Biomedical Library hosts 'Opening Doors: Contemporary African American Physicians'

This photo showcases the operating room and medical
professionals at the Frederick Douglass Hospital, a
Black-owned and operated institution.

The Charles M. Baugh Biomedical Library at the University of South Alabama has been selected as the host for the National Library of Medicine exhibit, “Opening Doors: Contemporary African American Physicians.” The exhibit runs through June 17 and is free and open to the public during regular library hours. However, there is a fee for those who would like to participate in the Dora Finley African American Heritage Trail tour.

The exhibition celebrates the medical and educational contributions of African American academic surgeons. The exhibit also tells the stories of pioneering African American surgeons and educators who exemplify excellence and believe in educating and mentoring younger surgeons and physicians. The goal is to educate and inspire others through this exhibit.

“We are pleased to be selected as one of the sites for this historical exhibit,” said Gail Kouame, director of the Biomedical Library. “This exhibit will provide contemporary and historical images and will take visitors on a journey through the lives and achievements of the surgeons featured in this exhibit, and share their stories.”

This traveling exhibit is co-hosted by the Mobile Medical Museum, a community partner. The Charles M. Baugh Biomedical Library is open from 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Fridays. 

Learn more about the exhibit and related events at libguides.southalabama.edu/openingdoorsexhibit.

Meet a Med Student: Jonathan Lee

Jonathan Lee 

Age: 29

Class: 2024

Hometown: Coffeeville, Alabama

Undergraduate/graduate education: B.S. in biomedical engineering, M.S. in engineering design and commercialization, University of Alabama at Birmingham

What do you enjoy most about being a medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine?
I am an advanced-standing transfer from a different medical school. While I primarily transferred for family reasons, the Whiddon College of Medicine has been a stellar experience. The faculty, culture and curriculum are unparalleled here. It is the best environment I could have imagined to further my medical education.

Are you involved in any research, organizations or other initiatives at the College of Medicine?
I am involved in the Emergency Medicine Interest Group, and I'm a Stop the Bleed associate instructor with the American College of Surgeons.

What are your interests and hobbies?
As an individual from rural, southwest Alabama, my passions for wildlife, nature and adventure carry over into my medical pursuits. I built a race car in graduate school, design and prototype parts with a 3D printer and 3-axis CNC at home, and enjoy riding my motorcycle for multi-day trips to explore and camp. I am passionate about austere environment medicine, trauma/resuscitation, and critical care.

What is something unique about you?
I am a soon-to-be physician who still rides a "donorcycle" (motorcycle), rain or shine.

M3 Case Symposium set for June 9

Faculty, staff, residents and students at the Whiddon College of Medicine are invited to attend the M3 Case Symposium on Friday, June 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the first-floor conference room of the Strada Patient Care Center. 

At the symposium, rising fourth-year medical students present posters outlining interesting, rare or novel case studies observed during their third-year rotations. The event also is an opportunity for students to present independent projects. The case reports are judged based on originality, strength of conclusions, quality of references, overall appearance, organization and topic. 

For more information about the symposium, contact Jordan Ingram at jei2021@jagmail.southalabama.edu.

Office of Faculty Affairs to offer Medical Education Research Certificate program

The Office of Faculty Affairs at the Whiddon College of Medicine will offer the Association of American Medical Colleges' Medical Education Research Certificate (MERC) program in the fall and into spring 2024.

Led by Emily Wilson, Ph.D., associate dean of faculty affairs and faculty development, sessions will be held on Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. on the University of South Alabama campus.

Aug. 17, 2023: Searching/Evaluating Literature
Sept. 14, 2023: Scholarly Writing: Publishing Medical Education Research
Oct. 19, 2023: Measuring Educational Outcomes with Reliability and Validity
Nov. 16, 2023: Formulating Research Questions and Designing Studies
Jan. 18, 2024: Questionnaire Design and Survey Research
Feb. 22, 2024: Program Evaluation and Evaluation Research
March 21, 2024: Data Management and Preparing for Statistical Consultation
April 18, 2024: Introduction to Qualitative Data Collection

The MERC program is intended to provide the knowledge necessary to understand the purposes and processes of medical education research, to become informed consumers of the medical education research literature, and to be effective collaborators in medical education research. 

The program is open to all who are interested in improving their educational research skills and is targeted for those with a background in medical education but relatively less experience in conducting educational research. The courses are targeted for clinicians and other educators who desire to learn research skills that will enable collaborative participation in medical education research projects.

Learn more about the MERC program.

If you are interested in attending, contact Amanda Arnold at akarnold@southalabama.edu for more information or to register.