Boudreaux named assistant dean for graduate medical education

Dr. Carole Boudreaux, associate professor of pathology at the USA College of Medicine, talks with a group of pathology residents. Boudreaux has been named the assistant dean of graduate medical education.

Known for her passion for one-on-one mentorship, Dr. Carole Boudreaux was recently appointed assistant dean for graduate medical education at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

“This is a vital position in our academic health system,” said Dr. John Marymont, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the USA College of Medicine. “Dr. Boudreaux will provide leadership for USA Health’s 22 residency and fellowship programs, including more than 240 physicians in training,” he said.

Boudreaux has extensive experience in graduate medical education, and served in the same position at USA Health from April 2011 to May 2013. During that time, she achieved the institution’s five-year cycle of accreditation and was commended for demonstrating substantial compliance with regulations.

Boudreaux received a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport. She completed a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at USA Health and has also served as the pathology residency program director at USA Health. She is certified by the American Board of Pathology with an added certification in cytopathology.

Boudreaux replaces Dr. Samuel McQuiston, who held the position during the past six years.

“We are grateful to Dr. McQuiston for his leadership,” Marymont said. “During his tenure, our graduate medical education footprint expanded in several specialties, most recently with the establishment of a new residency training program in emergency medicine – a much needed resource for the residents of Alabama.”

Nurse practitioner Nakia Rankin joins USA Health Digestive Health Center

The USA Health Digestive Health Center is expanding with the addition of Nakia Rankin, CRNP, who recently joined the USA Health Division of Gastroenterology. She is accepting new patients.

“I chose to work at USA Health because our interdisciplinary team's focus in academic medicine,” Rankin said. “Education is very important, and we certainly can all benefit from being life-long learners.”

Rankin said she is excited to join the gastroenterology division as it expands: “We have a long history of research-centered patient care and I love helping build on this success.”

Previously, Rankin worked as a nurse in the progressive care unit and oncology department at USA Health University Hospital. “I went from bedside patient care to being a provider,” she said, adding that she is looking forward to serving in the new role with patients.

Rankin earned a bachelor degree and a graduate degree from the University of Mobile.

To make an appointment with her at the USA Digestive Health Center, at 75 South University Boulevard in Mobile, call (251) 660-5555.

American Heart Association recognizes University Hospital’s excellent care for heart failure patients

USA Health University Hospital has earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and is recognized on the AHA’s Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll. University Hospital has received the Gold Plus Quality Achievement for two consecutive years and is the first hospital in Alabama to achieve the Heart Failure Gold Plus with Target: Honor Roll Award recognition level.

The Gold Plus Award is an advanced level of recognition that acknowledges hospitals for their compliance with the quality measures within the Get With The Guidelines Heart Failure program. The award recognizes our hospital’s commitment to ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to the latest nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines.

USA Health University Hospital achieved the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients at a set level for at least 24 consecutive months. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of guideline-directed medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies. Before discharge, patients receive in-depth education on managing their heart failure and overall health, have a close follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

“Since established, the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Program at USA Health University Hospital has offered individualized, patient-centered, continued care from our multidisciplinary team, and the optimization of medical therapies for our heart failure patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings” said Dr. Barbara Burckhartt, USA Health cardiologist and heart failure team co-chair. “This has ultimately resulted in significant reductions in morbidity and mortality for our patients, as well as improvements in their quality of life and functional status.”

USA Health University Hospital is also recognized on the AHA’s Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll. Hospitals who earn this award have demonstrated specific criteria of improving medication adherence, providing early follow-up care coordination, and enhancing patient education.

“We are extremely proud to have earned the Gold Plus Target Honor Roll Quality Achievement Award. This award reflects our team’s hard work and commitment to deliver evidence-based care and in doing so improve outcomes for our heart failure patients,” said Burckhartt, who also serves as associate professor of internal medicine at the USA College of Medicine.

The goal of the Honor Roll is to reduce hospital readmissions and help patients to improve their quality of life in managing this chronic condition.

“We are pleased to recognize USA Health University Hospital for their commitment to heart failure care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and executive vice chair of neurology, director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

According to the American Heart Association, 6.5 million Americans are living with heart failure. An additional 670,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. With the aging of the population, the problem is poised to reach epidemic proportions in coming years, taking a tremendous toll in quality of life as well as longevity. "At USA Health University Hospital, we strive to provide our patients with the best possible resources to manage any of their chronic health conditions," Burckhartt said. "We are extremely proud to receive this award and are working hard to continue improving the quality of life for our heart failure patient population."

Register Now: Lunch and Learn about CLINIC program

The USA Health College of Medicine clinical skills department will host a lunch and learn about the Clinically Integrated Introductory Course (CLINIC) from noon to 1 p.m. July 24, at the Strada Patient Care Center first-floor conference room.

The CLINIC program provides first- and second-year medical students with experience in career exploration in various medical fields.

This brief presentation will provide details about how the CLINIC program operates, and attendees will hear testimonials from students and preceptors who have had rewarding experiences. The goal of this presentation is to dispel the myth that being a preceptor is time-consuming for physicians, while illustrating the rewards that being a preceptor can offer.

The event is open to physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and staff who manage their scheduling including nurse managers and nurse administrators. RSVP is required. Visit the EventBrite page to register and for more info.

Pediatric grand rounds to focus on pediatric occupational and physical therapy

Amber Miller-Walker, a local pediatric occupational therapist, will present at the next pediatric grand rounds. Her lecture, “Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapy: Overview of Services and Community Resources,” is set for 8 a.m. July 19, at the Strada Patient Care Center first-floor conference room.

Miller-Walker will identify common indications for patient referrals to pediatric occupational and physical therapy as well as therapy goals for pediatric patients with specific neurodevelopmental conditions.

Pediatric grand rounds take place every third Friday of the month and are open to USA faculty, staff and students. A light breakfast, coffee and beverages are provided.

For more information, contact Nicole Laden at (251) 415-8688 or nladen@health.southalabama.edu.