Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to present to you the 2025 Annual Report for the UAB Cardiovascular Institute( CVI). This year’ s report is especially meaningful, as it follows a brief pause in publication during a period of strategic transition marked by the UAB St. Vincent’ s acquisition. That milestone represented a new chapter for our health system and has positioned us for even greater alignment, access, and reach across Alabama and the region.
As one of the nation’ s largest and most comprehensive cardiovascular centers, the CVI continues to be recognized for excellence in patient care, clinical outcomes, research, and innovation. We are especially proud to have achieved Society of Thoracic Surgeons( STS) Three-Star ratings— the highest possible— in all six adult cardiac surgery categories. This level of comprehensive excellence is extremely rare and reflects the commitment, skill, and collaboration of our multidisciplinary teams. This represents the top 1 % of STS participating sites. Additionally, UAB Hospital is proud to be the only hospital in Alabama to earn the Gold Seal of Approval as a Comprehensive Heart Attack Center from The Joint Commission. This designation reflects our system-wide readiness to deliver prompt, coordinated, and lifesaving care to patients experiencing the most severe forms of heart attack.
Throughout this report, you will find compelling evidence of our unwavering commitment to delivering worldclass cardiovascular care. From pioneering genetic evaluation through our expanding Cardiogenomics program, to offering patients access to cutting-edge clinical trials, to broadening our reach across newly integrated sites of care, our mission remains steadfastly centered on the patient. At every step of the journey, our teams work tirelessly to provide safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care.
As this report illustrates, we continue to grow in both size and capability— developing innovative programs, recruiting exceptional faculty, and engaging in groundbreaking clinical research that is shaping the future of cardiovascular medicine. These efforts not only advance the field but also ensure that we remain at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation and excellence.
Thank you for your continued support, collaboration, and partnership in caring for the people of Alabama and beyond. We look forward to continuing this important work together.
James Davies, M. D. Co-Director Cardiovascular Institute
Nicole L. Lohr, M. D., Ph. D. Co-Director Cardiovascular Institute
Sherri Wall Vice President Cardiovascular Institute
Adam Beck, M. D. Quality Director Cardiovascular Institute
Mustafa Ahmed, M. D. Network Director Cardiovascular Institute