Latest Issue of CURRents Available Now

The latest issue of the CURRents newsletter is now available. The University of South Alabama College of Medicine’s Division of Medical Education created the newsletter, which is published two times a year.

Dr. Anthony Gard, assistant dean for medical education and professor of cell biology and neuroscience at the USA College of Medicine, said the newsletter was created to inform USA College of Medicine faculty, residents and students about ongoing developments in the medical education program.

The format of the CURRents newsletter parallels undergraduate medical education (UME) quality improvement efforts. In every issue, readers are updated on the progress toward completion of particular program initiatives as quality improvement cycles of planning, doing, studying and acting are worked through and described.

Click here to view the fifth issue of the newsletter and to subscribe.

University Physicians Group Recognized

The University of South Alabama Physicians Group hosted a celebration for the clinic scoring the highest for courtesy and respect on patient satisfaction surveys. The University Physicians Group, located at USA Commons, was recognized for having the highest score of 93 percent for quarter three.

“This accomplishment reflects the hard work and dedication University Physicians Group providers and staff demonstrate by going the extra mile to meet the expectations and needs of our patients,” said Becky Tate, administrator for ambulatory services and affiliate development at USA Health.

According to Tate, exhibiting excellent customer service in the delivery of care for patients is vital. “Helping patients feel welcomed, comfortable and appreciated will not only provide an enjoyable visit, but it will also help our physicians better understand and address the needs of our patients,” she said.

The patient satisfaction survey includes questions concerning ease of appointment, courtesy of staff, waiting time to see the physician, respect shown and privacy needs met. Responses for courtesy, respect and meeting patients’ privacy needs are mathematically averaged to determine scores.

The purpose of these quarterly awards is to keep customer service in the forefront of USA Physicians Group clinics. In recognition of their outstanding customer service, the University Physicians Group clinic recently was awarded an ice cream party.

To qualify for the customer service award, the clinic must receive at least 50 patient satisfaction surveys for the quarter. For USA Physician Group clinics interested in improving their customer service skills, training sessions are available. To learn more, contact the Office of Compliance at 471-7836.

USA Welcomes Dr. Katie Malozzi

Dr. Katie Malozzi recently was appointed as a full-time staff physician for the University of South Alabama Student Health Center.

Prior to her appointment to USA, Dr. Malozzi was a family medicine staff physician at Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Biloxi, Miss.

Dr. Malozzi previously served as a family medicine staff physician and United States Navy Senior Medical Officer at Naval Health Branch Clinic Gulfport in Gulfport, Miss.

She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia and completed a family medicine internship and residency at Naval Hospital Pensacola in Pensacola, Fla., where she served as chief resident.

Dr. Malozzi is board-certified in family medicine. To make an appointment, call (251) 460-7151.

The USA Student Health Center is located at 5870 Alumni Drive on USA’s main campus. Student Health Services are available during each semester to all students actively enrolled in the University. In addition, the center has sports medicine services available for students and collaborates closely with the athletics department and all university athletes. For more information on the USA Student Health Center, click here.

USA Medical Student Serves as Representative at American Academy of Pediatrics Conference

USA medical student Lauren Nelson (left) at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition. Nelson serves as an assistant district representative on the Medical Student Subcommittee. 

Lauren Nelson, a third-year medical student at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, recently attended the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition (NCE), where she served as an assistant district representative on the Medical Student Subcommittee (MSSC).

The AAP NCE is an annual pediatric conference for physicians, residents, medical students, nurses and allied health members giving practical updates and reviews of pediatric practice, research, and advocacy. The 3-day conference includes over 350 educational sessions, including practical hands-on learning and networking, in addition to the largest pediatric technical exhibit of its kind.

The MSSC works within the AAP to develop and provide medical resources for medical students. Students across the United States are represented by the subcommittee’s 10 districts, with each district featuring both a district representative and an assistant district representative. Nelson serves as assistant district representative in district 10. “It was an awesome experience to get to meet in person with the medical student sub-committee leaders that I communicate with frequently,” Nelson said.

Nelson also worked as the medical student ambassador to Dr. Alisa Acosta during the conference. Dr. Acosta is the associate program director for the pediatric residency program at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Acosta, along with other panelists, gave medical students the opportunity to have residency application questions answered by the experts.

Nelson was grateful for all of the networking and learning opportunities she experienced in meeting with pediatric leaders, as well as fellow students during the conference. “It is important to surround yourself with others who share your passion and work ethic, as this helps you stay goal-oriented and motivated,” Nelson said.

Medical students in the AAP are part of the Section on Pediatric Trainees (SOPT), which includes medical students, residents and fellows. Within SOPT, the medical student subcommittee has a myriad of opportunities for medical students to get involved. Nelson encourages all medical students to get involved with the AAP.

“We’re always looking for medical student contributions to our quarterly newsletter, and there are several workgroups within the medical student subcommittee that always have projects going on that need medical student help. I am happy to put medical students in touch with the appropriate workgroup leader if they would like to get more involved,” Nelson said.

Nelson is very grateful for the opportunity to learn more as she brings knowledge and awareness of pediatric issues back to the USA community. “Since being involved with the NCE, I’ve realized how important advocacy is in pediatrics. Kids need a voice to advocate for them.”

For more information about the AAP, SOPT and MSSC, click here.