Dr. Burkett on his inspiration for becoming a physician, what led him to choose gynecologic oncology, and his motivation to work with cancer patients:
“I initially planned to have a career in chemical engineering as it allowed me to use technical skills and knowledge to solve problems. However, in my undergraduate studies, I always felt that there was something lacking. During my sophomore year at the University of Alabama, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a Good Samaritan Clinic. During that time I realized that I wanted to pursue a career that served others while still allowing me to solve complex problems, which directed me to medicine.
I grew up in a house full of brothers and was quite naïve when it came to women’s health and their specific needs. During medical school I gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the physiology and pathology of the female reproductive system. I became fascinated with the surgical treatment of gynecological malignancies, but ultimately, the driving force behind my pursuit of gynecologic oncology was the patients. The women I encountered in medical school and residency were the bravest and most resilient individuals I had ever met.
Each morning I awake knowing I am blessed with the opportunity to care for and serve those who may be experiencing the most challenging trials of their lifetime. It is an honor when a patient trusts me to walk alongside and provide them care. The strength and courage in those suffering from gynecologic malignancies pushes me to provide steadfast, compassionate, and courteous care of the highest quality to each and every patient.”
Specialization
Located At
Brookwood Women’s Center
Grandview
St. Vincent’s Birmingham
Length of Tenure with Alabama Oncology
Joined in August 2023
Board Certifications
2021 American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Diplomate, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education
2020 – 2023 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology
2016 – 2020 University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK
Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology
2012 – 2016 University of Alabama School of Medicine Birmingham, AL
Doctor of Medicine
2007 – 2012 University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
Magna Cum Laude
Accomplishments
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
2021 – 2022 Integrated Translational Oncology Program T32 award
DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
2021 Golden Tar Heel Award for dedication and excellence in medical student
education
CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL RESEARCH NETWORK (CPCRN)
2021 Selected for the CPCRN Scholars Program
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
2020 The Lloyd and Ruth Rader Resident Physician Scholarship – awarded to the
resident who best represents great promise in either research or clinical medicine
DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
2020 AAGL Recognition of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology
2017 – 2020 Resident Teaching Award
2018, 2020 CREOG Award, highest score for class of 2020
2019 Best Research Presentation by a Resident at Tiger Day
2019 Outstanding Resident in Gynecologic Oncology
WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGISTS
2018 ANNUAL MEETING
2019 Leo D. Lagasse Award for best resident or fellow presentation on clinical research
Professional Associations
Society of Gynecologic Oncology
International Gynecologic Cancer Society
American Association for Cancer Research
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology