UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine

12/19/2025

“I knew they had the best doctors to get me back as quickly as possible and have me healed 100%.”

After a frightening neck injury, national champion and three-time SEC champion Jah-Marien Latham, senior linebacker for the University of Alabama, turned to UAB Medicine when his health and future were on the line.

“The injury impacted my performance dramatically. When it happened, I wasn’t able to move for about 10 seconds,” Latham shared. He credits Luke Hiatt, M.D. and the UAB Orthopaedic Surgery team for making the biggest difference in his recovery. “Dr. Hiatt made the biggest impact because he performed my surgery, and everything is healing up great”

Throughout the process, the support extended beyond medical care. “My overall experience was great. Everyone was so encouraging and uplifting, and they made sure all of my questions were answered for me and my family.” Latham chose Dr. Hiatt knowing he would receive expert care focused on a complete recovery.

At UAB Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports & Exercise Medicine, we’re proud to provide the knowledge that keeps Jah-Marien moving forward.

12/16/2025

During didactics last week, Medical Director for UAB Athletics, Heath Hale, MD, brought learning to life by hosting his annual Jeopardy! game for our Sports & Exercise Medicine Fellows, who teamed up with Cahaba-UAB Family Medicine residents and Heersink School of Medicine students.💡

This fun, interactive format strengthens sports medicine knowledge, supports clinical development, and builds confidence in our students, including those preparing for the CAQSM exam this spring. 👏

12/11/2025

Temps are dropping and the low temperatures—coupled with changes in barometric pressure—can intensify symptoms of joint pain, leading to discomfort and stiffness🥶

Check out three tips to reduce and prevent cold weather-related joint pain.

Over 100 million Americans are experiencing temperatures below 10° F, with the Southeastern U.S. seeing record lows. As a result, many individuals, especially those with joint pain, are feeling the effects of the cold weather.

12/11/2025

Our own Amit Momaya, MD, spoke with to share important safety tips for families and seniors this holiday season. ❄️

From preventing ladder falls to avoiding back injuries while decorating or traveling, Dr. Momaya offered simple reminders to help you stay safe while preparing for the holidays. His advice: keep three points of contact on ladders at all times, don’t overreach, secure tripping hazards like light cords, and lift heavy boxes or luggage with your legs, not your back.

12/09/2025

We were honored to host David Kruse, MD, Senior Medical Advisor for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, at our UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine clinic! 🥇

Dr. Kruse toured our clinic operations and spoke with faculty and staff about what it takes to manage medical care for a global event like the Olympics, sharing his own journey from athlete to team physician at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021 Games, discussing how continued medical advancements will support athletes in 2028.

We're grateful for the opportunity to learn from his expertise and continue elevating the care we provide to athletes at every level.

12/04/2025

Join us in congratulating Sarah Kasprow, MS, LAT, ATC, on her new role as the first Supervisor Athletic Trainer at UAB! 👏

Sarah will help oversee the daily operations of our Sports & Exercise Medicine Clinic at UAB Hospital-Highlands, focusing on maintaining workflow efficiency, supporting staff needs, and ensuring a continued smooth patient experience. As a working supervisor, she’s always ready to step in and provide care whenever needed.

We’re excited for her leadership and the positive impact she’ll continue to bring to our outstanding Highlands team!

12/02/2025

Specializing in sports and shoulder surgery, Thomas Evely, DO, provides expert care for active individuals at every stage of life. Whether you’re participating in recreational sports, returning from an injury, or competing at a high level, he’s committed to helping you recover, perform your best, and get back to doing what you love. Dr. Evely takes a personalized, patient-centered approach, ensuring every care plan aligns with your goals.

Dr. Evely is seeing patients at our UAB Hospital-Highlands and UAB St. Vincent’s 119 clinic locations.

Schedule an appointment today at (205) 930-8339 or visit uabmedicine.org/sports.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine! 🍂

We’re thankful for our amazing providers, staff, and communities we proudly serve every day. Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday.

11/25/2025

From Birmingham to Portugal! 🇵🇹

Our Sports & Exercise Medicine physical therapist, Justin Kirk, PT, attended the World Beach Ultimate Frisbee Championships to support Team USA, and watched them bring home the gold medal! 🥇

We’re proud of our team members who stay connected to the sports world and support athletes on the international stage.

11/22/2025

Race day done right! 🏃‍♂️

Our UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine team provided medical coverage for the runners of the 2nd Annual KultureCity Birmingham Race! The event included a half-marathon and a 5K.

Our very own Phil Griego, CCMA; Kevin Williams, MD; and PM&R resident Victoria Christian, DO, also completed the race.

Thank you to KultureCity, Michele Kong, MD, and Mayor Randall Woodfin for having us! 🙌

11/20/2025

GREAT JOB TEAM! 👏

The UAB Office of Patient Experience and Engagement, in conjunction with executive leadership, has awarded thirteen UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine providers with Patient Experience Excellence Awards for delivering outstanding patient care in the 2025 fiscal year.

Congratulations (L to R, T to B):
Will Brabston, MD
Aaron Casp, MD
Caroline Cohen, RD
Joseph Coppiano, MD
Thomas Evely, DO
Chris Grijalba, DO
Justin Kirk, PT
John Lax, MD
Matt Miesch, MD
Amit Momaya, MD
Walt Smith, MD
Calvin Spellmon, MD
Jeremy Towns, MD

Congratulations to our outstanding providers! 🎉

11/13/2025

Gearing up for the 2026 season‼️🇺🇸

We were honored to perform standardized physicals for USA Wheelchair Rugby, working with new training camp candidates aiming for this year’s team.

Thank you to and for your valued partnership!