BIRMINGHAM  – Dr. Mike Kuang-Sing Chen has been named Chief of Pediatric Surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Alabama. He replaces Dr. Keith Georgeson who recently retired.

In his new role, Dr. Chen will oversee the hospital’s surgical services, educate and train new surgeons and conduct clinical research.

“I am honored and humbled to be appointed as Chief of Pediatric Surgery,” Dr. Chen said. “The Children’s Hospital of Alabama is a fabulous institution and I am fortunate to be given this opportunity to be involved with the growth and further development of surgery programs. I am particularly excited about the construction of the new building which will have state-of-the art facilities.”

Dr. Chen earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 1987, where he received a number of academic and clinical honors and awards. He completed his residency in general surgery and a fellowship in solid organ transplantation at the University of Florida, where he was also the American Cancer Society research fellow. He then completed a pediatric surgery fellowship at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He joined the Children’s medical staff in 2009 after serving as an attending surgeon at Alachua General Hospital and Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, both in Gainesville.

Dr. Chen was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps with the rank of Major after serving active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle. He was presented the Army Achievement Medal and twice received the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Dr. Chen is certified by the American Board of Surgery and holds a Certificate of Special Qualification in Pediatric Surgery. He is a member of numerous professional associations, including the Association of Pediatric Surgery Training Program Directors, Children’s Oncology Group, American Pediatric Surgical Association, Association for Academic Surgery and the Edward R. Woodward Surgical Society. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Surgeons.

He views his new role as having three missions. “First and foremost, to provide the best care possible,” he said. “It’s truly a privilege to be able to help those in need and it’s even more so when we can help alleviate pain and suffering for infants and children. Educating the next generation of physicians and surgeons is another vital mission. Students, residents, and fellows are our future and we have to ensure that they are compassionate in their care and well-trained. Research is the third leg that balances out what we do. Through basic science and clinical research, we can identify new ways to improve the way we care for our patients. I want to help grow this wonderful hospital and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

The Children’s Hospital of Alabama is the only hospital in the state dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children and one of the 10 busiest pediatric medical centers in the U.S. One of only about 45 freestanding acute care hospitals of its kind in the nation, Children’s Hospital is home to Alabama’s only Level I pediatric trauma center. Children’s campus includes the largest pediatric outpatient center in the country and a leading pediatric hematology/oncology center and bone marrow transplant program. Although Children’s is the primary site for all pediatric educational programs and patient care activities within the UAB Medical Center, Children’s Hospital is a private, not-for-profit hospital governed by a volunteer board of trustees. The hospital was recently recognized for the excellence of its nursing care by achieving Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Children’s will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2011.

More information about Children’s Health System is available at www.chsys.org.