Internal medicine resident presents research at cancer advocacy conference

Hussein Haidari, M.D., presents his research at the NeauxCancer Conference in New Orleans.

Second-year USA Health internal medicine resident Hussein Haidari, M.D., recently presented his research at the fourth annual NeauxCancer Conference, presented by the Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana (CAGLA) in New Orleans.  

“It’s a profound honor and privilege to represent USA Health at the esteemed CAGLA conference,” he said. “It’s an inspiring platform to showcase our dedication to clinical excellence, innovative research, and the compassionate care that defines our institution.”  

Haidari presented a case involving the progression of esophageal lichen planus – a chronic inflammatory disease affecting skin and mucosa – to squamous cell carcinoma. The conclusion was that lichen planus, a very rare, but aggressive condition, is a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, as well as increases the risk for recurrent disease. As such, it underscores the need for close surveillance in patients with persistent or worsening symptoms.  

Haidari completed medical school at Hawler Medical University in Erbil, Iraq. He sees patients at University Hospital and Stanton Road Clinic.  

The CAGLA conference attracts medical oncologists, cancer surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other physicians, as well as advanced practice providers, medical trainees, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.   

The three-day event covers wide-ranging topics beyond discussions about disease and emerging therapies, novel surgical approaches, precision medicine, and more, including health advocacy and policy.  

CAGLA is a grassroots advocacy group that champions improved cancer care. Community leaders, dedicated physicians and resilient survivors unite to drive progress in healthcare policy and practice.  

Evans joins family medicine faculty at Whiddon COM

Alicia Evans, M.D.

By Milena Mata

To meet the growing healthcare needs of the community, USA Health Family Medicine has added physician Alicia Evans, M.D. She will also serve as an assistant professor of family medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

“I love the diversity that the field of family medicine provides, as well as the continuity of care due to being able to treat patients of all ages and stages as well as their entire family,” Evans said.  

Prior to joining USA Health, Evans was a physician at the Franklin Primary Health Center in Mobile. She served in the U.S. Army for four years, taking care of active duty, retirees and their dependents. This developed her skills in pediatrics, obstetrics, hospital and outpatient medicine. She is also experienced in trauma, field and combat medicine. 

Evans looks forward to joining an academic health system. “Academic medicine allows the opportunity to impact the future of medicine by helping to train the next generation of doctors,” said Evans. “In addition, the collaboration between attendings and residents alike provides for better, more thorough and comprehensive care for patients.” 

Evans is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and holds a certification in lifestyle medicine. She is also on the board of trustees for the Mobile Medical Museum. 

A native of Florida, Evans received her medical degree from Florida State University College of Medicine. She later completed her residency at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia.  

In addition to her work, Evans is the founder and CEO of Ardor Scrubs, an online clothing company that sells scrubs for women. She was also included in Mobile Bay Magazine’s “40 under 40” list in 2024. 

Evans will treat patients at USA Health Accordia Family Medicine Center, University Hospital and Children’s & Women’s Hospital. 

Emergency medicine residency demonstrates innovation in simulation and education

Carmen J. Martinez, M.D., and Caroline Molins, M.D., present a pericardiocentesis simulation model.

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program demonstrated its leadership in medical education and simulation at the 2025 Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD EM) conference, held in Seattle in March. Two standout presentations by faculty and residents highlighted the program’s commitment to innovation and excellence in emergency medicine training.

Carmen J. Martinez, M.D., and Caroline Molins, M.D., both assistant professors of emergency medicine, presented a cost-effective, high-fidelity pericardiocentesis simulation model during the Med Tech Bar session. Their brief educational intervention (BEI) was designed to teach this rare but life-saving procedure using a “crawl-walk-run” instructional approach. 

Through a structured three-part session — including a didactic lecture, hands-on simulation, and debrief — residents learned to identify appropriate indications (e.g., symptomatic pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade) and contraindications (e.g., myocardial rupture, aortic dissection), gather necessary supplies (such as an 18G spinal needle or pericardiocentesis kit), and perform the procedure in a simulated environment. The model was created to be easily reproducible and affordable, making it a valuable tool for procedural training across residency programs.

David Monaco, M.D., presents his research at the

conference.

David Monaco, M.D., a second-year resident, presented his educational research titled “Teaching Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block to EM Residents” and was recognized among the top medical education abstracts out of more than 275 submissions. Monaco represented a collaborative team of residents and faculty, including Channing Stroud, D.O., and faculty mentors Molins, Beau Stokes, M.D., and Reshvinder Dhillon, M.D.

The study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief educational intervention (BEI) combining asynchronous online learning with hands-on simulation to teach EM residents how to perform ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca blocks — an increasingly important technique for pain control in patients with hip fractures. Following the intervention, mean resident test scores improved significantly (from 55% to 79%), and all participants reported increased confidence and preparedness to perform the procedure in clinical settings.

Class of 2025 recognized at honors ceremony

Peter Ledet receives the Dean's Award from John Marymont, M.D., MBA.

The Whiddon College of Medicine recognized members of the Class of 2025 at a special breakfast and honors ceremony on Friday, April 25, in the USA Student Center Ballroom. The following students received awards:

Dean’s Award – Peter G. Ledet

Awarded to the graduating senior who has accumulated the highest scholastic grade-point average for the full four years of medical school.

Adele Mantiply & Dr. Gerald Galle Pediatric Endowed Scholarship – Sarah Hunter Jackson

Awarded to a graduating senior student who has accepted a position in a pediatric residency program at the University of South Alabama and intends to practice pediatrics in Mobile and/or Baldwin counties.

Ritha Baliga Memorial Medical Scholarship – Kara Ann Nix

Awarded to an outstanding senior student who demonstrates a merit ranking within the top 50% of the class and is interested in pursuing a career in pediatric healthcare.

Hollis J. Wiseman Award for Excellence in Pediatrics – Hope Elizabeth Lund

Presented to the student who best exemplified Dr. Wiseman’s outstanding scholarship, compassion for patients and families, involvement in the profession and community, enthusiasm for exploration and steadfast love of family, friends and colleagues.

Merck Award – Sarah Ann Blackstock, Nicholas Friend

Awarded to senior students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement.

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Excellence Award – Jessica Colleen Irvin

Presented to a graduating senior student for demonstrating outstanding knowledge in basic and clinical pharmacology.

Outstanding Student in the Pre-Clerkship Curriculum – Nicholas Friend

Awarded to a graduating senior student for outstanding performance in the pre-clerkship curriculum.

Students who participated in the M.D. Research with

Honors Program and Wito Richter, Ph.D.

Award for Excellence in Teaching Clinical Skills – Naden William Kreitz

Awarded to a graduating senior student for outstanding teaching skills and student mentoring in the clinical skills program. This student has demonstrated a dedication to education in the field of clinical skills.

Medical Alumni Leadership Award – Jerry Oliver Andrews II

Awarded to the senior student by vote of classmates, in recognition of outstanding leadership of the graduating class.

SNMA Leadership Award – Alicia Dent Agard

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is committed to supporting current and future medical students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally responsive, and socially conscious physicians. This award is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a sustained commitment to service within the community and medical school.

National Medical Fellowships Henrietta Lacks Scholarship – Cinnamin Christina Cross, Warren Edward Law III, Bethaney Xela Stratton

This National Medical Fellowship’s award was established in 2021 by Margie Malone Tuckson and Dr. Reed V. Tuckson. This scholarship honors the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and the impact her story has had on the advancement of science, medicine, and ethical research practices. Her experience underscores critical issues in healthcare, including disparities in access to medical care, the importance of equitable representation in research, and the need for advocacy in patient rights and ethical medical practices. This scholarship is awarded annually to graduating medical students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing these critical issues in healthcare.

Community Service Award – Emily Susannah Cleveland, Natalie Allyssa Simpkins

Presented by the Medical Society of Mobile County to two senior medical students whose classmates believe best fulfill the ideals of humanitarian public service as demonstrated by superior awareness of, and achievement in, civic and community programs.

Dr. Richard William Gurich Memorial Endowed Scholarship – Jessica Colleen Irvin, Cade C. Smelley

Awarded to two graduating senior students who have not only performed at the highest level during the third and fourth year but have also demonstrated efficacy in patient relations and professionalism.

Dr. Robert A. Kreisberg Endowed Award of Excellence – Anna Fouty

Awarded to a graduating senior student in the top 25% of the class who is distinguished in both the clinical and basic sciences. This student has demonstrated superior leadership and integrity, possesses a strong work ethic, and has performed in such a way as to earn the respect of his or her fellow students and faculty.

Eran and N.Q. Adams Endowed Scholarship in Neurology Award – Yulong Huang Stokes

Presented to the graduating medical student who, through patient care, interaction with faculty and housestaff, and motivation, has demonstrated excellence in neurology. This student has an interest in pursuing neurology as a career.

Cooke-Scott Scholarship – Danner Warren Butler, Amanda M. Cuomo, Rachael L. Motamed, Yulong Huang Stokes

Awarded to a fourth-year medical student/s wishing to pursue a career in the neuroscience field (neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, ophthalmology) and who has demonstrated exemplary qualities and commitment to their field.

Excellence in Psychiatry Award – Rachael L. Motamed

This award is given to a fourth-year medical student who excels in psychiatry, displaying exceptional knowledge and skills in providing compassionate and evidence-based mental healthcare. This award recognizes their academic excellence, clinical proficiency, and leadership potential in the field of psychiatry.

Samuel Eichold Award – Edwin R. Boyer

Presented to the graduating medical student who through scholarship, patient care, interaction with faculty and housestaff, and motivation, has demonstrated outstanding achievement in internal medicine.

Dr. Joseph G. Hardin, Jr. Memorial Scholarship – Anna Fouty

Awarded to a graduating senior student who is interested in pursuing a career in internal medicine.

Dr. William James Atkinson, Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship – Peter G. Ledet

Presented to a fourth-year medical student exhibiting exemplary character, possessing a dedication to the field of medicine, and demonstrating a commitment to compassionate patient care. This student is interested in primary care and plans to practice in the state of Alabama.

The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award – Cinnamin Christina Cross, Jenna Pfleeger, M.D.

Presented by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation to the senior student and to the faculty member nominated and selected by the senior class who have demonstrated outstanding compassion to patients and their families.

Excellence in Public Health Award – Emily Susannah Cleveland

Awarded to the medical student who has demonstrated a commitment to public health and public health practice, and has exhibited leadership and hard work with a passion and dedication to public health within the medical profession.

Ralph Denny Wright and Anne G. Wright Memorial Scholarship – Virginia Murray Farley

Awarded to the senior student focusing on internal medicine/family practice, who strives to become a compassionate physician and skilled diagnostician as exemplified by Dr. Wright.

Dr. Michael M. Linder Endowed Award – Natalie Allyssa Simpkins

Awarded to a senior student who has accepted a residency in family medicine and exemplifies a commitment to family medicine, as practiced by Dr. Michael Linder, through astute clinical acumen based on the knowledge of the human body and evidence-based medicine. This student possesses a passion for teaching this knowledge and the art of family medicine to others, and demonstrates courage to do what is best for the whole patient and their family.

H. C. Mullins, M.D. Award – Ryleigh Brooke Randall

Awarded by the faculty of the Department of Family Medicine to the graduating senior who demonstrated excellence in the ability to apply principles, practice, and philosophy of family medicine in caring for patients and their families. This award is given in honor of Dr. H. C. Mullins, professor emeritus and founding chair of the department.

Steven Karl Teplick, M.D., FACR Memorial Award – Sidney Irvin Bailey

Awarded to a graduating senior student specializing in radiology and committed to lifelong learning as exemplified by Dr. Steven Teplick.

Cinnamin Cross with Michael Sternberg, M.D.

Edgar C. Fonde Scholarship – David Walker Phillips

Awarded to a fourth-year medical student/s with financial need that has matched in pathology.

Orthopaedic Excellence Award – Matthew C. Watterson

This award is presented to the graduating medical student who best personifies the compassion, selflessness, and tireless work ethic of Drs. Anderson, McBryde and Meyer. This student has shown excellence above all peers during the orthopaedic rotations.

John W. Donald Memorial Award in Surgery – Cade C. Smelley

Awarded to the senior student who best demonstrated clinical and academic excellence in the surgery clerkship.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Award – Ann Kelly Porter

Presented to the graduating medical student who, through scholarship, patient care, interaction with faculty and housestaff, and motivation, has demonstrated excellence in obstetrics and gynecology.

Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award – Javier Alejandro Michael

This award is presented by the Department of Emergency Medicine to the graduating medical student who best exemplifies outstanding clinical performance in emergency medical care.

Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Award – Cinnamin Christina Cross

Presented on behalf of SAEM to the graduating medical student who has demonstrated excellence and academic proficiency in emergency medicine.

The inaugural group of PEERS with Becky Smith, Ph.D.

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AΩA):

Emily Cleveland

Erica Conway

Anna Fouty

Kahlea Haladwala

Jessica Irvin

Sarah Jackson

Naden Krietz

Peter Ledet

Hope Lund

Justine Magadia

Rachael Motamed

Kara Nix

Ryleigh Randall

Natalie Simpkins

Cade Smelley

M.D. Research with Honors: 

Hanna Bobinger

Naden Kreitz

Rachel Motamed

Parker Norman

Ryleigh Randall

Cade Smelley

Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society:

Jerry Andrews, II

Mary Claire Carlton

Emily Cleveland

Cinnamin Cross

Tara Hicks

Naden Kreitz

Warren Law, III

Peter Ledet

Natalie Simpkins

Yulong Stokes

Aequitas Health Honor Society:

Mary Claire Carlton

Claire Chastain

Emily Cleveland

Altonnesha Darby

Warren Law, III

Rachael Motamed

Ryleigh Randall

Natalie Simpkins

Primary Care Pathway:

Emily Dunn

Virginia Farley

Peter Ledet

Justine Magadia

Kara Nix

Meghan Rice

Katelyn Rogers

Natalie Simpkins

Peer Emotional and Educational Resilience Support (PEERS):

Danner Butler

Virginia Farley

Peter Ledet

Rachael Motamed

Natalie Simpkins

Yulong Stokes

Peter Whitehurst

Peer Academic Leaders (PALs):

Danner Butler

Emily Dunn 

Anna Fouty 

Kahlea Haladwala 

Jessica Irvin 

Matthew Kelley 

Naden Kreitz

Warren Law, III  

Peter Ledet  

Peter Lochmaier 

Shriya Meesala 

Kara Nix  

Avery Silar

View more photos from the awards breakfast and ceremony on Flickr. 

Research seminar to focus on mining the electronic medical record

The Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development will host the final Nuts & Bolts Research Seminar of the year. The presentation, “Mining the Electronic Medical Record: I2B2,” is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, via Zoom. 

Unlock the potential of electronic medical records for research with I2B2 (Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside), a powerful NIH-funded platform that transforms clinical data into research insights. Join this informative session and connect with colleagues interested in leveraging electronic medical records for groundbreaking research.

The distinguished speaker is Matthew Wyatt, director of clinical research informatics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He will showcase how this computational framework breaks through bottlenecks in translational research, connecting genomic discoveries with clinical applications across multiple disease areas, including airways disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, Huntington's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and major depressive disorder.

Established in 2004 as part of an NIH Roadmap Initiative, I2B2 is one of the original National Centers for Biomedical Computing. Led by Isaac Kohane, M.D., Ph.D., at Harvard Medical School, this innovative center develops cutting-edge computational tools that are revolutionizing how we approach biomedical research.

Register for the Zoom meeting: southalabama.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsdu-grzktG9y8pzCXgf-TMVI7ZBrHfP_n

Whiddon COM celebrates Earth Day

Among the activities, the Earth Day Break event featured a plant potting station.

Students, faculty and staff of the Whiddon College of Medicine took a break on Earth Day, April 22, to engage in a host of creative activities with the message of sustainability.

Participants painted plant picks featuring USA's mascots.

Participants had the opportunity to pot seeds and plants, decorate plant picks featuring SouthPaw and Miss Pawla, pose in the photo booth, grab some snacks, recycle their plastic, and enjoy the fresh air. More than 120 people attended the Earth Day event.

The event planning committee comprised Marcina Lang, MPA; Alani Rodgers, M.Ed.; Victoria Nadeau; William Nguyen; Rebecca Price; Kathy Harden; Paula Jefferson; medical student Heather Lien Inman; and Ph.D. student Oluwagbenro Adesunloro. 

View more photos from the event.

Register now: Reunion Weekend set for June 13-15

The USA Medical Alumni Association will host Reunion Weekend June 13-15 at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. 

Join the MAA at the beach for a weekend of connection, continuing education, and celebration. They're welcoming all Whiddon College of Medicine alumni, with special recognition for reunion classes ending in 0 and 5. 

Enjoy CME sessions, reconnect with classmates, and help honor this year’s USA Medical Alumni & Leadership Awards recipients at one of the MAA's signature medical alumni traditions on the coast.

Register today: southalabama.edu/colleges/com/alumni/medicalreunion

Office of Accreditation and Planning retreat highlights individual strengths and collaboration

From left, Tim Gilbert, Ed.D.; Russ Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA; Wendy Wheeler; Julie Estis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP; Melisa Pierce, Ed.D.; David S. Williams, Ph.D.; and Angie O’Neal, M.Ed.

The Whiddon College of Medicine Office of Accreditation and Planning recently held an off-campus retreat focused on deepening collaboration, understanding team dynamics, and mapping out next steps in their commitment to excellence.

Facilitated by Julie Estis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, interim associate vice president of institutional effectiveness and executive director of academic enhancement, the session guided the team through meaningful self-reflection and group discussion. Estis, who brings extensive experience in accreditation, QEP leadership, and student learning strategy, led the team in applying the Patrick Lencioni's Working Genius model to uncover how each member contributes to the arc of a successful project — from idea to execution.

The Working Genius model is a team-based productivity framework that identifies individual strengths across six key areas: wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity. By understanding which types of work energize us — and which tend to drain us — the team explored how we can work more effectively together, reduce burnout, and increase impact across the college.

“It was inspiring to facilitate this retreat with the Office of Accreditation and Planning and witness the team's commitment to understanding their strengths and exploring how to leverage them to advance their organizational mission,” Estis said. “Through thoughtful dialogue and collaborative activities, they explored critical questions and engaged in effective planning processes. Their enthusiasm and dedication set the stage for continued excellence across the college.” 

In addition to team building and strengths exploration, the retreat served as a launch point for advancing department-wide initiatives, aligning key goals and responsibilities related to their core work in student support, accreditation, assessment, planning, data governance, and service.

As part of this planning process, the team also began refining short- and long-term goals tied to LCME site visit success in October 2026, reaffirming the department’s role in leading quality improvement and supporting a culture of excellence at the Whiddon College of Medicine.

The retreat reinforced the department’s guiding statement: “We exist to guide data-driven quality improvement for excellence in medical education.”

By leaning into individual strengths and team synergy, the Office of Accreditation and Planning is more equipped than ever to lead strategic initiatives that serve students, support faculty, and elevate institutional outcomes.