Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Free Mouse Pad - Deadline Approaching


It's the last chance to receive a free gel mouse pad courtesy of the University of South Alabama Physicians Group. To receive your gift, share your thoughts about our new website, which was developed to allow ease of use for University employees.

Follow this link to view our website -- http://www.usahealthsystem.com/. Then complete a short survey found here.

Upon completion of the survey, a mouse pad will be mailed to you via interoffice mail.

You must be a USA employee to enter. One entry per employee. Survey ends Jan. 6.

Thanks in advance for your participation and your valuable feedback.

Holiday Greetings from USA Physicians Group

Happy Holidays from USA Physicians Group. Watch the video below or click here for a special greeting.

Expert Advice for the Community

Dr. Steve Cordina, assistant professor of neurology at the USA College of Medicine and medical director for the USA Stroke Center, presents the December Med School Café lecture on Dec. 15, 2011.

Last week, Dr. Steve Cordina, assistant professor of neurology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, presented the December Med School Café lecture. The lecture, "Get Smart with Stroke," had a total of 79 attendees.

At the lecture, Dr. Cordina discussed new treatments and interventions available for stroke victims, as well as prevention strategies.

The next Med School Café lecture will be held on Jan. 19, 2012, and feature USA family sports medicine physician Dr. Robert B. Bettencourt.  His talk with focus on how to be successful with your New Year's resolutions.  The lecture will be at the Mobile Museum of Art. If you are interested in attending, email kepartridge@usouthal.edu for more details.


Dr. Townsley Featured in Press-Register

Dr. Mary Townsley, professor of physiology and internal medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was recently featured in the Dec. 18th Press-Register for an award she received from the American Heart Association.

Click here to view the entire article.

Fay Cunningham Recognized for Outstanding Customer Service

Fay Cunningham receives a spa gift basket for her outstanding customer service skills.
Fay Cunningham, a billing and insurance clerk at the University of South Alabama Family Medicine clinic, recently received the Customer Service Recognition Award given by the department.

Cunningham, who has worked at USA for 16 years, was selected by staff and patients for portraying outstanding customer service skills.

“This presentation could have gone to many others because I work with many wonderful people,” Cunningham said. “I am delighted and thankful that the ballots tilted in my favor.”

Cunningham said she has always followed the principle, “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”

“If you want to receive politeness,” she said, “then you present yourself with politeness.”

Cunningham said her focus is putting the closure to a patient’s visit. “I sometimes think of it as putting the icing on the cake,” she said. “My goal is to establish a positive exit so that patients will share their experience with others.”

Mark Your Calendars

The next University of South Alabama College of Medicine Faculty Assembly Meeting has been scheduled for Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at 4 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building auditorium on USA's main campus.

For more information, contact Dr. John Benjamin at johnbenjamin@usouthal.edu.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Free Flu Vaccine - Act Now!


It's your last chance to receive a free seasonal flu vaccine provided by USA Physicians Group!

The vaccine is available free of charge for USA employees, as well as family members covered by the USA Health & Dental Plan.

Flu vaccines are available at the Urgent Care clinic on USA's main campus. No appointments are necessary.

Follow this link to learn more - www.usahealthsystem.com/flushot.

USA Physician Named Chair of APPD Program Director School

From left to right: Dr. Franklin Trimm, professor and vice chair of pediatrics; Dr. Benjamin Petty, family medicine resident on pediatric inpatient rotation. 

Dr. Franklin Trimm, professor and vice chair of pediatrics at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was recently selected as chair of the Association for Pediatric Program Directors’ (APPD) newly developed Program Director School.

Dr. Trimm, who has served as the residency program director for pediatrics at USA for 18 years, said the Program Director School will train both current and future program directors.

“In the past, serving as a residency program director was a stepping stone in one’s career,” he said. “Now, it is a role that is considered a long-term career choice because it takes time to learn all of the skills necessary. The skill set needed to be a pediatric residency program director is complex, and on-the-job training is the best way to learn.”

Including Dr. Trimm, seven program directors from around the country were selected to serve on the leadership council of the Program Director School.

“Helping others develop their abilities as an educator has been a part of my career for over 25 years,” Dr. Trimm said. “Being a leader of this national program is the perfect next step for my interests in medical education.”

As chair, Dr. Trimm will be responsible for establishing a curriculum and an evaluation program to ensure the program is accomplishing its goals. In addition, he will establish selection criteria for applicants, as well as a method to track the participants’ success in the future.

As the residency program director for pediatrics at USA, Dr. Trimm has helped develop and refine the core curriculum for residents. In addition, the program recently implemented a national policy that is intended to improved patient care.

“The policy limits the hours residents can work,” Dr. Trimm said. “This reduces errors by having more rested medical professionals. We must do our best effort at patient safety and the quality of residency education.”

Dr. Trimm said he will use his experiences at USA to inform others about the training process involved in being a successful program director.

“My hope is that I am able to inspire the next generation of program directors to become competent so future pediatricians trained in their programs can take care of children at the highest level possible,” he said. “It’s all about the patients.”

Students, Faculty Present Research Projects at 5th Annual COM Research Forum

Terrance Platt (left), a graduate student in the Department of Pharmacology and Center for Lung Biology, presents his poster presentation to Dr. Brian Fouty, associate professor of internal medicine at USA.

Presenter Jamie Hill (center), a graduate student in the Department of Pharmacology and Center for Lung Biology, presents her poster during the fifth annual College of Medicine research forum.
The University of South Alabama College of Medicine's 5th annual Research Forum was held Dec. 9, 2011, at USA's main library.

The forum consisted of two sessions -- the morning session was comprised of nine oral presentations and the afternoon session hosted 37 poster presentations. Graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and clinical fellows were encouraged to present their work.

According to Dr. Donna Cioffi, assistant professor of biochemistry at USA, the goal of the research forum is to foster new ideas and collaborations. "Research projects were presented by members of the College of Medicine to colleagues and students at USA and visiting institutions," she said. "We hope that through this forum, perspective students will become interested in USA for graduate work."

In addition, Dr. Cioffi said the forum helps to achieve a strong integration between the basic medical science departments and the clinical departments. "It is important for them to communicate in order to integrate education both in a research and bedside clinical fashion and thus work toward our common goal of improving human health."

To learn more about participating in the annual COM Research Forum, contact Dr. Cioffi at dlcioffi@usouthal.edu or Dr. Jody Brewer at jbrewer@jaguar1.usouthal.edu.

USA Lions Club Sponsors Christmas Party for Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

Members of the USA Lions Club (above) sponsor the Christmas party for the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.

The annual Christmas party for the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, sponsored by the University of South Alabama Lions Club, was held on Dec. 13, 2011.

Members of the USA Lions Club provided a Christmas gala for the children affected by hearing and sight impairments at the institute. Approximately 20 children were present. The USA Lions Club was responsible for providing lunch and Christmas gifts for every child.

The USA Lions Club was founded in 1993. For more information on the USA Lions Club, contact Tommie Carlisle at tcarlisl@usouthal.edu or Judy Burnham at jburnham@usouthal.edu.

USA Health Services Foundation Remains Leader in United Way Contributions

Coordinators for the United Way Campaign for the Health Services Foundation are Kim Partridge (left) and Patsy Kennedy (right), shown with two patients cared for in the USA Department of Pediatrics.
According to Becky S. Tate, chief executive officer of the University of South Alabama Health Services Foundation, this year’s United Way Campaign set a new record of $41,021.75, up from $35,571 last year.

The campaign for the Health Services Foundation was led by Patsy Kennedy and Kim Partridge. “I’d like to give special thanks to Patsy and Kim for their efforts in organizing our participation,” Tate said. “The enthusiasm these individuals demonstrated had a significant impact on our level of giving as a division.”

“I am equally proud of all of our faculty for the support they have demonstrated for our community,” Tate said. “Their generosity is a reflection of their character and commitment to our region.”

The USA Health Services Foundation remains the leading division in dollars raised for the entire University. Contributions came from 247 Health Services Foundation employees, with the average gift totaling $166.08.

The Health Services Foundation also had the highest number of Leadership Givers and Women’s Initiative Givers than any other division in the University. Ten of the 38 “Women’s Initiative” givers and 24 of the 162 Leadership Givers are employees of the Health Services Foundation.

The United Way has been serving the community for 84 years, tackling issues by partnering with 52 agencies in Mobile, Clarke, and Washington counties. Approximately 700 companies and organizations run an employee-giving campaign to support more than 125,000 individuals each year.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

USA College of Medicine Welcomes Dr. Jarrod Fortwendel

Dr. Jarrod Fortwendel was recently appointed assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

Dr. Fortwendel is a member of the American Society of Microbiology in addition to having a medical technology certification with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Prior to his appointment at USA, Dr. Fortwendel completed his postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University in the  Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program (MMPTP).

Dr. Fortwendel completed his undergraduate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science at Indiana State University and went on to receive his doctorate from the University of Cincinnati. As a scientist, he has received numerous grants and awards to support his research efforts.

Notably, he received a K22 Research Scholarship Development Award, the MMPTP grant, and was named an Advances Against Aspergillosis Scholar at their international conference in Rome, Italy.

With more than 20 academic publications recognized internationally, Dr. Fortwendel is a strong addition to the academic research body in the department of microbiology and immunology.

Support for Grieving Loved Ones During the Holidays

Dr. Ronald Franks, vice president for health sciences and interim chair of psychiatry at the University of South Alabama, said the holidays can be a stressful time, especially for families who have recently suffered a loss.

“The holidays are a time when families get together,” Dr. Franks said. “If there is an empty place at the table, it evokes grief and a sense of loss.”

Because people are more vulnerable to feeling losses at this time of year, it is important that family members know how they can help lessen the reawakened grief in others.

According to Dr. Franks, one of the best treatments for grieving is to talk as a family.

“Acknowledging the loss and sharing your feelings eases stress and allows everyone to share positive memories,” he said. “It’s a normal response that helps the mind heal.”

Dr. Franks said the most common signs of grieving include feelings of sadness and preoccupation with lost loved ones. He said frightening experiences such as dreams and hallucinations may also be evident.

One of the worst things to do is to let the family member who has lost a loved one become isolated.

“This puts them in danger of having their feelings escalate,” Dr. Franks said. “The best thing to do is to keep their memory alive by sharing stories. It can be a painful process, but it is necessary for healing.”

For those who are not ready to deal with a loss or who are reluctant to talk with family members, Dr. Franks said it is important to determine how well they are functioning.

“The majority of people do better talking about the lost loved one,” he said. “However, everyone copes differently.”

“For those who aren’t comfortable talking, just keep an eye on how they’re doing,” he added. “If they aren’t taking care of themselves and not going to work, they might need outside help – whether it is a counselor, psychologist, social worker, or physician."

Dr. Franks said that on average, a person who has lost a loved one should be functioning at a normal rate at around the six-month mark.

He emphasized that grieving is not a linear process. “Some days are better and some days are not,” he said. “After an extended period of time, however, you will get better.”

To make an appointment with any USA physician, call (251) 434-3711.

Tips to Help Someone Cope with a Loss:
• Be a good listener
• Invite the person to your home for holiday meals and celebrations
• Invite them to exercise with you
• Help them find professional help if needed
• Let them know they are loved
• Offer help with tangible tasks such as holiday shopping
• Give person space and time to recover from loss
• Don’t try to minimize the loss

Suggestions from the American Hospice Foundation on What Not to Say:
"I know how you feel." One can never know how another may feel. You could, instead, ask your friend to tell you how he or she feels.

"It's part of a divine plan." This phrase can make people angry and they often respond with, "What plan? Nobody told me about any plan."

"Look at what you have to be thankful for." They know they have things to be thankful for, but right now they are not important.

"He's in a better place now." The bereaved may or may not believe this. Keep your beliefs to yourself unless asked.

"This is behind you now; it's time to get on with your life." Sometimes the bereaved are resistant to getting on with because they feel this means "forgetting" their loved one. In addition, moving on is easier said than done. Grief has a mind of its own and works at its own pace.

Statements that begin with "You should" or "You will." These statements are too directive. Instead you could begin your comments with: "Have you thought about. . ." or "You might. . ."

USAMC Cookbook Proceeds To Benefit Patients

From left to right: Tessie Johnson, assistant technical director of radiology; Emma Green, volunteer services secretary; Donna Donaldson, director of respiratory therapy; and Anita Shirah, human resource manager

Employees at the University of South Alabama Medical Center compiled their favorite family recipes to be included in the Medical Center's cookbook, "Southern Comfort."

Copies of the cookbook are available for $15 at the USA Medical Center gift shop. Proceeds from this sale are donated to patients in need at the USA Medical Center.

Limited quantities available. For more information, contact Emma Green at (251) 471-7265.

Reminder: December Med School Café

The December Med School Café lecture will feature interventional neurologist Dr. Steve Cordina, assistant professor of neurology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and medical director for the USA Stroke Center.

His lecture, titled “Get Smart with Stroke,” will take place Dec. 15, 2011, at the Mobile Museum of Art in Mobile. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., and the presentation begins at noon.

Dr. Cordina, who is the first interventional neurologist to be based in the Mobile region, will discuss new treatments and interventions available for stroke victims, as well as prevention strategies.

Dr. Cordina earned his medical degree from the University of Malta in Msida, Malta. He completed his residency training in neurology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Department of Neurology and Neurosciences in Newark, N.J. This was followed by a vascular neurology fellowship at the University of Minnesota.

The Mobile Museum of Art is located at 4850 Museum Drive in Mobile.

The Med School Café lecture and lunch are provided free of charge, but reservations are required. For more information or to make reservations, please call Kim Partridge at (251) 460-7770 or e-mail kepartridge@usouthal.edu.

Med School Café is a free community lecture series sponsored by the USA Physicians Group. Each month, faculty from the USA College of Medicine share their expertise on a specific medical condition, providing insight on the latest treatment available.

Holiday Toy Drive A Success

The University of South Alabama Medical Center assisted the Dumas Wesley Community Center this year with donations for the Community Center's Christmas Toy Store.

Toys were collected in each department at the USA Medical Center for transport to the Dumas Wesley Community Center.

Donated toys are sold to pre-qualified Crichton residents at greatly reduced prices. The money generated from the toy sales goes to help other distressed community members with emergency needs.

The USA Medical Center began working with the Dumas Wesley Community Center on the Christmas Toy Store close to six years ago and has made the store an annual project in providing toys, books, and accessories.

Last year, donations from USA enabled the center to assist more than 100 families.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

USA Physician Included in 40 Under 40

Surgical oncologist Dr. Carlo Contreras, assistant professor of surgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was recently selected to be included in the 2011 class of the Mobile Bay 40 Under 40.

The annual Mobile Bay 40 Under 40 awards identify 40 of the area’s young professionals who will benefit the community for years to come with their leadership, professional excellence and community service.

Dr. Contreras said he was honored to be selected as one of this year’s 40 Under 40.

“In such a vibrant community with so many young, successful leaders, receiving this nomination was unexpected, but welcome,” he said. “My individual recognition is really made possible by all the individuals that collaborate with me at USA and all of our other partners within the Mobile community.”

Dr. Contreras was presented a plaque at the awards luncheon on Nov. 30, 2011, at the Riverview Hotel in Mobile.

Those who were chosen to be included in 40 Under 40 will be featured in the December issue of Mobile Bay.

HSF Board of Directors Visits Medical Center

Members of the Health Services Foundation Board of Directors visited the University of South Alabama Medical Center this week, where they held their board meeting and toured both the new Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and the Trauma Center.

Members were also introduced to Joshua Roberts, a patient who benefitted from the specialty care provided at the hospital.

Roberts, 22, suffered from epileptic seizures since he was 2 years old, which decreased his quality of life and sidetracked his educational career. In July, he was monitored at the EMU and had surgery to remove a section of his brain. Since then, Roberts has not had a seizure and is preparing to attend USA in January.

Photos from the meeting and tour are shown below.

Joshua Roberts (left) shares his story during the Board of Directors meeting.
From left: Dr. Samuel Strada, dean of the USA College of Medicine; Sarah Damson, board member; and Dr. David Lewis, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at the USA College of Medicine.

Trauma surgeon Dr. Richard Gonzalez (left), associate professor of surgery at the USA College of Medicine, describes how patients are cared for at the USA Trauma Center.
Dr. Dean Naritoku (right), chair of neurology at the USA College of Medicine, explains how the new epilepsy monitoring unit is helping patients from Mobile and the surrounding region.

December Med School Café - “Get Smart with Stroke”

The December Med School Café lecture will feature interventional neurologist Dr. Steve Cordina, assistant professor of neurology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and medical director for the USA Stroke Center.

His lecture, titled “Get Smart with Stroke,” will take place Dec. 15, 2011, at the Mobile Museum of Art in Mobile. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., and the presentation begins at noon.

Dr. Cordina, who is the first interventional neurologist to be based in the Mobile region, will discuss new treatments and interventions available for stroke victims, as well as prevention strategies.

Dr. Cordina earned his medical degree from the University of Malta in Msida, Malta. He completed his residency training in neurology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Department of Neurology and Neurosciences in Newark, N.J. This was followed by a vascular neurology fellowship at the University of Minnesota.

The Mobile Museum of Art is located at 4850 Museum Drive in Mobile.

The Med School Café lecture and lunch are provided free of charge, but reservations are required. For more information or to make reservations, please call Kim Partridge at (251) 460-7770 or e-mail kepartridge@usouthal.edu.

Med School Café is a free community lecture series sponsored by the USA Physicians Group. Each month, faculty from the USA College of Medicine share their expertise on a specific medical condition, providing insight on the latest treatment available.

USA Medical Center To Host Blood Drives

The University of South Alabama Medical Center is hosting a LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Blood Drive in the Medical Center's 10th floor Dining Room.

The dates and times are as follows:
Friday, Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 5 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All registered donors will receive a free meal ticket and a LifeSouth recognition item. In addition, donors will be entered into a regional drawing for an Apple iPad 2.

For more information, call 471-7408.

Next Week's DSS - Dr. Ronald L. Schnaar

The next Distinguished Scientist Seminar at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine will be presented by Dr. Ronald L. Schnaar, professor of pharmacology and molecular sciences and neuroscience at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

The lecture, titled "Axon-myelin Interactions, Axon Stability & the Control of Axon Regeneration," will take place Dec. 8, 2011, at 4 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building auditorium.

Dr. Schaar received his B.S. degree in cellular biology at the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. degree in the department of biology at The Johns Hopkins University. He completed his postdoctoral studies in biochemistry with Nobel Laureate Marshall Nirenberg in the Laboratory of Biochemical Genetics at The Johns Hopkins University.

For more information on Dr. Schnaar's research, click here.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

USA Pulmonary Medicine Relocates Clinical Care Offices to Mastin Building

Dr. Karen Fagan
The University of South Alabama Division of Pulmonary Medicine, along with the USA Division of Rheumatology, recently relocated its clinical care offices to the Mastin Professional Building at 2451 Fillingim Street in Mobile.

The Mastin Professional Building offers expanded clinic space, convenient parking and convenient access to both inpatient and outpatient testing.

Dr. Karen A. Fagan serves as chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine and medical director of the USA Pulmonary Hypertension Center. Dr. Fagan has more than 15 years of experience in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension. She is an internationally recognized leader in the pulmonary hypertension field as both a clinician and scientist.

For questions about the Pulmonary Hypertension Center, contact Pat Franklin at (251) 471-7029. To make an appointment with the USA Division of Rheumatology, call (251) 470-5890.


How To Avoid "Holiday Heartburn"

With the holiday season just around the corner, USA gastroenterologist Dr. Reynaldo Rodriguez said there are several things you can do to have a heartburn-free holiday.

Dr. Rodriguez, who serves as assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, said heartburn and acid reflux are common during the holiday season, but there are steps you can take to lessen the symptoms.

“Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, felt just behind the breast bone or in the pit of the stomach,” he said. “The pain of heartburn often radiates from the chest to the neck, throat or jaw and is sometimes confused with a heart attack.”

According to Dr. Rodriguez, it is estimated that 40-45 percent of the United States population has an episode of heartburn at some point.

Some of the most common foods and drinks that cause heartburn are chocolate, fried and fatty foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. “Chocolate, caffeine, tomatoes, citrus, and alcohol all relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach contents to reflux in the esophagus,” Dr. Rodriguez said.

He added that fried and fatty foods slow the digestion process, allowing food to remain in the stomach longer. This causes an increase in stomach pressure, which in turn places pressure on the LES, allowing reflux of stomach contents.

Dr. Rodriguez suggests waiting two hours for your food to digest before lying down. “Lying down with a full stomach right after dinner can cause stomach contents to press harder against the LES, increasing the chances of refluxed food into the esophagus.”

To avoid heartburn during the holidays, Dr. Rodriguez said you should keep portion size in mind, particularly with foods that are high in fat and that decrease digestion, such as the skin of the turkey.

Most importantly, you should avoid overeating. “The holidays are known to lead to overeating due to our happy state of mind and the abundance of food,” he said. “It is always best to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large meal.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez or any USA gastroenterologist, call (251) 660-5555.

Abstract Submission Deadline Extended

The fifth annual University of South Alabama College of Medicine Research Forum will be held Dec. 9, 2011, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at USA's Main Library. The deadline for abstract submission has been extended to Nov. 29, 2011.

The forum will highlight the work of graduate students in the Basic Medical Sciences program, postdoctoral fellows, residents and clinical fellows, who are all strongly encouraged to present their work in posters and/or short talks. New faculty members are also invited to present their work.

Click here for detailed instructions regarding preparation and submission of abstracts. For more information, contact Dr. Jody Brewer at jbrewer@jaguar1.usouthal.edu or Dr. Donna Cioffi at dlcioffi@usouthal.edu.

Holiday Toy Drive - Donate Today

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is sponsoring their annual Christmas Toy Store, and the University of South Alabama Medical Center is assisting them again this year with donations.

Toys will be collected in each department at the USA Medical Center for transport to the Dumas Wesley Community Center on Dec. 7, 2011.

Donated toys are sold to pre-qualified Crichton residents at greatly reduced prices. The money generated from the toy sales goes to help other distressed community members with emergency needs.

Last year, donations from USA enabled the center to assist over 100 families.

_______________________________________________

This holiday season, the USA College of Medicine is looking for someone to be featured on Med School Watercooler whose actions typify the spirit of the season. Send your suggestions to agivens@usouthal.edu.

Next Week's DSS - Dr. Bart Barlogie

The next Distinguished Scientist Seminar at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine will be presented by Dr. Bart Barlogie, professor in the departments of medicine and pathology and director of the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark.

The lecture will take place Dec. 1, 2011, at 4 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building auditorium.

Dr. Barlogie received his medical degree from Heidelberg University in Germany, and his research degree from the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, also in Heidelberg. He continued his postgraduate clinical training at the University of Munich, The University of Munster, and the M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute in Houston.

For more information on Dr. Barlogie's research, click here.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Our Story Told in 'First Person'

Dianna Thomas (left), a fourth-year medical student at USA, coaches a baseball player in the Westside Challenger League.

This is the second installment of an ongoing series of vignettes, titled "First Person," that will provide an inside look into the lives of our patients, students, faculty and staff at the University of South Alabama Health System. Each narrative will be shared in their own words.

Click here or watch the video below to learn about Dianna Thomas, a medical student at the USA College of Medicine that coaches the Westside Challenger League, a baseball league for special needs children in Mobile.



Dr. Mary Townsley Honored by American Heart Association

Dr. Mary Townsley, professor of physiology and internal medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was honored by the American Heart Association (AHA) with the 2011 Council on Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Perioperative and Resuscitation (3CPR) Distinguished Achievement Award on Nov. 15, 2011, in Orlando, Fla.

Dr. Townsley has been part of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine faculty since 1988 and serves as associate dean of faculty affairs and director of training programs for the USA Center for Lung Biology. The 3CPR award is given annually by AHA to an individual who has “contributed substantially to the AHA Scientific Council.”

“I feel honored,” Dr. Townsley said of receiving the award. She credits her mentor, USA emeritus professor of physiology Dr. Aubrey Taylor, who also was a recipient of the award in 1996. Dr. Townsley explained that as her mentor, Dr. Taylor’s “theoretical approach” to science and his involvement helped inspire her to “get involved in the broader network of leadership organizations and professional societies.”

Serving as council chair for 3CPR from 2005-2007, Dr. Townsley says her philosophy on leadership is simple. “Leave the place better than when you found it.”

Dr. Townsley serves on several editorial boards including Pulmonary Circulation and Microvascular Research and peer review groups. In addition, she has served as the inaugural chair of the AHA united peer review steering committee.

Dr. Townsley’s research laboratory focuses on structural and functional adaptations in lung and heart failure. Dr. Townsley says that being from a smaller medical school doesn’t limit your opportunities in large professional organizations. “It’s not about where you’re from; it’s about what you bring to the table.”

With mentorship being crucial to her success, Dr. Townsley believes encouragement and strong leadership is “absolutely vital.” A testament to her motto, Dr. Townsley established the USA Women in Science group, which organized the Girls Exploring Math and Science (GEMS) program. Dr. Townsley says GEMS has grown exponentially in the past few years, beginning with 40 girls and rising to 400 last year.

Dr. Townsley received her Ph.D. from the University of California at Davis and completed post-doctoral studies at the University of South Alabama.

Andrew Manley Receives Eran and N.Q. Adams Endowed Scholarship in Neurology

Andrew Manley

From left to right: Dr. Bassam A. Bassam, professor of neurology at the USA College of Medicine; Dr. Roy Freeman, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School; Eran Adams, benefactor of the Eran and N.Q. Adams Endowed Scholarship in Neurology; and Andrew Manley, scholarship recipient.
Andrew Manley, a fourth-year medical student at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was recently awarded the Eran and N.Q. Adams Endowed Scholarship in Neurology at the department’s third annual Eran and N.Q. Adams Endowed Lecture and Visiting Professorship in Neurology.

This year’s lecture, titled “Disorders of Orthostatic Intolerance-Syncope, Orthostatic Hypotension and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome,” featured Dr. Roy L. Freeman of Harvard University, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of the Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders in the department of neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Mass.

Manley, who plans to pursue a career in neurology, received his bachelor of arts degree in psychology from USA. As a medical student, he has served as the vice president of the Student Interest Group in Neurology and secretary/treasurer of the Family Medicine Interest Group.

The Eran and N.Q. Adams Endowed Scholarship was established to support, in the early stages of their careers, young physicians engaged in neurology who wish to gain a better understanding of dysautonomia. Third and fourth year medical students at USA were invited to submit applications for the scholarship that included a unique research or learning opportunity.

For more information on the lecture and the scholarship, contact Nicole Sheehan at (251) 445-8262.

USA College of Medicine Hosts Charlie Baugh Dog Day

The University of South Alabama College of Medicine held its Charlie Baugh Dog Day on Nov. 11, 2011. Students and faculty gathered for the annual celebration, which is held in memory of Dr. Charles M. Baugh, who served as dean at the USA College of Medicine on two separate occassions.




Friday, November 11, 2011

USA Children's & Women's Hospital Holds Topping Out Ceremony

USA Children's & Women's Hospital held its Topping Out ceremony on Nov. 11. At the event, a tree was lifted to the highest point of the structure to signify the progress that has been made on the hospital's expansion and to recognize those who have been involved. Construction began in November 2010 and the expansion is expected to be completed in 2013.

USA Children's & Women's Hospital Administrator Owen Bailey points to the tree before it's lifted to the top floor of the hospital's expansion.


Construction workers and contractors, among others, were recognized at the event.

Dr. Charles Hamm, professor of pediatrics, spoke of the hope that this new addition represented and the impact it will have on children and families in our commnity.

USA Children's & Women's Hospital patient instructs the crane operator to "lift that tree."