USA Health names Grazette division chief of cardiology

Luanda Grazette, M.D., MPA

Luanda Grazette, M.D., MPH, a distinguished physician-scientist, educator, and national leader in the field of advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology, recently joined USA Health as its new division chief of cardiology. She brings a wealth of clinical expertise, research accomplishments, and visionary leadership to her new role. 

“Dr. Grazette is a nationally recognized expert in heart failure with an impressive record of excellence in clinical care and research,” said Nasser Lakkis, M.Sc.-M.D., FACC, chair of internal medicine at USA Health. “Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the division of cardiology in our department.”  

Her career spans academic medicine, clinical trials, and biopharmaceutical innovation. A native of Docena, a small town outside Birmingham, Alabama, Grazette’s early experiences shaped her deep commitment to improving the lives of patients affected by heart failure—one of the most common and debilitating chronic conditions among adults older than 55. 

“Almost every family is touched by heart failure which creates an enormous societal burden, and patients suffering from heart failure are unduly burdened by fatigue and suffering,” she said. “I am interested in research that expands treatment options for patients with heart failure and specifically in those interventions than can reverse the ravages of the condition.”  

Grazette earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed both medical school and a master’s in public health administration at Harvard University. She finished her internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, followed by a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, and returned to MGH for advanced training in heart failure and transplantation. 

The Whiddon College of Medicine professor is board-certified in cardiovascular disease and advanced heart failure and transplantation by the American Board of Internal Medicine.  

Her career as a physician-scientist has included NIH-funded research on the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity related to cancer therapeutics. In the biopharmaceutical sector, Grazette served as a global medical director at Amgen, where she had leadership roles in the development of novel cardiovascular drugs including Repatha® and Omecamtiv Mecarbil. 

In 2010, Grazette returned to academic medicine to pursue her passion for patient care and mentorship. At the University of Southern California, she served for a decade as co-director of advanced heart failure and cardiomyopathy, launched a successful heart failure research program, initiated and served as program director for the fellowship in advanced heart failure and transplantation and trained and supported future leaders in cardiology. Most recently, she served as director of advanced heart failure and heart failure recovery and therapeutic innovation at the University of Miami which achieved American Heart Association Gold Recognition in Heart Failure in less than three years. 

“Academic medical systems hold the responsibility for the future of medicine,” Grazette said. “This responsibility lies in the generations of clinicians socialized and trained and also in the efforts to expand knowledge and improve care. These fundamental ideals of academic medicine mirror my ideals as a physician.”  

Lakkis said that as division chief Grazette will lead strategic efforts to expand cardiovascular services, strengthen research initiatives, and cultivate an environment that supports clinical excellence and academic growth. 

“She brings a strong vision for advancing cardiac care with a deep commitment to improving health outcomes in our community, and to close gaps in access and improve the lives of individuals we serve,” he said. “Equally important, Dr. Grazette is an inspiring educator and mentor, and our trainees will benefit greatly from her knowledge, bedside teaching, and research.” 

Grazette has experience treating congestive heart failure, amyloidosis, peripartum and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, advanced heart failure and transplantation, arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and more.  

She is accepting new patients at the USA Health Cardiology clinic, located at 6300 USA Health Blvd. in Mobile. To schedule an appointment, call 251-873-6280. 

Graduate student presents new research at international immunology conference

Killian Brewer presented at the American Association

of Immunologists conference.

Killian Brewer, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, recently presented new research at the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Immunology 2025 conference in Honolulu, Hawaii.  

His poster presentation focused on neutrophil hyperresponsiveness that contributes to lung pathology in lab models.  

A rare pediatric primary immunodeficiency disorder known as Hyper-IgE syndrome (AD-HIES) is characterized by recurrent lung infections and persistent inflammation damaging to lung tissue. Using a lab model with a STAT3 mutation common in patients, scientists at USA demonstrated that infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa leads to significant alveolar damage and increased immune cell infiltration.  

The lab models exhibited higher bacterial loads and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, driven by enhanced neutrophil activation. Importantly, Brewer said, bone marrow-derived neutrophils from the models showed heightened degranulation and NETosis, indicating a hyperresponsive state.  

The results highlight a new pathogenic mechanism involving neutrophil hyperactivation as a key contributor to lung injury and immune dysregulation in AD-HIES. Future studies, Brewer said, will focus on the efficacy of targeting this mechanism as a therapeutic strategy. 

“Presenting at AAI Immunology 2025 was a chance to spotlight rare pediatric immune disorders and share research that could improve care for patients too often overlooked,” Brewer said. “I’m proud to help push this conversation forward.” 

Brewer is the 2025 recipient of the Samuel J. Strada Travel and Enhancement Award. This award is named in honor of Dr. Samuel J. Strada and is designed to support attendance at intensive workshops, conferences, or meetings to enhance the knowledge and expertise of the recipient in their field of study.  

Organized by the American Association of Immunologists, the Immunology 2025 conference brought together leading researchers who discussed the latest from across the field. Founded in 1913, the American Association of Immunologists includes nearly 8,000 scientists in 71 countries on a mission to improve global health and well-being by advancing immunology and elevating public understanding about the immune system.  

USA Health Neurosurgery makes big impact at 2025 state conference

Anthony Martino, M.D., was the guest 

speaker at the conference.

USA Health’s neurosurgery department made an impact at the 2025 Neurosurgical Society of Alabama (NSA) Annual Conference, with a strong showing of leadership, innovation, and educational contributions delivered in front of the state’s leading neurosurgical minds. 

Anthony Martino, M.D., chair of neurosurgery at USA Health and professor of neurosurgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine, served as the meeting’s honored guest speaker. He kicked off the conference with a keynote address titled “A 35-Year Journey in Neurosurgery,” offering lessons in leadership, clinical evolution, and the pursuit of purpose-driven practice in the field. 

“Our team was proud to contribute to the conference in a way that supports the mission of NSA and reflects the depth and talent within USA Health,” Martino said. 

The USA Health neurosurgery team helped lead the conversation across several key themes of the conference: 

• Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, vice chair of neurosurgery and chief of complex spine surgery, served as the scientific co-chair for the conference where he helped shape an agenda that addressed the complexities of payer relationships, reimbursement trends, and the broader implications of hospital system mergers on neurosurgical care in Alabama. 
• Natalie Fox, DNP, PNP-BC, interim CEO and chief physician enterprise officer, joined Lou Baverso from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to explore the “Alabama Practice Environment with Large Mergers,” offering critical insights into how consolidation impacts access to care, neurosurgical delivery models, and practice management. 
• Jai Thakur, M.D., director of minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery, presented on the topic “Controversy in Brain Tumors and Skull Base,” contributing to discussions around leading-edge surgical advancements and emerging techniques in complex cranial surgery. 
• USA neurosurgery fellows Sudhir Suggala, MCh, and Adnan Shahid, MCh, shared ongoing research during the Rapid Research session, showcasing innovations that directly support improved outcomes in trauma and spine surgery. 
• Danielle Chason, CRNP, RNFA, highlighted the critical role of advanced practice providers (APPs) in neurosurgical teams, sharing strategies for building cohesive, collaborative care environments that streamline workflows and enhance outcomes. 

“The Neurosurgical Society of Alabama's 2025 Annual Conference was made a success by the innovation and dedication of our program chairs, Dr. Marshall Holland (from UAB) and Dr. Richard Menger,” said Meghan Martin, executive director of NSA. “Without their thoughtful ideas and suggestions for our speaker line up we would not be able to produce such great content for our neurosurgeons and advanced practice providers in this field.” 

Through innovative research, advanced surgical techniques, and a commitment to integrated care teams, USA Health is improving outcomes and access for patients across the Gulf Coast. 

Bruder recognized by American Physiological Society for cardiovascular physiology research

Thiago Bruder, Ph.D., center, received the award

at the APS Summit in Baltimore.

Thiago Bruder, Ph.D., an assistant professor of physiology and cell biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, recently received the Cardiovascular Section New Investigator Award from the American Physiological Society (APS). The highly competitive award, presented to Bruder during the 2025 American Physiology Summit in Baltimore, recognizes early-career investigators who have made significant scientific contributions to cardiovascular physiology.

Bruder said he is deeply grateful to have his work acknowledged by the APS, one of the most highly respected organizations in the field of physiology. 

“Being selected by leading experts in the field affirms the scientific merit, rigor and innovation of my research,” he said. “It is both humbling and motivating to be recognized alongside a legacy of excellence in cardiovascular science. For me, this award is not only a meaningful milestone but also a powerful encouragement to continue pursuing bold and impactful questions in cardiovascular physiology.”

Bruder joined the faculty at the University of South Alabama in 2024. His lab is dedicated to investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease, as well as discovering both therapeutic and non-therapeutic approaches to mitigate its effects. 

Bruder’s research primarily focuses on the endothelium and its derived factors in regulating vascular tone, inflammation, remodeling, and end-organ damage. His lab also examines the interactions between vascular cells and the immune system to identify key molecules involved in this communication and the onset of cardiovascular disease.

He earned a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of São Paulo in Brazil. He completed postdoctoral research in physiology at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia. 

Founded in 1887, the American Physiological Society is a global leader in expanding knowledge related to biological function. APS connects a multidisciplinary community of nearly 10,000 scientists and educators from around the world, driving collaboration and spotlighting scientific discoveries in physiology and related disciplines.