In Memoriam: Henry Mullins Jr., M.D., served as first chair of family medicine

Henry Clifford Mullins Jr., M.D., the first chair of family medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, died Nov. 9, 2021. Mullins was instrumental in establishing the department and served as professor and chair for 16 years. 

“I considered Dr. Mullins a mentor and friend,” said Allen Perkins, M.D., M.P.H., professor and chair of family medicine. “He was well ahead of his time as an educator and was a pioneer in distance education. The leadership and guidance that he modeled have continued to inspire me to this day. He will be missed.”

Mullins earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. From 1954 to 1956, he served as a U.S. Army physician and was stationed in Tehran, Iran. 

A resident of Fairhope, Mullins was a family physician in private practice for many years. He was a trailblazer in emerging medical technologies, traveling the world with colleagues from England and Australia espousing the value of electronic medical record systems decades before they became widely accepted. 

Nationally, Mullins consulted with the National Institutes of Health and Crozer-Keystone Health Systems. Locally, he helped found the South West Alabama Abuse Network (SWAAN) that established remote examinations of child sexual abuse victims in rural Alabama. 

He served in numerous local, state and national leadership positions with the Baldwin County Medical Society, the Medical Association of Alabama, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Despite all of these achievements, Mullins would be most proud to be referred to as a “country doctor.” 

Read his full obituary on al.com.

USA Health launches in-house molecular cancer tests to guide precision medicine

The Molecular Pathology Laboratory staff, from left, are Thuy Phung, M.D., Ph.D.; John Larrimore, M.B., Kathryn Navia, M.T.; and Doug Hebert, Ph.D.

USA Health now offers two in-house molecular oncology tests for cancer patients – BRAF Gene Mutation Assay and MSI (Microsatellite Instability) Assay. Onsite testing means patients receive results more quickly and can start the appropriate treatment sooner than if an outside laboratory performs the testing.

“The Molecular Pathology Laboratory at USA Health – the first precision oncology lab in the area – provides much-needed molecular testing services for patients in our local region by performing onsite, in-house cancer tests,” said Thuy Phung, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pathology at the USA College of Medicine and medical director of molecular pathology and dermatopathology at USA Health. “This will significantly accelerate the diagnostic process and enable physicians to make critical therapy decisions for patients in a timely manner.”

Doug Hebert, Ph.D., lead molecular medical scientist,

prepares a sample for testing.

Previously, USA Health sent specimens to outside reference labs for BRAF mutation and MSI tests, with turnaround time of results to patients taking several weeks. The tests are now implemented at USA Health. They are fully automated and can detect mutations directly from tumor tissue and cytology specimens. Clinicians typically receive results within a few business days from the time a specimen is received in the molecular lab for testing.

The most common mutations in BRAF gene occur in codon 600 and are found in approximately 50 percent of melanoma patients. BRAF mutations also are harbored in a variety of other solid tumors including colorectal, endometrial, lung and blood cancers. Several therapies have been developed that target BRAF codon 600 mutations and have shown clinical response rates in up to half of patients with metastatic melanoma. Testing for gene mutations is critical in determining how to tailor treatment for each patient in the current era of precision medicine and oncology care.

The MSI Assay detects biomarkers for cancers with microsatellite instability, including colorectal and endometrial cancer. Determining MSI status is a screening test for Lynch Syndrome, an inherited disorder that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer and several other solid tumor types. MSI status also serves as a predictive biomarker for response to immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The lab is now working on expanding the current test menu to include other key molecular biomarkers as well as bringing in state-of the-art next generation sequencing (NGS)-based assays to uncover key mutations for targeted therapy in a variety of common cancers.

As an academic health system, USA Health is on the forefront of cancer research and treatment. For molecular test inquiries, contact the Molecular Pathology Lab at (251) 471-7335 or by email at molecularlab@health.southalabama.edu.

Faculty Spotlight: Richard Menger, M.D., M.P.A.

Richard Menger, M.D., M.P.A. 

Academic title: Director of the USA Health Spine Institute, assistant professor of neurosurgery, assistant professor of political science  

Joined the USA College of Medicine: 2019 

What does your position in the USA COM/USA Health entail?
I am part of the neurosurgery faculty with a focus on complex spinal disorders for things like scoliosis, kyphosis, and revision spine surgery. I perform the spectrum of spine surgery from minimally invasive CT-navigated procedures to spine reconstruction surgery. My research focuses on spine surgery techniques, surgical outcomes, and then also on the policy and economics of healthcare. 

What is your favorite or most rewarding part of your position?
Treating people with complex problems is very rewarding. Many of my patients have had multiple consultations and previous surgeries, and our whole team can make such a substantial impact in their life. 

What is your advice for medical students?
Specialize in whatever excites you the most and get after it. If you truly feel called to do something and truly enjoy it, you will be motivated to keep learning and striving to be the best at it. Always seek to learn new things and embrace being uncomfortable because it means you are pushing your boundaries, growing and learning.    

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
Spending as much time as possible with my family and being out on the water/on the beach. 

Meet a Med Student: Christian Manganti

Christian Manganti

Age: 24

Class of: 2024

Hometown: Gulfport, Miss.

Undergrad/grad institution: University of South Alabama

Degrees earned: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Interests, hobbies: I love to cook, and I try to go to the gym when I have time.

Something unique about me: I have two jobs! I’m blessed that I get to work in the specialty pharmacy at USA Health’s Mitchell Cancer Institute, and I tutor high school students.

Three of my favorite things: A good meal, spending time with my girlfriend and a successful Costco trip.

What I enjoy most about being a student at the USA College of Medicine: I love our sense of community! I have never felt a competitive energy. Everyone is so kind, and we try to help each other when we can with whatever we can.