USA Mitchell Cancer Institute Launches New Website

The University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute recently launched its new website. The new site is integrated into the current USA Health System website and can be found at www.usamci.com.

According to Margaret Sullivan, director of business development and outreach at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, the new website – a complete redesign of the current site – is much more user-friendly for patients and their families, physicians, and the research community.

“We are very excited to have a site that is up-to-date and provides a high level of functionality for our visitors,” Sullivan said. “We’ve spent a lot of time and energy working on this new site and feel that the enhancement will improve the visitor experience.”

Like the USA Health System website, the new USA Mitchell Cancer Institute site uses a content management software solution, meaning information can easily be updated in real time by multiple content creators.

Sullivan said the site is rich with content and consists of three main components – a patient component, a referring physician component, and a research component.

One new feature includes a patient portal, which provides patients with many benefits designed to make the health care experience more efficient. Current patients can use the portal to easily access lab results and other information related to their care.

According to Sullivan, the new site includes detailed information on each physician, specific cancers, support groups, and outreach events. She said the “Find a Physician” and the “Find a Clinical Trial” features are also easily accessible for both patients and referring physicians.

“When a patient is trying to choose where they receive cancer treatment,” she said, “we want to provide them with the best information so they can choose what is best for their unique needs.”

In addition to improving the patient experience, Sullivan said the site will allow funding agencies, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical companies to learn more about the core facilities and research capabilities available at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.

April 4th DSS to Feature Dr. Lorraine Ware

The next Distinguished Scientist Seminar at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine will feature Dr. Lorraine Ware, associate professor of medicine and associate professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The lecture will take place April 4, 2013, at 4 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building auditorium on USA’s main campus.

Dr. Ware’s lab does basic and translational research on the role of the alveolar epithelium in the pathogenesis and resolution of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Dr. Ware earned her bachelor of arts degree from Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif., and her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

To learn more about Dr. Ware’s research, click here.

USA Welcomes Practice Director of Surgery

Greg Shoemaker was recently appointed practice director of orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, and general surgery at the University of South Alabama. He replaces Drew Krogsgard, who recently retired after more than 16 years of service.

“We are excited to have Greg join USA Physicians Group as one of our practice directors,” said Harvey Ikner, chief of practice operations for the USA Health Services Foundation. “During his career, he has demonstrated himself as a healthcare leader with integrity, proven skills, excellent experience and a positive attitude.”

Prior to joining USA, Shoemaker was executive vice president of Singing River Health System clinics in Gautier, Miss. From 2002 to 2004 Shoemaker served as director of planning and development at Delta Regional Medical Center in Greenville, Miss. In addition, he previously served as healthcare business development manager for AFFLINK in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Shoemaker received his bachelor of science in business administration and master of business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Shoemaker completed the Gulf Coast Business Council Master’s Program in 2011, as well as a 12-month executive leadership development program at UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School in 2002.

Med School Café - Expert Advice for the Community

Last week, Dr. William A. "Jet" Broughton, professor of internal medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, presented the March Med School Café lecture.

The lecture, titled “Tales of Sleep Medicine: Disk Jockeys, Nuclear Catastrophes and Obese Presidents,” had a total of 41 attendees.

During the talk Dr. Broughton explained the development of sleep medicine and its most common disorder – obstructive sleep apnea.

The next Med School Café lecture will feature Dr. David Gremse, professor and chair of pediatrics at the USA College of Medicine. Dr. Gremse, who is a pediatric gastroenterologist, will talk about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The event will take place April 16, 2013, at the USA Faculty Club on USA's main campus.

If you are interested in attending, email kepartridge@usouthal.edu for more details. To learn more about the lectures, click here.