USA Welcomes New Critical Care and Burn Surgeon

Dr. Andrew Bright recently was appointed assistant professor of surgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and serves as a critical care and burn surgeon with USA Health.

Dr. Bright earned his medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, W.V., under the Health Professions Scholarship Program with the US Navy.  After completing a surgery internship at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., he served for two years as a physician with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, deploying twice to the Middle East.

He then completed his residency in general surgery at USA University Hospital, earning multiple honors to include induction in the Gold Humanism Honor Society.  He then re-commissioned in the U.S. Navy and served as a general surgeon from 2014 to 2017.  He deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan where he served as a trauma surgeon and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal.  After returning to the United States, Dr. Bright completed a surgical critical care fellowship with an emphasis on burns at USA University Hospital.

Dr. Bright is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in general surgery and surgical critical care.  He is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the American Burn Association and the Southern Medical Association.  He is an instructor in “Stop the Bleed,” Advanced Burn Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma.  Dr. Bright also volunteers with the Christian Medical Ministry through the annual surgical mission to Kibogora Hospital, Rwanda.

Basic Medical Sciences Student Receives AHA Predoctoral Fellowship

Meredith Gwin, a third-year Basic Medical Sciences Ph.D. student at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, recently was awarded a two-year American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship.

Her research focuses on the role of gamma secretase activating protein (GSAP) in the production of cytotoxic beta amyloid during hospital-acquired pneumonia.

"Patients in the intensive care unit that get hospital-acquired pneumonia have increased incidences of morbidity, including neurocognitive decline and mortality post-discharge," Gwin said. "We believe that the beta amyloid produced by the lung endothelium could be contributing to the morbidity and mortality seen in these patients. The outcome of this proposal could give us insight into a new prevention and/or therapy for end-organ damage and neurocognitive decline seen in ICU patients that acquire nosocomial pneumonia."

Dr. Troy Stevens, director of the USA Center for Lung Biology and Lenoir Louise Locke Chair of Physiology and Cell Biology at the USA College of Medicine, encouraged Gwin to apply for external funding for her research.

"I was extremely excited when I received my award notice. I actually cried - happy tears, of course," Gwin said. "It is really cool to see something I’ve dreamed about and worked so hard on become reality."

Gwin said she would like to thank the following individuals for their contributions to her research: Dr. Stevens; Dr. Mikhail Alexeyev, professor of physiology and cell biology; Viktoriya Pastukh, research assistant in physiology and cell biology; Nataliya Kozhukhar, research technician in physiology and cell biology; Dr. Domenico Spadafora, manager of the USA Flow Cytometry Core Laboratory; Dr. Ji Young Lee, assistant professor of physiology and cell biology and internal medicine; Dr. Ron Balczon, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology; Sarah Voth, a Ph.D. candidate in the department of physiology and cell biology; and Nicole Housley, research technologist in microbiology and immunology.

Learn more about the American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship.

Tammi Milton Named Employee of the Month for December

Brittany Brown, left, director of operations for internal medicine, and Howard Holcomb, assistant administrator for USA Physicians Group, present Tammi Milton, center, with the Employee of the Month Award.

Tammi Milton, a medical assistant at USA Stanton Road Clinic, received the USA Physicians Group Employee of the Month Award for December.

Milton's family and co-workers gathered in the clinic's lobby to surprise her with the honor. "Thank you guys so much," said Milton, who joined Stanton Road Clinic in June 2010. "I love my job, and I love my patients. They know that. There is nothing I wouldn't do for them."

Brittany Brown, director of operations for internal medicine, presented her the award, which includes one paid day of administrative leave. "It speaks volumes about you as an individual, of course, but also the clinic you represent," Brown said. "Thank you to each one of you for giving back to our patients and making a difference."

"Since day one, Tammi has been my go-to person," said Robin Geary, clinical nurse supervisor. "On top of an employee relationship, we have developed a friendship."

Beverly Kellen, director of operations for Stanton Road Clinic, was unable to attend the presentation but wrote a letter to extend her congratulations. "We are so very proud of you and your dedication to our patients, your super attitude and camaraderie that you exhibit toward your coworkers," Kellen said. "You are exemplary, Tammi, and that is why you are being recognized today."

The USA Physicians Group Employee of the Month Award recognizes employees who exhibit exceptional customer service, compassionate patient care, teamwork, and a willingness to go above and beyond their professional duties. To nominate an employee, fill out the USA Physicians Group Employee of the Month Nomination Form.

USA Welcomes Dr. Brett Martin to Radiology

Dr. Brett Martin recently was appointed assistant professor of radiology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and serves as a neuroradiologist with USA Health.

Dr. Martin received his medical degree from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, La., and completed a radiology residency at the USA College of Medicine. He completed a neuroradiology fellowship at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

He is a member of the American College of Radiology and the American Medical Association, and he is certified by the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Martin is also a community theater volunteer at the Joe Jefferson Playhouse in Mobile.