Category Newsletter

Dr. Andy Thomas, assistant professor in the Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine at the College of Community Health Sciences, was appointed associate director of The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program, which is operated by CCHS.   “Since joining the CCHS faculty in 2025, Thomas has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the College’s mission through his work at University Medical Center and…

Drs. Jane and Tom Weida, professors of family, internal and rural medicine at CCHS, and Dr. Alan Blum, the Gerald Leon Wallace, MD, Endowed Chair of Family Medicine at CCHS, 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…

Timberly Washington, a fourth-year medical student completing her clinical education at CCHS, wrote two articles, “Will future med students like me get the same chances I did?”, published in the Stat News and “What is a Doula”, published in the Rewire News Group. Washington is also a Rural Medical Scholar at the College. Her work as a doula, researcher and community-engaged advocate focuses on expanding access to care, particularly for…

Dr. Richard Rutland Jr., who was instrumental in the founding of the College of Community Health Sciences and who provided early leadership for its family medicine residency, died Jan. 12, 2026, at his home with his family by his side.   Rutland grew up in Eufaula, Ala. He was an early faculty member at CCHS and practiced for years in…

Dr. M.N.V. Ravi Kumar, Distinguished University Research Professor with the College of Community Health Sciences, has received the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Association of Indian Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAiPS).   The award was presented at the AAiPS annual event in November in San Antonio, which was held alongside the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists annual meeting.   Kumar, a professor in the College’s…

Dr. M.N.V. Ravi Kumar, Distinguished University Research Professor with the College of Community Health Sciences, has received the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Association of Indian Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAiPS). The award was presented at the AAiPS annual event in November in San Antonio, which was held alongside the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists annual…

University Medical Center is expanding neurology care and related services with the addition of one of the state’s largest private neurology groups.   Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine in Tuscaloosa joins UMC Dec. 12 as UMC-Neurology and Sleep Medicine and brings to UMC patients additional care for neurological diseases as well as new services for those…

Rural communities face barriers to health care, including transportation difficulties, financial challenges and limited health literacy. Yet innovative strategies, such as telehealth and remote patient monitoring, could help improve access and strengthen the rural health workforce, panelists said during a College of Community Health Sciences Grand Rounds Lecture.     The discussion, “Beyond the Headlines: What’s…

Forty-two posters highlighting research in nutrition, population health, mental health care, health education and chronic conditions were featured at the College of Community Health Sciences 16th Annual Research and Scholarly Activity Day Nov. 20.  The annual event highlights research being conducted by CCHS faculty, graduate students, resident physicians, fellows and medical students.   “We have had…

Dr. Drake Lavender, director of Rural Programs at the College of Community Health Sciences, was recognized by the Southeastern Conference for his work to increase the physician workforce and access to health care in rural Alabama.   In a piece titled “SEC Faculty Tackle Today’s Health Challenges” published in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Lavender was…