USA Health Hosts Welcome Reception for New Physicians

Dr. John Marymont, dean of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, introduces the new physicians during the New Physicians Welcome Reception Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016.

From left: New physicians Dr. Charles Hartin, Dr. Stephen Snypes, Dr. Brian Gelpi, Dr. Kevin Everett, Dr. Stephen Bowden and Dr. Christopher Jones.

The University of South Alabama hosted a welcome reception for 24 new physicians who recently joined USA Health.

The following physicians were recognized:

Dr. Osama Abdul-Rahim
Interventional Radiology

Dr. Stephen Bowden
Emergency Medicine

Dr. Kevin Bradley
Radiology

Dr. Steve Cordina
Interventional Neurology

Dr. Preston Daugherty
Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Kevin Everett
Anesthesiology

Dr. Brian Gelpi
Anesthesiology

Dr. Charles Hartin Jr.
Pediatric Surgery

Dr. Phillip Henderson
Gastroenterology, Hepatology

Dr. John Hunter
Surgery

Dr. Christopher Jones
Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Moh’d Khushman
Medical Oncology

Dr. Markus Lammle
Neuroradiology

Dr. Elizabeth Park
Radiology

Dr. Scott Patterson
Burn/Trauma/Critical Care Surgery

Dr. Tracy Roth
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Hani Sabahi
Gastroenterology

Dr. Kane Schaphorst
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Dr. Stephen Snypes
Anesthesiology

Dr. Clayton Smith
Radiation Oncology

Dr. Marirose Trimmier
Family Medicine

Dr. Curtis Turner
Pediatrics

Dr. James West
Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Weisi Yan
Radiation Oncology

Click here to view more photos from the event. To make an appointment with any USA Physician, call (251) 434-3711.

Memorial Service To Celebrate Life of Dr. Robert Kreisberg

The University of South Alabama College of Medicine will hold a celebration of life service for Dr. Robert Kreisberg at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on Oct. 5, 2016, at 4 p.m.

Dr. Kreisberg, who served as the founding chair of the USA department of internal medicine, former dean of USA’s medical school and vice president for medical affairs for the university, passed away on Aug. 21, 2016. He was laid to rest in Big Sky, Montana, where he frequently spent time enjoying the beauty and peace of nature with family and friends.

Dr. Kreisberg had a pivotal role in the early development of the USA College of Medicine. He joined USA’s newly founded medical school in 1973, as the USA College of Medicine was beginning its operation. In his early 40s at the time, he was a noted clinician, scientist, educator and endocrinologist. His appointment brought credibility to the USA College of Medicine.

In his role as both chair of the department of internal medicine and dean of the medical school, Dr. Kreisberg was able to recruit a core group of talented clinical educators. He, along with this group of physicians, built a foundation of clinical and medical education excellence that still remains a defining characteristic of the USA College of Medicine today.

After leaving USA in 1987, Dr. Kreisberg came back in 1999 as associate vice president for clinical affairs, chief of staff for the USA Hospitals and chief executive officer for the Health Services Foundation. In 2000, he began his second stint as dean and vice president for medical affairs following the death of his friend, Dr. Charles M. Baugh. After retiring in 2006, he was appointed professor emeritus of internal medicine in honor of his many contributions to USA, the medical profession and the field of internal medicine.

Dr. Kreisberg was known as a gifted teacher, caring physician, committed mentor and nationally respected researcher and scholar in endocrinology.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Leonora, and is survived by wife Ginger; children Howard Kreisberg (wife Elise, children Alexa and Jordan), Mark Kreisberg (wife Chinh, children Anna and Adan), David Kreisberg (daughter Grace), Michele Kreisberg Palmer (husband Marty), and John Kreisberg; Step-children Shannon Wilder (husband Thomas, children Ramsey, Thomas Jr., Ginny and Olivia), Holly McKinney (children Mac and Charlie), and Christen McKinney; sister Maryce Cohen (husband Lewis, children Lauren and Rich).

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Robert A. Kreisberg College of Medicine Endowment Fund, University of South Alabama Development Office, 300 Alumni Circle, Mobile Ala. 36688.

Natalie Fox Appointed Manager of Clinical Operations for Pediatrics

Natalie Fox, pediatric nurse practitioner at the University of South Alabama Midtown Clinic, was recently appointed manager of clinical operations for pediatrics at USA Health.

Fox’s appointment follows Debbie Gilbert— who previously served as manager of clinical operations for pediatrics and will retire later this year.

“Debbie Gilbert announced her retirement after many years of loyal service to USA Health,” said Howard Holcomb, assistant administrator for pediatrics at USA Health. “We thank her for her many contributions and wish her well in her upcoming retirement.”

Holcomb said the general pediatric division at USA Health is moving toward patient centered medical home (PCMH) certification, a designation that rewards teamwork, quality improvement and patient satisfaction. Fox has been coordinating certification efforts and assisting the Stanton Road Clinic and Family Medicine Center as they also seek certification as part of a multi-site application process.

“We are excited to have Natalie join our management team,” Holcomb said. “Her combination of supervisory skills, clinical insight and expertise with PCMH is appreciated.”

Fox earned both her bachelor of science in nursing and master of science in nursing from USA.  She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

She will continue to see patients on a part-time basis.

College of Medicine Research Forum Set For Nov. 4

Graduate student Joseph Otto explains his project to Dr. Donna Cioffi, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the  University of South Alabama College of Medicine, during last year's research forum.

The 10th annual University of South Alabama College of Medicine Research Forum will be held Nov. 4, 2016, at the Medical Sciences Building on USA's main campus. The deadline for abstract submission is Oct. 7, 2016.

The Research Forum provides a venue for researchers from the College of Medicine and the Mitchell Cancer Institute to present their work to the university’s biomedical community. “Since the Forum’s inception, we have seen many new ideas generated, as well as new collaborations develop among our community,” said Dr. Cioffi, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at USA.

The forum consists of two sessions - the morning session for oral presentations in the first floor auditorium, and the afternoon session for poster presentations in the second floor south hallway. Lunch will be served in the Joseph Bitzer Conference Room.

Participation is required for all basic medical science graduate students in their second year and beyond.

In addition to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, clinical fellows, residents and junior faculty are encouraged to participate.

Travel awards will be given for the two overall best presentations: one for graduate students and one for postdoctoral fellows. These awards are to be used for travel to national or international meetings.

The event is co-sponsored by the USA College of Medicine and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.

For more information and to view abstract forms, click here.