Family Medicine Moves to Strada Patient Care Center

The USA Family Medicine Center moved to the Strada Patient Care Center over the weekend and began seeing patients on Monday. Family medicine joins more than 100 multi-specialty services available at the Strada Patient Care Center.

"The new location will enhance our goal of building a work culture of efficiency," said Anthony Beck, director of operations for family medicine. "This includes overall clinic workflow, improving our patients' access, and elevating the total patient experience from start to finish."

Beck said the move from USA's Springhill Avenue Campus to the new location on the second floor of the Strada Patient Care Center would not have been possible without the hard work of everyone in family medicine. "The staff is still adjusting to our new space, but so far the atmosphere has been very positive," he said. "This is credit to the great group of clerks, clinicians, and providers we have -- true professionals."

Upgrades to the phone system and fax servers, as well as the ability to run phone time reports, are significant advantages of the new space, Beck said.

The appointment line remains the same. To make an appointment, call (251) 434-3475.

USA Physicians Group Hosts First Aid Tent at 2018 Grandman Triathlon

USA Physicians Group recently provided racers with medical support at a first aid tent during the 14th annual Publix Grandman Triathlon in Fairhope, Ala.

Dr. Natalie Fox, director of nursing for USA Physicians Group – along with orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Christopher Jones, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the USA College of Medicine; and Dr. Mark Perry, professor of orthopaedic surgery at the USA College of Medicine – volunteered at the tent. Howard Holcomb, assistant administrator for USA Physicians Group, also attended the event.

This year, more than 700 participants attended the race, which began by jumping off of Fairhope Pier and swimming one-third of a mile into Mobile Bay. Following the swim, racers biked 18.6 miles through Fairhope and completed a 3.1 mile run. “We saw injuries such as bike falls and heat exhaustion,” Dr. Fox said. “We we were able to make a meaningful impact and help several racers in need of medical assistance.”

Dr. Fox stresses the importance for both physicians and nurses to use their talents and give back to the community. “Fulfilling the mission of USA Health to help people lead longer, better lives doesn’t end after you leave the hospital or clinic,” she said. “In order to effectively live out our mission we must also be active in the community.”

In its 14th year, The Grandman has become one of Fairhope’s premier annual events, attracting individual and team racers of all ages and skill levels from around the Southeast and beyond. Learn more about the Grandman Triathlon here.

Mark Your Calendar: 3rd Annual Project TIPP Autism Conference

The University of South Alabama Regional Autism Network and USA's Project TIPP (Team-based Interprofessional Personnel Preparation) are co-sponsoring the 3rd annual Project TIPP Autism Conference. The one-day workshop is set for 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. June 8, in the USA Student Center Ballroom.

Regional experts from multiple perspectives will present evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with autism. Dr. Stephanie Anderson, autism specialist with USA Physicians Group, will present "Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder." Dr. Donna Wooster, chair and associate professor of occupational therapy at USA, and Dr. Brenda Beverly, associate professor of speech-language pathology at USA, will present "EBP Resources Applied in Interprofessional Teams."

Participants may earn up to 6.5 continuing education hours. The registration fee is $50, and registration is available online.

For more information, contact Dr. Donna Wooster at dawooster@southalabama.edu.

Stacy Wagner Named Director of Operations for Obstetrics and Gynecology

Stacy Wagner recently was appointed director of operations for obstetrics and gynecology with USA Physicians Group.

In her new position, Wagner will coordinate and direct the administrative functions of the department including the supervision of staff, developing and monitoring of department policies and procedures, and assisting in the daily operations.

As a 20-year health care veteran with proven success in revenue growth, practice management, expense reduction and new facility build-out, Wagner said she is happy join USA. “I am eager to support the department of obstetrics and gynecology and help guide them as they continue on a path of success,” she said. “I am most looking forward to helping patients prepare for childbirth, improving prenatal education, and enhancing patient engagement by developing a centering program for our patients.”

Prior to joining USA, she served as director of operations at Diagnostic and Medical Clinic – Northside in Saraland, Ala.