Med School Café now online - 'The Melanoma 10-Year Challenge'

The April Med School Café featured Dr. Harrison Howard, associate professor of surgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and a surgical oncologist with USA Health.

Dr. Howard discussed the prevention, detection and treatment of advanced-stage melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Watch Med School Café - Melanoma on YouTube or below.

Students and Faculty to be Honored at Annual Honors Convocation

Each spring, the University of South Alabama College of Medicine recognizes students for their academic achievements at the annual Honors Convocation ceremony.

This year's College of Medicine Honors Convocation for the Class of 2019 will be held at 7 p.m. May 3, at the USA Mitchell Center.

Doctoral hoods, along with the student honors, will be awarded to the medical students at Honors Convocation. The seniors will honor members of the faculty who had the most meaningful impact on their medical education, and the faculty selected will wear a red sash over their academic regalia.

Dr. Susan LeDoux, associate dean for medical education and student affairs, will deliver the address to the class.

A reception for students, guests, and faculty will follow.

McClenny presents at Experimental Biology Conference

G. Reid McClenny, a second-year student at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, recently presented at the Experimental Biology Conference in Orlando.

McClenny’s presentation explored the effects of calcium overload in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells.

Cell biology and physiology have always intrigued McClenny, but “this project was appealing not only because it satisfied those interests, but additionally, it had correlation to patient care,” he said.

A major complication that comes from sepsis is pulmonary edema, a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs that makes it hard to breathe. His project's focus was to “understand what mechanisms facilitate calcium influx so that one day we will be better able to treat patients with sepsis.”

McClenny said he felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet other scientists within the field at the conference. “I do think it is important for every medical student to be exposed to the research process," he said. "On a practical level, it develops lens critical thinking and problem solving skills. Additionally, it fosters a respect for scientists and physicians that are devoted to advancing medicine."

He credits the USA College of Medicine for his research. “Over the past two summers in the University of South Alabama College of Medicine research program, I have learned the basic skills of how to work effectively in a laboratory,” he said. “More importantly, I have had the honor to learn from two great investigators, Drs. Diego Alvarez and Mary Townsley. They have challenged me to pursue discovery and innovation. I learned how to recognize a problem and then set forth on a strategic path to solve it. I am very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to a future of continued research.”

Learn more about the Experimental Biology Conference at https://experimentalbiology.org/2019/About/About-Experimental-Biology.aspx.

Alumnus named president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama

Dr. John Meigs Jr. was named president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA) during the association’s annual meeting and business session.

“The association welcomes Dr. Meigs’ continued service on the Board of Censors as president,” said Mark Jackson, executive director of MASA. “His medical experience, as well as his civic-mindedness and sense of compassion brings a strong perspective to the board. It is a genuine pleasure to work with such a leader in the medical community.”

A family medicine physician in Centreville, Alabama, Dr. Meigs earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in family medicine at University of Alabama at Birmingham/Selma Family Practice Residency Program.

He serves on the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners is a diplomate with the American Board of Family Medicine. He is also a past president and former board chair of the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians. In 2014, Dr. Meigs received the high honor of being elected to the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame, which recognizes those persons who have made outstanding contributions to or rendered exemplary service for health care in the State of Alabama.

Dr. Meigs is the second USA College of Medicine alumnus to be appointed MASA president. Dr. Steven Furr, a family medicine physician in Jackson, Alabama, was named president in 2010.