2025 Annual Report

EDUCATION EDUCATION SPRING SCRAMBLE 5K MARKS 20 YEARS OF RESIDENT-LED ADVOCACY

What began as a way to bring pediatric residents together outside the hospital has grown into one of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics’ longest-running traditions. Now celebrating its 20th year, the Spring Scramble 5K continues to bring together residents, faculty, alumni, and community members in support of children and families across Birmingham and beyond. The Spring Scramble is organized through the department’s Coat of Arms, a resident-driven group dedicated to community outreach and child advocacy. Established in 2003, Coat of Arms creates opportunities for residents to engage beyond the clinical setting while supporting children’s health and well-being. In its early years, Coat of Arms explored several fundraising efforts to support community initiatives. Over time, residents identified the need for an event that encouraged broad participation while aligning with the group’s mission of advocacy and service. That vision led to the creation of the Coat of Arms Spring Scramble 5K, which has since become an annual tradition. “We wanted to design an event that residents could take ownership of and feel connected to,” said Michele Nichols, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and program director of the pediatric residency program. “The Spring Scramble became a way to raise awareness, support children, and bring people together in a meaningful way.” While the race initially highlighted specific causes such as childhood literacy and healthy weight management, it has since evolved to support Coat of Arms more broadly. This approach allows residents to direct funding toward a wide range of initiatives throughout the year. A TRADITION ROOTED IN RESIDENT LEADERSHIP

“The Spring Scramble reflects who our residents are and what they care about. It’s about coming together to support children and families in ways that truly matter.”

MICHELE NICHOLS, M.D.

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2025 ACADEMIC ANNUAL REPORT