EDGE for Success kicks off new series with purpose, passion, and collaborative leadership

EDGE mentor and facilitator Brittany Brown, MSN, RN, far left, is joined by mentees Sierra Huff-Brown, Kathleen Haynes and Lisa Dickson.

The Whiddon College of Medicine launched the second cohort of EDGE for Success: Empowering Development, Growth, and Excellence with an inspiring first session led by Brittany Brown, MSN, RN, director of operations for internal medicine and a graduate of EDGE’s inaugural cohort.

Brown, who now serves as both mentor and facilitator, guided participants through Foundations of Leadership and Influence — an interactive session that invited attendees to explore their personal values, define their “why,” and reflect on what it means to lead with authenticity and emotional intelligence.

She was joined by mentees Kathleen Haynes, coordinator of practice operations for pediatrics/neonatology; Lisa Dickson, MBA, financial operations specialist at the Whiddon College of Medicine; and Sierra Huff-Brown, assistant registrar at the Whiddon College of Medicine, who co-presented on key leadership concepts and facilitated small-group discussions that brought the material to life. Together, they modeled what EDGE is all about — shared growth, collaboration, and learning through experience.

“Working with Kathleen, Lisa, and Sierra has been such a rewarding experience,” Brown said. “They each bring their own perspective, strength, and authenticity to the table; and watching them step into these leadership moments reminds me exactly why EDGE matters. The future of leadership in our college is bright because of emerging voices like theirs.”

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, director of quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning and program co-lead, said Brittany’s leadership represents the full-circle impact EDGE was designed to create.

“Brittany exemplifies what it means to grow through EDGE. She’s not just teaching leadership; she’s living it,” Pierce said. “Her ability to guide others with both strength and empathy captures the very essence of this program. Seeing her now mentor and inspire new participants is exactly what we hoped this series would achieve.”

Participants were introduced to developing their leadership mission statements, a reflection process they’ll continue to build on throughout the program as they explore credibility, communication, adaptability, and personal branding.

As the series continues, Pierce said, EDGE participants will build on this foundation, continuing the program’s mission to empower leadership at every level.

Fall Door Decorating Contest winners announced

First-, second- and third-place winners, from left: Kathy Harden, Skye Andrade, and Lori Simmons.

Creativity and Jag pride were on full display at the Whiddon College of Medicine as staff transformed their office doors into festive and spooky scenes for the Fall Door Decorating Contest.

Winners received a door trophy and treat basket:

• 1st place: “Falling for Our Jags” – Kathy Harden and Amanda Arnold, Faculty Development
• 2nd place: “I Love USA” – Skye Andrade, Research Office
• 3rd place: “Welcome Foolish Mortals” – Lori Simmons, Radiation Safety

Honorable Mentions were awarded for spookiest, funniest, best team effort, homecoming theme, and best fall theme:

• “Hocus Pocus” – Katelin Morris, Radiation Safety 
• “Enter if you Dare” – Wesley Myrick, Radiation Safety
• “Pumpkin Ghost Yard” – Joanne Brookfield, Education Technology Services
• “Bats!” – Kristin Melton, Center for Strategic Health Innovation
• “Swimming in Deadlines” – Victoria Nadeau, Research Administration and Development

Two pharmacology students take top honors in Three Minute Thesis Competition

Haley Kominek and Sayema Naaz, with mentor Glen Borchert, Ph.D., earned top awards at the competition.

By Michelle Ryan-Day

Two graduate students from the Department of Pharmacology took top honors in this year’s campuswide Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition hosted by the Graduate School at the University of South Alabama. 

Sayema Naaz earned first place for her presentation, “The Persister Problem: How Salmonella Survives Stress,” while Haley Kominek earned second place for her talk, “Silent Conversations: How RNA Connects Our Cells.” Both students are mentored by Glen Borchert, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and National Science Foundation CAREER Investigator. 

The 3MT competition challenges graduate students to present their research and its significance in just three minutes using one static slide — a test of clarity, creativity, and communication. Originating at the University of Queensland in Australia, the competition is designed to help students effectively convey complex research to a general audience. 

This year, eight finalists were selected to compete, with the top three winners receiving monetary awards: $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. Naaz will also represent USA at the Council of Southern Graduate Schools (CSGS) regional competition in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in February 2026. 

Naaz’s research focuses on understanding how Salmonella bacteria survive stress and cause chronic infections by investigating the role of non-coding RNAs and proteins in bacterial persistence.  

“It was a truly rewarding experience to share my research with an audience that had little to no background in the work we do,” she said. “Explaining complex ideas in a way that connects everyone reminds me why I love what I do. The experience made me much more confident and capable of explaining my research to a diverse audience, a skill I know will serve me well in the future.” 

Kominek’s presentation explored how RNA molecules facilitate communication between cells, shedding light on how certain RNA modifications determine which RNAs are secreted, and how they are recognized by other cells.  

“I found it to be a fun challenge having to simplify my research into something that non-science members of the community could understand,” Kominek said. “As scientists, it is really important to learn how to communicate your research to the public. 

“There is often a gap between medical research and public understanding, and bridging that gap can make science feel less intimidating. The 3MT was a great opportunity to start learning how to do that.” 

Both students expressed appreciation for the support from their adviser Borchert and Harold Pardue, Ph.D., dean of the graduate school, associate vice president for academic affairs and professor in the School of Computing.  

Borchert praised both students for their accomplishments.  

“Sayema and Haley are extremely talented, passionate and hardworking,” he said. “Although they were competing against several other remarkable students, I knew Sayema had won the instant they announced Haley as runner-up — because in my mind, Sayema was the only student who could beat Haley, and Haley was the only one who could beat Sayema.” 

Grelet receives 2025 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research

Joy Mitchell Grodnick and Arlene Mitchell present the award to Simon Grelet, Ph.D.

By Jessica Jones

USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute has named Simon Grelet, Ph.D., as the recipient of the 2025 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research, the institute’s highest internal distinction recognizing scientific achievement and potential for transformative impact in oncology. 

The award, established in memory of longtime University of South Alabama trustee and MCI founding champion Mayer Mitchell, is presented annually to an emerging research leader at MCI following faculty committee review. The honor includes $10,000 in research support made possible through the generosity of the Mitchell family. 

“Dr. Grelet’s work exemplifies the mission and momentum of the Mitchell Cancer Institute — accelerating knowledge that changes how cancer is detected, understood and treated,” said Natalie Fox, DNP, CEO for USA Health. “His discoveries in cancer neuroscience are generating new pathways for therapies and elevating the visibility of MCI on the world stage.” 

Grelet serves as an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine and is widely recognized for pioneering contributions in the emerging domain of cancer neuroscience. His research program at MCI is dedicated to understanding how the tumor microenvironment shapes cancer progression, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between cancer cells, the nervous system, and cellular metabolism. 

Additionally, Grelet’s laboratory demonstrated that mitochondria are transferred from nerves to cancer cells to fuel metastasis, a discovery published earlier this year in the scientific journal Nature that reframes how tumor spread is understood and introduces an entirely new class of therapeutic targets. His group has further advanced the field through development of CRISPR-based lineage tracing tools to study cancer-induced innervation and through identification of long non-coding RNA regulators of tumor plasticity and neurogenesis. 

His research program has attracted global attention and sustained external investment. Grelet is a recipient of the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute MERIT Award, one of the most selective accolades in oncology, and serves as principal investigator on multiple federally and foundation-funded studies. He is also the lead inventor on a U.S. patent application describing methods to track mitochondrial transfer between cells, representing a significant opportunity and strong innovation for the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

Grelet’s work has been covered by major scientific and general media outlets, including Science, Nature, Nature Neuroscience, Cancer Discovery, New Scientist and Scientific American, reflecting international interest in the implications of his findings. He has been invited to present at leading conferences in the United States and abroad, underscoring his standing as an emerging leader in the field. 

“This recognition reflects not only Dr. Grelet’s scientific excellence, but also his leadership in building a collaborative, team-focused research environment,” said Theresa McLaughlin, administrator at MCI. “His contributions advance both our science and our culture at MCI.” 

Beyond his laboratory impact, Grelet has strengthened the research culture at MCI and across the academic enterprise by revitalizing the Data in Progress seminar program, directing the MCI Summer Research Program, mentoring students and trainees at multiple levels, and engaging community partners to broaden understanding of cancer research and its relevance to patients. 

With this award, Grelet joins a distinguished group of recipients who have advanced MCI’s reputation as a national leader in translational cancer research. 

Urology resident presents research at international conference

Kevin Parham, M.D., presents at the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS) Academic Congress.

By Carol McPhail

Kevin Parham, M.D., a third-year urology resident at USA Health, presented research in September at the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS) Academic Congress in Minneapolis. 

Parham presented two posters at the meeting, which drew urologists, fellows, residents, medical students, and allied health professionals from around the world. 

“Expanding the Reconstructive Footprint: Lessons from the First 18 Months of a Rural Urethroplasty Program,” retrospectively reviewed 44 urethroplasty cases performed over 18 months in a region previously lacking consistent access to urethral reconstruction. Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure to repair or rebuild the urethra and is typically performed by a urologist with advanced training in reconstructive urology. 

“We showed that even in a rural region with limited prior access to urethral reconstruction, targeted program development can meaningfully expand care,” Parham said. “Our early experience reinforces that geography shouldn’t limit a patient’s ability to receive complex urologic surgery.” 

Another presentation, “Can Chatbots Guide Gender-Affirming Surgical Decisions? An analysis of Five Artificial Intelligence Models,” evaluated the quality of AI chatbot-generated responses to common patient questions about gender-affirming surgery. 

“Our findings show the promise of AI tools, but also the gap that remains before they can reliably support patients considering gender-affirming surgery,” Parham said. “This reinforces the importance of physicians guiding patients through complex, deeply personal surgical decisions.” 

Parham credited USA Health urologist Jatinder Kumar, M.D., for his mentorship. He also acknowledged presentation co-authors Christian Manganti, M.D., a second-year urology resident; Hanna Moreland, M.D., a fourth-year resident at USA Health; and Dylan Peterson, a first-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, for their work and support on the projects.

Medical students, residents present research at APPA Fall Conference

Evan Chavers, M.D., and Stephen Richardson, D.O., presented on AI tools in clinical psychiatry.

By Carol McPhail

Medical students, psychiatry residents and a psychiatry fellow recently presented research at the Alabama Psychiatric Physicians Association (APPA) Fall Conference in Prattville, Alabama. 

The APPA is a district branch of the American Psychiatric Association. 

Evan Chavers, M.D., a fourth-year psychiatry resident at USA Health, won first place for his presentation, “Evaluating Artificial Intelligence Tools in Psychiatry: Promises and Pitfalls.” 

Chavers worked with third-year psychiatry resident Stephen Richardson, D.O., and William Tilllman III, M.D., on the project, which evaluated the current state of AI tools in clinical psychiatry including OpenEvidence, administrative tools for scheduling and letter writing, ambient scribe programs and LLM-based therapy chatbots. 

They reviewed literature and their experiences with the tools to develop a “stoplight” model of safety/readiness for clinical use. “We gave a green light to workflow and administrative tools, yellow light for clinical decision support and ambient scribes, and a red light to therapy chatbots,” Chavers said. “We cautioned against the risks of ‘de-skilling’ or the atrophy of clinical skill, due to reliance on AI and pointed out that therapy chatbots have a long way to go in ensuring patient safety.” 

Chavers said that while AI tools hold potential, physicians should always prioritize patient safety and privacy. “If you cannot critically evaluate the tool’s output based on your own clinical knowledge base, it should not be used,” he said. 

Anthony Fant and Sebrina Burnett, D.O.

Anthony Fant, a third-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, won third place for his presentation, “Simplified Lithium Loading Strategies for Rapid Initiation and Early Maintenance.” 

The poster presented two simplified inpatient lithium loading strategies that can be used for rapid initiation and early maintenance in a hospital setting – a weight-based, extended-release loading protocol with a transition to once-nightly maintenance dosing, and a single-dose “test dose” loading protocol with a 24-hour level to predict the maintenance dose using the Cooper’s nomogram. 

Fant said that both loading regimens presented an individualized approach to treatment, illustrating how medicine is becoming more personalized to each patient. “It goes to show that patients are frequently not ideal textbook cases, and having advancements in medicine that can be tailored to those individual nuances is what makes personalized medicine, in any specialty, very exciting for me,” he said. 

Sebrina Burnett, D.O., a second-year psychiatry resident, worked with Fant on the presentation. “What was surprising to me regarding this topic was how well both of these methods worked when used at our inpatient psychiatric facility, and also how underutilized inpatient lithium loading is, in general, despite there being two relatively straightforward and safe methods available,” she said. 

Other posters at the conference included: 

• “The Impact of In-School and Out-of-School Suspension on Future Criminal Legal System Involvement and the Need for Mental Healthcare Collaboration in Prevention,” presented by Chelsea R. Miller, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatry fellow at USA Health/AltaPointe. 
• “Lithium as a Potential Disease-Modifying Agent in Dementia: A Review of Emerging Evidence,” presented by Burnett. 
• “Ketamine Administration Following an Acute Traumatic Event,” presented by Maria Verde, a third-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 
• “Ketamine-Assisted Buprenorphine Induction for Kratom-Induced Opioid Withdrawal,” presented by Billy Nguyen, M.D., a second-year resident. 
• “Differentiating Between Catatonia and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome,” presented by Alina Teslenko, D.O., a third-year resident. 
• “Lithium Limbo: The Balance of Lithium Dosing and Toxicity,” presented by Leah Kunneth, a third-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 
• “From Thoughts to Thyroid: A Case Report on Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Depression,” presented by Caleb Thomas, a fourth-year medical student. 

USA Health residents and fellows present at national CHEST conference

Representing USA Health, from left, are Muhammad Dawood Sheikh, M.D.; Sangya Sharma, D.O.; Philip Almalouf, M.D.; José Acevedo Echevarría, M.D.; Aman Dutta, M.D.; Taylor Cook, M.D.; and Chibuzo Clement Odigwe, M.D.

By Michelle Ryan-Day

Three internal medicine residents, one med/peds resident, and a pulmonary critical care fellow from USA Health presented research posters at the 2025 CHEST annual meeting last month in Chicago. Each year, the national conference brings together thousands of physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals specializing in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. 

Residents and fellows had opportunities to engage with leading experts in pulmonary and critical care medicine, showcase ongoing research efforts, and collaborate with peers from across the United States. 

Taylor Cook, M.D.

“I’m honored to represent USA Health at the CHEST Annual Meeting with our poster presentation,” said Taylor Cook, M.D., a pulmonary/critical care fellow. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to share our work and learn from so many leaders in pulmonary and critical care.”  

In her presentation, Cook analyzed a rare marine-related infection that led to rapid sepsis and shock in an immunocompromised patient, underscoring the urgency of early recognition and treatment of uncommon bacterial pathogens in patients with chronic conditions. 

Sangya Sharma, D.O.

“It was truly a surreal experience to represent USA Health at CHEST,” said Sangya Sharma, D.O., a third-year internal medicine resident. “I’m extremely grateful for my colleagues and mentors for their unwavering encouragement and enthusiasm.” 

Sharma’s poster detailed a rare instance of stress-induced cardiomyopathy linked to cancer immunotherapy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential cardiac side effects in patients receiving advanced oncologic treatments. Her case stressed the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in identifying and managing complex therapy-related complications. 

José Acevedo Echevarría, M.D.

“It is always an honor to represent our program, and I proudly celebrate the success of my colleagues,” said José Acevedo Echevarría, M.D., a third-year med/peds resident. “Participating in CHEST was a valuable opportunity that advanced our growth as physicians.” 

Echevarria explored a complex case of metabolic acidosis and highlighted the importance of a systematic, evidence-based approach to identifying underlying causes. By emphasizing comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, the report reinforced how careful clinical reasoning can guide timely and effective treatment for critically ill patients. 

Pavel Hurtado Cabrera, M.D.

Pavel Hurtado Cabrera, M.D., a third-year internal medicine resident, presented a case involving a patient with pancreatitis who developed life-threatening systemic inflammation, who was ultimately diagnosed as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) using established clinical criteria and biopsy findings. It noted the importance of early recognition and treatment of HLH, especially in patients with severe inflammatory complications of pancreatitis, to improve outcomes and prevent fatal progression. 

Muhammad Dawood Sheikh, M.D.

Muhammad Dawood Sheikh, M.D., also a third-year internal medicine resident, shared a rare and compelling case of non-germinal center B-cell diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with direct cardiac invasion. The patient initially presented with breathing difficulty and chest discomfort, and imaging revealed extensive pulmonary masses along with involvement of the heart. Diagnosis was confirmed through biopsy, and urgent treatment including chemotherapy and effusion management was initiated. Sheikh concluded that clinicians should consider lymphoma in severe cardiopulmonary presentations, as early recognition and intervention are critical for improving patient outcomes. 

Aman Dutta, M.D., a pulmonary/critical care fellow; Aariez Khalid, D.O., a second-year internal medicine resident; and Philip Almalouf, M.D., and Chibuzo Clement Odigwe, M.D., both attending physicians in pulmonary/critical care medicine and assistant professors of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, were also part of USA Health’s presence at the national event. 

CHEST, hosted annually by the American College of Chest Physicians, features groundbreaking research presentations, hands-on clinical sessions, and networking opportunities that advance the field of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The American College of Chest Physicians is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care. 

Residents and fellows strengthen communication skills through horsemanship training

From left, Leena Patel, M.D., Catherine Elortegui; Ekta Khubchandani, M.D.; Judy Blair-Elortegui, M.D.; Angad Singh, M.D.; and Shausha Farooq, M.D.

By Michelle Ryan-Day

In an innovative approach to medical education, internal medicine residents at USA Health recently traded their stethoscopes for saddles and spent time in Fairhope with a horse named Newt to explore the power of nonverbal communication.  

Angad Singh, M.D.

Part of the Department of Internal Medicine’s Horsemanship Seminar, this hands-on workshop helps physicians-in-training recognize and refine the subtle cues that shape how they interact with patients. While horses and medicine may seem worlds apart, programs like this are being used across the country as an experiential way to build empathy, mindfulness, and connection.  

“This session focused more on the messages we send with our non-verbal communication,” said Judy Blair-Elortegui, M.D., FACP, vice chair of medical education and seminar organizer. “Previous sessions focused on being perceptive of what patients (or horses) are communicating nonverbally and adapting to individual communication styles.”  

Third-year internal medicine residents Shausha Farooq, M.D., Ekta Khubchandani, M.D., and Leena Patel, M.D., and pulmonary and critical care fellow Angad Singh, M.D., participated in the workshop, learning how even small shifts in posture or presence can influence how a horse responds.  

“Working with Newt taught me how much can be communicated without words through calm energy, patience, and presence,” Singh said. “That quiet connection helped me slow down, be more mindful, and manage stress better. It’s a lesson I will carry into medicine, reminding me to listen deeply and care with empathy.”  

Shausha Farooq, M.D.

For Patel, the experience underscored how important body language is in clinical practice.  

“The horsemanship seminar taught me to be mindful not only of how my own body language can be interpreted, but also the importance of observing subtle changes in Newt’s behavior and what it meant,” Patel said. “That awareness translates directly to medicine, where we often overlook the impact of our body language when communicating with patients and their families. Being attentive to their nonverbal responses can also help guide the conversation and create a better relationship between provider and patient.”  

Beyond communication skills, participants found the outdoor setting refreshing. “It was very important for wellness,” Patel said. “We were able to be out in the sun, get some fresh air, and take things at a slower pace compared to our busy, fast-paced work environment.”  

Research supports the seminar’s approach: horses are particularly attuned to human emotion and can reflect subtle shifts in tone, tension, or intent. Studies have shown that horses display 17 distinct facial expressions. Many of them mirror human emotions such as fear, surprise, and sadness, which makes them ideal teachers of empathy and awareness.  

Holliday speaks at national symposium on maternal health

Candice Holliday, J.D., M.D., far left, was
among the expert speakers at the symposium. 

By Casandra Andrews

Candice Holliday, J.D., M.D., an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, recently served as a panelist at the Beazley Symposium on Health Care Law and Policy, an event that brings together leading voices in law, medicine, and public health to examine critical issues shaping healthcare policy. 

The 2025 symposium, titled “Confronting the Maternal Health Crisis: Access, Equity and Reform,” was held Oct. 24 at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Presented in conjunction with the Annals of Health Law & Life Sciences, the event focused on the persistent challenges surrounding maternal health in the United States, particularly in underserved and rural communities. 

Holliday was among leading experts who discussed barriers to care, and potential reforms designed to improve outcomes for mothers and infants. Topics also included the role of Medicaid in maternal care, disparities in maternal health outcomes, and the need for stronger systems to provide equitable access to prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. 

Drawing on her experience in academic medicine and clinical practice at USA Health, she discussed the regulatory framework that allowed hospitals to be inadequately reimbursed for providing care, which has led to closures across Alabama and beyond.  

Holliday, who earned a law degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor before receiving a medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine, discussed the unique legal challenges of practicing obstetrics, including medical malpractice risks and the exorbitant cost of medical malpractice insurance.  

Through involvement in national discussions such as the Beazley Symposium, Holliday continues to advance USA Health’s mission of improving health outcomes on the Alabama Gulf Coast and beyond. Her participation reflects the academic health system’s growing engagement in shaping policy conversations that impact the quality and accessibility of care for women and their families. 

Fueling success: Support the USA Medical Alumni Association Annual Fund

Don't miss your chance to support the USA Medical Alumni Association Annual Fund before Dec. 31. 

Your contribution ensures vital support throughout the year for the areas that matter most: funding student scholarships, powering key networking events, and celebrating major student milestones. Every gift directly strengthens our medical alumni community.

Make an impact today: connect.southalabama.edu/g/maa-gifts.

Mayer Mitchell Award to be presented to cancer researcher

Santanu Dasgupta, Ph.D., recipient of the 2024

award, with Arlene Mitchell.

The recipient of the 2025 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research will be announced on Monday, Nov. 3, at 4:30 p.m. at 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.

Trimm named interim dean of Whiddon College of Medicine

R. Franklin Trimm, M.D.

By Lindsay Hughes

A longtime educator, physician and leader at the University of South Alabama, R. Franklin Trimm, M.D., has been appointed interim dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. 

Trimm joined the university in 1991 and currently serves as associate dean of health advancement at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

“After nearly 35 years of calling this college home, I am deeply honored to serve as interim dean,” he said. “I am energized by the work ahead and grateful for the chance to give back, support my amazing colleagues, and steward our college through this important transition.”

During his tenure at the Whiddon College of Medicine, Trimm has held several key leadership positions, including professor and vice chair of pediatrics and director of the pediatrics residency program. He also served as assistant vice president for medical affairs and as a pediatric developmental and behavioral physician with USA Health.

Trimm is a past president of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors, a national organization that supports pediatric programs across the country in advancing medical education to improve the health and well-being of children.

Board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Trimm earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California, where he also completed his residency in pediatrics.

He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society. 

A national search is underway to identify a permanent dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

Complex pediatric spine team showcases expertise at national scoliosis meeting

Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, center, completed the Scoliosis Research Society's L.E.A.D. Program. 

By Jessica Jones

USA Health neurosurgeon Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, chief of complex spine surgery, and orthopaedic surgeon Tyler McDonald, M.D., chief of pediatric orthopaedics, represented the health system’s complex pediatric spine program at the Scoliosis Research Society’s (SRS) 60th Annual Meeting, a five-day international gathering held in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Tyler McDonald, M.D., and Richard Menger, M.D., MPA

The event brought together approximately 1,500 spine specialists from around the world to share the latest advances in treating spinal deformities, including adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, adult deformity, minimally invasive surgery, and machine learning applications in spine care. 

Menger also completed the SRS 2024–2025 L.E.A.D. Program, a prestigious year-long leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders within SRS. Cohort members gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s mission, governance, and impact on spine care worldwide. 

In addition to his participation in the L.E.A.D. cohort, Menger served as a featured speaker for a session titled “Discover the New Standard of Care: Personalized Spine Surgery.” Alongside experts from the University of California San Diego and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, he shared insights on using AI-enabled technology. 

“We are really proud of USA Health’s combined neurosurgery-orthopaedic pediatric complex spine program where our departments work together to offer our patients unique and elevated treatments right here on the Gulf Coast,” Menger said. “Attending and presenting at the SRS meeting allow us to bring the latest techniques and science to our patients.”  

The SRS Annual Meeting serves as a premier global forum for advancing spinal deformity research and care. The 2025 program featured 179 abstract papers, 91 E-Point presentations, and five faculty-led instructional courses spanning topics such as neuromuscular scoliosis, kyphosis, and growing spine management. 

Medical students, faculty present at national obstetrics and gynecology conference

From left, Nicolette P. Holliday, M.D.; Ashleigh Torrance; Mary Faragalla; Charlie Crider; Madison Poiroux; Marianna Oditt; and Candice Holliday, J.D., M.D. 

By Casandra Andrews

Five students from the Whiddon College of Medicine presented research and case studies during the 92nd Annual Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CAOG) meeting in Las Vegas in October. Faculty members from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, along with the students, presented eight posters at the national conference.  

The fourth-year medical students who presented posters included: 

• Charlie Crider, who presented a poster titled “Medically Indicated Hysteroscopy D&C for a Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy in the Setting of Postpartum Cardiomyopathy with Possible Placenta Accreta Spectrum.” 
• Mary Faragalla, who presented a poster titled “38-year-old at 26 weeks' Gestation with Pituitary Macroadenoma.” 
• Marianna Oditt, who presented a poster titled “Management of Delivery of Neonate with Large Umbilical Pseudocyst and Fetal Heterotaxy: A Case Report.” 
• Madison Poiroux, who presented a poster titled “Cesarean Scar Pregnancy Delivered at 32 weeks.” 
• Ashleigh Torrance, who presented a poster titled “Management of Sickle Cell Disease During Pregnancy, complicated by HELLP syndrome.” 

Attending and presenting at national conferences offers students the opportunity to connect with leading faculty, residents, and fellows from other institutions around the United States and beyond. These relationships can potentially lead to mentorship, collaboration, and future training or research opportunities. 

“Sharing research in a national forum helps our students refine their ability to explain complex medical information clearly and confidently,” said Nicolette P. Holliday, M.D., professor at the Whiddon College of Medicine and clerkship director for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at USA Health. “It strengthens their skills in scientific writing, oral presentation, and professional dialogue — all of which are essential for future clinicians, educators, and researchers.” 

Deadline to apply for Doc Rock is Friday, Oct. 31

If you and your band have a connection to USA Health, and love to perform for a great cause, it is time to submit your application for consideration for the popular music competition planned for Jan. 29, 2026, at Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile. 

The deadline to apply is this Friday, Oct. 31. 

Doc Rock is a battle-of-the-bands-style event where at least one member of each band has an affiliation with USA Health. That means at least one member of your musical group should be an employee of USA Health (or even a friend of an employee) or an employee or a medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine.  

“Doc Rock is one of the most exciting events of the year because it brings together the incredible talent within our USA Health and University of South Alabama communities,” said Shanna Thorpe, director of constituent engagement for USA Health. “It’s not just about great music — it’s about gathering to support lifesaving research and compassionate patient care that makes a meaningful difference to so many people.” 

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit research and critical clinical needs at USA Health, the academic health system for USA. 

Here’s how it works: All bands go through a selection process. The top five groups selected for the live event will be determined and announced by the committee in November. Bands of all music genres are encouraged to submit their group for consideration. 

To apply for Doc Rock, visit www.usahealthsystem.com/doc-rock. 

For sponsorship information, contact Thorpe at sthorpe@southalabama.edu. 

Meet a Ph.D. Student: Sayema Naaz

Sayema Naaz

Hometown: Asansol, West Bengal, India

Previous education: B.S. in microbiology, Kazi Nazrul University, India; and M.S. in microbiology, University of Calcutta, India

BMS program track and year of study: Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics, fourth year

Faculty mentor: Glen Borchert, Ph.D.

Current research: My project deals with understanding the role of non-coding RNAs and proteins in Salmonella stress response, particularly how they contribute to persistent and chronic infection. In addition, I also study Salmonella outer membrane vesicles to characterize their contents and identify factors secreted following P22 bacteriophage infection.

What do you enjoy most about being a graduate student at the Whiddon COM?

I really appreciate that people here at the College of Medicine are genuinely supportive and always willing to help one another, creating a collaborative and encouraging environment.

Interests and hobbies: My hobbies include reading, listening to music, playing badminton and watching anime.

USA Health welcomes its first fellowship-trained vascular surgeon

W. Johnson Hardy III, M.D.

By Carol McPhail

USA Health is expanding its surgical services with the addition of W. Johnson Hardy III, M.D., the first fellowship-trained vascular surgeon employed at the health system for the University of South Alabama. 

As a vascular surgeon, Hardy treats a wide range of issues related to a patient’s arterial, venous, and lymphatic systems, including aortic aneurysms and dissections, carotid artery disease for stroke, renal and mesenteric artery disease, pulselessness in the arms and legs, claudication and non-healing wounds, varicose veins, blood clots, and lower extremity swelling.  He also manages access for dialysis, creates access for chemotherapy treatment, and performs amputations.   

In addition to his clinical duties, Hardy holds an appointment as assistant professor of surgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine and will play a key role in making sure that patients at USA Health have access to leading-edge and state-of-the-art treatment options for vascular disease.  As a staff surgeon at a teaching hospital, he will also be involved in resident education, and in introducing the next generation of surgeons to the discipline of vascular surgery. 

“USA Health consistently produces surgeons of the highest caliber and quality, who are among the most well-trained, skillful, and thoughtful of any in the Southeast,” Hardy said.  “I'm excited to be part of that.”

A graduate of both the Whiddon College of Medicine and the general surgery residency at USA Health, Hardy said returning to the program is like coming home.  “I was here for nine years.  The relationships I built over that time are irreplaceable, and I get to work alongside colleagues and mentors who are among my closest friends, whom I trust completely.  That's exciting!” he said. “There is nowhere else I would rather be."  

Originally from Auburn, Hardy became interested in medicine as a teenager when he discovered an old surgical text in his local public library. “There was a workmanship illustrated by those old operative diagrams that fascinated me, and vascular surgery ended up being the ultimate fulfilment of that early appeal,” he said. 

Hardy finished his vascular surgery training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, and is one of five surgeons who recently returned to Mobile and USA Health after completing advanced fellowship training.  All five completed their general surgical residencies here, and four of the five new surgeons graduated from the Whiddon College of Medicine.  During his final year of residency, Hardy was awarded the Charles B. Rodning Par Excellence Surgical Chief Award. 

He chose to join an academic health system because such systems are equipped to manage the most surgically complex patients, offering institutional and specialty support not always available in other healthcare systems, he said. “Being able to perform highly complex and innovative vascular surgery, in a supportive clinical environment – while also working with residents and being involved in their development and education as future surgeons – is without a doubt the greatest draw toward an academic practice."  

His research interests include outcomes for patients undergoing complex endovascular aortic repair, a minimally invasive procedure being used to treat increasingly complex aneurysmal disease in patients who are often poor candidates for traditional open surgical repair.  “That’s an area that is expanding rapidly in both technology and techniques available for treatment, many of which seem quite promising,” he said. “Methods to optimize vascular access for those cases are also very interesting.” 

Outside of work, Hardy enjoys volunteering with the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama, an activity he began during his first year of medical school and continued throughout residency, and with the medical school's Wilderness Medical Society.  He has been on mission trips to Peru and Rwanda and has led numerous trips into the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, which he describes as “one of my absolute favorite places in the world.”  He is married with two daughters and enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping.  

Hardy will perform surgery at USA Health University Hospital and USA Health Providence Hospital.  He will see patients in clinic at USA Health Cardiovascular Surgery at 1901 Spring Hill Avenue in Mobile. To make an appointment, call 251-300-2240.

USA Health adds Ellerman to pulmonary and critical care division

Justin Ellerman, M.D.

By Michelle Ryan-Day

USA Health recently welcomed Justin Ellerman, M.D., to expand its pulmonary and critical care division. He brings a unique combination of military medicine, procedural expertise, and academic leadership to the growing team. 

Before beginning his fellowship in pulmonary and critical care at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, where he trained in partnership with Ochsner, Ellerman served in the U.S. Air Force as a special operations flight surgeon.  

During his three-and-a-half years of service, he specialized in casualty evacuation and combat casualty care, honing his skills in critical care medicine within harsh environments. His experience leading medical response teams and training medics in field operations helped shape his collaborative approach to patient care. 

“My first draw to pulmonary and critical care came from my time in the military,” Ellerman said. “In the ICU, the care for our patients is team-oriented with every member on the team being equally valuable yet having a specific role. This is the best way to continue to provide high quality care in the most acute setting.” 

During his fellowship, Ellerman assisted in advanced robotic bronchoscopy, focusing on the diagnosis and management of pulmonary nodules, lung cancer, and endobronchial ultrasound techniques. He also worked alongside the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team at University Hospital in New Orleans (formerly Charity Hospital), selecting and managing patients requiring advanced life support through venoarterial (heart and lung support) and venovenous (lung support only) ECMO. 

ECMO is a life-saving medical procedure that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and/or lungs.  

“From a pulmonology standpoint, I have always been a hands-on person with a background in surgery and an affinity for procedural standardization. Advanced bronchoscopy can provide both diagnostic and therapeutic care for patients with everything from infections to cancer.” 

Ellerman completed his internal medicine residency and chief resident year at USA Health, where he discovered a passion for academic medicine and mentoring future physicians. He describes his motivation for joining USA Health as twofold: a commitment to patient-centered innovation and a love of teaching. 

“After serving a chief (resident) year in internal medicine at USA, I developed a strong passion for teaching graduate medical education at all levels from medical students to fellows,” he said. “I feel that helping to train the next generation of physicians is just as important as taking care of our current patients.” 

Ellerman, who is board-certified in critical care medicine and pulmonary disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, serves as an assistant professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

He completed medical school at the University of South Carolina, then a surgical preliminary year at the Greenville Health System, also in South Carolina.  

Ellerman has experience treating acute respiratory distress syndrome, advanced emphysema, lung cancer, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, tracheal stenosis and more. 

He is accepting new patients at the Mastin Internal Medicine Clinic located at 2451 University Hospital Drive, Suite 102 in Mobile. To schedule an appointment, call 251-470-5890. 

Rodgers named to third cohort of LevelUP Fellows

LevelUP Fellows comprise 10 faculty and staff members from the University of South Alabama.

Alani Rodgers, Ed.D., assistant director of the Office of Research, Education and Training and instructor for biomedical sciences at the Whiddon College of Medicine, was one of 10 faculty and staff members chosen as LevelUP Fellows at the University of South Alabama for the 2025-2026 academic year.  

The onboarding of this new group marks another milestone in the ongoing implementation of the LevelUP Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), focused on preparing South Alabama students to be uniquely equipped for their next steps. The 2025-2026 fellows represent eight academic programs and two student support areas, reflecting the cross-campus collaboration at the heart of the LevelUP QEP. 

In addition to Rodgers, other fellows are: 

• Gayan Abeynanda (Mathematics & Statistics) 
• Caitlyn Hauff (Health, Kinesiology & Sport) 
• Sohee Kim (Counseling & Instructional Sciences) 
• Molly Miller (Marine & Environmental Sciences) 
• Jessica Owsley (English) 
• Alexis Rockwell (Criminal Justice) 
• Bailey Smith (Student Affairs) 
• Heather Sprinkle (Student Affairs) 
• Donna Streeter (Nursing) 

The LevelUP Fellows held their first monthly cohort meeting Oct. 3, when they explored strategies for developing their LevelUP projects and promoting awareness of the NACE Career Readiness Competencies within their disciplines and areas. The session was guided by learning outcomes focused on leadership and project development. Fellows identified the key steps outlined in Kotter’s Change Model, applied principles of organizational change to higher education leadership scenarios, and engaged in collaborative discussions to develop new insights and strategies for advancing their individual LevelUP projects. 

“Our LevelUP Fellows are faculty and staff with exceptional qualifications who have a strong desire to lead, innovate, and inspire,” said Julie Estis, Ph.D., associate vice president of institutional effectiveness. “As champions for the QEP, they will complete projects that transform ideas into impactful realities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement that enhances student success across campus.” 

In addition to their individual projects, fellows collaborate with peers and university stakeholders to extend the reach and impact of LevelUP. Their work advances USA’s mission to make a difference in the lives of those it serves through discovery, health, and learning, and supports the University’s strategic priority to improve student access and success. 

Whiddon COM to host tailgate tent at Homecoming

The Whiddon College of Medicine will host a tailgate tent for Homecoming 2025 on Saturday, Nov. 1, when the South Alabama Jags take on the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at Hancock Whitney Stadium. 

All faculty, staff, students and alumni are invited to stop by. The tent will be located on College Row near Lot 106 (transportation center) and the Jaguar Training Center. 

For questions, contact Marcina Lang, MPA, at marcinalang@southalabama.edu. 

Annual sickle cell conference highlights role of nurses in patient care

From left, Cecil L. Parker Jr., M.D.; Ardie Pack-Mabien, FNP-BC.; Felicia Wilson, M.D., and Antwan Hogue, M.D. 

USA Health’s Johnson Haynes Jr., M.D. Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center recently hosted its 19th annual regional conference, Sickle Cell Disease Practical Issues XIX: Nurses, Anchors of Healthcare in Sickle Cell Disease, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the Gulf Coast to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration in the care of patients living with sickle cell disease. 

Held on Oct. 4 at the Strada Patient Care Center, the multidisciplinary event offered attendees a full day of learning focused on the latest advances in treatment and nursing care. The conference theme celebrated the essential role nurses play in every aspect of patient care, from managing hospital stays to guiding families through long-term treatment plans. 

Antwan Hogue, M.D.; T'Shemika Perryman, RN;

Jessica King, FNP-C; and Ardie Pack-Mabien, FNP-BC

Expert speakers included Felicia Wilson, M.D., and Hamayun Imran, M.D., both pediatric hematologist-oncologists and professors of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine, who discussed the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease and advances in gene therapy.  

Antwan Hogue, M.D., medical director of the Johnson Haynes Jr., M.D. Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center and assistant professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, examined the evolving role of precision medicine and its limitations. Nurse practitioners Jennifer Williams, CRNP, and Jessica King, FNP-C, provided evidence-based approaches to nursing management in both pediatric and adult care settings. 

During the event, Wilson was awarded the Dr. Cecil L. Parker, Jr. Sickle Cell Disease Distinguished Endowed Lectureship, which was established in 2008 to support sickle cell education for patients, physicians, and allied health professionals in Mobile and surrounding counties. Named for Parker, a former director of the USA Adult Sickle Cell Center, the award recognizes his extensive and lengthy medical career of caring for adult patients with sickle cell disease.  

Mohammad Barouqa, M.D., and Felicia Wilson, M.D.

Mohammad Barouqa, M.D., pathologist and assistant professor of pathology, received the Outstanding Service Award in recognition of his leadership as director of the blood bank, especially in working to ensure an adequate supply for sickle cell patients. 

T’Shemika Perryman, RN, adult clinic nurse and transition coordinator, and King also received Outstanding Service Awards for their invaluable support and dedication to patient care. 

Participants earned continuing education credit through the Alabama Board of Nursing while also connecting with colleagues across disciplines who share a commitment to improving outcomes for both pediatric and adult patients.  

Medical students present research from USA Student-Run Free Clinic

Sachi Patel and Mariam Omar present posters at the annual meeting of the Society of Student-Run Free Clinics. 

Medical students Mariam Omar and Sachi Patel represented the USA Student-Run Free Clinic (SRFC) at the annual meeting of the Society of Student-Run Free Clinics held Oct. 3-5 in Chicago.

Both third-year medical students at the Whiddon College of Medicine, Omar and Patel presented several research projects the USA SRFC is conducting to advance patient care at the clinic as well as improve the student volunteer experience. 

“While at the conference, we met so many groups from schools around the country presenting inspiring work at their SRFCs,” Omar said. “It was such a great experience, and we are so grateful to the Office of Student Affairs for supporting us and making this trip possible.”

Department of Pathology shines at 2025 Tri-State Pathology Conference

Jawaria Hassan, M.D., M.S.

USA Health’s Department of Pathology proudly participated in the 2025 Tri-State Pathology Conference, showcasing outstanding research and academic contributions. Hosted by the Louisiana Pathology Society, in conjunction with the Alabama Association of Pathologists and the Mississippi Association of Pathologists, the conference was held in New Orleans in early October. 

Several faculty and trainees from the University of South Alabama Whiddon College of Medicine presented their work through poster sessions, and the department celebrated a first-place presentation award, highlighting the excellence and innovation within the program.

First Place Presentation Award

Title: “Clinicopathological Features and Molecular Alterations of Endometrial Carcinosarcoma Diagnosed in the South Gulf Coast Region”
Authors: Jawaria Hassan, M.D., M.S.; Osama Elkadi, M.D.; Eric Wei, M.D.; Jones L. Nathaniel, M.D.

Poster Presentations

Title: “Primary Cervical Malignant Melanoma: A Case Study With Molecular Characterization”
Authors: Juyeon Kim, M.D., Ph.D.; Osama Elkadi, M.D.

Title: “Warthin-Like Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma in a Child”

Authors: Juyeon Kim, M.D., Ph.D.; Carlos A. Galliani, M.D.

Title: “Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis Presenting as a Hemorrhagic Brain Mass: A Diagnostic Challenge”

Authors: Huseyin Killic, M.D.; Osama Elkadi, M.D.

Title: “Histopathologic Spectrum of Mixed Invasive Breast Carcinomas: Morphologic and Biomarker Insights”

Authors: Maha Babker, M.D.; Eric Wei, M.D., Ph.D.

The department congratulates all participants for their hard work and dedication to advancing pathology education and research. Their achievements continue to strengthen USA Health’s commitment to excellence in patient care, discovery, and medical education.

Pierce to lead COM accreditation and continuous quality improvement

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA

The Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine is pleased to announce the promotion of Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, to executive director of accreditation and continuous quality improvement (CQI).

Pierce joined the College of Medicine in 2012 and has served in the Office of Accreditation and Planning since 2019, where she has played a central role in strengthening accreditation readiness and advancing quality improvement initiatives. Along the way, she earned a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on health policy and, most recently, completed her doctorate in educational leadership in December 2024.

In her new role, Pierce will serve as the college’s operational lead for accreditation and CQI. She oversees the CQI Committee, directs Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) site visit planning and documentation, and manages platforms such as the LCME Heat Map, Watermark, and Asana that support compliance and strategic tracking. She also works closely with the University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness to ensure alignment between medical education data, institutional planning, and reporting.

Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., associate dean of accreditation and planning, emphasized the significance of her promotion. “Melisa’s leadership has elevated our accreditation and CQI processes in ways that benefit every corner of the college,” he said. “She has an extraordinary ability to pair technical expertise with a genuine commitment to people, and her promotion reflects both her impact and her vision for where we’re headed.”

Beyond her leadership in accreditation systems, Pierce has been deeply engaged in student feedback initiatives designed to ensure medical students see how their voices directly shape change. Through projects such as You Asked, We Listened, her office has relayed student input back to the community and highlighted tangible improvements based on their feedback. This work has strengthened trust and communication across the college, leading to higher response rates and greater satisfaction on surveys, and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration.

She has also extended this impact nationally, collaborating with other medical colleges on research projects related to student feedback, quality improvement, and accreditation best practices. A frequent national presenter, she was recently elected chair of the Accreditation Preparation & Quality Improvement (APQI) Steering Committee, further positioning the Whiddon College of Medicine as a leader in accreditation and CQI.

David S. Williams, Ph.D., MPA, assistant dean for institutional and academic success, said, “What I value most about Melisa is how she listens — whether it’s students, faculty, or staff — and then turns that feedback into action. Having her on the OAP team is truly value-added; she brings a team-oriented mindset that elevates everyone’s work. We are fortunate to have her leading in this space.”

Her promotion reflects not only her leadership and expertise but also the Whiddon College of Medicine’s ongoing commitment to advancing accreditation, elevating the student experience, and strengthening continuous quality improvement at both the institutional and national levels.

Updated academic coach training coming in spring 2026

Faculty members seeking to foster both personal and professional growth while making a lasting impact on the next generation of physicians now have a new opportunity through the Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development. The office has announced the launch of Autonomy in Practice: Foundations of Coaching, an enhanced professional development program designed to strengthen coaching skills in academic medicine.

“Learning to differentiate the coaching process from advising has brought me a lot of clarity,” said Brandy Merritt, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and previous participant. “The skills I gained gave me insight into my own thought process.”

Building on the success of the original program, the updated version incorporates participant feedback to create a more focused and flexible experience:

• Streamlined format: Now condensed to just four focused sessions over two months
• Flexible learning: Remote/virtual reading and discussions to accommodate your busy schedule
• Practice-centered approach: In-person sessions are primarily dedicated to hands-on coaching practice
• Professional development: CME credits provided
• Expert guidance: Direct coaching observation and feedback from professional coaches

This refined program will equip participants with advanced skills to become an impactful academic coach. Through evidence-based techniques, they learn to unlock the innate potential of learners, empowering them to achieve their fullest capabilities. Coaches are trained to guide students in developing self-directed, lifelong learning habits — a critical skill in the rapidly evolving world of healthcare.

The program offers participants an opportunity to cultivate the power of coaching, fostering the next generation of agile, self-assured medical professionals while advancing their own leadership and mentoring expertise.

The program schedule includes four sessions held on Friday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m. on the following dates:

• March 6
• March 20
• April 3
• April 17

Register on the Google Form. 

For questions about the program, contact Binata Mukherjee, M.D., MBA, at bmukherjee@southalabama.edu

Faculty, staff and students celebrate USA Health Game Day 2025

Medical students throw their J's up at the tailgate.

More than 4,000 guests — including faculty, staff and students from the Whiddon College of Medicine — celebrated USA Health Game Day 2025 on Tuesday evening at Hancock Whitney Stadium. 

Attendees enjoyed a tailgate dinner catered by Sonny's BBQ before cheering on the South Alabama Jaguars in the football game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves. 

The following employees represented USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine at a special on-field presentation during the game: 

• Drew Citrin, manager of practice operations for the department of neurology
• Emily Dahlmann, director of the stroke program at University Hospital
• Alicia Evans, M.D., family medicine physician and assistant professor of family medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine
• Chloe Holberg, director of perioperative services at Providence Hospital
• Josh Jones, director of the Hospital Violence Intervention Program at the Center for Healthy Communities
• Melinda Lunsford, medical assistant at Providence Gastroenterology
• Brooke Olson, nurse manager of the Cub Crew at Children’s & Women’s Hospital
• Catie Pace, registered nurse at West Mobile Medical Group
• Renee Russell, oncology nurse navigator at the Mitchell Cancer Institute
• Jerica Scott, medical assistant at the Mitchell Cancer Institute
• Roy Weeks, director of support services at Children’s & Women’s Hospital
• Brant Weindorf, graduate medical education coordinator for the department of internal medicine
• David S. Williams, Ph.D., MPA, assistant dean for institutional and academic success at the Whiddon College of Medicine

View more photos from USA Health Game Day 2025 on Flickr.