UAB's Continence and Urogynecology Care Clinics reaccredited with Center Of Excellence designation

The National Association For Continence (NAFC) has reaccredited the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Continence and Urogynecology Care Clinics as a Center of Excellence for Continence Care.

UAB's Continence and Urogynecology Care Clinics were the first in the United States to be recognized as a Center of Excellence in 2010 by NAFC. The Center of Excellence designation was established to help consumers locating a reliable, trustworthy, experienced expert to manage bladder and bowel control problems as well as related pelvic floor dysfunction. To apply for this designation Health care institutions must meet prequalification requirements set by the NAFC and its Centers of Excellence Governance Board. The designation process is patient-centered and includes a patient satisfaction survey and an extensive site visit.

The Center of Excellence designation is based on evidence of extensive training, clinical experience, resources and patient satisfaction statistics that meet established standards.

"This reaccreditation further affirms that our Continence and Urogynecology Care Clinics strive to ensure quality care for patients every day," said William Andrews, Ph.D., M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in UAB's School of Medicine. "It's an honor to have our physicians and staff recognized for their dedication to those they serve."

"UAB's Continence Clinic and its Urogynecology Care Clinic provide world-class care and have made fundamental discoveries that prevent and reduce incontinence," said C. Seth Landefeld, M.D., chair of the Department of Medicine. "These clinics at UAB have, in fact, transformed continence care around the world. I am deeply proud that they were the first in the world recognized by NAFC as a Center of Excellence for Continence Care. All of us at UAB and many patients across the country are grateful to Drs. Burgio, Goode and Richter for their pioneering leadership."

UAB Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery physicians recognized as the healthcare providers for UAB's NAFC Center of Excellence designation include Holly E. Richter, Ph.D., M.D., professor and division director; Robert L. Holley, M.D., professor; Alicia Ballard, M.D., assistant professor; and R. Edward Varner, M.D., professor and division fellowship director. UAB Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care physicians recognized include Patricia S. Goode, M.D., professor; and Alayne D. Markland, D.O., associate professor.