UAB Multispecialty Clinic at Baptist Medical Center South

Dr. Dum received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Indiana University and his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

He is board certified by the American Board of Urology, and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha and the American Urological Association. Dr. Dum has earned awards to include the distinguished Alpha Omega Alpha award and the Gold Humanism award.

Dr. Dum’s clinical interests are general urology with an emphasis on medical and surgical management of kidney stones along with treatment of urologic cancer to include bladder/urothelial, prostate, kidney, testicular, adrenal, and penile cancers. Procedures include open, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries for kidney, prostate, and adrenal conditions as well as treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, low testosterone, and erectile dysfunction. Dr. Dum also performs no-scalpel vasectomies.

The proud parents of three children, Dr. Dum and his wife enjoy spending time with their children riding bikes and enjoying the outdoors. In his spare time, Dr. Dum enjoys gardening, cooking, and eating guacamole. He also enjoys playing lacrosse and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dr. Dum is currently accepting new patients.

Baptist Health welcomes Dr. Tony Pinson to the UAB Medicine Urology Clinic on the campus of Baptist Medical Center East. Dr. Pinson is a Board-Certified Urologist with sub-specialization in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. He is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Pinson received his medical degree from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He went on to complete a General Surgery residency at the State University of New York Health Science Center (SUNY) in Syracuse, New York, and a Urology residency at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A native of Gadsden Alabama, Dr. Pinson returns to his home state to join the UAB Medicine Multispecialty Clinic and the Baptist Health medical staff. He has more than 25 years of experience in treating general and complex urological procedures. Dr. Pinson is a highly-skilled robotic surgeon with expertise in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery providing No-Mesh surgical techniques including pelvic and urethral mesh removal. He is an expert in male and female urological cancers such as bladder, kidney, prostate and testicular cancers, and provides the latest and most effective treatments in erectile dysfunction, male and female urinary and fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, urethral stricture disease and the treatment of general urology needs.

Dr. Pinson is a proud recipient of the Physician Excellence Award and Physician Trailblazer Award from Henry Ford Health System. He is also the Principal Investigator on two major research projects including the study of InterStim therapy in patients with overactive bladder and improving the quality and cost of the treatment of prostate cancer.
Dr. Pinson has extensive knowledge and a proactive approach on improving urology practices in a patient focused and friendly environment. His work is
featured in multiple publications, including Overcoming Urinary Incontinence, the book which he co-authored.

Dr. Pinson is a member of the American Urogynecologic Society, American Urology Association, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association and The Society of Urodynamics Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction. He has held many physician leadership roles, including Chief of Staff and Medical Director during his
career. However, one of his proudest accomplishments is his six years of service as a Lt. Commander in the Medical Corps of the United States Naval Reserves. He has a passion for serving both his country and his community and looks forward to helping people in Central Alabama with their urological needs.

In his spare time, Dr. Pinson enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing and performing real estate rehabilitation projects.

Dr. Schull earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis, Tennessee. He went on to complete a General Surgery internship and Urology Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama.

During medical school, he was inducted as a member of the medical honorary society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Board certified by the American Board of Urology and a member of the American Urology Association, Dr. Schull has more than three decades of experience. After practicing in Birmingham and Nashville for the past 30+ years, Dr. Schull has extensive experience with both operative and office based urology. He is thrilled to be in the River Region now where he will focus on outpatient treatment for all types of urological diseases.

Dr. Schull is married to Dr. Katharine N. Schull, a pediatrician who practices with the Montgomery and Prattville based practice, Partners in Pediatrics. They are the proud parents of two grown daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, cooking, and traveling.

Dr. Schull is currently accepting new patients in Prattville. Call (334) 747-7300 to make an appointment.

Dr. Waits received his medical degree from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). While there, he completed his residency in Urology and an internship in General Surgery.

Dr. Waits has special interests in kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer. Dr. Waits performs a wide scope of urological and robotic surgeries.

Dr. Waits is a proud member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and Phi Beta Kappa Society. Additionally, he is a member of the American Urological Association and the recipient of the prestigious Jeffrey Cohn Award for the Highest Urology Inservice Exam Score.

He and his wife are the proud parents of three beautiful children. In his spare time, Dr. Waits enjoys fishing and wing shooting activities. Dr. Waits is currently accepting new patients. Please call 334.613.7070 to make an appointment

Ms. Lela Rivers earned her associate and master’s degrees in Nursing from Troy University in Troy, Alabama and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.

With a clinical interest in Urology, Lela looks forward to expanding her expertise. Board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, she is a proud member of the Advanced Practitioners for the River Region.

Ms. Rivers enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, watching movies, and exercising in her spare time.

Lela’s favorite quote comes from American novelist and short story writer, Alice Walker, “the most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any power.”

Dr. Eduardo Cardoso received his medical degree from Western Parana State University in Cascavel, Brazil. He went on to complete an internship in Internal Medicine from the University of Connecticut in Farmington, Connecticut and a fellowship in Rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.

Board certified in Internal Medicine and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Rheumatology, Dr. Cardoso’s clinical and procedural interests include: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Ultrasound use in diagnostics and treatment. He is a proud member of the American College of Rheumatology and American Medical Association.

Married with two pets, he enjoys traveling, playing soccer and tennis as well as flavorful barbecue. Dr. Cardoso is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish and enjoys connecting with patients who speak other languages. He looks forward to treating and diagnosing disorders that cause inflammation in the muscles, bones, joints and internal organs.

Dr. Cardoso is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Carlos Gadea received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences degree from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. He received his medical degree from the Escuela Autonoma de Ciencias Medicas de Centro America. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Connecticut, Farmington and fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. He is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology. He is also a member of the American College of Rheumatology.

Dr. Gadea is married to fellow physician Dr. Ximena Ruiz and they have one son and one daughter. In their spare time, they enjoy trying new restaurants, spending time outdoors and shopping.

Clinical Interests:

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendinitis/Bursitis
• Osteoporosis/Osteopenia with high risk for fractures
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Sarcoidosis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Vasculitis
• Myositis
• Systemic Sclerosis
• Hydradenitis Suppurativa
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Trigger Finger

Procedures:

• Local steroid injections (joints and tendons)
• Viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis
• Ultrasound guided steroid injections (hips, Baker’s cyst, carpal tunnel, plantar fascia).

Dr. Gadea is accepting new patients.

Dr. Ximena D. Ruiz received her medical degree from the Universidad CES - School of Medicine, Medellin, Colombia. She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Connecticut, Farmington and fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Pittsburgh. She is board-certified in internal medicine and a member of the American College of Physicians as well as the American College of Rheumatology. She is also a member of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. Dr. Ruiz received several awards during her education including Veterans Administration Award for Excellence in geriatric patient care and teaching at the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Ruiz is married to fellow physician Dr. Carlos Gadea and they have one son and one daughter. In their spare time, they enjoy trying new restaurants, spending time outdoors and shopping.

Clinical Interests:

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendinitis/Bursitis
• Osteoporosis/Osteopenia with high risk for fractures
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Sarcoidosis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Vasculitis
• Myositis
• Systemic Sclerosis
• Hydradenitis Suppurativa
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Trigger Finger

Procedures:

• Local steroid injections (joints and tendons)
• Viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis
• Ultrasound guided steroid injections (hips, Baker’s cyst, carpal tunnel, plantar fascia).

Dr. Ruiz is accepting new patients.

Board Certified Endocrinologist Dr. Ahsan Farooq has clinical interests in endocrinology, diabetes and managing metabolism.

He earned his medical degree from the Islamic International Medical College (IIMC) in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He went on to complete an Internal Medicine Residency and Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando, Florida.

A Clinical Excellence and Professionalism Award recipient, Dr. Farooq is also a proud member of the Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.

In his spare time, Dr. Farooq spends time gardening and exploring the great outdoors. He is an avid traveler who enjoys diving into a great book. His favorite quote by James Watkins notes, “A river cuts through the rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”

Dr. Farooq is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Manisha Garg received her Bachelor of Medicine while attending the Government Medical College in Amritsar, India. Dr. Garg completed her medical schooling at the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo), Buffalo, New York. She is a member of the American Thyroid Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Garg has received numerous awards including the Early Career Forum Travel Award, Endocrine 2016. She has also received the Meritorious Oral Presentation Award at Internal Medicine Research Day at University of Buffalo. Dr. Garg is board-certified by the American Boards of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine.

Dr. Garg’s practice consists of general Endocrinology. In her spare time, Dr. Garg enjoys spending her time dancing, cooking and reading.

Dr. Garg is accepting new patients.

Dr. Thudi received her medical degree from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, Telangana, India. She completed a rotating internship at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Warangal, Telangana, India and completed her Internal Medicine residency at McLaren Regional Medical Center, Flint, MI. She completed her endocrinology fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI.

She is a board-certified internal medicine physician. Dr. Thudi is a member of the American Diabetes Association, the Endocrine Society, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Physicians. She has special interests in thyroid disorders and thyroid biopsies.

In her spare time, Dr. Thudi enjoys cooking, travel and meeting friends. She also speaks English, Hindi and Telugu.

Dr. Thudi is accepting new patients.

Dr. Yousif Elmofti received his medical degree from the University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine in Khartoum, Sudan. He completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada. While there, he was given the distinct honor of Best Internal Medicine Resident.

Dr. Elmofti is an Advanced Endoscopist who is board certified in Internal Medicine. A proud member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Elmofti brings a wealth of knowledge to Central Alabama. His clinical interests include advanced endoscopy and colonoscopy and treating inflammatory bowel, liver, esophageal, and pancreatic diseases. He specializes in Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and Esophageal Manometry.

Married with children, Dr. Elmofti enjoys spending time with his family and participating in mixed martial arts in his spare time.

Dr. Lambiase earned his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. He went on to complete an Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Pittsburgh and a Gastroenterology Fellowship at the University of Florida. Additionally, he completed Fellowships in Pancreatic Cancer Research and Biliary Endoscopy

He served previously as Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine and a Professor of the Department of Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

As the newly appointed Regional Dean of the Montgomery Regional Medical Campus at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Dr. Lambiase is excited about helping provide unparalleled clinical care for individuals in Central Alabama as well as train the next generation of physicians to provide excellent care in the future. Dr. Lambiase is also seeing Gastroenterology patients at the UAB Medicine Multispecialty Clinic at Baptist Medical Center South.

Dr. Lambiase and his wife, Martica, have two adult daughters who they enjoy spending time with. New to the community, Dr. Lambiase and his wife are delighted to become part of the growth of Montgomery and the River Region.

Ms. Tiffany McCants-Knighting holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Troy University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville State University.

She has extensive experience with Baptist Health, having worked as a registered nurse (RN) at Baptist Medical Center South for 12 years. Additionally, Tiffany has experience with Baptist Health OBGYN Partners and the Emergency Departments at both Baptist Medical Center East and South.

Tiffany is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

In her free time, Tiffany enjoys taking Zumba classes, listening to audiobooks, and cheering for her children at sporting events. She draws inspiration from the Bible verse found in Isaiah 40:31, which states, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Clinical Interests and Procedures:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Colon cancer prevention
• Diverticulitis
• Pancreatitis

Deana received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Nursing from Chamberlain University in Addison, Illinois. She is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and has a special interest in Gastroenterology. An animal lover, Deana enjoys volunteering her time at Animal Rescues – owning nine rescue dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, outdoor activities, crafting, and quilting. Married to a Senior Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard, Deana and her husband have two children. Her favorite quote and patient philosophy is, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier,” by Mother Teresa.

Ms. Lisa Norton earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Auburn University at Montgomery in Montgomery, Alabama and her Master of Science in Nursing from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.

Her clinical interests include Reflux disease, Gastroparesis, Liver disease, Diverticulitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Hepatitis C, among many others. She completed internships at All About Kids Pediatrics in Montgomery, Alabama; East Alabama Medical Center Emergency Department, and The Clinic on Sixth and Care Center of Opelika, both family practices located in Opelika, Alabama.

She and her husband of more than 40 years share two adult children, and she enjoys singing, acting and the music business in her spare time.

She draws inspiration from the Bible passage found in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Dr. Amy Fernow, Breast Surgical Oncologist, received her medical degree with honors from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio.

She completed her general surgery internship at Mount Carmel Health System East in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Fernow also completed a Fellowship in Breast Surgery Oncology at Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Board certified by the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Fernow is a proud member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. A Sigma Sigma Phi Honors graduate in Osteopathic Medicine, she is also a graduate of the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Dr. Fernow and her husband are the proud parents of one son. She enjoys reading, gardening, and long mountain hikes with her family.

Dr. Fernow is currently accepting new patients.

Ms. Bauer received her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana. A proud American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) member, Kristine has clinical interests in assisting in surgical procedures, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Counseling, and Genetic testing for the BRCA gene and other mutations associated with Breast Cancer. She focuses on continuous follow-ups and surveillance for both cancer and high-risk patients. Board certified with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Kristine was awarded the Surgical Excellence Award, which recognizes high-quality work in surgical service. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, talking to her mother, hiking, and cooking.

Baptist Health welcomes Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. William Cook to the UAB Medicine Multispecialty Clinic at Baptist Medical Center South. Dr. Cook received his medical degree from Wake Forest University’s Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and completed his General Surgery Internship and Residency at West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia. He completed a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Cook received the Distinguished Physician Award from Mercy Health Southwest Ohio Regional in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mercy Fairfield Hospital in Fairfield, Ohio. Additionally, Cincinnati Magazine named Dr. Cook among the “Top Doctors in Cardiothoracic Surgery” for several years running.

Board-certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr. Cook is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Cook and his wife of 25 years have two adult sons, and he enjoys hunting, golfing, and playing guitar in his spare time.

Dr. Cook is currently accepting new patients. Please call 334.747.8800 to make an appointment.

Clinical Interests and Procedures:

• Adult heart and lung surgery, including coronary bypass, heart valve, and aneurysm surgery
• Minimally invasive heart and lung surgery, including TAVR procedure
• Lung Cancer surgery
• Surgical diseases of the chest wall and lung

Dr. Yong (Andy) Tan earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, followed by the completion of a General Surgery Residency at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. Further honing his expertise, Dr. Tan pursued a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. In addition to his medical qualifications, he holds multiple undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida.

Dr. Tan is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and maintains active membership in professional organizations, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association.

Dr. Tan has contributed to the field by co-authoring several book chapters on important topics, including coronary artery bypass grafting and sepsis. His research has been published in a range of peer-reviewed academic journals, such as the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, Journal of Surgical Research, Clinical and Translational Medicine, and the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

Originally born in China and raised in Florida, Dr. Tan balances his professional life with personal passions, which include traveling and enjoying quality time with his wife and two children. In his free time, he immerses himself in landscape photography and occasionally participates in a round of golf or disc golf.

Dr. Tan is currently accepting new patients.

Please call 334.747.8800 to make an appointment.

Clinical Interests and Procedures:

• Adult Cardiac Surgery
• Coronary artery bypass graft surgery
• Heart valve repair/replacement
• Aortic Aneurysmal Surgery
• Minimally invasive heart surgery, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement
• Arrhythmia surgery
• Pacemaker removal with lead extraction
• Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery
• Lung cancer

Laura Crum, M.S.N., C.R.N.P. is a board-certified adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Alabama and her Masters of Nursing from the University of Alabama – Birmingham. In her spare time, Laura enjoys gardening, cooking, cheering on the Crimson Tide and traveling. She is married with two children.

Michael Easterling, P.A. received his Physician Assistant degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham’s Physician Assistant Program and his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Auburn University at Montgomery.

He is a proud member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. He has clinical interests in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery and Endoscopic Vein Harvesting.

Married with two adult sons, Michael enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and motorcycling.

Mr. Easterling’s source of inspiration can be found in the Bible verse of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Norman Hobbs has nearly 30 years of cardiovascular surgery experience and has performed minimally invasive endoscopic vein harvesting for almost fourteen years. Mr. Hobbs studied medical science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Health Related Professions where he graduated from its surgically specialized Physician’s Assistant Program. He is a member of many professional organizations including the American Academy of Physician Assistants. In his spare time, Norm enjoys traveling with his family, disc golfing, fishing, reading, hiking, photography, baseball and SEC football.