Whiddon College of Medicine representatives host sessions at AAMC annual meeting

Representatives from the Whiddon College of Medicine attended the Association of American Medical Colleges' annual meeting in Seattle.

The Whiddon College of Medicine sent a delegation of students, researchers, and medical education leaders to engage in a transformative experience at the Association of American Medical Colleges' annual meeting. 

Learn Serve Lead 2023, held Nov. 3-7 in Seattle, provided a unique opportunity for representatives to reunite with peers, connect with new colleagues, and immerse themselves in discussions that shape the future of academic medicine. 

The conference, known for fostering civil discourse and impactful conversations, featured five days of programming, including major education sessions, small-group discussions, and networking activities. Attendees had the chance to hear from leading experts, share experiences with like-minded professionals, and experience Seattle's rich culture while sharing team-building time together. 

“The lessons and insights gained at Learn Serve Lead have a global reach, influencing the direction of healthcare facilities, research institutions, and more,” said Melisa Pierce, director of quality improvement at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Whether it was their first time or a return visit, our attendees contributed to the collective pursuit of improving healthcare and medical education.” 

Administrators and staff members hosted discussion sessions on the following topics:

T.J. Hundley, M.D., associate dean for medical education
“Curriculum Phase Reviews and Effective Learner Transitions”
Ensuring students are prepared for each stage of their training is important for learner development and institutional accreditation. Curriculum phase reviews are one method medical schools use to assess and evaluate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes learners have attained at important transition points. The discussion focused on sharing best practices for conducting phase reviews.

Abu-Bakr Al-Mehdi, M.D., Ph.D., assistant dean for medical education
“Artificial Intelligence in Pre-Clerkship Clinical Reasoning Education”
Teaching clinical reasoning is essential to improving diagnostic acumen. We discussed how utilizing AI tools, even at this early stage in their development, can be highly effective in the instruction of diagnostic reasoning.

David Weber, Ph.D., assistant dean for medical education
“Use of Culinary Medicine and Teaching Kitchens for Medical Student Nutrition Education During Pre-Clerkship Modules”
Medical students are highly engaged with peers and faculty in basic meal preparation. Typical session objectives focus on learning the components of a healthy meal, appreciating basic functions of a kitchen, executing basic food preparation skills, and discussing potential barriers to eating healthy. Students report increased awareness and necessity of physician training in applied nutrition.

Laventrice Ridgeway, Ed.D., assistant dean for student affairs
“Developing and Implementing a Career Coaching Program for Medical Students in Support Roles”
We discussed the process to implement a Career Coaching program to support medical students in peer-support roles. Utilizing career-focused ILPs and coaches trained in academic medicine coaching, the program helped these students to become career ready for their transition to residency.

David S. Williams, Ph.D., M.P.A., assistant dean for institutional and academic success
“Pre-Matriculation Programs Focused on Academic Success to Ease the Transition to Medical School”
Many medical schools provide pre-matriculation programming with several goals: cover content-related knowledge and skills, introduce wellness/academic-success strategies, or both. We presented our research on our pre-matriculation course that focused on academic-success/evidence-based-learning strategies and discussed ways to improve programming to ease transitions to medical school.

Angie O'Neal, M.Ed., director of learning support services
“Implementing Individual Learning Plans in Medical School to Create Lifelong Learners”
Individual Learning Plans (ILP) have become a common requirement for residents, but many enter their residency without creating an ILP. We discussed the importance of introducing ILPs early in medical school to better prepare physicians to be lifelong learners. We shared ideas for creating and implementing ILP programming as early as the first year and throughout medical school.

Melisa Pierce, M.P.A., director of quality improvement
“Maximizing Student Survey Responses for Accreditation”
Student feedback is vital for continuous improvement. We discussed strategies, incentives, and success stories for achieving high response rates, enhancing satisfaction scores, and contributing to a positive educational climate through surveys and student evaluations of teaching. We shared insights and ideas to optimize participation and elevate medical education.

Members of USA SRFC present posters at national conference

Members of the USA Student-Run Free Clinic

presented at the society's annual conference.

Members of the USA Student-Run Free Clinic's executive board presented their clinic research projects at the Society of Student-Run Free Clinics' annual conference. The meeting was held Oct. 21-22 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

• Hanna Bobinger, a third-year medical student and patient education coordinator at the USA SRFC, presented “Targeting Behavioral Changes: Development of a Patient Education Curriculum at a Student-Run Free Clinic.”
• Emily Cleveland, a third-year medical student and clinic manager of the USA SRFC, presented “Comprehensive Approach to a Diabetic Protocol.”
• Isabella Dinelli, a second-year medical student and outreach coordinator at the USA SRFC, presented “Effectively Implementing A Preventative Healthcare Screening Initiative Can Grow Community Engagement: A Student-Run Free Clinic's Approach.”
• Tara Hicks, a third-year medical student and vice president of the USA SRFC, presented “Prevention and Health Screening in an Underserved Population: A Student-Run Free Clinic Experience.”
• Allen Perkins, a second-year medical student and research coordinator at the USA SRFC, presented “Research Efforts of a Student-Run Free Clinic for Improved Patient Care.”
• David Salchert, a fourth-year medical student and research coordinator at the USA SRFC, presented “Impact of Patient Education on Establishing Trust as the Medical Student Provider: A Student-Run Free Clinic Experience.” 
• Claudia Stephens, a fourth-year medical student and project coordinator at the USA SRFC, presented “High-Impact Fundraising: A Targeted Three-Tier System for a Student-Run Free Clinic.”
• Lillie Ange, an audiology student and audiology liaison at the USA SRFC, gave an oral presentation on “The Importance of Audiology in Free Clinics: A Student-Run Free Clinic Hearing Screening Experience.” 

The 2023 annual conference of the Society of Student-Run Free Clinics brought together healthcare professional students, advisors and professors to network, collaborate and learn about the latest research and developments in individual free clinics.

Bauer discusses potential of extracellular vesicles at international lung vascular biology conference

Natalie Bauer, Ph.D.

Natalie Bauer, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology and assistant dean for admissions at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, recently presented at The Grover Conference, the only international meeting in North America that repeatedly focuses on subjects relevant to lung vascular biology and medicine.

Her presentation, “Exosomes and Microparticles: Biomarkers, Therapeutic Vectors or Both,” was part of a session on Biomarker Discovery and Cell Therapy for Pulmonary Vascular Disorders in the Era of Precision Medicine. The 2023 conference was held in Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado.

“I gave an overview of the current status of the field and introduced some of our own new data on using extracellular vesicles as therapeutic vectors in pulmonary hypertension,” she said.

Bauer, the only speaker from the University of South Alabama this year, was selected through a competitive review process and chosen for her expertise in extracellular vesicle signaling and pulmonary vascular disease.

“The program is designed by investigators with expertise in precision medicine and pulmonary vascular disease and submitted through a competitive process for support through the American Thoracic Society,” she said. “The society reviews these applications annually and selects the most competitive slate of speakers to provide the most robust information to its membership.”

Since 1984, the Grover Conference has drawn the world’s best scientists and physicians in pulmonary circulation to its meetings. Named in honor of Robert F. Grover, a doctor and scientist devoted to the field, it is the longest-standing conference dedicated to pulmonary circulation.

The American Thoracic Society, which hosts the conference, improves global health by advancing research, patient care, and public health in pulmonary disease, critical illness, and sleep disorders. Founded in 1905 to combat TB, ATS has grown to tackle asthma, COPD, lung cancer, sepsis, acute respiratory distress, and sleep apnea, among other diseases.

Whiddon College of Medicine staff recognized for excellence

Recipients of the Staff Recognition Awards, back row: Alice Nolen, Stephanie Roote, Connie Land, Jennifer Collins, Meredith Moody, with John Marymont, M.D., M.B.A.; front row: Rosemary Roberts, Helen Moore, Joanne Brookfield, Kelly Wood, Brooke Thistlethwaite, and Tony Lamm. Not pictured: Melisa Pierce, M.P.A.

Twelve staff members were honored at the second annual Whiddon College of Medicine Staff Recognition Awards on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Hosted by the Dean's Office, the awards were presented during a special breakfast in the Dean's Conference Room. 

John Marymont, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs, thanked each of the staff members for their service to the university before presenting them with framed certificates. The awardees, who also received swag bags, were nominated for exhibiting excellence in job performance, possessing strong work ethic, and being team players. 

Three of the honorees earned top recognition: Joanne Brookfield, Meredith Moody and Helen Moore. In addition to certificates and swag bags, they received invitations to the WCOM tailgate and tickets to the South Alabama football game against Arkansas State on Saturday, Nov. 11. 

Below are excerpts from colleagues' nominations of this year's award recipients: 

• Joanne Brookfield, director, Educational Technologies and Services  – “Since 2020 when we were affected by COVID and subsequent staff shortages, Joanne has stepped up and consistently picked up the additional workload to keep our academic programs on track. She is at work early, stays late, and works weekends as needed to ensure that there is no disruption to our undergraduate, graduate and continuing medical education activities.”
• Jennifer Collins, grants administration specialist, Center for Lung Biology – “Despite the sometimes overwhelming nature of the work, Jenn never complains and, in fact, offers a listening ear and voice of encouragement when the rest of us are frustrated and exhausted. Her work keeps our projects funded and her kind disposition keeps our team happy.” 
• Tony Lamm, management systems specialist, Medical Education – “Tony is phenomenal at what he does. Not only is he talented, but he also goes above and beyond to make sure faculty, students and staff in the WCOM have properly functioning technology so they may be productive and meet their research/educational/administrative objectives.”
• Connie Land, accountant, Student Affairs – “She is always eager to lend a helping hand and easily handles unexpected tasks, making her an essential and valued member of the Student Affairs team. Connie's dedication to excellence and willingness to exceed expectations make her a tremendous asset to the WCOM community.”
• Meredith Moody, program coordinator, Microbiology and Immunology – “She quickly picked up her duties and responsibilities to make the lives of our faculty members much easier. Indeed, she is our only support staff for the department, and she currently plays the roles of two to three administrators.”
• Helen Moore, research administration specialist, Grants Research Office – “She carefully examines all the grant's details, providing invaluable assistance to all principal investigators at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. Her friendly demeanor and punctuality make her a valuable asset to the WCOM. Additionally, her dedication and efficiency in completing tasks consistently contribute to our success.”
• Alice Nolen, faculty affairs specialist, Faculty Affairs – “Alice is well respected by Whiddon College of Medicine faculty and staff. She is a team player, who possesses a strong work ethic and displays excellence in job performance. She takes pride in her work and she is dedicated to the success of the WCOM.”
• Melisa Pierce, M.P.A., director of quality improvement, Office of Accreditation and Planning – “Ms. Pierce has become one of the most valued and trusted sources of information and support across the Whiddon College of Medicine. … She frequently proposes new directions, challenges existing strategies, and supports others within the Office of Accreditation and Planning, all in an effort to improve the WCOM.” 
• Rosemary Roberts, laboratory manager, Microbiology and Immunology – “Rosemary has trained many students, undergraduate and rotating graduate students on proper laboratory technique. Additionally, she’s the lab’s biggest cheerleader. Any time someone has an event or milestone, she goes out of her way to ensure they feel confident and prepared. Rosemary is such a kind and caring soul, she deserves more praise than we are able to give.” 
• Stephanie Roote, associate director of financial aid, Student Affairs – “She is a highly dedicated worker who takes the time to meet with students individually every year. She addresses common concerns students have regarding debt and creates a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable discussing their financial worries with her. Thanks to her efforts, Stephanie has built strong relationships with the students she works with.”
• Brooke Thistlethwaite, accounting data specialist, Pharmacology – “Brooke is the ultimate problem solver, working tirelessly to maintain schedules, finances, and more. Her presence here is integral not only to successful completion of our projects, but also in boosting team morale. The department would not function as well without her.”
• Kelly Wood, business manager, Business Office – “If you have a question, chances are Kelly knows the answer. Kelly is a wealth of knowledge! She has been wonderful at training and onboarding new employees the past two years. She works hard to make sure everything is tied out and correct. She always has a smile on her face and is wonderful to work with!”

Medical students educate Greek chapters about opioids

Naden Kreitz, a third-year medical student, visits a fraternity house to discuss opioid intoxication.

Three medical students at the Whiddon College of Medicine are on a mission to educate undergraduate students at the University of South Alabama about opioid intoxication. 

Over the past month, Naden Kreitz, a third-year medical student, and Ben Loftis and Macy McCollister, both second-year medical students, visited every fraternity house and two sorority houses on campus. 

During the education sessions with the fraternity and sorority chapters, the medical students addressed what opioids are and how they work, symptoms that distinguish an opioid intoxication from other common intoxications, naloxone (Narcan) administration and usage, and steps to take if an opioid intoxication is detected. 

Kreitz, who was involved in USA’s Greek community as an undergrad, conceived the idea for the opioid education project.

“I wanted to ensure that Greek life on South Alabama's campus was able to safely identify what an opioid intoxication would look like and prevent an unnecessary death in the community,” he said. “Opioid intoxication is a serious threat to our generation and making sure the college campus is safe and equipped with knowledge to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose is an easy way to give back as a medical student.”

Kreitz said after the sessions, the Greek chapters were grateful for the knowledge and felt better prepared to recognize an opioid overdose. 

Opioids can be prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain but also can have serious risks and side effects. Common types include morphine, oxycodone, and synthetic opioid narcotics such as fentanyl. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 75% of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid.

Pierce awarded 2023 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research

Ajay Singh, Ph.D., leader of Cancer Biology and Cancer Health Disparities at the Mitchell Cancer Institute, and Arlene Mitchell, chair pro tempore of the USA Board of Trustees, present Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., M.P.H., with the 2023 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research. 

Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., M.P.H., FACOG, has been named the recipient of the 2023 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research.

Pierce is the director of the Division of Cancer Control and Prevention at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, where she conducts research in cancer care delivery and supportive care for cancer patients and survivors, and is a principal investigator on grants totaling $1.3 million. She also is a professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology and an Abraham A. Mitchell Clinical Research Scholar.

The $10,000 award is presented annually to a promising scientist at the Mitchell Cancer Institute upon the recommendation of a faculty committee. The award was established in 2009 by Arlene Mitchell, chair pro tempore of the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees, in memory of her late husband, Mayer Mitchell, a Mobile businessman, longtime USA trustee, and formative figure in the establishment of the MCI.

“Dr. Pierce’s research on cancer patient outcomes and patient-reported issues is groundbreaking. Her work is well-funded and conducted in collaboration with teams at several other institutions,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs. “She is very deserving of this award.”

A gynecologic oncologist, Pierce came to the MCI in 2017 from South Carolina, where she conducted a systematic study of the uptake of the HPV vaccine and collaborated with statewide partners on campaigns to improve HPV vaccination rates. She has served as the statewide HPV vaccine champion for both South Carolina and Alabama. After joining the MCI, she worked with colleagues to assess Alabama’s HPV vaccination rates and cervical cancer rates by county and presented this research at an international meeting.

Pierce has contributed to state, regional and national HPV roundtables and has served as a member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Cervical Cancer Elimination Task Force and the World Health Organization Cervical Cancer Elimination Consortium.

She also conducts research relating to mechanisms of action in the carcinogenesis, immune impact, and spread of GYN malignancies and continues to provide important insight into effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention, along with her colleagues at the MCI.

“Conducting research on cancer care delivery and supportive care is so important for our community,” said Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, USA Health chief executive officer and senior associate vice president for medical affairs. “I congratulate Dr. Pierce on her impactful work and for winning this award. We are so thankful to have her on the MCI team.”

Pierce earned a medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and a Master of Public Health from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. She completed residency training in OB-GYN at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and fellowship training in gynecologic oncology at the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville. In 2009, she became the first female gynecologic oncologist in South Carolina.

At the Whiddon College of Medicine, Pierce serves as director of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program, associate designated institutional official, and assistant dean of Graduate Medical Education. She is also the host of The Cancering Show podcast, now in its fourth season.

Crews receives Marsha Raulerson Advocacy Award

LaDonna M. Crews, M.D.

LaDonna M. Crews, M.D., FAAP, a physician who specializes in complex care pediatrics at USA Health, has been a passionate advocate for her patients, dedicating her practice to creating a medical home for children with complex medical needs.  

Those efforts were officially recognized when she received the 2023 Marsha Raulerson Advocacy Award by the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics during the group’s fall meeting in Birmingham.  

“Dr. Crews has been instrumental in delivering outstanding care and advocating for solutions to the plight of children with special needs in our community and beyond,” said David A. Gremse, M.D., professor and chair of the department of pediatrics at USA Health. “We are proud to call her our colleague and so pleased she has been recognized for her years of dedicated service to children and their families.” 

The award was given to Crews, organizers said, for her lifelong devotion to advocacy for her patients that enhances their health and well-being. As part of the region’s only academic health system, Crews also serves as an associate professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

In 2019, Crews led the effort to establish the first Pediatrics Complex Care Clinic in Alabama. Located at the Strada Patient Care Center, the USA Health Pediatrics Complex Care Clinic staff sees children with medical complexities who often face significant obstacles regarding their care. The clinic's patients are technology- and device-dependent children, including those with gastrostomy tubes, tracheostomies, ventilator dependence and wheelchair dependence.  

“Besides the unmatched care she offers patients, Dr. Crews has worked for years to continuously ensure the enhancement of bedside education for providers-in-training in the care of children with medical complexity,” said Natalie Fox, D.N.P., PNP-BC, chief physician enterprise officer for USA Health.  

Throughout her career, her colleagues note, Crews has also served as a mentor to other pediatricians, often encouraging her peers to embrace quality improvement initiatives that positively impact patients.  

Among her achievements, Crews has been recognized as a regional Top Doctor by U.S. News & World Report in 2014 and as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2014, earning a distinction as a Top Woman in Medicine for the last five years in a row.  

Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Crews earned a medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine at USA. She was a pediatric resident at USA Health from 1996-1998, then a fellow at Michigan State University in East Lansing.  

Miller to present Frazer/Leigh Memorial Lecture

Richard S. Miller, M.D.

Richard S. Miller, M.D., FACS, chair of the Department of Surgery and chief of surgery at JPS Health Network, will present two CME-accredited lectures Nov. 9-10.

Both lectures are open to the public and are made possible through the Emmett B. Frazer, M.D., FACS, and Milton M. Leigh, M.D., FACS, Memorial Endowments at the Department of Surgery at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.

Miller will present the first lecture, “Developing an Emergency General Surgery Quality Improvement Program in a Safety Net Hospital,” on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 4:30 p.m. in the Strada Patient Care Conference Center and via Zoom at https://southalabama.zoom.us/j/91925296690.

He will give the second lecture, “Pre-operative Surgical Optimization: Focus on the Geriatric and Frail Patient Population,” on Friday, Nov. 10, at 7 a.m. in the second-floor conference room at University Hospital and via Zoom at https://southalabama.zoom.us/j/91925296690.

Miller also serves as senior executive, surgery, at the Acclaim Physician Group, and professor of surgery at TCU/UNTHSC School of Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas.

The annual memorial lectureship is given to honor the legacies of Dr. Emmett B. Frazer and Dr. Milton M. Leigh as leaders in clinical service and graduate surgical education in the Mobile community.

For more information on the lectures, contact the Department of Surgery at 251-445-8230.