Physicians: William P. Garth M.D. Marshall Crowther M.D.	Administrative Staff: Drew Ferguson, MEd., ATC, CSCS Heloise Belarmino, MAE, ATC Christy Acton Daniel West, ATC	Physical Therapists: Lydia Futch Thurston, PT,DSc, ATC Laura Edmundson, DPT Michael Stallworth, DPT Jenna Upton, SPT
Athletic Trainers: Kenneth Davis, ATC James Jones, MA, ATC Heath Ross, MA, ATC Anthony Andrews, MA, ATC, C.Ped Britany Wilkes, MA, ATC Kevin Handel, MS, ATC Megan Steirer, MA, ATC	Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers: Shanna Killebrew, MAE, ATC	Interns: Chris Smith

 Feel free to contact any of our staff by email.

Physicians:

William P. Garth, MD

Dr. Garth graduated with honors in 1973 from Tulane University School of Medicine.  He completed a basic surgical residency at Duke, and an orthopedic surgical residency at the Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tenn., after which he was Board Certified in orthopedics in 1980.  After serving five years in the private practice of orthopedic surgery, Dr. Garth completed a Sports Medicine fellowship at the Sports Medicine Clinic of Atlanta in affiliation with Georgia Tech.          Dr. Garth has been the Medical Director of UAB Sports Medicine Clinic since 1985 as well as the team orthopedic surgeon for the UAB athletics program while serving as team orthopedist for many Birmingham area high schools.  He also serves as a Professor of Sergery for UAB and is active in teaching medical students and orthopedic residents.           Dr. Garth specalizes in treatment of athletic injuries and particularly in correcting ligamental injuries leading to instability (ACL, PCL) of the knee, patellofemoral joint, and shoulder, including rotator cuff and throwing injuries of the shoulder.  He is well respected among his peers, and has been listed in "The Best Doctors in America"  in the field of sports medicine since 2001.  His research has been published in many orthopedic and sports medicine journals leading a whole generation with improved results in the treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.  He has 30 years experience treating athletes and safely returning them to competition.  In 2007, the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery created a new subspecialty certifecation in Sports Medicine.  Dr. Garth acheived that certification in the first year it was offered.         Dr. Garth is married to former Pam McCabe, and together they have two children Lauren and Jeff.  In his spare time he enoys tennis and fishing.

 

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 Marshall Crowther, MD

Dr. Marshall Crowther is the newest addition to the UAB Sports Medicine team.  He serves as a team physician for UAB athletics as well as the team physician for John Carroll Catholic High School.  He also is involved with assisting the schools of the  Birmingham city school system.  Dr. Crowther began working for UAB Sports Medicine in the fall of 2008 after having completed a primary care Sports Medicine Fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) in Birmingham under the direction of Dr. James Andrews and Dr. Tracy Ray.  During that time, he served as a team physician for Troy University.  After completing fellowship training, he worked in private practice in Hoover, Alabama prior to joining the UAB Sports Medicine team, and during this time served as the team physician for Moody High School.  Dr. Crowther is a Board certified physician by the American Board of Pediatrics, and also received a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine in 2007.  He was appointed Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UAB in 2008 and actively instructs medical students as well as residents in the pediatrics, orthopaedic surgery, and physical medicine & rehabilitation departments.  He is an active member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) as well as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).   Dr. Crowther graduated magna cum laude from Clemson University in 1998 where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry.  As a senior at Clemson, he was awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for academic achievement and community service.  He then earned his medical degree in 2003 from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC.  After medical school, he went on to complete a residency in Pediatric Medicine at the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center where he was awarded the Resident Achievement Award upon graduation.  Dr. Crowther's professional interests include the care of the adolescent and collegiate athlete, adolescent back pain, athletic groin injuries, sport concussions, and the non-operative treatment of common orthopaedic conditions in patients of all ages. Dr. Crowther enjoys running and sporting activities in his free time and is an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, AL where he volunteers with the high school youth group.

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Administrative Staff: 

 Drew Ferguson, MEd, ATC
 UAB Sports Medicine Director

Drew is a Certified Athletic Trainer with 31 years of experience, working with junior and senior high, collegiate, and professional athletes. He is currently the Director of the UAB Sports Medicine Clinic, the Director of Sports Medicine for UAB Athletics, and Chairman of the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.      He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Georgia in 1974 and his Master of Arts Degree in Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1976.  In 2002 Drew was inducted into the Alabama Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame for his many years of commitment to the field of athletic training. Drew is married to his lovely wife Dianne and they are both members of Shades Mountain Baptist Church. drew.ferguson@chsys.org

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Heloise Belarmino, MAE, ATC

Heloise Belarmino, a Georgia native made her way to Birmingham in 1989, to attend Samford University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training and a minor in Psychology. Heloise went on to obtain her Master of Arts degree in Health Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1998.      While at UAB, Heloise served as the Head Women's Athletic Trainer for five and a half years. Currently, she serves as the assistant to Dr. Garth at UAB Sports Medicine and as the President for the Alabama Athletic Trainers Association; active at the state, regional, and national levels. She is also an instructor for the university, lecturing on Basic Athletic Training Principles in the School of Education.      Heloise enjoys cooking, reading, and shopping in her spare time. She has two daughters, Kerrigan Elise Jones and Mackenzie Grayson Jones. heloise.jones@ortho.uab.edu

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Christy Acton

Christy joined UAB Sports Medicine in October 2009 as  Coordinator of Sports Medicine.   She graduated from the nursing program at Bevill State Community College in 2003.  Before joining the Uab Sports Medicine Team, Christy worked as a pediatric Nurse for six years. Christy lives in Gardendale and loves spending time with her husband Jon and their three boys, Colby, Tyler and Conner.  She is a big fan of Alabama football .  In her spare time, Christy enjoys playing recreational Women and Co-ed Softball.     christy.acton@chsys.org

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Daniel West, ATC

Daniel joined the UAB Sports Medicine Clinic staff in November of 2008.  Daniel earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 2008 from Cumberland University and is persuing a degree in physical therapy.

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Physical Therapists:

Lydia Futch Thurston, PT, DSc, ATC

 

Lydia Futch Thurston grew up in Lakeland, Florida.  She graduated from Auburn University in 1999 with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology, from UAB in 2001 with a Master's in Physical Therapy, and from UAB in 2007 with a Doctorate of Science.  In 2002 she became a certified athletic trainer through the NATABOC.  Lydia has spent her professional career in orthopedic sports medicine and participates in interdisciplinary research.  She enjoys running races, playing tennis, dancing, painting, and spending time with her husband and birddog. lydia.futch@chsys.org

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Laura Edmundson, DPT

Laura Edmundson grew up in Birmingham.  She graduated from Auburn University in 2001 with a B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Dietetics.  While at Auburn, she was a member of the gymnastics team.  She went on to obtain her M.S. in Physical Therapy at UAB in 2003. Prior to joining the UAB Sports Medicine staff in December 2008, Laura worked in a local outpatient private practice specializing in manual therapy. Currently, she primarily treats athletic injuries and general orthopedic injuries.  In her spare time, Laura enjoys running, yoga, and shopping.  laura.edmundson@chsys.org

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Michael Stallworth, DPT

Michael Stallworth, physical therapist, is in his second year at UAB Sports Medicine.  Stallworth graduated and received his bachelor's degree from Alabama A&M and obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of South Alabama. michael.stallworth@gmail.com

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 Jenna Upton, SPT

 

Jenna is from Florence, AL and she graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and will graduate December 2010.

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Athletic Trainers:

Kenneth Davis, ATC

Kenneth graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Human Performance and a major in Athletic Training. Kenneth is also a certified CPR and First Aid Instructor for the American Heart Association.        Kenneth has been a certified athletic trainer with UAB Sports Medicine since September 1999. He started with UAB Sports Medicine as a Graduate Assistant and in July 2004, was promoted to Assistant Athletic Trainer in July of 2004. His primary responsibility is to provide outreach sports medicine coverage to area Birmingham schools.        He began his athletic training experience through an internship with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletic Department and as a volunteer with Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was given the opportunity to work with the Dallas Cowboys Football Organization in 1999 and has also worked with the U.S. Youth Games for the past two years.        He is happily married to his wife, Sondra. Together, they have two wonderful children Bailee and Brendan.                                                      kenny.davis@chsys.org

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James Jones, MA, ATC

James joined the UAB Sports Medicine Clinic staff in July of 1999 as the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Birmingham City Schools Outreach program. With ten high schools and sixteen middle school athletic programs, James and the outreach staff has provided quality injury prevention and rehabilitation services through coordination of practice and game day coverage, offsite Training Room rehabilitation services in the Legion Field Training Room facilities, and on call services for injury evaluations and referrals for the area schools. The Birmingham City Schools' Athletic Training staff has also been entrusted with the organization of healthcare for the City of Birmingham's United States Youth Games' teams. In July of 2004, James was promoted to become the Head Athletic Trainer for the Birmingham City School's Athletic Programs. After completing his graduate degree in Education with a major in Exercise Physiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, James worked as a Clinical Outreach Athletic Trainer for Strive! Physical Therapy in Ocala, Florida. As a Graduate Assistant with the UAB Athletic Department, serving as the Athletic Trainer for Baseball for the 1996 and 1997 seasons. Between those seasons, he was hired as the Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Dallas Cowboys Football Organization's 1996 season. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree in Education with a major in Athletic Training from the University of Alabama, James was employed by the Cincinnati Reds' Baseball Organization for their Minor League system. Living three months in Plant City, Florida for Spring Training Camp and Extended-Spring Training Camp, he was assigned the Head Athletic Trainer/Travel Secretary position with the organization's Single A short season, Billings Mustangs in Billings, Montana. During his undergraduate work, James received his Athletic Training education as a student-Athletic Trainer with the university's Track & Field and Football programs, Tuscaloosa County high sports programs, and as a student-intern with The Pittsburgh Steelers Football Organization. James is also a CPR and AED Instructor for the American Heart Association. He is happily married to his wife Delpha and together they have a son named Maxwell, and two daughters, Jasmine and Simone. jones8_91@yahoo.com

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 Heath Ross, MA, ATC

Heath Ross is a 2002 graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training.  He recently completed a Master of Arts degree in Health Administration from St. Joseph's College of Maine.       Heath joined UAB Sports Medicine in 2003, providing part-time outreach services for Ensley High School and The Altamont School.  In 2004, he relocated to Athens, AL to serve as the athletic trainer for West Limestone High School.  He returned to UAB Sports Medicine full-time in 2005 to provide athletic training coverage for John Carroll Catholic High School. In addition to his outreach services, he assists with athletic trainer staff scheduling, payroll editing, and supply inventory/orders.       In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, basketball, recreational softball, and exercising.  heath.ross@chsys.org

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 Anthony Andrews, MA, ATC, C.ped

After 5 years of working as an outreach athletic trainer at various high schools, Anthony joined the staff of UAB Sports Medicine in July of 2006.  His primary responsibility during clinic times is to work closely with Dr. Garth and Dr. Crowther to ensure the highest patient care.  He is also responsible for JCAHO clinic compliance and assists with audio/visual needs that may arise.  Also, in 2003 he became a certified Pedorthist. Anthony is married with 3  children.                                 anthony.andrews@chsys.org

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Brittany Wilkes, MA, ATC

Brittany Wilkes works as an Athletic Trainer at UAB Sports Medicine where she provides athletic training services to a local high school.  Prior to this, she worked as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Samford University, primarily covering women's softball and men's and women's cross country/ track and field.  During this time, she received her Master's in Exercise Physiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Brittany graduated from Valdosta State University with a B.S. in Sports Medicine. She is a member of ALATA, SEATA, and NATA. brittany.wilkes@chsys.org

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Kevin Handel, MS, ATC

Kevin graduated from Troy State University with a B.S. degree in Athletic Training in 1999. In 2000, he graduated from Mississippi State University with a Masters Degree in Sports Administration/Marketing and received a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology in 2001.  Kevin joined the staff of UAB Sports Medicine in 2009 with 8 yrs of experience of providing outreach athletic training services to various high schools in the Birmingham area.  He is currently providing health care coverage for Corner High School. kevin.handel@chsys.org

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Megan Steirer, MA, ATC

Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers: 

Shanna Killebrew, MAE, ATC

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 Interns:

Chris Smith

Chris is currently attending the University of Alabama.  He will graduate in May of this year with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science.  After graduation, he plans to pursue a MS in Healthcare Admiistration.  Chris is a native of Dothan, Al and enjoys participating in athletics, playing guitar, and anything outdoors.

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