanism in medicine. The AOA notes that, “election to Alpha Omega Alpha is an honor signifying a lasting commitment to scholarship, leadership, professionalism and service. A lifelong honor, membership in the society confers recognition for a physician’s dedication to the profession and art of healing.” Lavender was appointed director for the Division of Family Medicine Obstetrics with CCHS earlier this year. In addition to her academic position, Lavender cares for patients at several locations of University Medical Center, which is operated by CCHS. Prior to joining the College full-time, she worked in Pickens County for 10 years. During those years, she served as a community professor for CCHS, a volunteer preceptor for CCHS medical students and residents, and as an affiliate professor for the College’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Lavender graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from The University of Alabama. She received her medical degree from the UA School of Medicine (now the UAB Heersink School of Medicine) and completed her residency at the UA Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program, where she served as chief resident. She completed an obstetrics fellowship at Austin Medical Education Program in Texas. She has received numerous awards from the Heersink School of Medicine, including Argus Award Finalist for Best Clinical Faculty, the Mentorship Award, Excellence and Dedication in Teaching, and several awards for scholarly activity and research.
Dr. Drake Lavender, associate professor of family, internal, and rural medicine and director of Rural Programs with CCHS, was elected to a prominent position with the National Rural Health Association. Lavender will serve as Member at Large for the NRHA’s Rural Medical Education Executive Committee. The Rural Medical Education group is committed to advancing the training of physicians for rural practice through network development and advocacy. Lavender earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed his residency training, also serving as chief resident, at the UA Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program, which CCHS operates. Prior to joining the College in 2013, Lavender had been in private practice in Gordo, Ala. Board certified in family medicine, Lavender has expertise is in colonoscopies and EGDs. In addition to those surgical procedures, he also attends clinic at University Medical Center, which CCHS operates, and is an attendee at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa.
