Williams Hogue named Future Trauma Leader

After a highly competitive application process, Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D., a trauma surgeon at USA Health University Hospital, recently was selected as a Future Trauma Leader (FTL) through the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.

As one of the highest honors for a junior trauma surgeon, the recognition was given to only five surgeons nationwide this year.

“To be selected as a Future Trauma Leader is a supreme honor. It gives me an opportunity to work alongside others who are leaders – trailblazers in the field,” said Williams Hogue, an assistant professor of surgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “I’m excited for the mentorship, and I’m just ready to learn.”

Her area of expertise is injury prevention and community wellness. She seeks to learn various ways to advocate for the underserved and to provide resources that will positively impact the communities in which her patients live and work.

William Richards, M.D., gastrointestinal surgeon at USA Health and professor and chair of surgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said, “We are thankful to have Dr. Williams as a member of our team at USA Health. She has excelled at each task she has been given and has exceeded all expectations.”

Through the FTL program, Williams Hogue will receive an in-depth training and mentoring opportunity from the Committee on Trauma. She will also have the opportunity to participate in a disaster management and emergency preparedness course, trauma system design and implementation training, and a rural trauma team development course.

“Williams has developed a national reputation in the creation of gun violence prevention programs, such as Project Inspire,” said Jon Simmons, M.D., trauma medical director and chief of trauma and acute care surgery at USA Health. “The FTL program will facilitate enhanced collaboration with other national experts in gun violence prevention and trauma-related social determinants of health.”

Richards and Simmons agreed that for a USA Health physician to have such an opportunity is a great success not only for our health system but also for the community.

COM faculty, alumni included in Mobile Bay’s 2023 40 Under 40 class

The Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine was well represented in Mobile Bay magazine’s latest 40 Under 40 class. Seven faculty members and alumni were selected among the outstanding leaders and professionals in the Mobile Bay area.

Ahmed Abdalla, M.D., a medical oncologist and an assistant professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, is renowned as a gastrointestinal medical oncology expert in the Gulf Coast region. He has established multiple clinical trials that provide local patients access to the latest cancer treatment therapies. In addition, Abdalla’s published studies and extensive research allow his expertise to reach a much wider audience. 

Ashleigh Butts-Wilkerson, M.D., is a family medicine physician, serving patients of all ages. She earned her medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine in 2012, then completed her education as chief resident in family medicine in 2015.

James Gallé, M.D., a radiation oncologist at Ascension Providence, is an alumnus of the Whiddon College of Medicine. His research has been published widely in various cancer journals, and he has led a partnership with Urology Associates to help treat advanced prostate cancer.

Coby N. Harrison, M.D., an internal medicine physician with Diagnostic and Medical Clinic, completed her residency training at USA Health/Whiddon College of Medicine. For her work developing testing procedures and safety protocols during the pandemic, she was presented the outstanding citizenship award in 2021.

Phillip Henderson, D.O., is an assistant professor of internal medicine and surgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine and the medical director of liver transplantation at USA Health. He completed his residency training and a fellowship at USA Health/Whiddon College of Medicine. His lifelong dream and his drive to become a physician has led to the first partnership between the University of South Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for a joint transplant hepatology liver clinic in Mobile that also provides care for transplant patients who have surgeries in Birmingham.

Antwan J. Hogue, M.D., a physician and assistant professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, is also an alumnus. The Mobile native, who returned to his hometown after completing his residency, has become a decorated faculty member, earning a Red Sash Award for outstanding teaching efforts and other honors. Hogue and his wife, Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D., cofounded Project Inspire, USA Health’s hospital-based injury prevention program designed to curb youth gun violence.

Melody Zeidan, J.D., M.D., is a resident physician in general surgery at USA Health. Zeidan earned her medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine, where she was a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and earned the Dean’s Achievement Scholarship for all four years of medical school before graduating in 2022. She is a member of Junior League of Mobile and the Mobile Arts Council, and she volunteers as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Scalici to present on ovarian carcinogenesis

Jennifer M. Scalici, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology service at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute and professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, is January's guest speaker for the Department of Pathology's Research Seminar Series.

She will present “A Review of Ovarian Carcinogenesis: A Tale of Mice and Hen” at noon on Thursday, Jan. 12, in the Strada Patient Care Center conference room. 

For more information, contact Patrick Carlisle at 251-471-7753 or pcarlisle@health.southalabama.edu.

Meet a Med Student: AK Porter

AK Porter

Age: 24

Class of: 2025

Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama

Undergraduate institution and degrees earned: University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), B.S. in chemistry with math and biology minors

What do you enjoy most about being a medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine?

I never could have imagined the community that I have found during my time in medical school: a community that inspires, challenges and supports me while also making medical school one of the most fun times of my life. The faculty and staff at the Whiddon College of Medicine genuinely care and are always accessible, personable, and willing to open their door to anyone. Also, I love how hands-on we are able to be starting from our first semester of medical school. 

Are you involved in any research, organizations or other initiatives at the College of Medicine?

I am involved with the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama (CMMSA) attending events and as the PR/social media coordinator. I am part of Jags Against Trafficking, OB-GYN Interest Group and do research with with USA's OB-GYN department.

What are your interests and hobbies?

Making sourdough bread; long walks with friends and my dog, Maverick; and watching Netflix with my husband, Evan

What is something unique about you?

I spent three months in Bulgaria teaching English and partnering with Daughters of Bulgaria, an organization committed to the prevention and awareness of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Bulgaria.