Orthopaedic Surgery Welcomes New Nurse Practitioner

Devin Hudson recently was appointed a nurse practitioner in orthopaedic surgery with USA Physicians Group.

In her new role, she will assist Dr. Jeffrey Brewer, assistant professor of orthopaedics at the USA College of Medicine and an orthopaedic trauma surgeon with USA Physicians Group, and the orthopaedic trauma team in managing care for patients with musculoskeletal injuries following a traumatic event.

Prior to her new appointment, she worked for five years as a registered nurse at USA Medical Center.

"My favorite part about my new job is that I still get to be at my first work home, USA Medical Center," Hudson said. "The orthopaedic service has welcomed me with open arms, and I’m honored to work alongside Dr. Brewer and look forward to my future in orthopaedics."

She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and her master's degree in nursing from Troy University.

July Med School Café to Address ‘Acute Stroke Therapy’

July’s Med School Café lecture will feature Dr. J. Ivan Lopez, professor of neurology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and pediatric and adult neurologist with USA Physicians Group.

His lecture, titled “Acute Stroke Therapy,” will be held on Friday, July 20, 2018, at the Strada Patient Care Center Conference Room on the first floor. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., and the presentation will begin at noon.

Dr. Lopez will discuss treatment options, risk factors and signs of a stroke.

Dr. Lopez earned his medical degree from the La Salle University School of Medicine in Mexico City and completed his residency in neurology at USA.

He has won many awards for his service in the United States Army Reserve and was promoted to colonel in February 2017. Dr. Lopez is a member of the American Stroke Association, the American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology.

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

The Strada Patient Care Center is located at 1601 Center St. in Mobile.

USA Medical Student Presents Research at Pan American Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Congress

DeJarra Johnson, a third-year medical student at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, recently presented her research on cross-cultural care preparedness at the second Pan American Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Congress in Miami.

Johnson was one of 20 medical students around the country selected to participate in a summer research trainee program through Harvard University at Massachusetts General Hospital. During the program, she completed a research project on cross-cultural care preparedness, which looks at how patient-physician socio-cultural differences influence communication, decision-making and clinical outcomes. Johnson said she chose to focus on this topic because of the health disparities documented in the field of movement disorders.

“This experience has made me so excited for the future of clinical medicine," she said. "Attending conferences is a way to learn from others on the best ways to care for patients."

After presenting her original research, Johnson was asked to present at the annual congress held by The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. Over 600 medical professionals and physicians attended the annual event to learn about the latest research on movement disorders.

"How we provide quality patient care is always changing," Johnson said. "Having the opportunity to be a part of the change involving patient care is a priceless experience."

Johnson recommends all medical students to become involved in at least one research opportunity and to attend a conference, regardless of field of interest.

Learn more about the Summer Research Trainee Program at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Learn more about The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

USA College of Medicine Welcomes New Grants Administration Specialist

Shamekia Davis recently was appointed a grants administration specialist at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

In her new position, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations involving grants, contracts and projects associated with research and sponsored programs. She supports the research centers and basic medical sciences departments in the College of Medicine.

Davis said she looks forward to expanding her knowledge of research administration and seeing research efforts turn into successful proposals.

Prior to her appointment at USA, Davis served as a post-award administrator at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

Med School Café - Expert Advice for the Community

Dr. Sidney Brevard demonstrates how to use a tourniquet.

Dr. Sidney Brevard, professor of surgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and a trauma and critical care surgeon with USA Health, presented the June Med School Cafe lecture titled "Stop the Bleed."

During the talk, he discussed the national Stop the Bleed campaign, which helps average citizens learn how to control life-threatening bleeding until paramedics arrive. Participants had a hands-on opportunity to put into practice what they learned after the lecture.

Dr. Brevard earned his medical degree from the USA College of Medicine and completed his residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center USAF in San Antonio, Texas, and Louisiana State Health Science Center in Shreveport, La. He also completed his fellowship at Louisiana State Health Science Center.

Watch the entire June Med School Cafe - Stop the Bleed lecture on YouTube or below.