Fleck inaugurated as first female president of AUA's Southeastern Section

Lorie Fleck, M.D.

Lorie Fleck, M.D., a board-certified urologist at USA Health University Urology, continues to blaze a trail for women in the field of urology. She recently was inaugurated as the first female president of the Southeastern Section of the American Urological Association (AUA) at the group’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas.

“It’s a great honor. It’s an overwhelming responsibility, but I believe I am up to the task,” said Fleck, who is an associate professor of urology and an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Whiddon College of Medicine. She also is director of the Urology Residency Program at USA Health. “I’m excited to be the first female president of the section.”

The Southeastern Section is the largest of the association’s eight geographic regions, comprising almost 2,100 urologists practicing in nine Southeastern states, Panama, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Urology is a field long dominated by male physicians, but that trend is changing. In 2014, women accounted for 7.7% of all practicing urologists in the U.S., but by 2023, the percentage had grown to 11.6%. As more women enter the field, they also are moving into leadership positions.

Fleck is inaugurated as AUA's Southeastern

Section president.

Fleck said she looks forward to her new role. As president, she will attend state urology meetings throughout the Southeastern Section and update members on the section’s efforts to improve patient care and physician outreach. In addition, she is responsible for organizing the section’s next annual meeting, scheduled for March 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1992, Fleck became the first female urology resident at the Medical College of Georgia, where she also earned her medical degree. She said she was drawn to urology because of the practice’s wide range of opportunities – a blend of patient visits, office procedures and surgeries. Fleck says one of her favorite roles is mentoring medical students and residents.

In 2014, she became one of the first two urologists in the Mobile area to earn subspecialty board certification in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

“There have been those who felt that urology was a ‘man’s world,’ and that I would never have many patients or be able to build a successful practice,” she said during Women’s History Month in 2023. “But there were many others who have served as mentors and encouraged me throughout the years. I have found that when you give your best, your time, your ability and try to remain kind and caring, then anyone can build a successful practice, even if you are in the minority.”

Faculty and staff pilot pre-course meeting to improve student learning

A course for first-year medical students, shown at their

orientation in fall 2023, served as the pilot course for the 

pre-module meeting and process.

Taking an innovative approach to medical education, faculty and staff at the Whiddon College of Medicine piloted an integrated pre-module meeting and process for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Led by the Division of Medical Education and the Office of Accreditation and Planning, the meeting brought together stakeholders in a single course to discuss what instructors need to optimize their approach, and what support students need to optimize their learning. The intent was to create a collaborative, unified discussion that focused on improving student learning. The Cardiovascular System course for first-year students served as the pilot for the pre-module meeting and process. 

“This approach helps faculty tell the magic of what they do in the classroom,” said David Williams, Ph.D., M.P.A., assistant dean for institutional and academic success. “It takes us out of collecting data on XYZ objective and ‘students performed well.’ We want to see that, but behind that is: what learning is happening for our future physicians?”

Held three to four weeks before the start of the course, the meeting intentionally mirrored health system models for quality improvement, in which seeking improvement is not seen as blaming. A case study on the pre-course meeting by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) noted: “An important outcome of using a systems and quality improvement lens was how it changed the dynamic between course directors/instructors and learning and curriculum leaders. There was an intentional movement away from edicts or checklists around how the module should be taught, and towards a collaborative approach focused on ensuring instructors and students have the support they need.”

Meeting participants agreed that sitting together, in person, allowed them to focus on their questions, needs and solutions, with minimal distractions. This enabled participants to engage in robust discussions that have continued beyond the meeting.

“This process has given us more lead time to consider how much of this can we proactively address or plan around,” said T.J. Hundley, M.D., associate dean for medical education. 

Following this successful pilot, the approach will be expanded to additional courses in coming years, with the goal of holding pre-module meetings for all courses.

AAMC recently highlighted the initiative in its Holistic Student Support Community. Read the full case study. 

Menger named to Becker’s National Emerging Leaders in Healthcare list

Richard Menger, M.D., M.P.A.

Richard Menger, M.D., M.P.A., a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon who serves as chief of complex spine surgery and the vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at USA Health, was recently named to the Becker’s Hospital Review Emerging Leaders in Healthcare list.  

The list honors leaders who are 40 years old or younger for their commitment to optimizing healthcare, according to information from Becker’s. “The leaders featured on this list are pushing their organizations not only to survive but thrive. They are key players who are shaping the future of healthcare proactively, rather than simply reacting to the ever-changing industry.” 

Menger, also an associate professor of neurosurgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine and an assistant professor of political science at the university, helped build USA Health’s complex spine program including implementing best practice guidelines and clinical pathways of care.  

"This is a national list for all healthcare providers so it's an honor to be recognized outside of the neurosurgery and spine lane,” he said. “It's a testament to what the entire group has accomplished here at USA Health with clinical pathway development, research publication, and tracking objective outcomes in complex surgeries.” 

Menger specializes in complex spinal reconstructions for spinal deformity in children and adults. His research is in both spine and health policy.  He is a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve currently serving with the Seabees.  

“Becker’s is well-read nationally by both hospital leaders and clinicians,” he said. “It’s awesome to be recognized and help push the USA Health brand across a broader spectrum.” 

Menger is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), the Council of State Neurological Societies, the North American Spine Society (NASS), and a candidate member of the Scoliosis Research Society. 

He was selected for the NASS Spinal Deformity Committee and the AANS/CNS Joint Guidelines Committee responsible for reviewing and creating the guidelines used by other neurosurgeons. He recently received the Samuel Hassenbusch Young Neurosurgeon Award from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) for the second consecutive year. 

“These up-and-coming leaders are quickly rising through the ranks at their organizations, focusing on development, innovation, and improved outcomes,” Becker’s said. “They are part of the next generation of healthcare leaders, and they are determined to make their mark on the healthcare industry.”   

Obiaka appointed director of Pediatric Echocardiography Lab

Uzoma Obiaka, M.D., M.P.H.

Uzoma Obiaka, M.D., M.P.H., a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, has been named director of the Pediatric Echo Lab at USA Health Pediatric Cardiology. 

Located in USA Health’s Strada Patient Care Center in Midtown Mobile, it is the only fetal echo lab in the state accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in fetal echocardiography. 

“Knowing the critical importance of pediatric echocardiography in the care and well-being of our youngest patients, it is with great honor that I take on this responsibility,” said Obiaka, who is also an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “I am committed to advancing the field of pediatric echocardiography, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and improving outcomes for our patients. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of pediatric cardiology, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care.” 

Obiaka examines a pediatric patient.

Echocardiography is a noninvasive ultrasound study often used to evaluate heart structure and function. Each year, more than 35,000 infants in the United States are born with congenital heart defects making it the most common type of birth defect. Unfortunately, congenital heart defects cause more deaths during the first year of life than any other birth defect. 

“We are delighted Dr. Obiaka is taking on this new role,” said Lynn A. Batten, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at USA Health. “Since joining USA Health, she has worked tirelessly to deliver the highest quality of cardiovascular care for children.” 

Obiaka earned a medical degree from the University of Nigeria in Nsukka and a master's in public health from Southern Connecticut State University, in New Haven, Connecticut. She completed a pediatric residency at BronxCare Health System in the Bronx, N.Y., and a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, NY. 

Obiaka said she is honored to work alongside a dedicated staff in the pediatric echo lab. “Their commitment to excellence, compassionate care, and pursuit of knowledge are the pillars upon which our success rests,” she noted. “Together, we form a formidable team poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.” 

USA to raise sickle cell disease awareness at ArtWalk

The Johnson Haynes Jr., M.D., Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center and the Whiddon College of Medicine’s Wellness Council are joining forces to raise awareness about sickle cell disease this Friday, April 12, at ArtWalk in downtown Mobile. 

The TriSickle for Sickle Cell event will offer information to the community about the work of the center in the diagnosis, management and treatment of sickle cell disease, including its Pediatric to Adult Care Transition (PACT) program that encourages continuity of care.

ArtWalk is 6 to 9 p.m. in the Lower Dauphin (LoDa) Arts District. 

Participants complete Medical Education Research Certificate Program

Twenty-six faculty and staff are completing the 2024 Medical Education Research Certificate Program.

Throughout this academic year, colleagues from the Whiddon College of Medicine and the Covey College of Allied Health Professions have been participating in the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Medical Education Research Certificate (MERC) Program.  

The purpose of this program is 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.

Participants in the 2024 MERC Program are:

• 
  Amanda Arnold, M.S., RDN
• Judy Blair-Elortegui, M.D.
• Amber Bokhari, M.D.
• Greg Brower, D.V.M., Ph.D.
• Shannon Brown
• Russ Cantrell, MSCIS, M.B.A.
• Sharrie Cranford, M.S., LICSW
• Haidee Custodio, M.D.
• Ben Estrada, M.D.
• Anna Foust, M.D.
• Tiquera Hall, M.P.A.
• Grace Hundley, M.D.
• T.J. Hundley, M.D.
• Jeremy Kersey, P.A.
• Frank Lucas
• Preethi Marri, M.D.
• LoRen Modisa, M.P.A.
• Dunya Mohammad, M.D.
• Binata Mukherjee, M.D., M.B.A.
• Uzoma Obiaka, M.D., M.P.H.
• Melody Petty, M.D.
• Melisa Pierce, M.P.A.
• Laventrice Ridgeway, Ed.D.
• Peter Rippey, M.D.
• David Weber, Ph.D.
• David Williams, Ph.D., M.P.A.
• Emily Wilson, Ph.D.

Faculty and staff are invited to the Medical Education Symposium and MERC Completion Celebration on May 16. It will be held at 650 Clinic Drive, Suite 1100 on campus from noon to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Amanda Arnold at akarnold@southalabama.edu.

Pathology faculty and residents present at USCAP annual meeting

From left, Jawaria Rahman, M.D., pathology resident; Scott Doyle, Ph.D., Rahman's mentor and associate professor of pathology at the University at Buffalo; Margaret Brandwein-Weber, M.D., Rahman's mentor and pathology chair at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D., chair of pathology at the Whiddon COM; and Elba Turbat-Herrera, M.D., professor of pathology at the Whiddon COM, convene in front of Rahman's poster at the USCAP annual meeting.

Guillermo Herrera, M.D., professor and chair of pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, recently presented to an international audience at the 113th annual meeting of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) in Baltimore, Maryland. The meeting was attended by more than 5,500 attendees.

His lecture was titled “Fibril-forming Organelles in Mesangial Cells in the Kidney: The Machinery that Produces Fibrils in Amyloidosis.” The presentation highlighted a new finding in renal biopsies and summarized Herrera's research dealing with the pathogenesis of AL-amyloidogenesis. AL amyloidosis is the abnormal accumulation of light chain proteins in the body. This amyloid buildup in organs such as the heart, kidneys or liver can cause them not to function properly.

Other pathology faculty members on the research team included Elba Turbat-Herrera, M.D.; Jiamin Teng, M.D.; and Luis del Pozo-Yauner, M.D., Ph.D. The presentation was attended by numerous renal pathologists, nephrologists and trainees. 

Other presentations at the USCAP meeting included three posters from Whiddon College of Medicine faculty and residents: 

• “Increased SMAD4 Genomic Alterations and Downregulated Protein Expression Driving Aggressiveness among Young Colorectal Cancer Patients”
  Authors from USA: Lingling Xian, M.D., Ph.D., pathology resident; Wei Xin, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pathology
• “Higher Incidence of SMAD4 Genomic Alterations in Young Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Patients with KRAS Mutation and Implications of Aggressive Phenotype”
  Authors from USA: Lingling Xian, M.D., Ph.D., pathology resident; Wei Xin, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pathology
• “Creating and Validating an AI Pipeline to Recognize Tall Cell Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma”
  Author from USA: Jawaria Rahman, M.D., pathology resident 

The United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology is dedicated to creating a better pathologist. It accomplishes this through its mission to provide the ultimate in continuing medical education and translational research to improve practices and patient outcomes globally. Learn more about USCAP.

OB/GYN Interest Group hosts annual feminine hygiene products donation drive

Members of the OB/GYN Interest Group deliver menstrual supplies to McKemie Place.

One in 4 women in the United States faces challenges accessing menstrual products. The Whiddon College of Medicine's OB/GYN Interest Group decided to take action at the local level. 

Led by medical students AK Porter and Grace Chaffin, the interest group recently hosted a successful feminine hygiene products donation drive aimed at supporting underserved women in the Mobile area. 

The group collected an array of donations, including pads, tampons, sanitary wipes, underwear/diapers, and menstrual cups. These much-needed supplies were distributed to Flourish, a nonprofit empowering teen girls in Baldwin County, and McKemie Place, a local women’s shelter in Mobile.

Porter and Chaffin also organized informative workshops, providing a platform to discuss essential topics such as menstruation, menopause, preventative health, and mental health. 

“The OB/GYN Interest Group’s annual feminine hygiene products drive and education sessions are my favorite events of the year,” said Porter, who serves as the interest group's community service chair. “Witnessing the women’s enthusiasm to learn more about women’s health is incredibly inspiring, and we hope our efforts met the needs of the women at McKemie Place and Flourish. It is truly an honor to be part of an organization advocating for and aiding women.”