Whiddon College of Medicine showcases innovation at the 2024 Assessment Institute

Melisa H. Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, showcased the

LCME Heat Map.

The Whiddon College of Medicine represented its commitment to quality improvement, institutional success, and student development at the 2024 Assessment Institute in Indianapolis, the nation’s premier event for advancing assessment and improvement in higher education. 

By sharing innovative strategies and tools, the team highlighted how data-driven practices and collaboration are transforming medical education. Their presentations demonstrated impactful initiatives driving institutional and student success. 

Melisa H. Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, director of quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning (OAP), showcased the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) Heat Map, a centralized tool designed to streamline accreditation processes with embedded data insights and proactive stakeholder engagement. 

Julie Estis, Ph.D., and David S. Williams,

Ph.D., MPA, presented on ePortfolios.

Julie M. Estis, Ph.D., executive director of academic enhancement at USA and an associate professor of speech-language pathology, and David S. Williams, Ph.D., MPA, assistant dean for institutional and academic success in the OAP, facilitated a workshop titled “LevelUP Student Learning and Success with ePortfolios: Making the Most of What You Have.” They highlighted strategies for integrating ePortfolios as a high-impact practice to enhance academic and co-curricular learning, illustrating the Whiddon College of Medicine’s participation in the institution-wide quality enhancement plan.  

Williams, Estis, and Cecelia Martin, Ed.D., associate vice president of planning and effectiveness at Clark College, facilitated a workshop titled “Lost in Learning Assessment Lingo? Let’s Talk Strategies for Promoting Learning Improvement through Shared Understanding.” Based on a two-year research project focused on overcoming barriers to learning assessment communication and employing strategies to improve effective assessment collaboration, their session emphasized the value of interdisciplinary partnerships to advance shared goals. 

“These efforts exemplify the Whiddon College of Medicine’s role as a national leader in advancing continuous improvement through creative solutions and collaborating with valuable partners across the University of South Alabama,” Pierce said. “By integrating tools like the LCME Heat Map and applying strategies to enhance learning outcomes, we continue to drive institutional effectiveness and foster sustainable initiatives that align with our mission.” 

The Assessment Institute, as the nation’s oldest and largest event of its kind, provides a unique opportunity for professionals to share knowledge, collaborate, and contribute to the evolution of higher education practices. 

“The Whiddon College of Medicine’s participation underscores our dedication to making a meaningful impact, both within our institution and across the broader academic community, as we leverage data, expertise, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance education and improve outcomes,” Pierce said.

Brewer appointed chair of orthopaedic surgery

Jeffrey L. Brewer, M.D.

Jeffrey L. Brewer, M.D., has been named chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. A board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, Brewer has been serving as interim chair since returning to USA Health in 2023. 

“We have been impressed with Dr. Brewer’s skills as a leader and mentor, which he demonstrated during his time as residency program director and, most recently, as interim chair,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., MBA, dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs. 

Brewer said he is excited to build upon the successes of the department in training new physicians and growing services for adults and children. “I’m happy to work with a great group of people as we advance our academic mission and offer excellent care, whether it’s in orthopaedic surgery or sports medicine.” 

He served as director of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program for three years during his previous tenure at USA Health, from 2015 to 2022.  

Brewer returned to USA Health from the University of Miami, where he was an orthopaedic surgeon and assistant professor at the Miller School of Medicine. While there, he served on the Orthopaedic Residency Curriculum Competency Committee and the Leadership Steering Committee in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. 

“Dr. Brewer has been instrumental in training and recruiting the best surgeons to provide excellent orthopaedic care for children and adults in our region,” said Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, chief executive officer for USA Health and senior associate vice president for medical affairs. “We look forward to continuing this positive momentum.” 

Brewer earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, Kansas. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York, where he was named the department’s Resident of the Year for 2011-2012. He also completed a fellowship in orthopaedic trauma at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. 

An author of several academic journal articles and book chapters, Brewer has presented research on orthopaedic trauma at numerous conferences. 

Mayer Mitchell Award to be presented to cancer researcher

Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., MPH, with Arlene Mitchell

The recipient of the 2024 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m. in the lobby of the USA Health Mitchell Cancer institute.

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 University of South Alabama trustee Arlene Mitchell in memory of her late husband, Mayer Mitchell, a Mobile businessman, longtime USA trustee and formative figure in the establishment of the MCI.

The 2023 recipient of the award was Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., MPH, a gynecologic oncologist, director of the Division of Cancer Control and Prevention at the Mitchell Cancer Institute, and professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology.

Faculty present at International Academy of Pathology Congress

Guillermo Herrera, M.D., professor and chair of 

pathology, presents at the international conference.

Guillermo Herrera, M.D., professor and chair of pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, recently presented to an international audience of about 70 pathologists and nephrologists at the XXXV International Academy of Pathology Congress in Cancun, Mexico. 

During the conference, he presented three short courses:

• “Monoclonal gammopathies and kidney pathology: Pathogenesis/therapeutic implication and opportunities for new therapeutic interventions”
• “Proximal tubulopathies: Reality and controversy” 
• “The crucial value of electron microscopy in the assessment of renal pathology in monoclonal gammopathies” 

He also presented a slide seminar that highlighted a 59-year-old female with IgG kappa myeloma, detailing her status post-chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. Myeloma is a blood cancer that develops from plasma cells made in the bone marrow; IgG kappa is the most common type of myeloma.

Elba Turbat-Herrera, M.D., director of pathological services at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, medical director of the USA Health Biobank, and professor of pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, also attended the international conference. 

She presented two short courses:

• “How amyloid is formed in the kidney: A research journey for four decades” 
• “The use of electron microscopy in the evaluation of lung specimens obtained using robotic technology”

The International Academy of Pathology is dedicated to the advancement of pathology through educational exchanges worldwide, including the organization of international congresses, providing access to high-quality pathology education to the global community and bringing new knowledge to underserved areas.

USA Health OB-GYN adds Whiddon COM alumnus Fesenmeier

Michael Fesenmeier, M.D.

To better meet the healthcare needs of patients and students, USA Health is expanding its women’s services division with the addition of Michael Fesenmeier, M.D.   

Fesenmeier, an OB-GYN and native of Mobile, spent two decades in private practice in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area before moving back to the Gulf Coast to join the University of South Alabama’s academic health system. He is now an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Whiddon College of Medicine and a practicing OB-GYN at USA Health. 

He treats the full spectrum of women’s obstetrics and gynecological healthcare needs and has performed numerous robotic hysterectomies. He is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a fellow with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.   

Fesenmeier received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, obtained his medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine in 2001, and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.  

The father of four said he is looking forward to providing his patients with the most comprehensive care available while helping to train new health care providers. “We know Mobile is a great place to raise your kids,” he said. “And it has been nice to come back to the place where it started. I had some excellent mentors, and hopefully I can be that for the next generation.”       

Besides his private practice, Fesenmeier served as the chief of staff at Mercy Hospital Anderson and was the OB-GYN department chair at Mercy Hospital Anderson, now Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital. From 2010 to 2021, he served as the medical director there.  

He is accepting new patients at USA Health OB-GYN, located on the fourth floor of USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital. To make an appointment, call 251-415-1496.  

Medical student presents research on social factors and gun violence at national public health conference

Ben Cockrell presents a poster at the American Public 

Health Association annual meeting. 

An interest in public policy and public health took Ben Cockrell, a medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, all the way to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the American Public Health Association 2024 Annual Meeting and Expo.  

There, he presented a poster that analyzed factors that influence gun violence in Mobile County. He collaborated with Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D., a trauma surgeon and assistant professor of surgery, and the USA Health Department of Trauma Surgery.  

“My project was analyzing how social determinants of health impact gun violence risk among young people in Mobile County,” Cockrell said. “I was interested in this conference because I have an interest in how public policy can impact public health.”  

Cockrell said he enjoyed sharing his research with others, particularly those that focused on gun violence prevention.   

“I would like to thank Dr. Williams for letting me work on this project,” he said. “Her work as the new director of Center for Healthy Communities and in Project Inspire has shown me the impact physicians can have on public health, and I hope to have a similar positive impact on my community when I practice medicine in the future.”  

Project Inspire, founded by Williams Hogue, is USA Health's multi-week, hospital-based injury prevention program which combines trauma center exposure, mentorship and career development. Created for at-risk youth, it seeks to curb gun violence in the community while preparing teens for success after high school. 

Cockrell plans to pursue a career in pediatrics or internal medicine.   

“I hope to continue work in assessing public health concerns and how factors like social determinants of health impact overall community health,” he said.  

The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. Using its broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, the organization lobbies for public health issues and policies backed by science with the intent to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health.  

Medical student presents poster at annual pathology conference

Emily Hartsell presents at CAP24.

Emily Hartsell, a third-year medical student, recently presented a poster at the College of American Pathologists CAP24 Conference in Las Vegas. 

“The annual CAP conference is a valuable experience that provides opportunities to build a national network, explore subspecialties and career paths, and learn about cutting-edge technologies in the field and how to implement them for the benefit of our patient population,” she said. 

Her poster detailed a case involving an unusual presentation of Rosai-Dorfman disease in the nail bed of a child. The disease is a rare, benign condition that involves an overgrowth of white blood cells called histiocytes. It usually causes swollen lymph glands in the neck, but the overgrowths can also affect the skin and other organs.

“This case was unique because Rosai-Dorfman disease rarely affects pediatric populations or presents in the nail bed, so I thought it would be of interest to other conference attendees and help spark great conversations,” she said.

Hartsell’s travel to the conference was supported by the CAP Foundation, which awarded her the Medical Student Travel Award and the CAP Distinguished Medical Student Award in 2024. The award is given to a medical student, in any year of training, for outstanding achievement, aptitude or interest in pathology, and honors the student’s initiative in learning about pathology and participating in pathology-related activities. 

The foundation also funded the Pathology Interest Group (PAIG), which Hartsell leads as president, with the Sparking Interest in Pathology Award. The award is intended to support projects and initiatives that introduce, educate and inspire medical students to pursue a career in pathology.

CAP, the leading organization of board-certified pathologists, serves patients, pathologists and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide.

Upcoming talk to focus on advancing reproductive advocacy in the South

Nikki Zite, M.D., MPH

Nikki Zite, M.D., MPH, a professor and vice chair in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine in Knoxville, will be the guest speaker for a meeting of the OB-GYN Interest Group and the Public Health Interest Group of the Whiddon College of Medicine next month. 

Zite, who specializes in complex family planning, is scheduled to talk about what reproductive advocacy is, her involvement in advocacy efforts, and how to advance reproductive healthcare in the South. The meeting will be presented as a Zoom session and is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. in the Atlantis Room at Children’s & Women’s Hospital. 

Please RSVP if you plan to attend in person, where food will be provided. Those who plan to attend are asked to bring questions for this discussion-based meeting with a Q&A panel. RSVP on the Google spreadsheet.   

The meeting will also be available via Zoom. Access the Zoom meeting here.

Among her many accomplishments, Zite has been working to expand perinatal care access to more women in Tennessee by coordinating with the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care on a statewide quality improvement project. 

Staff recognized for excellence at annual breakfast with the dean

John Marymont, M.D., MBA, center, recognized staff members, from left, Alani Rodgers, Allison Bauman, Patricia Powe, Sherry Parnell, Heather Fleming and Madeline Wasden. Not pictured is Angela O'Neal.  

Seven staff members were honored at the third annual Whiddon College of Medicine Staff Recognition Awards on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Hosted by the Dean's Office, the awards were presented during a special breakfast in the Dean's Conference Room. 

John Marymont, M.D., MBA, 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. The awardees were nominated by multiple faculty and staff for exhibiting excellence in job performance, possessing strong work ethic, and being team players. 

The honorees were awarded certificates and received swag bags and two tickets to the South Alabama basketball game against Troy in January. 

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

• Allison Bauman, Lab Manager, Physiology and Cell Biology – “Allie is everything to the Nelson lab. She is the glue that bonds my team together and the grease that keeps the wheel going. … She has done so much and sacrificed so much of her time towards the betterment of people and science.”
• Heather Fleming, Assistant Director of Faculty Affairs, Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development – “Heather is a dedicated team player, collaborating within our department, the Whiddon COM, and the USA Health system. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and takes pride in her work. She effectively manages the huge responsibility of onboarding our faculty, and her work is vital to the success of the COM.” 
• Angela O’Neal, Director of Learning Support Services, Office of Accreditation and Planning – “Angie's positive attitude is infectious. Described by a coworker as ‘a ray of sunshine,’ her constant smile and kind words create an uplifting atmosphere that enhances our workplace. Angie's commitment to students and their success, exceptional people skills, and positive influence make her an ideal candidate for this recognition. Her work significantly improves our college community.”
• Sherry Parnell, Secretary V, Office of Health Advancement – “Sherry is present and consistent, and students TRULY come to her for any and everything. …  I, and all of the members of our team, often look at Sherry with awe – how she can make time and space for so many people in her heart is beyond comprehension.” 
• Patricia Powe, Business Manager, Whiddon COM Business Office – “With a cheerful demeanor and an outgoing personality, Patricia fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere in our team. She consistently collaborates with others, demonstrating a strong commitment to teamwork and helping everyone succeed.” 
• Alani Rogers, Assistant Director, Whiddon COM Admissions – “Alani radiates positivity, and her high-quality work ethic is unmatched. She lifts everyone's spirits and brings a smile to those around her, which makes the work environment fun and enjoyable. Her commitment is consistent, and she has a strong dedication to excellence no matter the project.” 
• Madeline Wasden, Program Coordinator, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Immunology – “Madeline is an exemplary employee that goes above and beyond to ensure that the researchers at the LID have the resources they need to conduct their science to the best of their ability. She has a strong work ethic and humble attitude. She is always willing to assist faculty, staff and students and lend a hand wherever needed.”

Cranford to retire from Continuing Medical Education

Sharrie Cranford, M.S., LICSW, PIP

Sharrie Cranford, M.S., LICSW, PIP, who has served as director of the Office of Continuing Medical Education since 2008, will officially retire from the University of South Alabama on Dec. 1. 

Before joining the Whiddon College of Medicine, Cranford worked for the USA Health system as a social worker and financial counselor from 2002 to 2008. During her time with University Hospital, she developed their resource guide and discharge planning guide that were shared with other local hospitals and are still used today. Her journey in the Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) has been one of continuous growth and expansion, she said. 

“Over the years, our CME program has grown into a comprehensive educational initiative spanning multiple healthcare disciplines,” she said. “We have developed robust relationships across the medical school, USA Health, local and regional healthcare providers, and the broader university campus. This interdisciplinary approach has allowed us to create more diverse and impactful educational offerings.” 

Working with different departments has enriched the program, leading to innovative approaches in continuing education, she added. “Our success stems from this cross-departmental collaboration, which has become our hallmark in delivering excellence in CME.”

Two significant accomplishments stand out in Cranford’s career. First, the CME program achieved Accreditation with Commendation from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). Second, the program attained Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education, placing USA among an elite group of only 176 providers worldwide, compared with 1,400 with standard ACCME or state accreditation.

Cranford expressed her gratitude to Maggi O’Brien, M.D., former associate dean for student affairs, and Samuel Strada, M.D., dean emeritus, who supported her initiatives throughout her tenure along with John Marymont, M.D., MBA, dean and vice president for medical affairs.

“Their unwavering support, even for my unconventional approaches, allowed me to innovate and grow in my role,” she said. “Their trust and encouragement were instrumental in helping me develop successful programs.”

Cranford said she will miss being immersed in continuous learning while making a meaningful impact. “Planning educational activities that improved patient outcomes was fulfilling, as I expanded my own knowledge through conferences and grand rounds while helping others grow,” she said. “Influencing both the content and delivery of medical education made this role more than a job – it was a genuine passion.”

However, she is looking forward to pursuing several exciting ventures in retirement. She plans to continue adjunct teaching at USA and the University of Alabama, while growing her private practice as a social work therapist.

“To balance work with leisure, I am hoping to spend summers in Italy, combining my love for travel with cultural experiences,” she said.

A retirement reception honoring Cranford will be held Thursday, Nov. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Technology and Research Park, 650 Clinic Drive, Building III, Suite 1100. 

Alford joins USA Health OB-GYN and Whiddon COM faculty

Hannah Alford, M.D.

With a passion for working with women of all ages, Hannah Alford, M.D., recently joined USA Health OB-GYN.

Alford received multiple awards during her residency at USA Health and now serves as an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Whiddon College of Medicine.

Alford knew from an early age that she wanted to be a physician. “I actually wrote a letter to myself in the fourth grade that was mailed to me when I graduated high school that asked if I still wanted to be a doctor,” she said. “There was no one in my family in the medical field, and I was fascinated by it.”

She earned a medical degree from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, then moved to Mobile for her residency at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

Alford considers seeing patients across all stages of life a privilege: “It is an honor to get to know women and experience life stages alongside them, from the early years of starting their cycles to needing birth control, through pregnancies and into the menopause transition.”

Because USA Health is the region’s leading academic health system, research plays an integral role in the mission for medical students, residents, fellows and faculty. Alford said her research interests so far have involved clinical quality improvement to ensure the healthcare team provides the best, most efficient and supportive care for patients.

“I chose to work in academic medicine so that I could stay up to date on the latest clinical guidelines and surgical techniques,” she said. “I love working with my mentors as my colleagues. I also enjoy teaching medical students and residents about the field of OB-GYN.”

In 2024, Alford was selected as the Best Resident in Obstetrics at USA Health, and the Best Resident in Urogynecology at USA Health, honors that were bestowed for her outstanding performance in both fields by the obstetrics and gynecology staff at Children’s & Women’s Hospital and faculty of the Whiddon College of Medicine.

She also received the Resident Award for Excellence in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons, as chosen by OB-GYN faculty for her outstanding performance in minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries.

In 2023, she earned the Gynecologic Oncology Resident of the Year Award, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, from USA Health’s gynecologic oncology faculty for her outstanding performance during clinical rotations. Further, she was selected as the Gynecology Resident of the Year in 2023, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, by the OB-GYN faculty for outstanding performance in gynecologic surgeries.

Alford, who grew up in a small town in middle Tennessee, met her husband in medical school. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, in May.

She is accepting new patients at the Strada Patient Care Center in Mobile. To make an appointment, call 251-415-1496.

Students win awards at Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association regional conference

Medical students attend the regional conference in Atlanta. 

A group of second-year medical students recently won awards for poster presentations and a suturing competition during the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) Region IV and IX Conference held at Emory University in Atlanta.  

“It was really amazing to see my fellow classmates present their hard work at this conference and flourish,” said Linhan Ha, president of the APAMSA chapter. “It was also such a unique experience learning about diverse types of medicine, such as acupuncture, and practicing our suturing skills with a friendly competition. We were also able to bond and get to know each other better. I know my fellow classmates and I will never forget this experience.”  

Five of the 20 accepted posters presented for the conference were from students at the Whiddon College of Medicine. The poster presentations were made by Isha Patel, Linhan Ha, Mariam Omar, Danielle Flores and Lien Inman (joint poster), and Ivy Nguyen. 

In the suturing competition, Inman took first place, while Ha took third place.  

For the poster presentation competition, Whiddon College of Medicine students captured three of the four total awards distributed. They were:  

• First Place: Mariam Omar. Title: “Our Approach to Vitrectomy Surgery in Diabetic Retinopathy is Changing Due to Intraoperative Fluorescein Angiography Guidance” 
• Third Place: Danielle Flores and Lien Inman. Title: QI: Skin Cancer Screening and Perceptions” 
• Honorable Mention: Isha Patel. Title: “Use of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring to Predict LVMI in the Pediatric Population: a Single Center Experience” 

“Attending the APAMSA conference was such a great opportunity for us,” Omar said. “We got to meet so many talented and driven medical students within our region, and we presented our research together. It was an invaluable experience and I’m so thankful to the Office of Health Advancement for making it possible for us.” 

Flores and Inman, who took third in the poster competition, said they loved meeting medical students from across the Southeast and learning more about the rich history and ongoing drive for progress in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, adding “Discovering how traditional Eastern medicine integrates into modern practice and hearing others’ personal experiences at the conference gave us a deeper understanding of the cultures and circumstances of the patients we see in a clinic back home.” 

The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association is a national organization of more than 4,500 medical and pre-medical students in more than 170 chapters committed to addressing the unique health challenges of AANHPI communities. 

Student-Run Free Clinic leaders present research on volunteer engagement

Megan Rasmussen, third-year medical student and co-author

of the research, presents a poster at the Society of

Student-Run Free Clinics Annual Conference in Philadelphia

Medical students at the Whiddon College of Medicine presented research on COVID-19 and volunteer engagement at two recent conferences. 

Third-year medical student Isabella Dinelli presented the research poster “Exploring the Complex Interplay of COVID-19 and Volunteer Engagement: A Deep Dive into Retention Dynamics within a Student-Run Free Clinic” at the American Public Health Association annual conference in Minneapolis. 

Dinelli serves as research coordinator for the University of South Alabama Student-Run Free Clinic, a student-led initiative that provides free medical checkups and healthcare services to some of the most vulnerable populations in the greater Mobile community. Students in medical school or studying pharmacy, audiology, nursing or occupational therapy volunteer at the clinic and gain experience in numerous clinical and interpersonal skills, such as communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. 

“The study examined what motivates our volunteers to work in our clinic, the possible obstacles they encounter and ways to foster long-term commitment across all disciplines in our multidisciplinary student clinic,” she said. 

The study found that a strong community connection and ongoing training are essential for volunteer satisfaction. Dinelli said the findings would guide the clinic’s leaders in creating initiatives that support, motivate, and prepare volunteers to deliver care. “By enriching the volunteer experience and refining training, we aim to better equip our team to deliver quality care to underserved communities, especially as the clinic extends its services to the Choctaw Nation,” she said. 

Co-author Megan Rasmussen, also a third-year medical student, presented the research poster at the Society of Student-Run Free Clinics Annual Conference in Philadelphia. “At the conference, I connected with students from medical schools across the country who faced similar challenges,” Rasmussen said. “Their insights into successful strategies for boosting volunteer engagement and retention were invaluable and provided inspiration for our own initiatives.” 

Dinelli, Rasmussen and third-year medical student Qays Aljabi conducted the research along with mentor Casey L. Daniel, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor of family medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

Schwaitzberg to present Frazer Memorial Lecture

Steven D. Schwaitzberg, M.D.

Steven D. Schwaitzberg, M.D., SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo, will present a lecture on Friday, Nov. 15, at USA Health University Hospital. 

The lecture, “AI, Amazon and the Atom: Unintended Consequences in Healthcare,” is set for 7 a.m. in the second-floor conference room and via Zoom. It is open to the public and made possible through the Emmett B. Frazer, M.D., Memorial Endowment at the Whiddon College of Medicine Department of Surgery. 

For more information, contact the department of surgery at 251-445-8230. 

Stevens recognized for lung biology research at annual showcase

Five University of South Alabama faculty members were recently honored at the 3rd annual Technology and Research Showcase for their research in fields ranging from sustainability to cyber security and marine sciences to lung biology. 

“The Research and Technology Showcase is South’s opportunity to show our community the cutting-edge research that is being conducted by our faculty,” said Michael Chambers, J.D., Ph.D., interim vice president for research and economic development and chief economic development officer. “Our faculty bring in millions of dollars in external funding every year to improve patient care and outcomes, to create novel technologies and to safeguard our national security and our environment.”

Troy Stevens, Ph.D., professor and Lenoir Louise Locke Chair of Physiology and Cell Biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, was among those recognized at the event. He also serves as director of the USA Center for Lung Biology. 

When SARS-CoV-2 infections spread across the world in 2020, the numbers of infected patients, mortality and recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infections were all tracked closely by healthcare professionals. Recent estimates suggest there have been approximately 705 million coronavirus cases since 2020, with 7 million deaths. This also means that most patients have recovered from coronavirus infections, yet these recoveries have not been without incident. Roughly 19% of patients who recover from SARS-CoV-2 infections exhibit protracted impairment in end-organ function, prominently lung, heart, kidney, brain and muscular dysfunction. The SARS-CoV-2 survivors who exhibit protracted end-organ dysfunction have been called long-haulers. 

Stevens’ team’s work has revealed a previously unknown host response to lower airway infection, where viruses and bacteria elicit generations of cytopathic amyloid and tau variants within the lung that can injure multiple organs. These findings identify a mechanism of end-organ dysfunction in the aftermath of critical illness and provide a novel molecular target for development of medical therapy to treat adverse outcomes during and after infection. This work encourages investigators to reconsider our current ways of thinking about the causes of various chronic diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies.  

Read the full news release from the University of South Alabama. 

The Office of Research and Economic Development held its 3rd annual Research and Technology Showcase, which highlighted the work of five USA faculty members. Troy Stevens, Ph.D., professor and chair of physiology and cell biology, second from right, was among those honored.

Mazloom joins interdisciplinary clinical oncology faculty at Whiddon COM and Mitchell Cancer Institute

Anita Mazloom, M.D., M.S.

Anita Mazloom, M.D., M.S., has joined the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) as a medical oncologist and hematologist and the Whiddon College of Medicine as an assistant professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology. 

She was previously named chief fellow for two consecutive years. 

“I am excited to officially join the USA Health team after completing my fellowship and moving to Mobile,” said Mazloom. “I never lived in the South before coming here for my fellowship, but I love the small-town feel and community aspect. Everyone is welcoming and friendly.” 

Mazloom chose to practice at MCI following her three-year fellowship because of its academic medicine capabilities and the work environment. 

“I love teaching and also being able to conduct clinical research,” she said. “Part of an academic medical center is leading the next generation of hematologists and oncologists, and I enjoy mentoring residents and fellows.  Also, I am excited to open and lead clinical trials at MCI to bring new treatments for our patients.” 

Mazloom’s interest in cancer care began prior to medical school when she worked as a research associate for Genentech, a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing medicines for individuals with serious and life-threatening diseases. Mazloom worked with cancer therapeutics and later saw the therapeutics being used clinically during her residency and fellowship programs. 

“I am drawn to research and the ability to help patients in an ever-evolving field. Guiding patients through their cancer journey is a rewarding experience as they trust you during a vulnerable time in their lives,” said Mazloom. “Building that bond with patients feels special and I truly cherish it. I have joy in seeing my patients every day and working with a great team at MCI, where everyone has the common goal to help our patients.” 

Preceding her oncology and hematology fellowship at USA Health, Mazloom completed her residency at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. She attended medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. 

Residents share research at annual chest medicine conference in Boston

Krithika Muthyala, M.D., and Lauren

Healey, D.O., present at the conference.

Three USA Health residents recently attended the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) 2024 annual meeting in Boston, which brings together thousands of medical professionals.  

Third-year residents Adam Miller, D.O., and Krithika Muthyala, M.D., and second-year resident Lauren Healey, D.O., represented the Department of Internal Medicine and had the opportunity to provide valuable insight into emerging scientific and clinical advancements happening in the critical care, pulmonary, and sleep fields.  

“I always love representing South Alabama internal medicine and showing other physicians nationwide the depth of our research and clinical projects,” Miller said.   

All three residents presented research at the meeting.   

Miller’s poster examined acute pericarditis caused by differentiation syndrome in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) relapse. Healey’s presentation covered immunotherapy-induced diabetic ketoacidosis.   

Adam Miller, D.O., presents his poster.

Muthyala teamed up with the Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute to report on the statistical analysis of the impact of gender differences with PD-L1 expression on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLS) prognosis.  

At the annual meeting, participants can share their findings with colleagues, gain feedback from expert faculty, collaborate with other professionals in the field, and more.  

The American College of Chest Physicians is a global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care.  

Medical students, residents and faculty support refugees through wellness event

Representatives from the Whiddon COM volunteer at the

Dwell Mobile Wellness Fair.

To better connect with community members and improve access to healthcare, 10 medical students, six residents and numerous faculty members from the Whiddon College of Medicine volunteered their time and talents recently during the Dwell Mobile Wellness Fair.  

Held at Dwell Mobile, the community event was a collaborative effort between multiple organizations, said Linda Hassouneh, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and a hospitalist at USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital who specializes in treating patients with infectious diseases.  

Dwell Mobile is a nonprofit organization that provides post-resettlement acclimation services and support to refugee families who have relocated to the Gulf Coast.  

The organization’s mission is to provide resettled families practical support in their new life, including how to build meaningful relationships with new neighbors, and opportunities to develop a better future.  

At the event, USA Health Pediatrics participated with four primary stations: oral hygiene, viral illness prevention, healthy eating awareness and social media guidance, Hassouneh said.  

To promote healthy lifestyles, a separate space was set up for dance lessons where children and adults learned some healthy moves for the Zumba and salsa styles of dance and exercise.   

This was the second year students and faculty from USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine took part in the event, Hassouneh said.  

“Through these efforts, we enhance the health and well-being of children by offering education and helping to identify resources available to patients,” she said. “By engaging directly with the community, we strengthen our relationships with patients and foster trust. At the same time, we build valuable connections with our students, learners, and other healthcare providers.”  

USA Health’s pediatric residents, physicians and medical students often take part in health-related community outreach events to build stronger connections with those they serve.    

View more photos from the event on Flickr. 

Neonatology division expands with addition of Kasniya

Gangajal Kasniya, MBBS

Board-certified neonatologist Gangajal Kasniya, MBBS, recently joined the staff at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital to help care for extremely premature and sick infants in the region’s only level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  

As part of the region’s leading academic health system, Kasniya will also serve as an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine.   

Kasniya earned a medical degree from Sawai Man Singh Medical College in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in India. His pediatric residency was completed at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Chicago, followed by a neonatology fellowship at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York.  He underwent specialized training at Cohen’s that included ultrasound training and neonatal ultrasound modalities. 

Previously, he served as a neonatologist at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center in New Orleans where he also supervised medical students and those seeking degrees as advanced practice providers. 

His main research interest lies in the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the NICU, a topic he presented during a September 2024 lecture at the American Academy of Neonatal Nurses National Conference in New Orleans. 

“This technology has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of care, improve patient safety, and reduce radiation exposure in neonatal settings,” said Kasniya, who also has published two research articles on the topic.  

“I aspired to become a physician because of the opportunity to help those in need while leading a fulfilling life,” Kasniya said. “I am particularly drawn to neonatology because of its teamwork environment, the chance to perform hands-on critical care procedures, and the unique responsibility of being the first responder for the tiniest patients.” 

The neonatologist said the ability to interact with families and, ultimately, the incredible feeling of fulfillment when a newborn is discharged from the NICU into the arms of its family is truly rewarding. “Caring for newborns and nurturing them into healthy infants is both gratifying and challenging,” he said. “I find great satisfaction in anticipating potential complications in a baby’s condition and being proactive in managing them.” 

He chose to work in an academic health setting because it’s crucial for personal and professional growth: “I am deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring, and my goal is to establish a POCUS program for pediatric residents at USA Health, as well as for our NICU.” 

He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Other memberships include the American Federation for Medical Research; Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research; Trainees and Early Career Neonatologists; and the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. 

Boatright named assistant dean for medical education

Laura Boatright, M.D.

Following a national search, Laura Boatright, M.D., was recently appointed assistant dean for medical education at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. 

In her new role, she is responsible for the development and implementation of simulation activities in Whiddon College of Medicine’s new simulation lab and for advocating for the use of simulation-based medical education at the medical school. She oversees areas such as faculty development, creation of simulation courses, and simulation-based research, while ensuring alignment with accreditation standards from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. 

Her goals include increasing the availability of simulation for undergraduate and graduate medical education learners and applying continuous quality improvement methodology to all simulation activities. 

“Our long-term goal is to create a collaborative and supportive learning environment that supports the needs of our learners and faculty, leaving a lasting positive impact on our learners, their patients, and our community,” she said.

Since July 2022, Boatright has served as the director of clinical skills and simulation at the Whiddon College of Medicine, where she refined curriculum content, including simulation activities, for the M1 and M2 Clinical Skills courses. As assistant dean, she will continue her work on the Health Resources and Services Administration grant for the Primary Care Pathway.

Boatright said the most rewarding part of her vocation is the opportunity to impact the growth of students and faculty. “Witnessing students develop confidence in their clinical skills and critical thinking through simulation activities is incredibly fulfilling,” she said. “Additionally, working with faculty members to elevate their teaching practices and create meaningful educational experiences gives me a deep sense of purpose.”

Prior to joining the University of South Alabama, Boatright was the director of the Simulation Center at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Boatright graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida in Gainesville with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She completed the post-baccalaureate premedical program at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. She went on to earn a medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. 

She is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator and a member of the Association of Standardized Patient Educators and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

Art of Medicine set for Nov. 19

The Wellness Council and the Gold Humanism Honor Society will host the third annual Art of Medicine on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the MacQueen Alumni Center Grand Ballroom. 

The evening will showcase the artistic talents of students, residents, faculty/staff and alumni, such as singing, playing an instrument, reading a poem, or displaying artwork. Light refreshments will be served. 

Sign up to attend, participate or donate. 

Donations will support the Dr. Cindy S. Sheets Endowment for Early Literacy. Contributions benefit the local Reach Out & Read chapter, helping to foster a love of reading in our community's youngest learners.

Contact Jess Irvin at ji2122@jagmail.southalabama.edu with any questions. 

BMS student earns poster award at CCTS symposium in Birmingham

Adeyeye Haastrup presents at the 2024 Center for

Clinical and Translational Science Symposium.

Adeyeye Haastrup, a third-year student in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program at the Whiddon College of Medicine, recently earned an award for the poster presentation he made at the 2024 Center for Clinical and Translational Science Symposium in Birmingham.  

Haastrup tied for third place for his research presentation on a study conducted in acute respiratory failure (ARF) patients in collaboration with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina and the University of Kentucky in Lexington.   

“We explored the dysregulated metabolic pathways to determine the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) in survivors of acute respiratory failure,” he said. “We can accurately predict PICS in survivors of ARF and therapy targeted at dysregulated pathways will improve patients' quality of life, prevent/reduce readmission rate and improve survival.”  

The CCTS Translational Science Symposium is a two-and-a-half-day learning event that convenes predoctoral, postdoctoral, and early career scholars, as well as their mentors and training grant leaders. They come from across the CCTS Partner Network to participate in experiential training and career development sessions on translational and design thinking, grant writing, clinical trials, community engagement, and funding opportunities.  

“It was a great honor for our research poster to be recognized amongst multiple high-quality research posters as one of the top three posters, voted for by researchers who attended the symposium,” Haastrup said. 

Haastrup is in the graduate program's biomedical engineering and bioinformatics track and works under faculty mentor Raymond Langley, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology. Of his mentors, program leadership and support staff, Haastrup said they are “indispensable to my growth as a graduate student researcher.”  

Dean's Tailgate welcomes students and alumni for Homecoming

Students and alumni celebrated Homecoming at the Dean's Tailgate. Medical student Jasmine Ha, in blue, served as the graduate homecoming maid. 

Whiddon College of Medicine students and alumni celebrated the culmination of Homecoming Week at the Dean's Tailgate on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Hancock Whitney Stadium. 

That evening, the South Alabama Jaguars defeated the ULM Warhawks, 46-17, for a Homecoming victory. 

For the third year in a row, a student from Whiddon College of Medicine was selected as the graduate Homecoming maid. This year, Jasmine Ha, a second-year medical student from Mobile, represented the Whiddon College of Medicine on the Homecoming court.

Ha, who also received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama, said it was an honor to serve as the graduate maid for 2024.

“I hope to continue to make memories here as I continue my education and spread kindness and compassion along the way,” she said. “Thank you to South, the administration, and my friends and family for everything you’ve done for me. I will continue working hard. And lastly, GO JAGS!” 

View more photos from the Dean’s Tailgate on Flickr. 

Alumna joins Eastern Shore practice and OB-GYN faculty

Allison Casey Calhoun, M.D.

With a passion for helping women and new mothers, Allison Casey Calhoun, M.D., recently joined USA Health Eastern Shore OB-GYN & Pediatrics.

A board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, Calhoun grew up watching her father, whom she described as a small-town community pharmacist, advocate on behalf of his patients.

“He always wanted what was best for them, even if it hurt him on the business end,” Calhoun recalled. “I always admired that and knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare to be like him and help people.”

Calhoun said she loves her chosen career: “I get to help women every day with their health and be an advocate for them in every stage of life. I may see them as teenagers, through their first pregnancy, and then help them navigate the world of menopause.”

Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society in 2015. Calhoun earned a degree in medicine from the Whiddon College of Medicine and served as an OB-GYN resident at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

Calhoun is also an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, where she is helping to educate the next generation of healthcare providers.

“The advice I would give to anyone wanting to pursue a career in healthcare is to go into it for the right reasons,” she said. “Make sure you love it. It isn’t always easy, but it can be so rewarding knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life.”

Calhoun is accepting new patients at USA Health locations in Spanish Fort and Mobile. To make an appointment, call 251-415-1496.

Medical students give poster presentations on OB-GYN topics at national conference

Candice Holliday, J.D., M.D., and Nicolette Holliday, M.D., accompany the group of medical students at the Central Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists annual meeting.

A group of third- and fourth-year medical students from the Whiddon College of Medicine presented research and case studies during the 91st Annual Meeting of the Central Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (CAOG) held earlier this month in Indianapolis. 

Nicolette Holliday, M.D., an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, said the presentations by students were well received.  

“Several others at the conference commented on the complexity of patients that we care for here on the Gulf Coast,” she said. 

The meeting focused on original research and was supplemented with updates on other trending topics in women’s healthcare.  

The eight students and their poster presentations were: 

• Alicia Agard: “Sigmoid and Cecal Volvulus following Cesarean Twin Delivery” 
• Claire Chastain: “Postpartum Intracranial Thrombus and Hemorrhages: Case Report and Literature Review” 
• Shriya Meesala: “Management of Grade IV Astrocytoma Diagnosed during Pregnancy” 
• Madison Poiroux: “Stage IV Malignant Pheochromocytoma and Pregnancy” 
• AK Porter: “Tuberous Sclerosis Presenting with Psychiatric Symptoms in Pregnancy: A Case Report” 
• Regan Shaw: “Melanosis of the Vagina: A Case Report and Literature Review” 
• Anna Shunnarah: “Balancing Fertility and Treatment of Endometrial Carcinoma in a Young Patient with PCOS” 
• Leila Yang: “Case Report: Diagnosis and Management of a Suspected Rare Form of Fetal Encephalocele” 

The mission of the Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is to promote optimal healthcare of women by providing high quality continuing medical education and a forum for advancing and discussing scientific research in obstetrics, gynecology, and women’s healthcare. Its nearly 500 members represent both academic and community leaders in obstetrics and gynecology. CAOG is one of the founding organizations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 1951.  

Register now: Healthcare Leadership Certificate

Registration is open for the 2025 Healthcare Leadership Certificate Program at the University of South Alabama. 

The program is a partnership between the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, the Mitchell College of Business and USA Health, integrating the study of medicine and the leadership, managerial and financial disciplines of business. 

It is designed to equip professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. This comprehensive program covers critical areas such as leadership, effective communication, human resources management, financial acumen, and the principles of viability and sustainability in healthcare organizations.

Modules are scheduled approximately every six weeks and will be held in person on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. Participants should expect to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours reading between modules to prepare effectively.

Leading in Medicine Now
Jan. 24-25, 2025
Christina Wassenaar, Ph.D., Mitchell College of Business

Connecting the Dots: Communicating Across Healthcare
March 7-8, 2025
Jeanne Maes, Ph.D.; Alvin Williams, Ph.D.; Jennifer Zoghby, Ph.D.; Jay Hunt, MBA, Mitchell College of Business

Managing People and Partners for Success
April 25-26, 2025
Andrea Rosler, MHA, MBA, USA Health

Dollars and Sense of Healthcare
May 30-31, 2025
Benny Stover, MBA, USA Health

Viability and Sustainability of Healthcare Operations
July 11-12, 2025
Shannon Scaturro, MSHA, MSN; Mike Chang, M.D.; Bill Grete, J.D., USA Health

Getting There from Here
Aug. 22-23, 2025
William Gillis, Ph.D.; Jessica Franks, J.D., Mitchell College of Business

Know Thyself
Oct. 3-4, 2025
Binata Mukherjee, M.D., MBA, Mitchell College of Business, Whiddon College of Medicine

Register now. Learn more about the Healthcare Leadership Certificate. 

USA Health skull base team makes notable contributions at 33rd North American Skull Base Society Meeting

Representing the Whiddon College of Medicine and USA

Health at the meeting were, from left, Garrett Dyess;

Danner Butler; Ursula Hummel, PA-C; and Adnan

Shahid, MBBS.

Representing the Whiddon College of Medicine and USA Health, medical students, faculty and other providers from the Department of Neurosurgery made significant contributions at a recent meeting of the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) in Atlanta.

The NASBS is the most prestigious skull base society in the United States and gathers academic research contributions from all over the world. The theme for the 33rd annual meeting was “The Skull Base is Flat.”

“These collaborative efforts involved a diverse team of neurosurgery fellows, medical students, physician assistants, and attending physicians, reflecting the wide-ranging impact and dedication of individuals at various stages of their medical careers,” said Jai Deep Thakur, M.D., assistant professor of neurosurgery. “These achievements highlight the commitment of the Whiddon College of Medicine and USA Health to advancing neurosurgical education and research through teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.”

At the conference, Adnan Shahid, MBBS, a minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery fellow at USA Health, led a podium presentation on the “Endoscopic-Assisted Supraorbital Approach for Removal of Tuberculum Sella Meningioma: Technical Nuances in Keyhole Surgery.” The presentation was based on techniques Thakur, a neurosurgeon and director of minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery at USA Health, had utilized and fostered in his practice. Shahid went on to publish this technique in Surgical Neurology International journal.

In addition, Shahid took a lead on publishing Thakur’s experience of using eyebrow craniotomy in skull base and brain tumor surgeries. To date, no other papers have described the use of trans-ciliary eyebrow craniotomy in managing complex brain tumors and skull base pathologies in a neurosurgeon's early career, Thakur said. The seminal findings of the paper, published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons, were reduced length of stay, significantly low complications and readmissions, and substantially low usage of typical narcotics.

Garrett Dyess, a first-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, presented a poster at the NASBS meeting and published a manuscript titled, “Careers in Skull Base and Open Cerebrovascular Surgery: Factors Associated with Academic Job Placement” in the Journal of Neurological Surgery Skull Base. The study emphasized the role of early mentorship in guiding neurosurgery residents toward academic careers, particularly in the field of skull base surgery.

“Very early in his career, Garrett has shown commitment to advancing the field of neurosurgery. He continues to flourish and expand his academic pursuits to include skull base, neuro-oncology and complex spine along with a focus on publishing papers on neurosurgery education,” Thakur said.

Danner Butler, a-fourth year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine and aspiring neurosurgeon, was an integral part of the research. Among others, Butler led the project “Analysis of Medical Malpractice Indemnity Payments and Litigation Verdicts in Skull Base Neurosurgical Practice: A 20-Year Nationwide Study.” This unique study discussed factors that influence decision-making in various medico-legal litigations at a national level. Butler also presented “The Role of Keyhole Supraorbital Craniotomies in Skull Base and Brain Tumor Surgeries” at grand rounds presentations at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Virginia during his away rotations in neurosurgery.

From left, Ursula Hummel, PA-C; Danner Butler;

Garrett Dyess; and Jai Deep Thakur, M.D. 

Ursula Hummel, PA-C, a physician assistant in the neurosurgery department at USA Health, was one of the very few advanced-practice providers at the NASBS meeting contributing to academic skull base neurosurgery. In addition to contributing to the aforementioned research, she is leading a study highlighting “The Value of Advanced Practice Providers in Fostering the Development of Elective Early Academic Skull Base Practice without Residents/Fellows in a Tertiary Academic Center.” 

“Ursula continues to evolve as a 'triple threat' in the APP world, where she has demonstrated her commitment in clinical work, teaching and contribution to academic neurosurgery,” Thakur said.

Additionally, Thakur was invited to moderate a video session on endoscopic skull base and reconstruction along with a peer from the University of California, Irvine.

Surgical Neurology International: “Endoscope-assisted supraorbital approach for excision of tuberculum sella meningioma: Technical nuances” 

Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons: “Supraorbital keyhole approaches in the first 3 years of practice: Outcomes and lessons learned” 

Journal of Neurological Surgery Skull Base: “Careers in Skull Base and Open Cerebrovascular Surgery: Factors Associated with Academic Job Placement”

Ph.D. candidate wins first place at 3MT competition with dementia research presentation

Evan-Angelo Butlig, second from left, won top awards at the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. His fellow lab members Nairuti Bhatt, Samantha Chaney and Allison Bauman showed their support.

In just 180 seconds, Evan-Angelo Butlig, a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, effectively explained his research on dementia to a wide-ranging audience. His compelling talk took top awards at the 2024 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, hosted by the University of South Alabama Graduate School on Oct. 9. 

Butlig, who conducts research in the lab of Amy R. Nelson, Ph.D., an associate professor of physiology and cell biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, won both the first-place prize of $2,000 and the People’s Choice Award, worth an additional $1,000, for his research presentation titled “Breathing New Life into Dementia Research: How Pneumonia Could Spark a Dementia Crisis.”

In his presentation, Butlig explained a potential answer to a critical question: Why are pneumonia patients at a higher risk of developing dementia? His research delves into the role of a protein called tau, which normally stabilizes cells in the lungs and brain. However, in pneumonia patients, these tau proteins can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, where they target the hippocampus — a region crucial for memory and learning.

Using advanced techniques, Butlig grew human brain organoids, mini versions of the human brain, to study the effects of tau proteins on neuronal activity. His findings revealed that tau from pneumonia patients caused neurons in these organoids to become hyperactive and exhibit a hypersynchronous pattern, offering groundbreaking insights into the connection between pneumonia and dementia.

“I think the research I’m doing is so important because there are relatively few groups studying how infection leads to cognitive dysfunction, especially in a preclinical human model,” he said. “Dementia really is a devastating disease that is becoming more and more prevalent, so the more we know about the risks of developing dementia, the more we’re able to prevent it.” 

This achievement not only highlights Butlig’s communication skills but also underscores the real-world impact of his work, inspired by his own grandfather’s battle with dementia following pneumonia. 

“It was a challenge to present my research in under three minutes to a broad audience, as I’m used to explaining my findings to experts in my field,” he said. “Public speaking has always been one of my biggest obstacles, so to have won a competition where the goal is to share my research in a way that the general public can understand reassures me that my practice and dedication pays off.” 

“It also means a lot to me that so many of my friends showed up to support me. It definitely made me feel more at ease when standing in front of a big audience,” he added. 

As one of the top two competitors, Butlig was invited to present at the University of South Alabama Research and Technology Showcase later this month. His first-place win also qualifies him to represent the University of South Alabama at the regional Conference of Southern Graduate Schools (CSGS) 3MT competition in Dallas, Texas, in March 2025.