Genitourinary (GU) Pathology – Section Chief

Position Overview

The Department of Pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is conducting a nationwide search for an academically oriented and experienced Genitourinary (GU) Pathologist and leader to join the department during an exciting period of growth and transformation. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading and expanding the GU Pathology Section, while also having the opportunity to assume distinguished leadership roles across the department.

This strategically important role is designed to expand UAB’s diagnostic, research, and educational capacity in GU pathology while supporting the multidisciplinary missions of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Heersink School of Medicine. The incoming faculty member will join one of the nation’s largest and most robust academic pathology departments, nationally recognized for excellence in clinical care, education, and research. In addition to leading GU Pathology services, the individual will collaborate closely with Urology, Oncology, and other key clinical partners to drive innovation, foster multidisciplinary research, and support programmatic growth in genitourinary cancers.

The position offers a unique opportunity to join a collegial and collaborative academic environment under the leadership of Department Chair Dr. Cristina Magi-Galluzzi—herself a distinguished GU Pathologist—at a time when the department is actively expanding subspecialty programs, investing in digital pathology, and strengthening its research enterprise.

Position Specifics:

• Title: Section Head, Genitourinary Pathology
• Academic Rank: Associate Professor or Professor, Department of Pathology
• Academic Appointment: Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology
• Tenure Opportunities: Tenure, Tenure-Track and Non-Tenure Appointments are available based on preference and qualifications)
• Location: Birmingham, Alabama
• Reporting To: Director, Division of Anatomic Pathology with dotted line reporting to the Chair, Department of Pathology (if serving in a leadership role).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert diagnostic service in GU surgical pathology, including prostate, kidney, bladder, testis, adrenal, and consult cases.
• Participate in and contribute to multidisciplinary GU tumor boards and clinical conferences.
• Maintain scholarly productivity through original research, collaborative projects, and publications.
• Teach and mentor medical students, residents, and fellows in GU pathology.
• Develop and expand GU subspecialty consultation and outreach services.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary academic initiatives and maintain scholarly productivity.

Required Qualifications

• MD., M.D./Ph.D., or D.O. degree (or equivalent)
• Board certification in Anatomic Pathology
• Fellowship training in Genitourinary Pathology (or equivalent subspecialty expertise)
• Minimum of 3 years of post-fellowship experience in GU Pathology
• Eligibility for medical licensure in Alabama
• Demonstrated academic productivity (research, publications, grants, or program development)
• National reputation and/or prior administrative experience preferred

Ideal Candidate Attributes

The ideal candidate will be a mid-career or senior academic pathologist with subspecialty expertise in Genitourinary (GU) Pathology and a strong record of academic achievement. We are seeking a dynamic and ambitious individual who is eager to build and shape a nationally recognized GU Pathology program at UAB. The successful candidate will be an exceptional diagnostician, an engaged educator, and a collaborative colleague who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment.

Key attributes include:

• Program-Builder Mentality – Demonstrated interest in developing and expanding a GU Pathology program that integrates clinical service, research, education, and outreach.
• Leadership Ambition – Interest in leading the GU Pathology Section, supporting and/or leading the GU fellowship program, and pursuing broader administrative leadership opportunities (e.g., Vice Chair roles, laboratory directorships).
• Academic Orientation – Commitment to scholarly activity with potential for research collaboration in GU oncology, precision medicine, digital pathology, or related fields.
• Educational Excellence – Dedication to teaching and mentoring residents, fellows, and junior faculty, with a passion for shaping the next generation of pathologists.
• Collaborative Spirit – Ability to work effectively with Urology, Oncology, and other clinical partners in a highly interdisciplinary cancer care environment.
• Institutional Citizenship – Collegial, team-oriented approach with the integrity and professionalism to represent UAB across the health system and the national academic community.
• Innovation Mindset – Interest in leveraging digital pathology, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine initiatives, aligning with UAB’s strategic investments in technology and data-driven diagnostics.

Unique Selling Points / Why Join UAB?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is one of the nation’s leading academic health centers and top public research universities, ranked among the top 20 in NIH funding. Its Heersink School of Medicine and UAB Medicine together form one of the largest academic medical enterprises in the U.S., anchored by UAB Hospital, a 1,200-bed tertiary hospital consistently ranked Alabama’s #1 by U.S. News & World Report. The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center is Alabama’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and one of the first eight in the nation.

The Department of Pathology, a Top 15 NIH-funded department, includes more than 95 faculty and is nationally recognized for excellence in clinical care, research, and education. Under the leadership of Dr. Cristina Magi-Galluzzi, an internationally renowned GU Pathologist and current President of the Genitourinary Pathology Society, the department is expanding subspecialty programs, investing in digital pathology, and strengthening its research enterprise.

Highlights of this opportunity include:

• Visionary Leadership – Led by Dr. Magi-Galluzzi, deeply committed to building GU Pathology as a program of distinction.
• Multidisciplinary Integration – Close collaboration with Urology, Oncology, and other partners in one of the nation’s busiest urologic oncology programs.
• Exceptional Clinical Breadth – ~2,500 urological specimens annually, including complex consults and rare tumors.
• Research Strength – Access to robust translational and precision medicine programs in prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer.
• Innovation & Growth – Significant investment in digital pathology, AI, and outreach expansion, positioning UAB as the referral center for the Southeast.
• Lifestyle – Birmingham offers affordable living, excellent schools, nationally acclaimed food culture (including James Beard Award-winning restaurants), and proximity to Gulf Coast beaches and the Appalachian Mountains.

Key Programmatic Details

Institutional Overview

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a leading academic health center and one of the nation’s top public research universities. With more than $700 million in annual research funding, UAB ranks among the top 20 in NIH funding and is internationally recognized for its collaborative, innovative environment.

The Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine is home to nearly 1,700 faculty, 800 medical students, and more than 1,000 residents and fellows, with 27 academic departments and robust research institutes. It is the only allopathic medical school in Alabama and a critical contributor to the state’s healthcare workforce, biomedical research, and precision medicine initiatives.

UAB Medicine & the UAB Health System represent one of the largest academic medical enterprises in the United States, anchored by UAB Hospital, a 1,207-bed tertiary hospital consistently ranked Alabama’s #1 hospital by U.S. News & World Report. The system employs over 37,000 people and generates approximately $8 billion in annual revenue. In 2024, the acquisition of Ascension St. Vincent’s expanded UAB’s reach with five additional hospitals, multiple outpatient clinics, and more than 5,000 new providers and staff.

The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center is Alabama’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and one of the first eight in the nation. Home to more than 400 clinicians and researchers, the Center treats ~10,000 new patients each year, supports ~200 clinical trials, and was rated “Outstanding” by the NCI in its most recent review..

Within this environment, the Department of Pathology—with over 95 faculty across seven divisions—is nationally recognized for excellence in clinical care, research, and education. Under the leadership of Dr. Cristina Magi-Galluzzi, a world-renowned GU Pathologist and current President of the Genitourinary Pathology Society, the department is investing in digital pathology, expanding outreach, and strengthening subspecialty programs.

Department of Pathology

The Department of Pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine is one of the largest and most comprehensive academic pathology departments in the United States, with approximately 95 full-time faculty across seven divisions and more than 35 secondary faculty appointments. Faculty are internationally recognized for excellence in clinical service, research, and education, making the department a hub of innovation and collaboration across the UAB Medicine enterprise.

The department provides high-quality diagnostic services to UAB Hospital, Highlands Hospital, Medical West, the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, , and an expanding regional outreach network in Gadsden, Anniston, and Montgomery. Each year, faculty handle over 80,000 surgical pathology specimens, in addition to extensive cytology, autopsy, and molecular diagnostic services. This clinical breadth, combined with advanced immunohistochemistry, molecular, and genomic platforms, makes UAB a referral destination for complex cases across the Southeast.

Research is a defining strength of the department. UAB Pathology ranks among the Top 15 NIH-funded pathology departments nationally (Blue Ridge), with more than $13 million annually in extramural funding. Faculty lead cutting-edge investigations in molecular genetics, bioinformatics, cancer biology, and precision medicine, with strong collaborations across UAB’s research institutes and the NCI-designated O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Education and training are central to the mission. The ACGME-accredited residency program offers training in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, and AP/CP combined tracks, with 26 residents in training at any given time. The department also supports multiple fellowship programs, including surgical pathology, hematopathology, cytopathology, neuropathology, forensic pathology, microbiology, and molecular genetic pathology. Faculty are dedicated to mentorship and preparing the next generation of pathologists and physician-scientists.

The department is also investing in the future of diagnostic medicine through the digital pathology transformation (Sectra platform, with significant investment planned for more scanners in the future) and integration of AI and genomics into pathology workflows. These initiatives, along with a commitment to expanding outreach and subspecialty programs, are positioning UAB Pathology as the premier referral and research center for the Southeastern United States.

Department Chair: Dr. Cristina Magi-Galluzzi

The Department of Pathology is led by Cristina Magi-Galluzzi, M.D., Ph.D., a world-renowned Genitourinary (GU) Pathologist and internationally recognized leader in the field. Dr. Magi-Galluzzi was appointed Chair of Pathology at UAB in 2024 after serving as Division Director of Anatomic Pathology at UAB from 2018 to 2014 and a distinguished career at the Cleveland Clinic from 2003 to 2018, where she served as Director of Genitourinary Pathology and professor at the Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University.

Dr. Magi-Galluzzi is board-certified in Anatomic Pathology with deep clinical expertise in the diagnosis of prostate, bladder, kidney, adrenal, and testicular malignancies. Her research focuses on prostate carcinogenesis, tumor biomarkers, and genomic assays that advance precision medicine in GU oncology. She has authored over 270 peer-reviewed publications, multiple book chapters, and is the editor of four authoritative books in GU Pathology.

Her leadership extends beyond UAB: she is the current President of the Genitourinary Pathology Society, and Vice President of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology; she has served on the Board of Directors of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, and is a fellow of the College of American Pathologists. She was recognized on The Pathologist magazine’s Power List of the “Top 100 Global Leaders in Pathology”.

As Chair, Dr. Magi-Galluzzi is spearheading the department’s growth, guiding its digital pathology transformation, strengthening research partnerships, and expanding outreach programs. She is also deeply committed to mentorship, education, and program building, making UAB an attractive destination for ambitious academic pathologists.

Division of Anatomic Pathology

The Division of Anatomic Pathology is one of the largest divisions within the UAB Department of Pathology, delivering comprehensive, subspecialized diagnostic services across UAB Medicine and its regional partners. Faculty provide expertise across gynecologic, breast, gastrointestinal, urologic, head and neck, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and dermatopathology, supported by advanced immunohistochemistry, molecular, and genomic resources.

In June 2025, the division welcomed Dr. Oyedele Adeyi as its new Director. An internationally recognized liver and transplant pathologist with over 120 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Adeyi brings decades of experience from University of Toronto and University of Minnesota and is deeply engaged in international pathology leadership. His arrival marks an important catalyst for growth in the division, with a vision emphasizing subspecialty expansion, program development, outreach growth, and digital pathology adoption—all of which directly support UAB’s goal of becoming the premier referral center for the Southeast.

The division plays a central role in education, supporting one of the nation’s most comprehensive residency programs. The ACGME-accredited UAB Pathology Residency Program offers training in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, or combined AP/CP, with 26 residents in training at any given time. Residents rotate through subspecialties, including surgical pathology, cytopathology, forensic pathology, and molecular pathology, gaining broad exposure to both routine and highly complex cases. The program emphasizes clinico-pathologic correlation, hands-on teaching, and progressive responsibility, ensuring graduates are exceptionally well prepared for academic, private practice, or community careers.

Genitourinary (GU) Pathology Section

The GU Pathology Section within the Division of Anatomic Pathology provides comprehensive diagnostic services to UAB Hospital, Highlands Hospital, Callahan Eye Hospital, Medical West, and the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Faculty also serve as expert consultants for challenging cases referred through UAB Pathology Outreach Services (CPPP), Children’s of Alabama, the Birmingham VA Medical Center, and regional partners. Each year, the service processes approximately 2,500 urological specimens, including ~500 outside consult cases.

The section covers the full spectrum of urologic pathology—prostate, kidney, bladder, testis, adrenal, and penile tumors—and actively supports interdisciplinary tumor boards such as the monthly GU tumor board. GU faculty also contribute to educational conferences, research collaborations, and program development.

Training in GU Pathology is integral to the residency experience, with residents spending a minimum of two months on the service, gaining hands-on exposure to complex cases, consults, and immunohistochemistry.

The section is also poised for expansion that will include leadership opportunities such as the potential to direct the existing GU Pathology Fellowship and assume broader leadership roles such as Section Head, Vice Chair, and/or Director of the Immunohistochemistry Laboratory.

Research Programs & Collaborations at UAB

UAB offers a rich, collaborative environment for genitourinary (GU) cancer research, anchored by the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and supported by the Department of Pathology, Department of Urology, and other clinical and translational programs. The institution’s breadth of expertise across prostate, kidney, testicular and bladder cancer provides an exceptional platform for the incoming GU Pathologist to engage in high-impact multidisciplinary research.

Prostate Cancer
UAB is nationally recognized for its leadership in prostate cancer research and innovation. The Program for Personalized Prostate Cancer Care integrates advanced imaging (MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy), genomic testing, and minimally invasive therapies with clinical management and translational research. Dr. Thomas Chi, Chair of Urology, holds the Anton J. Bueschen Endowed Chair in Urologic Surgery and Research and leads initiatives that span surgical innovation and clinical trials. UAB’s large tissue and biologic fluids repository further supports biomarker discovery and precision medicine approaches in prostate oncology.

Kidney Cancer
UAB’s kidney cancer research is closely tied to its strengths in surgery, molecular diagnostics, and translational oncology. Faculty collaborate across Urology, Oncology, and Pathology to study renal cell carcinoma and other rare renal tumors, with strong integration of genomic platforms and precision medicine initiatives. UAB investigators are actively engaged in clinical trials and translational studies designed to improve patient stratification, identify therapeutic targets, and optimize outcomes for patients with advanced kidney cancer.

Bladder Cancer
The institution also has robust expertise in bladder cancer, with multidisciplinary teams spanning urology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology. UAB participates in national clinical trial consortia and has developed strong translational pipelines to study biomarkers, molecular drivers of disease, and innovative treatment approaches. Pathology plays a central role in supporting this work, with opportunities for the incoming GU Pathologist to collaborate on projects ranging from diagnostic refinement to integration of molecular data into treatment decision-making.

Together, these programs underscore UAB’s commitment to advancing GU oncology research and patient care. The new faculty member will have the opportunity to leverage these established collaborations to build a research portfolio, lead interdisciplinary projects, and shape the next generation of GU cancer discovery.

Chief of GU Pathology Job Opportunity at UAB Department of Pathology

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a nationally and internationally recognized public research university and academic health center. Founded in 1969, UAB has grown into Alabama’s largest research institution and the state’s largest single employer, with more than 24,000 faculty and staff.

UAB enrolls nearly 21,000 students from over 110 countries across its 12 academic divisions, offering more than 140 degree programs. With annual research expenditures approaching $780 million, UAB is ranked among the nation’s top 20 in NIH funding and holds the Carnegie classification of R1: Very High Research Activity.

The university’s 600-acre campus in Birmingham is home to state-of-the-art academic, research, residential, and clinical facilities. UAB’s collaborative culture and sustained growth in education, healthcare, and research have made it a top destination for innovation, discovery, and training the next generation of leaders in science and medicine.

UAB Heersink School of Medicine

The Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is a nationally recognized leader in clinical care, research, and education. With nearly 1,700 full-time faculty, 800 medical students, and more than 1,000 residents and fellows, the school is one of the largest and most impactful academic medical centers in the nation.

UAB is consistently ranked among the top institutions for NIH research funding, with the School of Medicine generating more than $550 million annually in extramural awards. Faculty have access to world-class resources and a highly collaborative culture that spans 27 academic departments, multiple research institutes, and partnerships with UAB Hospital (the eighth largest in the U.S.), Children’s of Alabama, the Birmingham VA Medical Center, and community hospital affiliates.

As Alabama’s only allopathic medical school, the Heersink School of Medicine plays a critical role in advancing health across the state and Southeast. Its programs emphasize cancer biology, neuroscience, infectious diseases, cardiovascular health, precision medicine, and global health, while its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has helped make UAB one of the most diverse universities in the country.

UAB Medicine & the UAB Health System

UAB Medicine is one of the nation’s largest academic medical centers, anchored by UAB Hospital, a 1,207-bed tertiary hospital that serves as the flagship of the UAB Health System and the teaching hospital for the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. UAB Hospital is consistently ranked Alabama’s #1 hospital by U.S. News & World Report and is recognized among the top hospitals nationally across multiple specialties.

The system employs more than 37,000 people, generates approximately $8 billion in annual revenue, and provides statewide reach through a network of hospitals, specialty centers, outpatient clinics, and the Viva Health HMO. In 2024, UAB Health System expanded significantly with the acquisition of Ascension St. Vincent’s, adding five hospitals, multiple outpatient clinics, and more than 5,000 providers and staff. This expansion strengthened UAB’s position as the state’s dominant academic health system and broadened its referral base for complex care.

UAB Medicine delivers exceptional scale and breadth of services:

• Alabama’s only American College of Surgeons–verified Level I Adult Trauma Center, caring for more than one-third of the state’s trauma cases.
• The state’s only Magnet-designated adult hospital for nursing excellence, one of only a handful worldwide to achieve five consecutive designations.
• A nationally renowned Comprehensive Transplant Institute, which in 2022 performed the world’s first transplant of genetically modified kidneys from a pig into a human.
• The nation’s first and only Level I Ocular Trauma Center.
• A Level IV Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the only one of its kind in Alabama, caring for the state’s most critically ill newborns.
• The UAB Urology Department provides comprehensive care for testicular cancer, including surgical, medical, and radiation oncology expertise, and is recognized by the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation as a Testicular Cancer Center of Excellence, the only one in the Southeast.

UAB Health System has also earned recognition as Forbes’ #1 Best Large Employer in America (2021) and #4 Best Employer for Diversity (2021). It has been recognized annually by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America since 2013 and was named among the nation’s 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare (2023).

For faculty, UAB Medicine offers not only the resources of a top-ranked academic health system, but also the opportunity to shape care delivery and program development at a time of major expansion and institutional investment.

O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center

The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Alabama and one of the first eight in the nation, serving a four-state region (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas). For more than 50 years, the Center has been continuously funded by the NCI and was rated “Outstanding” in its most recent review, placing it in the top 25% of cancer centers nationwide.

The Center is home to more than 400 clinicians and researchers who work across the spectrum of cancer discovery, education, prevention, and patient care. Each year, the clinical enterprise touches over 10,000 new patients, delivering:

• 125,000+ outpatient visits
• 7,500 cancer surgeries
• 41,000 infusion treatments
• 2,500 radiation therapy starts
• Alabama’s only adult Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, which has grown more than 70% in the past four years.

Faculty are internationally recognized for advancing cancer diagnostics and treatment, pioneering work in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and cancer genomics. The Center’s research portfolio is bolstered by strong translational programs, robust clinical trials infrastructure (~200 active trials annually), and an extensive Community Outreach & Engagement program that trains more than 400 community health advisors statewide, with a special focus on reducing cancer disparities across Alabama.

Supported by a transformational $30 million naming gift from O’Neal Industries in 2019, the Cancer Center continues to expand its clinical and research footprint. It is a signature service line of UAB Health System, operating in a dyad leadership model under Dr. Barry Sleckman, Cancer Center Director, and UAB Health System leadership. Plans are underway for a new cancer hospital and ambulatory facility, further strengthening UAB’s position as a regional and national leader in cancer care and discovery.

For the incoming GU Pathologist, this environment offers outstanding opportunities to collaborate on high-impact programs in prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer, leveraging UAB’s strengths in precision medicine, multidisciplinary care, and translational research.

Where You’ll Live – Birmingham, Alabama

Life in Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, known as the “Magic City,” is Alabama’s largest metropolitan area with a population of more than 1.1 million people in the greater region. The city offers the perfect combination of Southern hospitality, urban amenities, and affordability, making it an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family. With a cost of living well below the national average and a wide range of housing options—from historic homes in city neighborhoods to top-ranked suburban communities—Birmingham provides a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of many other U.S. cities.

The metro area is home to some of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Southeast. Families are drawn to Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, and Homewood, all of which offer top-ranked schools, safe communities, and picturesque settings. Closer to downtown, neighborhoods like Highland Park, Forest Park, and Avondale feature historic character, trendy restaurants, and vibrant arts scenes, making them popular with young professionals and families alike.

Birmingham has also gained national attention for its culinary and cultural scene. The city is home to multiple James Beard Award-winning chefs and restaurants and was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top places to visit in the United States. Beyond food, Birmingham offers restored historic theaters, museums, music and film festivals, and performing arts companies, making it a cultural hub for the region.

The community reflects a diverse population and rich cultural heritage, shaped by its history as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement and its continued role as a center of education and innovation. With UAB as the city’s largest employer, Birmingham benefits from a well-educated workforce and a steady pipeline of healthcare professionals, researchers, and innovators who contribute to its dynamic growth.

Outdoor amenities further enhance quality of life. Birmingham has more green space per capita than almost any major U.S. city, with abundant trails and parks such as Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain Park, Oak Mountain State Park, and the award-winning Railroad Park downtown. Its central location in the Southeast means residents are only a short drive from Atlanta, Nashville, and Gulf Coast beaches, as well as the Appalachian Mountains.

With its vibrant neighborhoods, excellent schools, nationally acclaimed food and culture, diverse community, and unmatched affordability, Birmingham offers an exceptional quality of life for professionals and families alike.

How To Apply

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine has retained the services of Academic Med to assist with this strategically important search. The search for this position is being led by Academic Med Principals, Gentry Zacheis & Jim Hagood.

Confidential inquiries, nominations, applications and/or expressions of interest can be directed to:

Jim Hagood
Managing Director, Academic Med
Email: ji*@**********ed.com
Phone: 214-730-0735

EEO/AA Statement

UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.