What Is the UAB Health System–Southview Medical Group Acquisition?
Summary (Key Takeaways)
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UAB Health System has officially acquired Southview Medical Group, effective January 1, 2026
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Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed
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Southview Medical Group serves 51,000+ unique patients annually with 130,000+ yearly visits
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The practice includes 30+ providers across internal medicine, cardiology, infectious disease, endocrinology, and gastroenterology
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Southview locations at UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham and UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen are included
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Patients will retain their current providers while gaining access to UAB’s expanded specialty network
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The acquisition builds on UAB’s $450 million purchase of St. Vincent’s hospitals in 2024
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The move strengthens access to coordinated primary and specialty care across central Alabama
In-Depth Overview: UAB Health System Acquires Southview Medical Group
What Is the UAB Health System–Southview Medical Group Acquisition?
UAB Health System has officially acquired Southview Medical Group, a multi-specialty physician practice serving central Alabama. The transaction was finalized on January 1, 2026, though financial terms were not disclosed.
The acquisition strengthens UAB’s ability to deliver coordinated, community-based healthcare while expanding access to both primary and specialty services throughout the Birmingham region.
Who Is Southview Medical Group?
Southview Medical Group is a Birmingham-based medical practice with a history spanning more than 100 years. Founded in 1922, the organization was originally known as Southside Medical Group and Lakeview Internal Medicine, which merged in 1994.
Today, Southview Medical Group is recognized for its patient-centered approach and long-standing commitment to high-quality outpatient care in central Alabama.
What Medical Specialties Does Southview Medical Group Offer?
Southview Medical Group employs more than 30 healthcare providers across a wide range of specialties, including:
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Internal Medicine
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Cardiology
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Infectious Disease
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Endocrinology
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Gastroenterology
The group treats over 51,000 unique patients annually and logs more than 130,000 patient visits each year, reflecting its significant role in regional healthcare delivery.
Which Facilities Are Included in the Acquisition?
Under the agreement, UAB Health System assumes ownership of Southview Medical Group’s network of providers and facilities, including locations at:
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UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham
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UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen
These sites will continue to operate while benefiting from UAB’s clinical resources, academic expertise, and integrated care systems.
Will Patients Still See Their Current Doctors?
Yes. Patients will continue seeing their trusted Southview providers without interruption. The integration ensures continuity of care while giving patients expanded access to:
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UAB’s broader network of specialists
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Advanced medical technology
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Enhanced care coordination
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Comprehensive services ranging from prevention to advanced treatment
What Are UAB Health System Leaders Saying About the Deal?
Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of UAB Health System, said the agreement combines Southview’s tradition of exceptional care with the innovation of an academic health system. She emphasized improved access to primary care, better care coordination, and expanded treatment options for patients in Birmingham.
How Does Southview Medical Group View the Partnership?
Dr. Noah Fitzpatrick, President of Southview Medical Group, described the integration as a major step toward advancing coordinated, community-based care. He noted that patients will benefit from broader specialty access while maintaining relationships with their existing providers.
Why Is This Acquisition Important for Birmingham and Central Alabama?
According to Kenny Shafer, CEO of UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, access to primary and specialty care remains one of the region’s most pressing healthcare challenges. This partnership strengthens access by combining Southview’s trusted physician network with UAB’s academic and clinical resources.
How Does This Fit Into UAB Health System’s Long-Term Strategy?
The acquisition follows UAB Health System’s $450 million purchase of St. Vincent’s hospitals in 2024, underscoring a long-term strategy focused on expanding care access across central Alabama.
By integrating Southview Medical Group, UAB enhances its ability to meet growing patient demand, improve outpatient care delivery, and provide a more seamless, high-quality healthcare experience throughout the Birmingham area.
References:
- https://www.al.com/news/2026/01/uab-health-systems-makes-another-big-acquisition.html
- https://www.uab.edu/news/health-medicine/uab-health-system-acquires-southview-medical-group
