With Epic now live at UAB St. Vincent’s and wave 2 preparations underway, UAB Medicine is entering a pivotal chapter in one of the largest transformation efforts in our history.
The progress we’ve made so far is a testament to the dedication of teams across the organization, and the work ahead will create an even more unified, connected healthcare system. Whether you work in a hospital, clinic, or administrative setting, the Epic Journey has and will continue to impact us all. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What is Epic?
Epic is the most widely used electronic health record (EHR) system in the country. It brings all aspects of patient care into a secure, easy-to-use single platform, so providers and staff can access the information they need, when they need it.
But Epic isn’t just for doctors and nurses. It’s for everyone who helps deliver care by working with patients or patient information – from scheduling and billing to lab services, IT, pharmacy, and many other areas. Epic will become a shared foundation for how we care for patients and work together.
What are the benefits?
Implementing Epic means big improvements for patients and staff alike:
- A single source of truth – Patient information will be integrated across all of our hospitals, clinics, and service lines.
- Safer, faster care – Providers can make better decisions with real-time data at their fingertips.
- Less duplication, more efficiency – No more repeating tests or asking patients to recount their history
- Improved experience – The MyChart patient portal provides greater access to records and gives patients more control over their care.
- Stronger collaboration – For the first time, staff across departments and entities will be working on the same system. In addition, providers will have access to patient records from other Epic organizations, giving them a more complete view of a patient’s history and reducing the need to track down information when patients are referred to UAB for care.
Which entities are going live in February 2027 as part of wave 2?
- UAB Health System
- UAB Hospital and associated sites of care
- HSF clinics
- OSF clinics
- UAB Callahan Eye
- Cooper Green
- Medical West
- UAB
- School of Dentistry
- School of Health Professions
- School of Nursing
- School of Optometry
- Heersink School of Medicine – Huntsville
- Selma Family Medicine
- University of Alabama
- College of Community Health Sciences
What’s the timeline?
With the successful go-live at UAB St. Vincent’s, teams are now focused on stabilizing those wave 1 efforts while preparing our remaining entities for the wave 2 go-live, set for Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027.
Key milestones on the timeline include:
- Now–Oct. 16, 2026: Training registration
- Oct. 26–Nov. 25, 2026: Super User training
- Nov. 16, 2026–Feb. 12, 2027: End-user training, provider training, and day-in-the-life activities
- Jan. 4–Feb. 12, 2027: Pharmacy training
- Jan. 18–Feb. 12, 2027: Revenue cycle training
- Feb. 13–14, 2027: Admin Conversion (Soft Go-Live)
- Feb. 27, 2027: Wave 2 go-live
How can I help?
You don’t have to be an Epic expert to make a difference. Here are three simple ways to support our Epic Journey:
- Stay informed – Read updates like these, ask questions, and be open to learning.
- Be curious – Epic will change how we work, but change also brings opportunity. Embrace the chance to grow.
- Be a voice – Encourage your teammates, and help spread accurate information and a positive outlook.
In the coming months, you’ll see exciting opportunities to engage with the Epic Journey. These will include readiness events, hands-on activities, and role-specific resources designed to give you more confidence in preparing for the wave 2 go-live.
What’s next?
Please visit JourneyToEpic.org, where you’ll find:
- Timeline and roadmap
- Key terms and FAQ documents
- Training resources
- Spotlight stories from teams across the system
Epic is more than a technology implementation. It’s an investment in how we work together, support one another, and deliver care to the patients and communities we serve. Thank you for your continued commitment as we prepare for the next chapter in the Epic Journey.