USA mourns loss of Cindy Sheets, M.D., retired pediatrics faculty member

Cindy Sheets, M.D.

Cindy Sheets, M.D., FAAP, a beloved and respected pediatrician at USA Health and an adjunct assistant professor at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama, died last week after battling lung cancer for more than two years. 

Sheets, 66, who retired in 2022 from USA Health Pediatrics, was known as a passionate advocate for early childhood literacy. She was recognized as one of the first pediatricians in Alabama to become a Reach Out and Read program provider, an initiative she personally and professionally supported for more than 17 years, touching countless families in the Mobile community. 

“We were saddened to learn of Dr. Sheets’ passing,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Her drive and determination to care for our youngest patients and to encourage an early love of learning by providing them with new books each year are inspiring.” 

She earned a medical degree in 1981 from the University of Florida then accepted a research fellowship in obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Next, she joined the pediatrics residency program at the Yale-affiliated Bridgeport Hospital, where she served as chief resident.  

In 1986, Sheets moved to the Mobile area and held positions with Prime Health, Pediatrics Associates and, eventually, USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine. During her years in academic medicine, residents recognized her with Best Private Attending and Best Faculty Attending awards.  

While active in her pediatrics practice, she also was proud of her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, and contributor to Christ the King Catholic School, where she was a math team coach for fifth graders, a Science Olympiad coach, and president of the Parent-Teacher Association.  

Sheets is survived by her husband, Jonathan Scammell, Ph.D., assistant dean for admissions, chair of comparative medicine, and professor of comparative medicine and pharmacology at the Whiddon College of Medicine; her son, Alex, and his wife, Lyndsey; her granddaughter, Aubrey; her daughter, Emily, and son, Adam. She is also survived by her mother, Elizabeth Bryan; her sisters, Melanie, Mari and Amee, and her brother, Mark. 

Her family recognized the medical teams at the Mitchell Cancer Institute and University Hospital for their care and encouragement during her illness. A memorial service is planned this fall.  

In recognition of her unwavering devotion to serving the children of Mobile, her family asks that donations be made to the Reach Out and Read program, Office of Development, 650 Clinic Drive, TRP III, Ste. 1500, Mobile, AL 36688.  

A card is available to sign at Marcina Lang's desk on the USA campus in the dean's office. New and used books for the Reach Out and Read Program are also being accepted for a donation in her honor for patients of USA Health’s Department of Pediatrics. Donations will be accepted through Thursday, Aug. 17. The donations and cards will be delivered on Friday, Aug. 18.