The Kirklin contains outpatient clinics for several neurological specialties, including epilepsy, neuromuscular disease, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, neuro-onclogy, and behavioral neurology, as well as stroke. Birmingham was originally a steel town, but the steel mills have long since been replaced with healthcare and other service industries. Its geographical location offers Birmingham several advantages. Because of its elevation and distance from the shore, the climate is milder than that found in the rest of Alabama, with four distinct seasons. In fall the leaves change, surrounding Birmingham with color.
Winters are mild, with temperatures usually staying above freezing and rare snowfall.
Birmingham's location is also an advantage by virtue of proximity. Two and a half hours takes you to Atlanta, home of the 1996 summer Olympics. Four hours brings you to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry. Four hours also takes you to the white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast, or to the Smoky Mountains. Curriculum VCCN fellows are appointed to the rank of Instructor in Neurology, i.e., they are classed and treated as junior faculty.