Dr. Yung Lau Appointed Chair of UAB Pediatrics Department

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Healthcare professionals collaborating in a pediatric setting

News Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has appointed Dr. Yung Lau as the new chair of the Pediatrics Department and Physician in Chief at Children’s of Alabama, effective March 24, 2025. Dr. Lau has over 30 years of experience in pediatric electrophysiology and has served in leadership roles within the department since November 1, 2024. His appointment is expected to enhance community health initiatives and support for pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

Birmingham, Alabama – The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has officially appointed Dr. Yung Lau as the new chair of the UAB Department of Pediatrics and Physician in Chief at Children’s of Alabama, effective March 24, 2025. This development comes after Dr. Lau held the position of interim chair since November 1, 2024, succeeding Dr. Mitch Cohen, who dedicated a decade of leadership to the department.

Experience and Contributions

Dr. Lau, who has been with the Department of Pediatrics for over 30 years, currently serves as a professor and vice chair of Clinical Affairs. His expertise particularly lies in pediatric electrophysiology, focusing on arrhythmia management and congenital heart disease. He is recognized nationally and has significantly contributed to the field through over 40 publications and various presentations at prestigious conferences, including those organized by the Heart Rhythm Society.

Impact on Community Health

Children’s of Alabama, which has provided specialized medical care since 1911, serves as the teaching hospital for UAB’s pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and research. Ranked among the top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, it caters to patients from every county in Alabama and nearly every state. The hospital has a salient role in the community, delivering essential inpatient, outpatient, and primary care services.

A focal point of the hospital’s offerings is the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center, where a dedicated team of over 350 professionals helps more than 14,000 patients annually. Notably, in 2023, the center successfully conducted over 800 cardiac catheterizations and electrophysiology procedures, surpassing 425 surgical interventions, including three heart transplants. The program’s survival rate exceeded 97%, reflecting the high level of care and expertise provided to young patients.

Policy Implications and Future Direction

Dr. Lau’s appointment may influence local health policies, particularly as Children’s of Alabama actively promotes awareness about congenital heart disease during American Heart Month. With congenital heart defects affecting nearly 40,000 infants born annually in the U.S., Dr. Lau’s leadership is expected to enhance the hospital’s outreach and educational efforts. His commitment to collaborative care is pivotal, particularly in promoting patient and family support across various specialties within the pediatric framework.

Expert Insights

Healthcare professionals and stakeholders within the community have expressed optimism regarding Dr. Lau’s leadership. His long tenure and experience at the hospital position him well to advance pediatric healthcare and research in Alabama. The evolving landscape of pediatric health necessitates strong guidance and innovative treatment approaches, which Dr. Lau is anticipated to bring to the forefront.

Dr. Lau’s appointment signifies a continuity of excellence in pediatric care and a commitment to improving health outcomes for children throughout the region. His leadership will likely contribute to sustaining the high standards set by his predecessor while meeting the growing needs of the community.