Dr. Xavier Baldwin (’13, BS, Biology/Chemistry), 2019 UAH Outstanding Young Alumni of Achievement.
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Xavier Baldwin
Learning more about the science behind diseases led Xavier Baldwin to a career in medicine. He is completing a general surgery residency at The University of North Carolina Hospital System.
Baldwin graduated cum laude from The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry, and a minor in mathematics. He learned about UAH from his high school basketball coach who knew Baldwin was interested in playing college hoops without sacrificing a good educational experience.
While playing guard for the UAH Chargers, Baldwin was known by two nicknames, "X" and "Doctor." No matter the name, everyone knew Charger #25 intended to become Dr. Xavier Baldwin.
While achieving basketball success at UAH, Baldwin delved deeper into another passion, acquiring medical knowledge. "I found I could still love basketball without playing at the highest level (professional basketball)."
Baldwin keenly remembers his UAH professors, especially Dr. Debra Moriarity, Professor Emeritus and Department Chair of the Biological Sciences Department. "Dr. Moriarity encouraged me the most. Laboratory testing included breast cancer research, growing cancer cells and testing them against potentially cytotoxic oils/plant compounds.
"The academic rigor at UAH prepares you for most avenues of postgraduate training," said Baldwin. "Healthcare is consistently evolving and changing with the influence of government, technology, and an aging population. It’s hard to make a prediction on healthcare years from now, but as I finish training, I hope to have a lasting impact."
In September 2016, Baldwin and three other researchers published the article "Pre-Operative Anemia is Common in Cancer Patients and is Associated with Increased Hospital Stays," Anesthesia & Analgesia. Baldwin’s invited talks include "Postoperative Length of Stay Following Colorectal Surgery Impact Readmissions," presented at the 2019 Academic Surgical Congress, and "Outcomes of Surgical Resection for Metastatic Carcinoma," given at the 2019 Society of Black Academic Surgeons.
Baldwin’s honors and awards include the UAB Hospital Arnold G. Diethelm Student Scholar in Surgical Sciences, Academic All American, Men’s Basketball, and Academic All Gulf South Conference, Men’s Basketball UAH.
He encourages interested college-bound students to research and look into the multitude of careers available. "Just remember, whatever path you choose, the training will be difficult, but the impact is what will truly matter."
Baldwin joins his mother, a physical therapist, one sister, an anesthesiologist, and two other sisters, nurses in the medical field.