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Releasing Trigger Finger Without Open Surgery As we age, the passing years tend to be full of annoying reminders. For some people, trigger finger is one of them. It hurts, and can be a barrier to activities people enjoy. Sometimes it can even end a career early. Surgery is the standard treatment when trigger finger becomes chronic. This can help prevent the frequent locking of the finger into a cramping trigger position when attempting to grasp small objects. However, traditional surgery cuts through highly touch-sensitive, nervedense tissue, which can create a challenge for pain management. After the incision, dissecting tissue, cutting the ligament and

Ricardo Colberg, MD with a patient and the ultrasound machine for trigger ﬁnger procedure.

finishing with stitches, recovery can take some time. Over one patient in ten will experience complications like infection, scar tissue and chronic pain. Ricardo Colberg, MD of Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center became interested in finding a simpler approach that could achieve the desired results using techniques that would be easier on the patient. “As we began to see minimally invasive techniques in other procedures, I read about early attempts to use less invasive palpation-guided techniques to release trigger finger,” Colberg said. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 2)

Jiﬀy Knee A Minimally Invasive Quad-S paring Approach By laura freeMan

The Achilles heel of human mobility isn’t necessarily found in the foot. Knees are the joints that often fail first, which is why total knee replacement is such a high demand orthopedic procedure. For many patients, this can offer a life-changing difference in preserving and extending mobility. But even after years of improvements in surgical techniques,

Patrick Rowan, MD

undergoing and recovering from the standard procedure can be challenging. Beyond cutting into bone and replacing the joint, the traditional approach also cuts through muscles and damages ligaments and tendons, leaving patients

Scott Seibert, MD

dealing with severe pain and an extended recovery time. Now the minimally-invasive Jiffy Knee procedure is offering many patients who need a total knee replacement a way to achieve the benefits with less pain and

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J. Dory Curtis MD

faster recovery. “When we learned about the advantages of the Jiffy Knee approach, we were very pleased that three of our orthopedic surgeons, Drs. Scott Seibert, (CONTINUED ON PAGE 3)

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“The development of higher resolution ultrasound gave us a real time view inside the finger without the need for a larger incision. “At Andrews, when we see potential for what may be a better way to help our patients, we believe in doing the research, gathering the data and making decisions based on real-world outcomes. That’s what we did with a series of studies on trigger finger release to determine the advantages of an ultrasound-guided minimally invasive approach. “Today with this procedure, I help patients achieve relief from these symptoms with less pain, faster recovery, less expense and a lower risk for complications. “With high resolution ultrasound, I can see nerves, blood vessels and other tissues I want to protect. We can do the procedure in the clinic or at the bedside so patients don’t have to pay extra to book a surgical center. Anesthesia is simpler since instead of a traditional scalpel, I use a Nokor needle similar to those that inject medications. It’s tipped with a tiny 18 gauge blade that I advance while watching the ultrasound images. I cut the ligament that is catching and holding the tendon near the bone, then irrigate and flush, and withdraw the needle and blade. A bandage goes on for three days

and I tell patients to limit grip weight for a couple of weeks, then add activity as tolerated.” Patients can usually go to work the next day, and will likely be healed enough to return to normal activities sooner than they would have been with an open incision. “We’ve followed outcomes through the years, and patients have been very pleased with results. At 1.3 percent, complications have been only around one-tenth of what is typically seen in open procedures,” Colberg said. The released ligament tends to stretch out as it heals, so it isn’t likely to start catching again in the same finger. However, patients who have one trigger finger may experience the same problem in other fingers. Colberg has one patient who has flown across the country four times to have the procedure done in different fingers. “After I had traditional surgery with the first trigger finger, the pain and recovery time were so bad that I didn’t want to go through that again. I found an article about Dr. Colberg and the minimally invasive approach he uses, so I came from California to Birmingham to have it done. It was so much easier that I came back for the other fingers,” the patient said.

Colberg’s patients often include dentists, hygienist and physicians such as interventional cardiologists who spend a lot of time gripping tiny tools and working in tight spaces. “I also see trigger finger in people like professional violinists and people whose jobs involve repeated gripping, vibration, twisting and heavy lifting. Even recreational activities like crochet and knitting can cause a flare up from overuse. If the tendon becomes irritated and swollen and begins catching under the ligament, when rest and conservative medications are no longer enough, it may be time to get evaluated for a release procedure,” he said. The primary difficulty for patients who prefer the less invasive approach is finding a physician who has completed the special training required and has experience doing it. Colberg and Andrews Sports Medicine have offered training programs to physicians interested in learning the technique. In time, the choice should become more widely available. Similar techniques might offer new possibilities for treating other conditions in the future.

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Jiﬀy Knee, continued from page 1 J. Dory Curtis and Patrick Rowan, were interested in pursuing the specialized training to offer this option. We’re proud and supportive of their efforts, which have made our patients at UAB Medical West the first in Alabama able to choose this new approach,” Christina Bunn of UAB Medical West said, “The skin incision is made along the inner part of the knee as opposed to the direct front, and access to the knee joint is obtained by going around the quad muscle without having to cut through the muscle or tendon,” Patrick Rowan, MD said. “Leaving the quad muscle and tendon intact as opposed to cutting through them and later repairing is less traumatic to the soft tissues. By making the incision over the inner part of the knee, less tension is exerted to the healing skin while bending the knee compared to an incision made directly over the front. Many patients often report benefits in their early post-operative rehabilitation such as having less pain, faster return to walking independently, and greater overall satisfaction than they expected.” Scott Seibert, MD has also been impressed with the outcomes he is seeing. “I now perform the Jiffy knee as my preferred technique for total knee replacement with the possible exception of revision knee replacement,” he

said. “There are no specific differences in the rehabilitation protocol, but we have noticed that our patients are progressing more quickly through therapy with faster improvement in range of motion, less time to discontinue using a cane, and less time till driving. There are no differences in the implants used or how long we can expect them to last compared to a traditional knee replacement.” J. Dory Curtis, MD concurs. “We use an incision that is medial relative to the kneecap and our deep incision does not cut any muscles or tendons,” he said. “We move all the muscles and the patella off to the opposite side. Also part of the Jiffy Knee procedure is to have patients start therapy very early within four hours before they go home. We then like patients to work with outpatient physical therapy rather than home therapy for their rehab, as it is typically more effective. “Knee strength is regained more rapidly compared to the old-fashioned incision where we cut into the quad tendon. About half the patients say their pain is completely gone or very minimal after two weeks. Patients typically can get back to driving more rapidly, in around 10 days instead of the usual six weeks.” The best candidates for the Jiffy Knee approach are patients in good general

health, with good tissue without bone deformities or scarring from previous injuries or surgeries. With conditions like diabetes, blood sugar should be well controlled. Clotting disorders, the presence of a pacemaker, an infection or severe obesity are considerations that could influence risks or the likelihood of a successful outcome. Overall, aside from patients needing a revision, many patients who would be good candidates for traditional knee replacement surgery would likely benefit from the Jiffy Knee approach. The procedure can also usually be performed faster than traditional knee replacements. Some surgeons in other areas who have been performing the procedure for a while report completing some procedures in as little as half an hour, which offers the added advantage of helping to reduce time under anesthesia. When knee pain becomes severe and can no longer be controlled with more conservative measures, it could be time to seek an evaluation for knee replacement surgery. The Jiffy Knee is a new option that offers advantages many patients will want to consider.

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DECEMBER 2025 • 3

CMS Makes Permanent Significant Changes to Medicare Physician Supervision Rules By Howard Bogard

As part of its calendar year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) made permanent a major change to its physician direct supervision rules. Effective January 1, 2026, for services that are required to be performed under the “direct supervision” of a physician or other appropriate practitioner, CMS is permanently adopting a definition of direct supervision that allows the physician or practitioner to provide direct supervision through realtime audio and visual interactive telecommunications. Audio-only communication is insufficient. The supervising physician or practitioner must be available throughout the performance of the entire test or service subject to direct supervision, but does not have to be “on-site” to provide supervision. Historically, Medicare direct supervision required a physician or appropriate practitioner to be physically present in the office suite (though not in the same room) and immediately

available to provide assistance and direction throughout the applicable test or service. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, CMS allowed virtual presence via real-time two-way audio/ video to meet this requirement, a policy extended through December 31, 2025. Recognizing the benefits for patient access to care, improved scheduling flexibility, alleviating workforce shortages and care modernization, CMS made permanent the relaxed direct supervision requirements. The permanent direct supervision rules are applicable to incident-to

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4 • DECEMBER 2025

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services under 42 CFR § 410.26, diagnostic tests under 42 CFR § 410.32, pulmonary rehabilitation services under 42 CFR § 410.47, and cardiac rehabilitation and intensive cardiac rehabilitation services under 42 CFR § 410.49. However, higher-risk surgeries with global surgery indicators 010 (minor, 10-day global) or 090 (major, 90-day global) still require the physical, on-site presence of a physician to ensure patient safety and the ability for rapid on-site intervention. CMS will also allow direct supervision through audio/video real-time communications

technology (excluding audio-only) for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers. The application of this change is widespread. For example, CMS will pay a physician for the services of auxiliary personnel such as nurses and technicians when furnished “incident-to” the professional services of the physician. One of the requirements for physician incident-to billing is that the service is rendered under the direct supervision of a physician. Historically, this meant that the supervising physician would need to be in the office while the incident-to service was provided. Billing for incident-to services is under the name and billing number of the supervising physician, even if that individual did not order the incident-to service. With the relaxation of the direct supervision requirements, an off-site ordering physician, for example, can bill for the incident-to service (provided that the ordering physician is available through real-time audio and visual interactive telecommunications). This change by CMS not only creates flexibility for the supervision of incident-to services but (CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)

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DECEMBER 2025 • 5

Saving Your Practice Manager Sanity: Use A CLAYGO Cadence By Jeff Dance

Physician burnout is a common theme in much of the recent industry research. As practice managers, healthcare leaders, and administrators, we not only take care of the business of medicine, but we must also take care of our providers. So who takes care of us? Look in the mirror and unfortunately you will find the answer. My colleague, Ramsey White, of Vaytiv Solutions, promotes the message that healthcare is a marathon. In the whirlwind of practice management, a calm and organized environment is a necessity. Patient appointments, managing staff, handling insurance claims, the compliance conundrum, and the constancy of being on call for our providers, the demands are relentless. It’s no wonder that medical office managers often feel like they’re on the intense treadmill of “what’s next?” But what if a simple concept could help you regain control and keep yourself sane? CLAYGO, the Clean As You Go concept typically associated with the food service industry can be the answer

Jeff Dance

in your office. A CLAYGO cadence isn’t about deep cleaning—it’s about preventing clutter, disorganization, and inefficiencies before they pile up and become overwhelming. Think of the average day at your practice. As paperless as we strive to be, we are still left with the stack on the counter, supplies are misplaced, and the most unlikely things are often left precariously on every available surface. Each of these small messes creates a mental drain and further potential problems. Applying CLAYGO means empowering every

When people receive a communication from a law ﬁrm,

This also gets your staff out for a minute of fresh air. Discourage them from using their cars as their meal escape. Implementing CLAYGO is ongoing. It starts with setting clear expectations and leading by example. Let your staff see you walk the parking lot and waiting room, then take them with you to do the same. Provide easily accessible cleaning supplies and designated homes for all items. Most importantly, communicate the why behind the policy: it’s not about being a neat freak; it’s about creating a more efficient, less stressful, and safer environment for everyone. For you as a healthcare leader, CLAYGO is a game-changer. It is a cadence that shifts the burden of constant tidying by one person to a culture of shared team responsibility that mandates a sense of collective accountability and teamwork. A clean, organized, and efficient office improves staff morale that makes for an attractive workplace, visually, functionally, and emotionally. Then you can focus on addressing the real daily challenges, knowing that the small, everyday messes are being handled in real time. The CLAYGO cadence can save your sanity as you trade chaos for control, turning a frantic daily grind into a manageable cadence to the day. Jeff Dance is the Executive Director of Kassouf Healthcare Solutions.

Implementing A CLAYGO Cadence 1. Set the example.

they listen.

2. Explain the “why” to your team. 3. Find a place for everything.

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team member to take ownership of their workspace and individual tasks. After a patient visit, there is that ballet of changing the table paper, wiping the counter, and pushing back the exam stool in one coordinated move. When a supply cabinet is used, items are put back in their designated spot. A spill in the breakroom is wiped up instantly, not left for the end of the day, or for the person who comes behind you. The benefits of this proactive approach extend beyond a tidy office. A CLAYGO culture promotes a healthier, safer environment, reducing the risk of accidents and office-based infections. It also saves time. The few seconds it takes to put something away now are far less than the minutes—or even hours—spent searching for it later. One office research study found over four hours a day are spent in needless work and resending previously sent emails. Time can be redirected to more critical tasks that create value for patients, providers, and staff. We have certain standards in our Kassouf offices that provide for safe, clean, and efficient work areas. Eating at your desk can seem like the way for a diligent worker to get more done until the smell and the grease of the burrito overwhelm the environment and make for a messy keyboard. Use the dedicated lunchroom or an outdoor picnic table.

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4. Spring clean annually (10 year-old CPT books make for great recycling); paper can be scanned to archive folders so work with your IT provider to set these up. Don’t forget the old condiments your kitchen drawers. 5. Track your time to look for those incremental margins to give back to yourself.

6. Turn off your email and social media notifications. Every foursecond interruption and distraction can lead to a mistake. 7. Set open-door policies for clear communication, not chit-chat. 8. Establish clear email etiquette. Email is not for IM chats. It can be an efficient information delivery system. 9. Calendar your important dates for renewals, deadlines, and recurring tasks

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Jeffrey JeffreyJones, Jones,MD MD Jeremy Clark, CRNP

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Jeffrey Jones, MD

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Gary Mollengarden, MD

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nd located next to our Freestanding Emergency Department in Hoover. For more information nd new new state-of-thestate-of-theMain Hospital Location: 5000 Medical West Way, Suite 402, Bessemer, AL 35022 UAB Medical West Gastroenterology NEW! Hoover Location: 5310 Medford Drive, Hoover, AL 35244 about UAB Medical West and our services, visit us online at medicalwesthospital.org. && Specialty Care Clinic Specialty Main Care ClinicLocation: 5000 Medical West Way, Suite 402, Bessemer, Hospital AL 35022 | NEW! Hoover Location: 5310 Medford Drive, Hoover, AL 35244 UAB Medical West Gastroenterology UAB Medical West Gastroenterology r. For more information er. For more information Main MainHospital HospitalLocation: Location:5000 5000Medical MedicalWest WestWay, Way,Suite Suite402, 402,Bessemer, Bessemer,AL AL35022 35022 NEW! Hoover Location: 5310 Medford Drive, Hoover, AL 35244 alwesthospital.org. NEW! Hoover Location: 5310 MedfordCALL Drive, Hoover, AL 35244 NOW SEEING PATIENTS IN BESSEMER AND HOOVER. 205.481.7384 TO SCHEDULE. alwesthospital.org. Birmingham Medical News

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DECEMBER 2025 • 7

Top 10 Alzheimer’s Care Strategies to Help Patients Maintain Their Dignity By The Institute at MagMutual

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just test your clinical judgement. It challenges your ethics, your empathy and your attention to detail in documentation. As patients lose the ability to make decisions, recall conversations or even recognize danger, you’re forced to navigate impossible choices: when to deliver hard truths, how to involve family, what to document and how to balance safety with autonomy. And it’s not always clear-cut. These gray zones are exactly where malpractice claims take root. To help you navigate this complexity with professionalism and compassion, we’ve outlined 10 strategies to support dignified, patient-centered care throughout the course of Alzheimer’s disease. Start Strong—Early Conversations that Protect Everyone 1. Disclose the Diagnosis Honestly and Compassionately

Respecting the patient’s right to know is foundational to building trust. Clear empathetic communication helps set the tone for ongoing care.

still has decision-making capacity, which should be confirmed and documented to help prevent future disputes. 4. Document Key Discussions

Thoroughly record all conversations with patients and families, especially in the early stages of diagnosis. Document decisions made involving care preferences, capacity and decisionmaking to support shared understanding and informed consent and protect against future misunderstandings. Defensive Care in the Middle Stages— Balancing Risk and Support 2. Communicate Disease Progression Clearly Set realistic expectations about the

path ahead. Helping families understand what to expect enables more informed decision-making. 3. Encourage Advance Care Planning

Initiate early conversations about care preferences, including advance directives, powers of attorney and surrogate decision-makers. These decisions should be made while the patient

5. Use Medications Judiciously

Cognitive and behavioral medications often offer limited benefits and carry significant risks. Clearly explain and record your rationale for initiating or discontinuing treatment, involve the care team and family in decisions and monitor for side effects that may impact the patient’s quality of life. 6. Prioritize Non-Pharmacologic Behavioral Strategies

Tailor individualized behavior

management approaches to address agitation, aggression and other challenges. Techniques such as routine, reassurance and redirection are often more effective and less risky than medication. 7. Limit Use of Restraints

Only use physical restraints or highdose sedatives as a last resort. Instead, implement secure environments, safe wandering protocols and registries like MedicAlert’s Safe Return. Plan for the End— Palliative Decisions and Legal Safeguards 8. Recognize Late-Stage Alzheimer’s as a Terminal Illness

As the disease advances, shift priorities toward quality of life. Early conversations about goals of care can help to avoid aggressive interventions that may no longer align with the patient’s values and wishes. 9. Refer to Palliative or Hospice Care Early

Don’t delay referrals that could enhance quality of life. When

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(CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)

CMS Makes Permanent Significant Changes to Medicare Physician Supervision Rules, continued from page 4 also allows for increased alignment of the billing of the incident-to service with the ordering physician, thereby allowing the ordering physician to receive compensation credit for the incident-to service. Another material impact of this change will be with respect to independent diagnostic testing facilities (“IDTF”). Many diagnostic imaging tests (especially with contrast) performed in an IDTF require direct supervision by a physician (most often by a radiologist). At times, IDTFs have struggled to find appropriate physicians who can be physically present in the IDTF office to provide direct supervision throughout the entire imaging service. The increased flexibility resulting from CMS’ change in the definition of direct supervision will make it easier for IDTFs to obtain the necessary physician supervision and therefore increase access to diagnostic imaging.

In light of these changes, healthcare providers should review and update their supervision protocols and compliance policies. Further, providers relying on remote direct supervision should ensure that their telecommunication systems allow for real-time, two-way audio and visual interaction, and that all supervision arrangements are documented in writing in the event of an audit. Healthcare providers should also ensure that the virtual supervision technology is secure and HIPAA compliant since protected health information will be shared. Finally, providers should consult with any applicable accreditation organizations, such as the American College of Radiology and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, to ensure full compliance.

Aggressively Pursuing Victory Over Injury OUR NON-SURGICAL SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIANS

Matthew B. Beidleman, MD

Keep up with changes in dementia care guidelines. A current, informed approach strengthens both clinical quality and legal defensibility.

Ricardo E. Colberg, MD

Rachel G. Henderson, MD

Howard Bogard is a Partner at Burr & Forman LLP and works exclusively with health care providers on corporate and regulatory matters. He can be reached at (205) 458-5416 or at hbogard@burr.com. José O. Ortega, MD

T. Daniel Smith, MD

Jay S. Umarvadia, MD

Charles T. Carnel, MD

OUR ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS

Top 10 Alzheimer’s Care Strategies, continued from page 9

10. Stay Current with Evolving Standards of Care

Emily Bell Casey, MD

Non-Surgical Spine

Monte M. Ketchum, DO

appropriate, involve specialists who offer comfort-focused care and valuable support to patients and their families.

Christopher S. Carter, MD

on the basis of any content included in this article without seeking legal or other professional advice.

What’s Next? Caring for patients with Alzheimer’s means facing medical, ethical and legal uncertainty and often all at once. But with thoughtful planning and clear communication, you can preserve dignity, reduce risk and support patients and families through the disease’s progression. MagMutual provides expert resources and guidance to help healthcare professionals navigate these challenges with confidence. Explore more strategies for providing ethical care to Alzheimer’s patients here or visit our full library of Healthcare Insights for additional support. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute legal, medical or any other professional advice. No attorney-client relationship is created and you should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article without seeking legal or other professional advice.

Christopher M. Beaumont, MD

E. Lyle Cain, Jr., MD

Andrew M. Cordover, MD

Jeffrey C. Davis, MD

Jeffrey R. Dugas, MD

Benton A. Emblom, MD

Christopher H. Garrett, MD

Daniel C. Kim, MD

Wayne McGough, Jr., MD

Kathleen E. McKeon, MD

K. David Moore, MD

Charles C. Pitts, Jr., MD

Marcus A. Rothermich, MD

Norman E. Waldrop, Ill, MD

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DECEMBER 2025 • 9

GRAND ROUNDS

Alabama ENT & Allergy Opens Second Location

UAB Launches Tele-trauma Program

The Alabama ENT & Allergy team.

UAB eMedicine launched a pilot teletrauma program at Russell Medical and six UAB St. Vincent’s locations, including UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, Blount, St. Clair, Chilton, East, and Trussville FED. The intention of the program is to provide timely access to trauma care for patients in rural communities. “This pilot program will seek to enhance initial management of severely injured patients and expedite their transfer to a trauma center,” said Mohammad Zain Hashmi, MD, an assistant professor in the UAB Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and director of the UAB tele-trauma program. “Secondly, we aim to identify patients who can be safely discharged home, thereby avoiding costly interfacility transfers to UAB Trauma Center.” This implementation will allow emergency department physicians at these locations to activate a tele-trauma

consultation. This two-way audiovisual communication, initiated at the rural physician’s discretion, will allow for both physicians and patients to speak with the trauma surgeons at UAB. Upon review of the patient’s reports and condition, doctors can make more detailed decisions on whether a transfer is necessary or the patient can benefit from being discharged. UAB doctors will be able to give recommendations for options such as short-term observations at the current facility and allow for follow-up evaluations to make better decisions without the need for in-person evaluations. “By connecting local providers with UAB trauma surgeons in real time, UAB Tele-trauma can offer lifesaving expertise for patients, while also streamlining transfers when higher levels of care are needed,” said Matt Murphee, operations manager for UAB eMedicine.

Strengthening Our Team: Welcoming Our New Radiologists

In October, Alabama ENT & Allergy, the first combined ENT and Allergy/ Immunology practice in the state, opened their second location at Stadium Trace Parkway in Hoover. With both ENT and Allergy physicians, the practice can treat the entire airway, which is important now that clinicians understand the influence of Type

2 inflammation in the upper and lower respiratory tract and are more easily able to treat these combined diseases (nasal polyps and asthma, chronic sinusitis and immune deficiency). The practice in includes Drs. Carol Smith, Scott Robertson, Sunena Argo, and Ryan Marshall, along with a team of CRNAs, and an audiologist.

Children’s Recognized with Excellence in Patient Experience Award NRC Health recognized Children’s of Alabama as a recipient of its 2025 Excellence in Patient Experience Award. This recognition honors top-performing hospitals and health systems in the nation for their excellence in delivering outstanding patient experiences. Children’s earned top ratings in the Pediatric category for the time

period of April 2024-March 2025. “We are thrilled that we have received this award for the second consecutive year, a testament to our devotion to delivering exceptional experiences for every patient and family at each encounter,” said Beth Rocker, Associate Vice President, Customer Service.

Dylan Bittles, MD

Chris Cunningham, MD

Evan Harrison, DO

Chris Kovalsky, MD

Adrian Murray, MD

Ben Reeves, MD

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Seeing it through 10 • DECEMBER 2025

Birmingham Medical News

GRAND ROUNDS

Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Under Construction

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Spencer

VICE PRESiDENT OF OPERATIONS Jason Irvin

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katy Barrett-Alley

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jane Ehrhardt, Ashley Franco, Laura Freeman, Lynne Jeter, Marti Slay

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ASHS artist rendering.

“This school represents more than bricks and mortar,” Governor Kay Ivey said at the groundbreaking. “It is fresh potential for our young people and a milestone in addressing healthcare needs here in Alabama.” The school is being built on a 10acre site. Bloomberg Philanthropies has committed $26.4 million to ASHS as part of a $250 million initiative to launch health care-focused high schools in 10

communities across the country. “We are proud to support the bold vision of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences,” said Howard Wolfson, education lead for Bloomberg Philanthropies. “By giving students access to high quality instruction and career pathways, ASHS will help ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals is well equipped to meet the demands of communities across the state and the country.”

ASHS will be a residential campus and will be the fourth free, state-supported residential specialty school under the Alabama State Department of Education. The school is scheduled to greet its first class in August 2026, with its first freshman class housed on a temporary campus on the grounds of the University of West Alabama in Livingston before the new facility opens the following year.

Total Dermatology Opens in McCalla Total Dermatology has opened a new location in McCalla. The new McCalla clinic represents a relocation from the practice’s former Bessemer office, positioning Total Dermatology in a more central and convenient location for surrounding communities, including Helena, Hueytown, Hoover, Bessemer and nearby areas. Located off Exit 1 — next to Piggly Wiggly and directly across from McAdory High School — the new space offers a

modern environment designed to provide patients with comprehensive dermatologic care in one accessible location. The McCalla office will operate as a full-service dermatology clinic, offering: Medical dermatology: Full-body skin checks, biopsies and surgical excisions for cysts, moles and skin cancers, as well as treatment for common skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, acne and more. Cosmetic dermatology: Dysport®,

Sooner is Better

Botox® and dermal fillers, with a walk-in toxin clinic offered throughout the week for added convenience. Patients will be seen by a team of board-certified dermatologists and advanced practice providers, all dedicated to providing expert, personalized treatment for every skin concern — from prevention and diagnosis to rejuvenation and advanced cosmetic solutions. The McCalla location will begin seeing patients on December 18, 2025

At Pulmonary Associates of the Southeast, we get your patients in sooner. Because sooner is better when someone is struggling with lung function, sleep, asthma, or other critical care conditions. That’s why we make referrals as easy as possible to get your patients in and on their way to feeling better.

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Sleep Disorders | Asthma Care COPD | Methacholine Testing Pulmonary Function Test | X-rays

205-802-2000 or PulmonaryDocs.com 40 INVERNESS CENTER PARKWAY, SUITE 200 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242

Birmingham Medical News

DECEMBER 2025 • 11

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