Dr. Innis-Shelton on her inspiration for becoming a physician and her motivation to work with cancer patients:
“I decided to become a doctor by the tender age of four, and since then have had an overwhelming desire to help people suffering from illness. I chose the field of hematology/oncology after witnessing the profound impact a cancer diagnosis has on a patient’s life and the lives of their loved ones. I find that while taking care of cancer patients, the oncologist can develop a closeness and deep trust that is unique to oncology care, and in doing so provides comfort and support to help patients manage fears of things unknown. What continues to motivate me is a never-ending drive to understand and put an end to the suffering that cancer can cause. Every day requires a tremendous use of intellect, paired with nurturing, compassion, emotional depth, and spirituality. I find this to be a sacred space in which to work.“
Located At
Length of Tenure with Alabama Oncology
Joined in December, 2019
Board Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine, 2001-present
Hematology Subspecialty Board, 2010, 2020
Education
Hematology/Oncology Fellowship: Jul 2008-Jun 2009, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Hematology/Oncology Fellowship: July 2006 - June 2008, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Internal Medicine Residency: July 1999- June 2001, Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, GA
Internal Medicine Internship; June 1998- June 1999, Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, GA
Medical School: August 1996- June 1998, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA
Medical School: September 1994- June 1996, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE
Post-Baccalaureate Program: April 1994- September 1994, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE
Undergraduate, Biology Major: 1989-1993, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Accomplishments
UAB Multiple Myeloma Multidisciplinary Clinic Co-Director 2013-2019
UAB BMT & Cell Therapy Director for Database and Reporting 2019
UAB Medical Student Oncology Interest Group Faculty Advisor 2016 - 2019
UAB Stem Cell Processing Medical Director 2010 - 2015
Health Disparities Research Training Award Program Scholar, UAB Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center, UAB Preventive Medicine, January 2011- January 2012
Externship, Comprehensive training in cord blood collection, cell processing, GMP laboratory process and procedure, May-June 2010, Duke University, Durham, NC
Clinical and Translational Science Training Program Participant, UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science January 2009 - June 2009, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
July 2011, 2nd place award poster presentation. Title: MicroRNA expression, patterns in multiple myeloma cells unveil differences in the pathophysiology of disease progression in African-American patients. Morehouse School of Medicine/Tuskegee University/UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Partnership - Summer Institute at Ross Bridge 2011, Birmingham, AL
April 2011, Charles Barkley Health Disparities Investigator Award, First Place Poster Presentation, Natural Killer (NK) and gamma-delta T cells derived from induced pluripotent cells may provide a revived immune system to reverse the effects of immune senescence in African- Americans with multiple myeloma. Health Disparities Research Symposium 2011, Birmingham, AL
October 2009, UAB Core Values Award, UAB Hospital, Birmingham, AL
June 2001, Internal Medicine Resident of the Year Award, Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
May 2000, American College of Physician's Research Poster Presentation, First Place Award, Moyamoya Disease in a Community Hospital
March 1999, American College of Physician's Research Poster, First Place Award, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in a Community Hospital
February 1995, National Medical Fellowship Award
August 1994, Dean's Scholarship recipient, Creighton University School of Medicine
May 1993, Extra Mile Senior Class Award, University of Southern California
May 1993, Tommy Trojan Award for Student Contributions, University of Southern California
May 1993, Black Student Union Community Outreach Award, University of Southern California
Professional Associations
Plasma Cell Disorders and Adult Solid Tumors Working Committee, Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research
BMT Clinical Trials Network Myeloma Intergroup
American Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation
American Society of Hematology
American Society of Clinical Oncology
National Medical Association