The next Walk with a Doc is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10. For more information, visit the Walk with a Doc webpage.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Walk with a Doc to focus on melanoma
Herrera invited to speak at international onconephrology symposium
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| Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D. |
He was invited to give a lecture at the first International Onconephrology Symposium held Nov. 19–20 in Mexico City. His presentation was titled “Identification of Paraproteins (Monoclonal Proteins) in Tissues: Techniques.”
The lecture was attended by more than 100 nephrologists, oncologists and pathologists, reflecting strong interest and international collaboration across specialties dedicated to improving patient outcomes in onconephrology.
Onconephrology is a specialized field in kidney medicine (nephrology) focusing on managing kidney problems in cancer patients, addressing complications from cancer itself, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and potential kidney injury during treatment. Onconephrologists work closely with oncologists to help patients preserve kidney health while undergoing cancer treatment.
Herrera earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan. He completed his residency training in anatomic and clinical pathology at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He is certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic and clinical pathology and cytopathology.
Pathology residents present case studies at national dermatopathology meeting
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| Katrina Jiang, M.D., presented two posters and delivered an oral presentation at the meeting. |
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| Katrina Jiang, M.D. |
Katrina Jiang, M.D., a first-year resident, delivered an oral presentation titled “Two Cases of Electron Microscopy-Proven SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Presenting as Subcutaneous Masses.”
Jiang also presented two posters at the conference: “Desmoplastic Melanoma with Loss of SOX10 and S100 Expression and p63 Positivity: A Rare Diagnostic Pitfall” and “An Unusual Presentation of Delayed Psoriasis Years After PD-1 Checkpoint Inhibitor Discontinuation.”
Ardenne Martin, M.D., a second-year resident, gave an oral presentation titled “Protein Kinase C Fused Melanocytoma with Sentinel Lymph Node Involvement in a Young Male.” |
| Ardenne Martin, M.D. |
Dermatopathologists are physicians who, after completing their training in either dermatology or pathology, pursued additional training in accredited programs for the interpretation of skin biopsies. These physicians integrate the clinical information with microscopic observations of the biopsy from the patient to provide diagnostic information to the treating physician.
The mission of the ASDP is to improve patient care, support member needs, and advance the field of dermatopathology through education, advocacy and innovation.
EDGE session strengthens skills for communication and crucial conversations
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Gracie Overstreet, MBA; Christina Murphree, and Alicia Jones, MBA |
The group explored a practical Communication Toolbox, including active listening, clarity and conciseness, empathy, constructive feedback, conflict resolution, and nonverbal awareness, skills that help prevent misunderstandings and create space for genuine connection.
A key part of the session introduced four communication styles — Driver, Analyzer, Expressive and Agreeable — and highlighted how understanding these differences can transform team dynamics. Participants reflected on how their own style influences their interactions and how adapting to others’ needs can reduce tension, strengthen rapport, and support more productive conversations.
Through guided discussion and real-world examples, the session emphasized that difficult conversations don’t have to be avoided; they can be navigated with confidence, care, and intention. Participants shared insights about staying present, listening without judgment, and giving feedback that is both honest and respectful.
Session 2 underscored a core EDGE message: leadership begins with how we communicate. By practicing intentional communication, participants are building the trust, emotional intelligence, and resilience that allow them to lead from any role.
Whiddon COM showcased nationally at the Assessment Institute
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| Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA |
The session shared key findings from the EDGE for Success program, an initiative created within the Whiddon COM to address a clear gap in professional development. Traditional models often overlook non-supervisory professionals, despite their essential role in communication, collaboration, and student support. EDGE was designed to meet that need by pairing structured skill-building with mentorship, reflection, and facilitation practice.
The research demonstrated measurable gains in leadership confidence, resilience, and general self-efficacy, reinforcing the idea that leadership can be cultivated at every level of an institution. “We identified a gap in professional development and created EDGE to address it,” Pierce sad. “It has been incredibly well received, and the data shows how meaningful it has been for both mentees and mentors.”
The presentation also connected EDGE to broader institutional priorities. The program reflects the University of South Alabama’s Strategic Plan, particularly its emphasis on student success, high-impact practices, and a supportive professional culture. Within the Whiddon COM Strategic Plan, EDGE directly supports goals related to staff and faculty success, educational excellence, and fostering a collaborative academic environment.
Presenting this work on a national stage allowed the Whiddon COM to share a scalable model for workforce development while highlighting the College’s commitment to continuous improvement, inclusive leadership, and investing in people. The EDGE Effect continues to demonstrate how intentional development, supported by strong mentorship and reflective practice, can elevate both individual growth and institutional effectiveness.
Faculty, residents and alumni provide lifesaving care in the Dominican Republic
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| The group of volunteers provided essential medical care to underserved populations on the island. |
During a weeklong mission in La Romana, Dominican Republic, faculty, residents and alumni from the Whiddon College of Medicine joined colleagues from across North America to deliver essential medical care to some of the region’s most vulnerable populations.
CCMH is a multidisciplinary, international coalition dedicated to caring for underserved populations on the island. Their longstanding mission focuses on providing care for Haitian sugar cane workers living in remote settlements known as bateys, as well as individuals in local jails and prisons. For many patients, the clinics provided by CCMH represent their only opportunity to receive medical attention.
“I had an unforgettable experience on the medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic,” Oladunjoye said. “Providing health care for individuals in the rural bateys, underserved communities and local prisons deepened my purpose as a physician. I am grateful for every moment of compassion, connection and healing.”
The group, Cross Cultural Medicine on Hispaniola (CCMH), worked side-by-side in farming villages and correctional facilities, bringing critical medical services to individuals who rarely, if ever, have access to healthcare.
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Tosin Oladunjoye, M.D.; Grace Lagasse, M.D.; and Jashen Bailey, D.O. |
Over the course of the week, the team treated approximately 1,200 patients through mobile clinics in the bateys and onsite care inside correctional facilities. They managed a wide spectrum of acute and chronic conditions and provided essential dental services, including extractions. Each encounter reflected the mission’s commitment to compassionate, reliable care.
Grace Lagasse, M.D., an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Whiddon COM, was among the participants this year. She emphasized the importance of reaching communities that are otherwise excluded from basic services. “By continuing these batey clinics, which now expand beyond bateys to reach even more Haitians living in the eastern Dominican Republic,” she said, “basic medical care will continue to be delivered to this highly at-risk population, who is otherwise denied access to quality care.”
Residents also played a key role in the effort. Second-year emergency medicine residents Tosin Oladunjoye, M.D., and Jashen Bailey, D.O., joined the mission to help staff clinics and provide direct patient care.
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| Patrick Nolan, M.D. |
“This trip was one of the best experiences I’ve had in residency,” Bailey said. “I spent the week alongside physicians from multiple specialties; each bringing unique experiences and years of wisdom to serve and encourage others. Together, we cared for patients who continually expressed their gratitude simply for being seen, heard, and cared for. I hope I can be a part of this trip again in the future.”
Several Whiddon College of Medicine alumni from the Class of 1981 contributed their expertise as well, including general surgeon Robert Chagrasulis, M.D., who helped organize the trip; infectious disease physician Patrick Nolan, M.D.; interventional radiologist Kyran Dowling, M.D.; and obstetrician-gynecologist Thomas Miller, M.D. Internal medicine physicians Alan Shain, M.D., who completed his residency at USA Health, and Desiree Soter-Pearsall, M.D., a former faculty member, also volunteered.
CCMH’s service effort began in the late 1990s and has been sustained by volunteers ever since, with only a brief pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whiddon COM faculty began participating in 2022, and residents joined the mission in 2024, strengthening a partnership that continues to expand its reach and impact across Hispaniola.
Graduate student presents research at regional microbiology conference
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| Oluwagbenro Adesunloro |
By Casandra Andrews
Oluwagbenro Adesunloro, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, recently presented his research at the Southeastern Branch of the American Society for Microbiology (SEB-ASM) conference in Athens, Georgia.
Adesunloro, a member of the Shea Lab, delivered an oral presentation on the role of amyloid beta during urinary tract infection. “The conference was a wonderful experience that provided an opportunity to connect with colleagues from other institutions and discuss my research,” he said.
Amyloid beta is a small protein best known for its link to Alzheimer’s disease, where it builds up in the brain. But new research, including work from USA collaborator Jonathan Audia, Ph.D., in sepsis, suggests that it might also play a role in the body’s natural immune defense, said Allyson E. Shea, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology. “With Olu’s project, we are exploring this idea for the first time in urinary tract infections.”
When bacteria invade, the immune system fights back, and some evidence shows that amyloid beta can act like an antimicrobial peptide — it can trap or damage bacteria and may even help signal other immune responses. The tricky part, notes Shea, “is that while this might help control infection, too much amyloid beta can also cause inflammation and tissue damage. Our goal is to understand when it helps and when it hurts.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Adesunloro was honored with a travel award in recognition of his contributions to the conference.
“Olu did an outstanding job presenting this work,” Shea said. “His oral presentation was clear, confident, and engaging, which is likely why he was recognized with a travel award for his performance. He represented both our lab and the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program exceptionally well, as a Dean’s Fellowship recipient. His professionalism and enthusiasm reflect the strength of our training environment and the promise of his future as a scientist.”
The Southeastern Branch of the American Society for Microbiology is a regional division of the ASM representing microbiologists across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The branch promotes and advances microbial sciences through education, research, and collaboration among scientists, educators and students.
Whiddon COM launches newsletter focused on continuous quality improvement
This newsletter is part of our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the college. Each issue will highlight the work happening behind the scenes to strengthen our educational programs and support our strategic goals.
Look for:
- Students asked, we acted
- Project updates from across the Whiddon COM
- Strategic plan progress
- Insight to impact – how your feedback drives change
- What’s next – and how you can get involved
Read the first issue here: www.southalabama.edu/colleges/com/administration/resources/cqi-quarterly-vol1.pdf
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
PALs make an impact through peer-led academic support
At the Whiddon College of Medicine, peer support plays a crucial role in student success. Each year, a select group of motivated and academically successful second-, third-, and fourth-year medical students serve as Peer Academic Leaders (PALs), helping strengthen the college’s culture of shared learning.
PALs are an integral part of the Academic Success team and play a vital role in fostering an inclusive, collaborative learning environment. Through individualized guidance, group sessions, and structured academic programming, they help fellow students navigate the academic demands of medical school and build the skills necessary for long-term success.
“Our Peer Academic Leaders are an essential part of our Academic Success efforts,” said Angie O’Neal, M.Ed., director of learning support services, who oversees the PAL program. “They create a supportive, collaborative environment where students can strengthen their skills, build confidence, and learn from peers who truly understand the challenges of medical training. Their commitment to helping others succeed is one of the things that makes our learning community so strong.”
Throughout the year, PALs design and lead a wide range of academic support opportunities, including content review, question-based coaching, peer-to-peer case learning, study sessions, and exam preparation workshops. Their support extends to Step 1 and Step 2 preparation and other critical milestones, ensuring that students at every stage of training have access to timely and relevant academic guidance.
To prepare for this role, all Peer Academic Leaders complete training at the start of the academic year and participate in monthly professional development focused on evidence-based learning strategies, effective communication, and peer support. This ongoing training not only enhances the quality of support they provide but also builds valuable skills in leadership and medical education that will benefit them in their future careers as physicians.
David Williams, Ph.D., MPA, assistant dean for institutional and academic success, said the program reflects the college’s commitment to shared learning and mutual support. “Our Peer Academic Leaders exemplify the spirit of mentorship and collaboration that we value in our medical education program,” he said. “Their dedication to supporting their classmates not only strengthens academic performance but also reinforces a culture of shared success. I am proud of the impact they make and the leadership they demonstrate.”
Pathology fellow earns inaugural BCRFA Catalyst Award for promising breast cancer research
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| Prabhat Suman, Ph.D., right, with his mentor, Debanjan Chakroborty, Ph.D., is investigating mechanisms that drive tumor growth. |
A researcher at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute was recognized for his early-career potential with a new honor from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA).
Prabhat Suman, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in pathology, has been selected as a recipient of the inaugural BCRFA Catalyst Award, a $25,000 grant to support early investigators pursuing innovative breast cancer studies.
For Suman, who has spent the past three years investigating mechanisms that drive tumor growth, the award represents both validation and momentum.
“As a researcher, getting the BCRFA Catalyst Award means a lot to me,” he said. “Not only does it help me pursue new ideas, but it also gives me the confidence that I am on the right track with my work. This award will let me get the early results I need to strengthen my research and lay a solid groundwork for future grant applications. I am grateful for the opportunity.”
The project funded by the Catalyst Award will allow Suman to explore how WNT7b, a signaling protein, affects tumor growth. By generating preliminary data, the research team hopes to determine whether reducing WNT7b activity can slow or stop the spread of breast cancer cells.
“Understanding the mechanism of action of this protein could lead to the development of novel treatments, thereby improving disease prognosis,” Suman explained. “The results will help to secure larger grants and more advanced studies.”
His mentor, Debanjan Chakroborty, Ph.D., an assistant professor of pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine and a cancer researcher at MCI, said the recognition comes at a pivotal moment in Suman’s career.
“As a mentor, I would like to say that this is a phenomenal achievement,” Chakroborty said. “Dr. Suman has been working with me for three years now, and I have witnessed his rapid growth as a researcher. The award will not only provide financial support but also boost his confidence in his research endeavors. He is an excellent researcher, and this award will undoubtedly strengthen his trajectory and contribute to future success. I look forward to seeing the outcome of this innovative study.”
Suman credits Chakroborty’s mentorship as a key part of his development. “I am thankful to my mentor, Dr. Debanjan Chakroborty, for his unwavering support and encouragement. His guidance has been vital in my growth as a researcher,” he said.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has invested more than $17 million in Alabama-based breast cancer research since 1996.
Monday, December 8, 2025
Apply now for Educator's Compass faculty development program
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Through interactive workshops, peer learning, and practical application, participants explore evidence-based strategies to enhance learner engagement and instructional effectiveness. This program is ideal for faculty who are passionate about teaching and demonstrate promise as future educational leaders.
Program Details
- Cohort: Spring 2026
- Schedule: Every other Wednesday, Jan. 14 – May 6, 2026
- Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
- Format: Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual sessions)
- Who should apply: Module directors, clerkship directors, program directors, associate directors, and other faculty members interested in advancing their teaching skills
- How to apply: https://forms.gle/rHu452FMchNzd66h7
Space is limited, so early application is encouraged. Contact Amanda Arnold at akarnold@southalabama.edu with any questions about the program.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
USA Health residents and fellows present multiple posters at annual GI meeting
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| Omsai Meka, M.D.; Lauren Healey, D.O.; Adriana Reyes, M.D.; Shausha Farooq, M.D.; Will Basegoda, M.D.; and Will Gannaway. |
Eleven residents and fellows presented 15 posters over the three-day event. Fellows Hunter Dickson, D.O, and William Dungan, M.D., and internal medicine resident Rida Ahmad, MBBS, won ACG Presidential Poster Awards.
“Representing USA Health at ACG along with my colleagues was an incredible experience,” said Omsai Meka, M.D., a second-year internal medicine resident. “I presented on a potential adverse effect of a biologic medication that we use regularly for IBD treatment as it is important to bring awareness of these effects. It was wonderful to see and learn about new advances in GI while connecting with new colleagues.”
The residents and fellows who presented posters included:
- Dickson, who presented posters titled “New Onset Crohn’s Disease Following Secukinumab Therapy for Hidradenitis Suppurativa” (ACG Presidential Poster Award) and “A Rare Case of Gastric Myeloid Sarcoma in Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia”
- Dungan, who presented a poster titled “Coilodocholithiasis: ERCP Management of Biliary Obstruction from Gastroduodenal Artery Coil Migration” (ACG Presidential Poster Award)
- Cesar Moreno, M.D., a gastroenterology fellow, who presented a poster titled “Crohn’s Disease Unmasked by Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome”
- Robert Ousley, M.D., a gastroenterology fellow, who presented a poster titled “Complications of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: A Case Highlighting Late Sequelae”
- Jessica Woodham, D.O., a gastroenterology fellow, who presented a poster titled “Immune-Mediated Colitis with Visible Endoscopic Changes and Lymphocytic Histologic Changes: A Diagnostic Conundrum”
- Ahmad, a second-year internal medicine resident, who was not able to attend, but her poster “Diabetic Ketoacidosis Complicated by Esophageal Perforation: A Case Report of Black Esophagus” was presented by a GI fellow in attendance
- Shausha Farooq, M.D., a third-year internal medicine resident, who presented “Aseptic Abscess Syndrome Causing Repeat Liver Abscess in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis”
- Lauren Healey, D.O, a third-year internal medicine resident, who presented posters titled “A Rare Case of CMV Presenting as an Ampullary Mass and Cholangitis in an Immunocompetent Patient” and “When Pancreatic Cyst Rupture Leads to Cytokine Storm: A Case of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis”
- Adriana Reyes, M.D., a third-year internal medicine resident, who presented a poster titled “When the Right Side Goes Wrong: An Atypical Presentation of Isolated Right-Sided Colonic Ischemia in an Elderly Patient”
- Will Basegoda, M.D., a second-year internal medicine resident, who presented posters titled “Annular Pancreas Unveiled: An Incidental Finding in Alcoholic Pancreatitis” and “An Unusual Presentation of Obstructive Jaundice Due to Primary Hepatic Lymphoma”
- Comfort Jack, M.D., a second-year internal medicine resident, who presented a poster titled “IgG4-Related Hepatobiliary Disease Presenting as Biliary Stricture and Hepatic Mass: A Delayed Diagnosis”
- Meka, who presented a poster titled “Metastatic Primary Ovarian Melanoma Following TNF-α Inhibitor Use for Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease”
These residents and fellows were joined at the national meeting by Preston Sonnier, M.D., a gastroenterologist at USA Health, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, and director of the Section of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
“It was an honor to represent South Alabama at ACG, where I had the opportunity to present my posters, connect with people from across the country, and even reconnect with familiar faces,” Basegoda said. “The experience was unique and inspiring.”
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Art of Medicine showcases creativity across Whiddon College of Medicine
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| Students showcased their artistic talents at the fourth annual event. |
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| Caleb Phillips performed a piano solo. |
Waleed Saoud, Wellness Council president, and Tessa Allen, vice president, expressed their gratitude to all the artists who participated this year.
“It was because of their hard work and dedication that we were able to host an event with such high energy and enthusiasm for the fusion between the humanities and medicine,” they said. “We hope to continue to expand on this event and look forward to seeing even more amazing contributions at Art of Medicine 2026.”
Whiddon COM staff present on success of novel resiliency programming
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| LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, and Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA |
Their presentation detailed early success of a novel resiliency program adapted from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This program is specifically designed to enhance student well-being and academic persistence through structured training tailored for pre-medical, medical, and Ph.D. students at the college. The initiative, housed within the Office of Health Advancement, integrates evidence-based strategies to equip learners with essential skills for managing stress, maintaining motivation, and navigating the intense demands of rigorous academic life.
The program's crucial, and often missing, elements address topics vital for success in medicine, including:
- Imposter syndrome
- Feedback resilience and mentorship
- Establishing personal and professional boundaries
- Identifying cognitive distortions
- Developing professional identity
The programming was initially introduced to Whiddon COM Ph.D. students. Since then, it has begun phased implementation within the college's pre-matriculation pathway programs and medical bridge programs, such as PRE-Path and Rx for Success. Early results indicate strong student engagement and a positive impact on both academic and personal development.
Moving forward, Modisa and Hall plan to formalize their resiliency programming framework, continue data collection with the pre-medical undergraduates in the pathway programs, and expand session offerings to a wider audience of medical and Ph.D. students. This research and programming underscores Whiddon College of Medicine’s commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment and advancing holistic, student-centered approaches to medical education.
Monday, December 1, 2025
Whiddon COM shares ILP innovations at national meeting on medical education
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| Kristy Motte, Ed.D.; Kay Lynn Ceja, Ph.D.; and Angie O'Neal, M.Ed., present at the Association of Medical Education Learning Specialists annual meeting. |
O’Neal co-presented the 60-minute session, “Bridging the Gap: Integrating Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) into Everyday Best Practices,” alongside Kristy Motte, Ed.D., instructional assistant professor and director of academic success at Texas A&M University, and Kay Lynn Ceja, Ph.D., senior director of learning skills at Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine.
O’Neal shared the evolution of the Whiddon COM’s ILP program, which she was hired to establish in August 2023. Since then, medical students in all four years have been creating and utilizing individual learning plans.
“Individual learning plans are vital in medical education because they help students take ownership of their development,” O’Neal said. “By identifying their own areas for improvement — using reflection on competencies and the feedback they've received — and creating intentional steps for growth, students build the reflective habits they’ll depend on throughout residency and beyond. Believing in the power of this process, I joined with two remarkable colleagues to share our work with fellow learning specialists, hoping to inspire others to bring ILPs back to their institutions.”
O’Neal also presented two visuals highlighting the Whiddon COM’s ILP program: a timeline of the program’s implementation (below) and a student timeline showing how ILPs are introduced and revisited throughout all four years of medical school (above).
Annual Care Closet clothing and shoe donation drive begins Dec. 4
Make a meaningful difference in our patients’ lives by donating new or gently used clothing and shoes (for adults and children) from Thursday, Dec. 4 through Wednesday, Dec. 10 at these designated drop-off points: internal medicine seventh-floor lounge at UH; the Mastin second-floor medical student office; and outside the Moorer Building.
Please place donations in multiple small white kitchen garbage bags. The UH Care Closet team will process donations.
Email carecloset@health.southalabama.edu or reach out to any contacts listed on the flyer with direct donation pickup requests or any questions.
Medical students bring fresh perspective to Peer Helper Jubilee
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| Chris Novellino, Hannah Hill and Paras Ahuja |
Three medical students from the Whiddon College of Medicine's Peer Emotional and Educational Resilience Support (PEERS) program delivered a standout presentation at this year's Peer Helper Jubilee. Hosted by the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation, the annual event brought more than 750 middle school and high school peer helpers from across Baldwin County to Orange Beach in early November.
In their session, “From the Field to the Hallway: Who’s Got Your Back,” fourth-year student Hannah Hill, third-year student Paras Ahuja, and second-year student Chris Novellino explored the often-overlooked distinctions — and complementary strengths — of mentors and peer supporters in a student’s academic and personal journey.
The students drew from their own experiences navigating high-pressure academic environments and being a peer supporter. They opened by highlighting a core idea: Mentors and peer supporters are both essential, but they play fundamentally different roles.
“Mentors,” Hill explained, “provide experienced, long-term guidance. They see the big picture and help students make strategic decisions about academics, career pathways, and long-term goals. They help students zoom out.”
Novellino added, “Peer supporters, on the other hand, are the ones in the trenches with you — the classmates, teammates, and friends who understand real-time struggles because they’re living the same ones. They offer immediacy, empathy, and relatability. They help students zoom in.”
The session emphasized that students thrive when they have both: mentors who’ve walked the path before them, and peers who walk beside them.
Throughout the presentation, the medical students encouraged attendees to intentionally seek out and strengthen both types of relationships. They spoke on how to:
- Leverage mentors for academic and career planning
- Navigate social pressures and identity with the support of trusted peers
- Set personal goals and find supporters who invest selflessly
The trio also shared personal stories of burnout, isolation, community, and resilience — demonstrating how mentorship and peer support had shaped their own paths from undergraduate life to medical school. Their candor and relatability sparked meaningful discussion among students and chaperones.
“It was so wonderful to see how attentive and engaged students were,” Ahuja said. “As med students who were in their shoes a few years ago, getting to talk with them was a privilege.”
The session closed with a challenge: Become the kind of peer supporter you once needed. Build a culture where students uplift one another; where support comes not just from those ahead but also from those beside.
For many attendees, the presentation was a highlight of the Jubilee — a reminder that leadership, compassion, and connection are skills that grow stronger when shared.
BMS graduate students take part in new professional development series
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| Ph.D. students in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program participate in Beyond the Bench. |
The inaugural session focused on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Readiness Competencies, a set of core skills identified as essential for career success across industries. Participants also learned about additional career resources and support services available right here at South.
The session was led by Barnes, assistant director of career development, who provided practical guidance on how students can begin strengthening these competencies during their training and throughout their professional journeys.
Beyond the Bench will continue throughout the year, offering workshops and conversations to help trainees explore diverse career pathways, build professional skills, and prepare for both academic and non-academic opportunities.
More information about upcoming sessions will be shared soon.
Medical student-faculty research team presents at national conference
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| David S. Williams, Ph.D., MPA, and Nia Booth present a session at the Association of Medical Education Learning Specialists Conference. |
This presentation built upon earlier findings shared by Williams at the 2023 MELS Conference, extending the Whiddon College of Medicine’s multi-year examination of how medical students develop metacognitive awareness and apply evidence-based learning strategies after completing the summer pre-matriculation academic success course, Rx for Success. The research explores how students describe their study habits, conceptualize learning science, manage time, and adapt strategies throughout the pre-clerkship curriculum.
A significant innovation in this phase of study was the leadership of Booth, who joined the research team and served as the facilitator for focus groups of medical students conducted between December 2024 and March 2025. The team explored how medical students internalize and apply the language and strategies of learning science during their pre-clerkship years.
Booth’s peer-to-peer role provided authenticity and depth to the qualitative data, enriching the analysis in meaningful ways. The team found clear themes of study strategy adaptation, evolving conceptions of knowledge, a shift from passive to active learning, increased strategic self-regulation, and the influence of early learning-science instruction.
“I’ve truly enjoyed working on this project,” said Booth, who serves as president of the Class of 2027. “It has given me a deeper appreciation for how much we grow as learners throughout medical school and how the programs we offer here at South really foster and support that growth. Presenting our work at MELS was an honor, and it was especially meaningful to share our students’ stories, which highlight just how impactful intentional programming can be in supporting student success.”
“It was a privilege to co-present this work with Nia,” Williams said. “Her leadership, professionalism, and insight as both a researcher, Rx for Success student facilitator, and current M3 student voice elevated this project in ways that will meaningfully shape how we design and deliver academic success programming. Her ability to guide thoughtful conversations among her peers provided depth and nuance that the research team could not have captured otherwise.”
This research was conducted in collaboration with T.J. Hundley, M.D., associate dean for medical education. The team will continue analysis over the coming year, using these findings to inform future enhancements to Rx for Success and academic support programming across the curriculum.
Thursday, November 20, 2025
University Hospital first in Alabama to adopt new diagnostic tool for sepsis
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Edward A. Panacek, M.D., MPH, co-authored a manuscript on the clinical validation of the TriVerity test for sepsis. |
USA Health University Hospital is the first and only hospital in Alabama to implement a breakthrough blood test that helps emergency clinicians rapidly identify and treat sepsis and other acute infections with unprecedented accuracy.
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection, affects more than 1.7 million people in the United States each year. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
The TriVerity Test System, developed by California-based Inflammatix, measures the body’s immune response to infection using a small blood sample. Within about 30 minutes, artificial intelligence algorithms analyze biomarkers to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections and non-infectious inflammation, while also predicting illness severity in patients with suspected infection or sepsis. The rapid test enables physicians to make faster, more confident treatment decisions — improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics and hospital resources.
University Hospital played a pivotal role in validating the new test as one of 22 emergency departments in the United States and Europe to participate in the SEPSIS-SHIELD study. Across more than 1,200 patients, the study demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, confirming the test’s reliability in real-world clinical settings. Based on these findings, TriVerity received clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January 2025.
Study results were published in Nature Medicine, a high-impact, peer-reviewed journal, in a series of three manuscripts in September 2025. Edward A. Panacek, M.D., MPH, professor and chair of emergency medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, is co-author of the manuscript “Clinical validation of an AI-based blood testing device for diagnosis and prognosis of acute infection and sepsis.”
“This test is a gamechanger in the ER evaluation of potential sepsis patients,” Panacek said. “For the first time, we have a tool that can both improve patient care and reduce costs. Physicians can now use a simple blood test like TriVerity to identify which patients with sepsis need aggressive therapy and which might be harmed by it.”
The findings also suggest that drug companies can design smarter trials by targeting therapies to patients most likely to benefit, Panacek noted. “The results support a move away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to sepsis care and toward the adoption of precision medical care in the ER and ICU, a shift that can save lives worldwide,” he said.
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Jordan Sahawneh, RN, demonstrates the TriVerity test at University Hospital. |
“Being the first hospital in Alabama to implement this groundbreaking diagnostic tool reflects our dedication to advancing patient care through innovation,” Snow said. “Early and accurate detection of sepsis saves lives, and this technology gives our clinicians the insight they need to act quickly and confidently.”
Kristen Noles, DNP, CNL, director of quality and performance improvement for USA Health, said the new technology reflects the health system’s ongoing efforts to combine innovation with compassionate care.
“Innovation means the most when it transforms how we care for people in their most vulnerable moments, with speed, accuracy and compassion,” Noles said. “This innovation not only transforms how quickly we can diagnose and treat sepsis but also helps us identify patients who can safely recover at home. By reducing unnecessary hospital stays, we create capacity to care for others in need — extending our mission of healing to even more patients and families."
Learn more about Inflammatix and the TriVerity Test System at inflammatix.com.
Internal medicine resident presents at international nephrology conference
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| Ekta Khubchandani, M.D. |
Ekta Khubchandani, M.D., a third-year internal medicine resident at USA Health, recently presented a research poster at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2025 in Houston.
Her case report focused on a rare kidney disorder, C1q nephropathy, which typically appears in childhood or early adulthood but can sometimes manifest during pregnancy. The presentation described a 41-year-old patient who developed edema, high blood pressure, and proteinuria in the second trimester, later complicated by fetal growth restriction and intrauterine fetal demise.
The case underscores the importance of early recognition and management of unusual renal diseases during pregnancy to reduce maternal and fetal complications.
“ASN 2025 marked my first international conference, where I had the opportunity to present my poster on C1q nephropathy in a pregnant woman,” Khubchandani said. “The event was buzzing with innovation, energy, and collaboration — truly inspiring to see how far nephrology has progressed. With so many ongoing studies and groundbreaking trials, I’m hopeful for a future where kidney diseases become not just manageable, but curable.”
Kidney Week, hosted by the American Society of Nephrology, is one of the largest gatherings of kidney professionals in the world, bringing together experts and trainees to share the latest research and clinical advances.
To learn more about the event, visit ASN Kidney Week 2025.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Plash shares insight on wilderness medicine education
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| The wilderness medicine elective provides hands-on learning opportunities for students in resource-limited natural environments. |
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| Walker Plash, M.D. |
Plash serves as associate director of the Department of Emergency Medicine’s Wilderness Medicine Program and co-director of the wilderness medicine elective for senior medical students. A Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine, Plash is an expert in plant and animal toxins, particularly copperhead envenomation. An avid camper, backpacker and paddler, he also has a special interest in injuries related to canoeing and kayaking.
In the online publication of the Wilderness Medical Society, Plash co-authored an article titled “Starting a Wilderness Medicine Student Elective: A Step-by-Step Guide.” The piece covers topics such as curriculum design, core content, teaching and evaluation methods, funding and recruitment. |
Students carry a fallen 'hiker' during a simulation in the wilderness. |
Through hands-on wilderness learning opportunities, the program aims to equip future doctors with the skills they need to respond to natural disasters, search-and-rescue operations, and humanitarian crises.
USA Health resident presents at national cardiology conference
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| Pavel Hurtado Cabrera, M.D., presents at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. |
Pavel Hurtado Cabrera, M.D., a second-year internal medicine resident at USA Health, recently presented his research at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions, held this month in New Orleans.
The annual conference brings together thousands of cardiovascular professionals from around the world to share leading-edge research and clinical advancements in heart and vascular care. USA Health’s internal medicine faculty also had a presence at the national meeting, including Angel Gonzalez Rodriguez, M.D., a hospitalist and assistant professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, who participated remotely.
Hurtado presented a clinical case study titled, “Pulmonary Embolism Presenting with Classical S1Q3T3 Pattern on Electrocardiogram: Implications for Hemodynamic Instability,” developed in collaboration with colleagues from Larkin Community Hospital and the University of South Alabama.
The presentation highlighted a case of acute pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot obstructing the pulmonary arteries. The research emphasized the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the S1Q3T3 electrocardiographic pattern, traditionally associated with right heart strain and hemodynamic instability.
Using ECG tracings and CT imaging, Hurtado and his co-authors illustrated the importance of early recognition and intervention in improving patient outcomes.
“I was honored to take part in the AHA Scientific Sessions, an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow professionally,” Hurtado said.
Participation in national conferences such as the AHA Scientific Sessions highlights USA Health’s commitment to advancing academic medicine and fostering professional development among its residents and faculty.
To learn more about the event, visit AHA Scientific Sessions.
Grelet honored by international society for ‘groundbreaking’ work in mitochondrial biology
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| Simon Grelet, Ph.D., presents his research at the World Mitochondria Society conference in Berlin. |
Cancer researcher Simon Grelet, Ph.D., has been honored by the World Mitochondria Society for achieving the year’s most significant scientific advance in the field of mitochondrial biology.
Grelet, an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, was awarded the Best Scientific Contribution Award 2025 for his research on nerve-to-cancer mitochondria transfer. He presented his work and served as a session co-chair at the society’s conference Oct. 22-24 in Berlin.
In announcing the award, the society called Grelet’s presentation “groundbreaking.”
“This award celebrates not only scientific excellence but also the spirit of dynamic mitochondrial medicine connecting metabolism, communication, and therapy,” the society said in its announcement. “Dr. Simon Grelet’s discovery redefines how we understand mitochondria not as static powerhouses, but as mobile organelles shaping cancer evolution and system health.”
In his presentation, “Nerve-to-Cancer Mitochondrial Transfer: A Key Driver of Metastasis,” Grelet revealed a transformative mechanism by which neurons transfer their mitochondria to cancer cells, fueling their metabolic flexibility and metastatic potential. His team utilized advanced in vivo and in vitro models and the MitoTRACER genetic system they have designed to trace the fate of cancer cells that acquired neuronal mitochondria, discovering that these cells are more likely to succeed in forming distant metastasis. The findings were published earlier this year in the scientific journal Nature.
“This work uncovers a new and profound biological dialogue between the nervous system and cancer,” the society said.
Grelet, whose research has attracted global attention, is a recipient of the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute MERIT Award and the recent recipient of the 2025 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. Grelet is also lead inventor on a U.S. patent application describing methods to track mitochondria transfer between cells.
“This award is a fitting recognition of Dr. Grelet’s exceptional achievements and clear affirmation of the international impact of his research,” said Christopher Davies, Ph.D., associate dean for research at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “With his group’s recent Nature publication, his NIH MERIT award and the Mayer Mitchell Award, it’s been a remarkable year for Dr. Grelet – and one that sets the stage for even greater discoveries ahead.”
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Medical students present complex cases at national anesthesiology meeting
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| Noel Godang, Katharine Lightfoot and Chase Smith |
Noel Godang and Katharine Lightfoot, both third-year medical students, and fourth-year medical student Chase Smith shared cases that highlighted the critical thinking and teamwork essential in the field of anesthesiology. They collaborated with USA Health anesthesiologist Karthik Swamy, M.D., on the presentations.
“One highlight for me was attending several seminars and hands-on demos, where I saw new airway management devices, ultrasound-guided nerve block techniques, and new monitoring technologies that may become part of the standard of care in the future,” Godang said.
“I found it exciting to meet anesthesiologists from across the country and internationally to see, firsthand, how the field is constantly evolving,” Godang added. “It was a uniquely rewarding experience presenting at the ASA conference because it gave me a chance to learn from experts, which really helped me grow both academically and professionally.”
“ASA was a wonderful experience!” Lightfoot said. “I was thankful to have the opportunity to present an important case and learn from many other presenters, faculty, residents and students. There was an incredible amount of programming that helped us tailor our learning to things that most interested us as well as education surrounding things like residency programs and the Match process.”
Lightfoot expressed her appreciation to the Office of Student Affairs and the Department of Anesthesiology for their support and mentorship.
“Presenting our medically challenging case at ASA 2025 was an incredible learning experience,” Smith said. “It allowed me to engage with experts in anesthesia, gaining valuable feedback in managing intraoperative crises. I also enjoyed the opportunity to discuss our case with colleagues and learn from the presentations of others.”
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 59,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Roadmap to Residency prepares Class of 2027 for next steps
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| Third-year medical students are looking ahead to the residency application process. |
As medical students in the Class of 2027 look forward to the next milestone in their training, the Whiddon College of Medicine Office of Student Affairs is helping them prepare every step of the way through its new Roadmap to Residency series.
Designed to guide students from early planning through application season, the series includes a sequence of meetings and one-on-one advising sessions running from fall through spring. By starting early, the Office of Student Affairs aims to help students navigate the many elements of the residency process with confidence and clarity before the application season officially opens in fall 2026.
“The process of transition to residency begins way before finding out where one has matched, and it is a critical period that often leaves medical students with high levels of anxiety,” said Laventrice Ridgeway, Ed.D., associate dean for student affairs at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “With the Roadmap to Residency program, we saw an opportunity to explore the most impactful timeframe for fourth-year preparation and to intentionally offer the essential tools and information students would need to confidently approach the annual residency application cycle, hopefully demystifying the process and easing some of the angst that can result.”
The first session in the series, held in late October, introduced M3s to what they can expect in 2026, covering essential topics like planning and budgeting. Future meetings will dive deeper into areas such as career selection, away rotations, personal statements, and letters of recommendation, ensuring that students stay on track as they progress through each stage of the journey.
The series is a collaborative effort, bringing together expertise from multiple offices within and beyond the College of Medicine, including Financial Aid, Student Records, Health and Wellness, and Career Services. In late June 2026, the Office of Student Affairs will cap off the program with workshops, open office hours, individual meetings, and mock interviews designed to help students refine their skills before application season begins.
While third-year students begin their preparations, the Office of Student Affairs remains deeply engaged with students in the Class of 2026, who are currently navigating this year’s residency application cycle. The team continues to provide essential support services for M4s, including interview preparation, final mock interviews, guidance on communications such as post-interview follow-ups, and counseling as they prepare for the critical process of submitting their final rank order lists for The Match.
USA Health Skull Base Team under the leadership of Dr. Thakur delivers 14 presentations at the joint North American Skull Base Society – World Congress of Skull Base Society Meeting 2025
The USA Health skull base neurosurgery team led by Jai Thakur, M.D., FAANS, and including advanced practice providers, fellows and medical students, delivered a total of 14 scientific paper presentations – including 11 oral presentations and three poster presentations – during the joint North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) and World Congress of Skull Base Society Meeting 2025 held in New Orleans.
Thakur, who is the chief of minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery at USA Health and an associate professor at USA’s Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, presented 11 oral presentations at the conference. He was invited to present 10 of his complex skull base neurosurgical videos selected through a peer-review process for the meeting. Among them was a surgical video selected to be presented as the meeting's best video session. (Figure 1)
“It was a true honor for my team and me to be selected from more than 800 speakers as one of the top six skull base neurosurgeons worldwide, and to highlight our surgical techniques from operating at USA Health at this premier best surgical video session,” Thakur said. “It certainly is a team effort from everyone at our clinic, in our operating rooms and within the hospital, to ensure good outcomes in such complex scenarios.”
Another unique surgical technique-based poster presented by Thakur’s fellow Mehdi Khaleghi, M.D., also received a distinction award. The poster presentation title was: Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Transpetrosal Approach for Removal of Sphenopetroclival Chondrosarcoma: Technical Considerations.
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| Figure 1: MRI of the surgical video selected to be presented as the meeting's best video session |
In addition, Thakur was invited to teach a two-day cadaver course on supraorbital eye-brow skull base approaches, which was attended by neurosurgery residents and fellows from around the world.
Here is the complete list of USA Health presentations. Additional information can be found in the Journal of Neurological Surgery.
- "Value of Advanced Practice Providers in Fostering the Development of Elective Early Academic Skull Base Practice without Residents/Fellows in a Tertiary Academic Center: A Unified Skull Base"
- "Quantitative Identification of the Supraorbital Nerve in Supraorbital Transciliary Keyhole Approach: Accuracy Analysis and Surgical Implication of the Medial Supraorbital Triangle"
- "Endoscopic Endonasal Transcavernous Approach for Removal of Pituitary Macroadenoma with Apoplexy: Technical Nuances"
- "A Large Ventral Cervico-Medullary Meningioma Resection: Juxtacondylar Far Lateral Approach with Technical Nuances on Dissection and Spinal Cord Rotation"
- "Ventral C1-C2 Kissing Neurofibroma: Technical Nuances on Skull Base Approach and Bilateral Cord Rotation with Maximizing Safe Resection Corridors"
- "Courthouses and Craniotomies: Medical Malpractice Indemnity Payments and Litigation Verdicts in Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Neurosurgical Practice in the 21st Century"
- "What Does It Take to be a NASBS President: A Cross-Sectional Study of Attributes and Academic History of Presidents of the North American Skull Base Society"
- "Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Approach with Odontoidectomy in a Patient Presenting with Unstable Pathological Type 2 Fracture, Retropharyngeal Abscess, and Cervical-Medullary Compression"
- "Is Naso-Axial Line a Better Predictor in Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of the Odontoid and Pannus Removal? Technical Nuances of Maximizing Corridor and Maintaining Occipital Cervical Joint Stability"
- "Combined Microscopic-Endoscopic Retrosigmoid Approach to Infra- and Supratentorial Posterior Fossa Epidermoid Tumor"
- "Technical Considerations for the Resection of Large Sphenoid Wing Meningioma: Strategies and Vessel Handling"
- "Retrosigmoid Suprameatal Transtentorial Approach for Petroclival Meningioma: Maximizing Retrosigmoid Corridor"
- "Tandem Clipping of Multiple Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms with Different Projection Angles"
- "Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Transpetrosal Approach for Removal of Sphenopetroclival Chondrosarcoma: Technical Considerations"
About the North American Skull Base Society
The North American Skull Base Society brings together specialists to advance the care of patients with skull base disorders through education, innovation, and collaboration. Serving a multidisciplinary audience — including neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, and others with interest in diseases involving the cranial base — NASBS provides innovative learning opportunities through its annual meeting, hands-on Practical Course in Skull Base Anatomy and Surgery, and online educational programs. The society fosters excellence in patient care and the scientific advancement of skull base treatment worldwide.
a) Physician Assistant Ursula Hummel, Thakur, medical student Garrett Dyess, and skull base fellow Adnan Shahid, M.D.
b) Ursula Hummel, PA-C, and Thakur with Neil Martin, M.D., neurosurgeon, who is famous for coining the Spetzler-Martin AVM Classification. Thakur spent time with him during his fellowship in Santa Monica, California, in 2020.
c) Thakur presenting a complex clinical scenario encountered during his practice at USA Health.
d) Poster presented by Khaleghi won the poster of distinction award.
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