UA College of Community Health Sciences Rededicates Computer Lab

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – More than 60 Shamblin family members and friends gathered recently at the College of Community Health Sciences’ library at The University of Alabama for a rededication ceremony. The ceremony was held to change the name of the computer labs both at the library and DCH from the Dr. Roscoe Shamblin Computer Lab to the Dr. Roscoe and Dr. Bill Shamblin Computer Lab.

In 2000 and 2001, Roscoe Shamblin’s sons, Dr.Bill Shamblin and Dr. Jim Shamblin, dedicated the computer labs in his honor. Bill Shamblin recognized that the successful medical practice of the future will require a good working knowledge of information technology. Since that time, the Shamblin family has actively worked to keep the medical students and residents equipped with the best technology. Bill Shamblin passed away in 2003.

“We are so pleased to be able to recognize Roscoe, Bill and the Shamblin family for their significant medical contribution to Tuscaloosa and our College.” Dr. Eugene Marsh, dean of the College of Community Health Sciences, said. “When I moved here in 1990, one of the challenges I faced was to learn all of the ‘Dr. Shamblins’ at DCH, including those who practiced before I arrived. I remember patients referring to their ‘Drs. Shamblin’ in ways that demonstrated that the Shamblin name stood for more than just ‘doctor.’ It stood for something more, for doctors who understood the importance of the art and science of medicine.”

Bill Shamblin served as the chair of the department of surgery for 12 years and taught its medical students and residents throughout his 27-year career in Tuscaloosa. Roscoe Shamblin served the Tuscaloosa community for many years as both a general practice physician and surgeon. During the 1930s, DCH had 10 physicians and four were Shamblin family members. Jim Shamblin presided over the ceremony. Other speakers included Dr. John Shamblin, Rebekah Harris and Kay Shamblin, Bill’s widow.

CCHS provides the last two years of clinical education and training for a portion of medical students enrolled at the UA School of Medicine. Students can choose any field of specialization, but CCHS encourages and trains medical students to practice in the smaller, rural and often underserved communities of Alabama. CCHS also provides a three-year family practice residency program that is one of the oldest and most productive in the Southeast. The College’s educational programs are designed to increase the accessibility and availability of health care, particularly in the state’s rural areas, and to improve the quality of that care through teaching, clinical service, research and community outreach.

CCHS operates a comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical clinic, University Medical Center, where College faculty members conduct their medical practices and where students and residents receive clinical experience and training. The College’s research component supports faculty and student research efforts, including clinical trials.