UAB Arts in Medicine

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UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM)

Through a collaboration with the Alys Stephens Center and UAB Medicine, UAB Hospital was the first hospital in Alabama to have a formal Arts in Medicine program. AIM offers a holistic approach to healing that focuses on the needs of the mind, body, and spirit. By transforming the environment of care, AIM enhances the experience for patients, families, and staff. This is achieved through creative arts programs delivered in both hospital and non-hospital settings. Their team includes trained teaching artists-in-residence and board-certified music and arts therapists, who provide meaningful and therapeutic arts experiences.
Research has demonstrated that integrating the arts into the healthcare environment can benefit patients in the following ways: reduced stress levels; improved mood; distraction from medical problems; and reduced suffering. Studies demonstrate the positive impact an art activity can have during a hospital stay, creating a brief respite from examinations and medical procedures. AIM’s workshops provide that much needed diversion for patients and their families. Community-based programs, like Aging Creatively, are designed to enhance general well-being and support positive aging.
AIM started with art programs in 2 hospitals for 10 hours a week. The program now provides services for over 80 hours a week at UAB Hospital, Children’s of Alabama, at Aging Creatively facilities and other community partners including CARES, Founder’s Place, and St. Vincent’s East.

Interested in working with Arts in Medicine? Please complete this application.

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Meet the Team

Kimberly Kirklin
AIM Director

Lauren Edwards
AIM Program Coordinator

Deidra Sanderson
Program Assistant

 

Hospital & Community

Avivi Behel
Artist in Residence

Haleigh Black
Musician in Residence

Cristal Brister
Artist in Residence

Salaam Green
Artist in Residence

Sarah Heath
Artist in Residence

Valerie Hanks
Art Therapist

Lauren Maleski
Artist in Residence

Shaheed McCambry
Artist in Residence

Melissa Turnage
Artist in Residence

David West
Artist in Residence

Ellise Mayor
Teaching Artist

Stephanie Tatum
Teaching Artist

Mary Horn
Teaching Artist

Kim Richardson
Yoga Therapist

Dr. Lisa Gibbs
Teaching Artist

Anne Markham Bailey
Teaching Artist

Frannie James
Teaching Artist

Jamie Kilgore
Teaching Artist

Mary Margaret Scalici
Teaching Artist

Teri Weksler
Teaching Artist

Dr. Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk
Teaching Artist

John Scalici
Therapeutic Drummer

Walker Wright
Therapeutic Drummer

Children’s of Alabama based Music Therapists

Libby Stephens
Sunny Davenport
Hannah Oakes

You Can Make a Difference

Help UAB Arts in Medicine offer comfort and hope to hospital patients through the healing power of the arts.

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Upcoming AIM Events