Flanked by Ob.Gyn residents, Dr. Porter (center) was honored at a reception on Friday at USA Children's and Women's Hospital for her service to the USA College of Medicine.
Dr. Porter, who has served on the USA faculty for eight years, said her decision was one that she had to think about for a long time. “I had an encounter with a stranger who reminded me of the need to serve my country, and I felt that this was the best time to do this in my career,” she said.
As a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army, Dr. Porter will serve soldiers and their families, as well as mentor other healthcare providers.
Dr. Porter said the most memorable accomplishments throughout her USA career include the full accreditation of the residency program, the planning and development of the new tower for Children and Women’s Hospital, the expansion of the oncology program with the Mitchell Cancer Institute, and the development of the urogynecology program.
“This is just an outstanding department, and we all did this together,” Dr. Porter said. “The program is well-established and respected in the community. I know that whoever will come after me will continue to expand and grow the department even further.”
Dr. Porter also mentioned one of her personal accomplishments, a children’s book she published titled “Tales of Argos: The Adventures of a Greek Hunting Dog at Children’s and Women’s Hospital under the pen name “K.P. Catamount.” “The book was written in memory of my mother-in-law who was terminally ill and received fantastic care at USA,” Dr. Porter said. To read more about the book, visit http://www.southalabama.edu/usahealthsystem/pressreleases/2010pr/022610.html.
Dr. Porter said she will be leaving USA with many fond memories. “I’ve had great experiences and opportunities here,” she said, “and I have been able to work alongside outstanding faculty and staff. I’m going to miss everybody.”
