President & CEO,
@MSKCancerCenter
. Pancreatic surgeon and researcher, pioneer in healthcare disparities research, academic medical leader. Opinions are my own.
With mixed emotions, I announce my departure from UAB to become president and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Sept. I am grateful to have been part of this UAB family, and leave behind an outstanding community of clinicians, researchers, students, and staff.
Today is my first day as President and CEO of
@MSKCancerCenter
, arguably the world’s leading authority on cancer. Every day, MSK’s exceptional team works tirelessly to do everything possible to help people with cancer. I am proud to now call them my colleagues.
UAB will always be committed to women’s healthcare. Our goal is always to ensure world-class clinical care for all our patients, and that will continue
Today is my last day as Dean of
@UABHeersink
& CEO of UAB Health System
UAB is incredible, a community of transformative growth w/ dedicated people
What a privilege to work with you all. I leave truly overwhelmed by our success
Thank you immensely for this chapter in my life
I am honored to assume the role of CEO of UAB Health System and UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance, while still serving as Dean of
@UABHeersink
I want to tell you a little bit more about the transition in this thread
(1/10)
I am delighted that my family was able to join me in Chicago today for the American Surgical Association annual meeting
It’s been an honor serving as President for this renowned and historical association, and it means the world to me to have them by my side!
Today we announced a landmark $400 million gift from Kenneth Griffin, Founder and CEO of
@Citadel
and Founder of Griffin Catalyst and David Geffen, Founder of The David Geffen Foundation. This is the largest single gift in
@MSKCancerCenter
’s nearly 150-year history.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She spent her life pioneering justice and equity.
"To make life a little better for people less fortunate than you. That's what I think a meaningful life is. One lives not just for oneself, but for one's community."
On this
#DoctorsDay
, I share a
#tbt
to my days as a resident. To all doctors, past, present, and future, I encourage you all to remember your own beginnings and celebrate how far you've come.
SOM dean
@DrVickersUAB
has been named president of the American Surgical Association—the nation's oldest, most prestigious surgical organization—making him the third African American president in the association's history.
Read more:
@UABSurgery
#asa2021
Yesterday, America lost a great leader and a true American patriot for justice. Thank you, John Lewis, for your strength, integrity, and determination.
I stand in solidatary with the decision made by
@GovernorKayIvey
and her team to extend the Safer at Home order that includes face coverings be worn until Nov. 8. Masks keep us safe and protected from COVID-19.
This month marks my one-year anniversary at
@MSKCancerCenter
. It has been a year that has both inspired me and filled me with tremendous gratitude. I remain in awe of this place and our people.
I was flattered to be inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor today at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel
It is an honor to join the Academy, made up of 100 living Alabamians & governors of the state. I was 1 of 6 inducted for the 2021 class, which also includes Lionel Richie
Hi
@UABSOM
&
@uabmedicine
- I’d like to thank everyone across
#UAB
and within the Birmingham community for their efforts during the
#COVID19
pandemic. After a brief Twitter hiatus, I am back to engage in COVID-19 discussions and help you stay informed.
The pandemic has taught us many truths, one being that our personal impact on our community is significant. Only 38% of AL has been vaccinated. Currently, 62 people per every 100,000 people are being hospitalized.
(1/4)
It is my honor to announce that the UAB School of Medicine has been gifted a transformational $95 million gift from longtime supporter Marnix E. Heersink, M.D.UAB School of Medicine will now be named the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.
It is critical for all of us at UAB & UAB Medicine to lead by example. Wearing a mask is about protecting ourselves, others, and the community. We know better than most that wearing a mask makes all the difference. We're in this together.
Like yours, my Thanksgiving plans look different this year. It's our largest holiday gathering w/ about 40 family members, some who are over 80. To be safe we've canceled our regular plans, & I'll celebrate with my wife & kids. Please be safe w/ your family too.
#InThisTogether
I am saddened by the death of Daunte Wright in Minneapolis—my former hometown where I spent many years as a surgeon. The pain African Americans are feeling in Minneapolis, and all over the country, is very real. In every industry, we need accountability to denounce racism.
I stand in solidarity with Asian, Asian American, & Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, trainees, & faculty. I call on us all at
@UABSOM
to continue creating community, building allyships, & fostering safe spaces free of AAPI racism.
Incredibly proud of our
@UABHeersink
2022 class of med students who had a 100% match rate this year
I was glad to be there in person and deliver welcoming remarks to the next generation of health care providers
Congratulations to all MS4s on their hard work and dedication!
I was honored to deliver the 2023 AACR-Minorities in Cancer Research Jane Cooke Wright Lectureship today. It's wonderful seeing so many friends and colleagues here at
#AACR23
.
I am very proud of this ranking from U.S. News & World Report, putting UAB in the top 10% of higher ed institutions globally.
This distinction puts us one step closer to our goal of becoming one of the most competitive universities in the world.
Today,
@GovernorKayIvey
extended a statewide mask order for the next four weeks. I offer my strongest support for this decision, and believe that our State's outcomes will improve if we all wear a mask & follow other guidelines in public.
Read more here:
This year has been one we will never forget, in healthcare and beyond. As we continue to do our part from the inside, we urge you to do similarly on the outside.
#NewProfilePic
#MaskingForAFriend
#UABUnited
This
#BlackHistoryMonth
, I hope you’ll take a few moments to read more about my family and how their deep resilience, devoted work ethic, and resistance to inequality and racism have shaped who I am today.
I am honored to accept this award from
@SocSurgOnc
and look forward to continuing pancreatic cancer translational & clinical research, as well as my work devoted to understanding disparities in oncology research.
The SSO is proud to present The Charles M. Balch, MD, Distinguished Service Award to Selwyn M. Vickers, MD of
@UABNews
, for contributions to surgical oncology, including pancreatic cancer translational and clinical research.
#SSO2021
Thank you Mayor
@randallwoodfin
for extending the mask ordinance in the city of Birmingham until 5/24. It is critical that we continue to take precautions against COVID-19.
The City of Birmingham has voted to extend citywide mask ordinance through May 24th. "We will continue to make decisions to save lives," Mayor Woodfin said.
It was recently announced that I am stepping down from my role at UAB to accept the role of president/CEO of
@MSKCancerCenter
This decision did not come easily. I am incredibly proud of UAB & all we've accomplished together
Read my full message:
Like at Thanksgiving, my family is canceling our regular holiday plans. As hospitalizations increase, I feel its right to only celebrate with my immediate household. I hope you will do the same & help keep everyone safe. We're hopeful about vaccines, but we must remain diligent!
Recently, I received my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. I vaccinated to keep myself safe. I vaccinated to keep my family safe. I vaccinated to do my part for
#BHM
. Thank you to my colleagues who have received their vaccine! Consider getting vaccinated when it's your turn.
With the assistance of several black medical leaders, I wrote an article for
@USATODAY
discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic is intensifying the consequences of existing racial & socioeconomic disparities in health & health care.
I am very pleased to announce that Warner K. Huh, M.D., will serve as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His knowledge, leadership experience, and departmental expertise will continue to strengthen and grow our already thriving department.
Today
@GovernorKayIvey
extended the mask order in AL until 4/9. It's imperative that we continue to practice CDC guidelines throughout the next season. At UAB, let's set an example for our community by wearing a mask, washing our hands, social distancing, & getting vaccinated.
I am proud to share exciting news:
@UABHeersink
@UABSurgery
transplant teams have transplanted 2 genetically modified pig kidneys into the body of a brain-dead human recipient
This remarkable first offers hope to thousands waiting on a kidney transplant
I am honored to work at UAB & proud to work alongside a thriving group of intelligent, steadfast, and dedicated colleagues. Being first on this list illustrates the excellence and distinction that we strive for every single day.
This morning, the
@nytimes
presented inappropriate COVID-19 data that conflates and combines clinical and college data. Data was inconsistently and not accurately collected, and does not give a transparent overview of UAB’s cases. Read more:
In the global quest to cure cancer, enhanced collaboration to advance patient-centric international clinical trials, education & quality care makes a world of difference. This week, I participated in the
@AsiaSociety
panel on public health and US-China cooperation with
@MrKRudd
.
As the three men on trial in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery were convicted today I felt grateful for the justice process. It is a sad state of affairs that his life was taken, and it goes to show how much work we still have to do. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
An mRNA vaccine showed promising early results in a phase 1 clinical trial against pancreatic cancer, MSK surgeon Dr. Vinod Balachandran (
@thevinodlab
) reports today in
@nature
.
I was honored to be part of a dinner last night honoring Dr. Smita Bhatia, recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award 2021-22
She is an influencer in everything she does and last night was no exception
Thank you for leading so boldly Dr. Bhatia
📸:
@EricGrayPhoto
Today, I am visiting with a small group of vaccinated family in my hometown of Huntsville. Looking forward to honey/brown sugar turkey, prime rib, potato salad, sweet potato pie & pecan pie. I am thankful for my family. I wish you & yours a memorable and safe holiday weekend.
Happy New Year to
@UABSOM
faculty, trainees, staff, and students! We came together united in 2020, and we'll do the same in 2021. I look forward to the momentum we will build this year—together.
Today I had the honor of speaking at
@VUmedicine
to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the graduation of Levi Watkins Jr., M.D., the first African American student to graduate from VUSM. Thanks
@VUmedicine
for having me.
Today, our medical school
@UABHeersink
is celebrating the $95 mil Heersink gift
Because of the benevolence of Marnix and Mary Heersink, we have an opportunity to rapidly accelerate scientific discovery, research, patient care, & medical education
I’m excited for what’s ahead
As Alabama moves forward with re-opening businesses this weekend, remember to socially distance as much as possible and wear appropriate face coverings. The State has seen a 20.8% rise in cases over the past seven days. Stay safe and have a great Memorial Day weekend.
Alabama, we can do better. We have the resources and tools to do better. Our health care workers are overburdened and our hospital is at capacity with ICU beds.
Wear a mask. Get the vaccine. Social distance. Do something differently today than you did yesterday.
On this day in 1963, the 16th Street Baptist Church was bombed by the KKK, killing four young girls. This event marks a major milestone in the Civil Rights Movement. Today at 10:22 a.m. the church bells in downtown Birmingham tolled in remembrance.
(1/3)
I was excited and honored to support my home state of Alabama while attending Alabama
@GovernorKayIvey
's State of the State Address. During her speech, Governor Ivey spoke about the importance of delivering healthcare to people living in rural Alabama... (More in 🧵👇)
The School of Medicine was honored to have Anthony Fauci, M.D., Director,
@NIAIDNews
, and
@kathleen_neuzil
, Director,
@UMCVD
, give keynote addresses at the COVID-19 Research Symposium today. Their virtual visits speaks to the critical role UAB is playing in combatting
#COVID19
.
Today is important to me because my dad, Dr. John Vickers, is a Korean War veteran who served from 1953-1955. Four of my uncles also served (Vietnam & Korea) & I'm proud that 1 of my uncles worked on the Manhattan Project during WWII. Again,
#HappyVeteransDay
to all who serve(d).
Graduation from medical school is a significant step in every physician and physician-scientist's career. I am so proud of the 2021 graduating class. This past year has been challenging, but our students were resilient and determined. Congrats grads!
This morning,
@aldotcom
published a racial justice op-ed that I wrote in partnership with several faith leaders in the Birmingham area. The article calls on our faith communities to pursue the cause of justice in both word and deed.
Today, I'm reflecting on my favorite MLK moments, especially this timeless quote: "In a real sense all life is inter-related. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.."
Around the US, the COVID-19 Delta variant is spreading. This variant is extra contagious & risky for unvaccinated people.
Moderna, Pfizer, J&J vaccines offer protection against Delta variant. The more people vaccinated, the better our chances at fighting this dangerous variant.
Congratulations to
@MSKCancerCenter
President & CEO
@DrVickersMSK
, who was recently elected by his peers as a fellow of the prestigious
@AACR
Academy. Learn more about this recognition:
Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Chaniece Wallace,
@UABSOM
alum & chief resident at
@IUMedSchool
. I’m lifting up her husband Anthony & newborn baby Charlotte in prayer. If you’re able, please consider giving to the family
We can move forward by thinking about the collective before the self. Let's put our loved ones first.
(4/4)
Read my full message on the impact of our personal decisions here:
Was honored to speak at
@wakeforestmed
@AtriumHealthWFB
with Drs. McConnell &
@JFreischlag
at the virtual John and Melinda McConnell Lectureship and Clinical Excellence Awards
Wake Forest, thank you for having me today!
Today, we honor
#GeorgeFloyd
. As a former Minneapolis resident, where I served as Chair of Surgery at Univ of Minn, I’ll never forget when I learned about Floyd’s death—a tragic event that sparked 1 of the biggest Civil Rights Movements of our lifetimes.
Today, we remember.
I know many of you are excited to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, while others are hesitant. Seek out medical information to make an informed decision. Getting vaccinated is our biggest safeguard against COVID-19. We must all lead by example in our community—at UAB & beyond.
In this photo,
@UABSOM
's Dr. Selwyn M. Vickers receives his COVID-19 vaccination.
Remember, the vaccine has been proven safe and effective by extensive research and protocols. We must look to our medical leaders for education and confidence.
Tune in! I will be on CNN tomorrow morning at 5:50 a.m. and immediately after, Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo (
@DrJeanneM
) director of the Division of Infectious Diseases, will be speaking at 6 a.m. on the same channel.
I am saddened by the developing situation in Ukraine. I know this time may feel uncertain for many
As we head into the weekend I encourage you to take care of yourselves & each other
UAB faculty & staff: if you need support utilize the many resources available at the UAB EACC
The Chauvin trial & yesterday’s verdict has evoked many deep-seated emotions across America. I acknowledge the trauma & passion that have come from this trial. I stand beside my colleagues at
@UABSOM
& beyond with a persistent declaration for racial justice.
The mask ordinance in Alabama expired last Friday, but I want to encourage each of you throughout the State to continue masking up. As we head into a new week, let's practice safety measures that will protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.
It was a great morning delivering the keynote address at Leadership Birmingham's new class kick off
@ProtectiveStdm
It was the first ever event at Protective Stadium & I was happy to be joined by other leaders in Birmingham like
@randallwoodfin
(1/2)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of my greatest inspirations. As I said in a recent guest column for ComebackTown Magazine, I look to the themes of his Letter from a Birmingham Jail when I think about how cities across AL can move forward in health and health care equity
(1/7)
A decision not to get vaccinated reaches far & wide.
Our decisions impact hospital staff, physicians, loved ones who are immunocompromised, businesses, schools, children, etc
I hope Alabamians will realize our freedoms allow us an opportunity to practice thoughtfulness.
(3/4)
I look forward to working with
@MariaPisu1
to address how underserved populations in our region are disproportionately affected by affordability, availability, and other characteristics of quality cancer surgical care.
UAB honored those who have suffered & died under racial injustice by taking an institution-wide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. I encourage our students, faculty & staff to seek resources through UAB’s Student Multicultural & Diversity Programs & Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
At WTI w/ Dr. Fouad at 1st annual Menorah Lighting hosted by
@UABHeersink
Office for Diversity & Inclusion Student Affairs' Jewish Medical Student Assoc
Thanks to employees & students for this event - Proud to be here celebrating employee & students’ Jewish culture & heritage
Yesterday, America lost a great leader and a true American patriot for justice. Thank you, John Lewis, for your strength, integrity, and determination.
Today, we commemorate
#Juneteenth
, marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Please join
@MSKCancerCenter
as we celebrate this historic milestone, stand against racism, and work towards health equity.
On Monday, 6/20 UAB's academic campus will close to observe
#Juneteenth
as a designated holiday
I'm excited because this observance shows progress
We are moving beyond intention and towards meaningful action
(1/3)
@UABNews
@uabmedicine
@UABHeersink
@UABODEI
I am honored to be included in
@modrnhealthcr
's 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives and proud to be listed alongside my peers as we work to pave the way to better health for all.
My grandparents & parents lived by the philosophy that “education is the great equalizer.” It's important to me to advocate for education, especially for reading and literacy. I was honored to be a part of this reading event in the WIC NICU
I was honored to write this guest column for ComebackTown on my vision for Alabama.
How do we reconcile with a past full of injustice & move towards equity?
I look to MLK Jr. for inspiration when I consider our path forward in Birmingham.
My colleague, Craig Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for Medical Education and chair of the Department of Medical Education, recently received his first round of the COVID-19 vaccine. It's refreshing to see our
@UABSOM
leaders stepping up and motivating others.
Vaccination eligibility in Alabama now includes any resident who is aged 16 and older. I encourage everyone to register & receive their vaccine as soon as possible.
Together, we can move past the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's do our part.
Visit to sign up!
For Black/African Americans, trust in the gov. & medicine does not come easily. Along with 59 other health care & public health experts, I encourage my fellow Black Americans to get vaccinated in this
@nytopinion
article. Together, we can save lives.
It was my honor to speak at the NCCJ-AL 47th Brotherhood & Sisterhood Awards Dinner tonight.
This event brings together leadership in our community working to reduce bias, bigotry, & racism. It raises funds for the Anytown Alabama Leadership Institute. Thanks for having me!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has always been a hero of mine and his principles continue to inspire me. Today and every day, we should strive to honor his legacy by fighting for justice and caring for others.
States like Massachusetts & Vermont report much higher levels of vaccinations & far fewer hospitalizations. Vermont has a 68% vaccination rate, and only 5 per 100,000 people are being hospitalized.
UAB had 204 patients yesterday, while Massachusetts General had only 26.
(2/4)
Today, I got my seasonal flu shot on campus. With the continuous COVID-19 cases in Alabama, it is vital to stay flu-free this season. More information on where to get your flu shot can be found here:
I had a great time with our team at
@MSKCancerCenter
's Bergen County outpatient location in New Jersey. I am struck by the dedication of each and every person at MSK, as we all work together towards our mission of ending cancer for life.
Thanks
@DrJeanneM
for your hard work and diligence this year. You've ensured the UAB community, our city, & the state of Alabama have the best & most accurate information to stay safe from the COVID-19 pandemic. From all of us at
@UABSOM
- THANK YOU!