USA PsychSIGN Hosts Mental Health Outreach Event

The University of South Alabama College of Medicine Psychiatry Student Interest Group Network (PsychSIGN) recently received the Helping Hands Grant from the American Psychiatric Foundation.

PsychSIGN is a student interest group for USA medical students interested in a career as a psychiatrist.

This is the second year the student organization has received the award. The members of the organization used the grant to host a mental health awareness event at Flea Market Mobile on Nov. 14, 2015.

The medical students handed out bags containing information about mental health issues and aimed to educate people about symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression, substance abuse and anxiety. Complimentary blood pressure screenings were also offered.

“I really enjoyed being able to interact with the community,” said medical student Lindsey Stewart, PsychSIGN chapter president. “The flea market provided us the opportunity to reach a variety of people with our message. Most people are unaware that mental health is just as important as our physical health.”

PsychSIGN is a national network of medical students interested in psychiatry, from those with a rough interest in the brain and mind to those already in the residency application and match process. PsychSIGN is comprised of psychiatry interest groups at medical schools across the country.

Click here for more information on USA PsychSIGN.

Dr. Molokhia Presents at International Conference

Dr. Ehab Molokhia, associate professor of family medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was invited to speak at an international conference in Dubai called DUPHAT.

At the event, Dr. Molokhia discussed his experience at USA Medical Center in measuring, categorizing and reducing medication errors. At USA, he works with an inter-professional group to create and implement system-based solutions and interventions to improve patient safety. The process that was developed has been cited as a best practice by The Joint Commission hospital accrediting agency.

“There is a lot of attention right now on patient safety and how to improve quality of patient care. It is estimated that more than 7,000 deaths occur annually in the United States alone as a result of medication errors,” Dr. Molokhia said.

“The experience was enriching as the conference allowed for the meeting of a wide range of professionals all involved in healthcare,” Dr. Molokhia said. “It’s very important that physicians as well as pharmacists come together in a team-based process to accomplish a better outcome for their patients.”

DUPHAT, launched in 1995, is the premier pharmaceutical and technology event in the Middle East.

Dr. Craig Sherman Recognized for Customer Service

Dr. Craig Sherman, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, recently was presented an Employee Recognition Award for his outstanding customer service skills.

"Dr. Sherman goes above and beyond to help his patients. He takes his time in answering any and all questions. He's always willing to lend an ear and is very courteous to all support staff. He always has a great bedside manner, and his patients say he makes them feel like they are more than just a number."

-Excerpt taken from a nomination form

To learn more about the USA Physicians Group Customer Service Recognition Program and to print a nomination form, click here. 

December Med School Cafe - 'Upper Extremity Arthritis Management Tips'

The December Med School Café lecture will feature Renee Hall, occupational therapist and clinical supervisor of outpatient therapy at the University of South Alabama.

Her lecture, titled “Upper Extremity Arthritis Management Tips,” will take place on Dec. 11, 2015, at the USA Faculty Club on USA’s main campus. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., and the presentation begins at noon.

Hall will discuss arthritis, a disease that causes painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. She will include information on how to improve pain, range of motion and overall performance of daily activities.

Hall completed her graduate degree at USA and is certified with the National Certification Board of Occupational Therapy and the Hand Therapy Certification Commission.

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


Renee Hall Med School Cafe Promo from USA Health System on Vimeo.