Whiddon COM Simulation Center marks one year of immersive, hands-on training

Medical student Landon Rawlins practices his clinical skills on a manikin at the Whiddon College of Medicine Simulation Center.

Celebrating its first full year of operation, the Whiddon College of Medicine Simulation Center offers learners a safe and supportive environment to practice real-world clinical scenarios. Simulation provides a dynamic and immersive educational experience, laying a strong foundation for future clinical success. 

The Whiddon COM Simulation Center is located on the third floor of the Health Simulation Building on the University of South Alabama campus. The department serves the College of Medicine as well as USA Health providers and residents, offering innovative simulation resources and educational support. 

The first and second floors of the building are utilized by the USA Simulation Program, which serves the College of Nursing and the Covey College of Allied Health Professions. In addition to the spaces within the Health Simulation Building, both departments share simulation lab facilities at University Hospital and Children & Women’s Hospital.

In her role as the assistant dean for medical education, Laura Boatright, M.D., oversees the development and implementation of simulation-based medical education at the Whiddon COM Simulation Center. At the heart of the program is a dedicated team of trained simulationists with extensive experience in scenario development and event coordination. Sarah Steffens, assistant director of high-fidelity simulations, and Nikki Hall, standardized patient educator, work in close collaboration with course directors, department coordinators, and faculty to define clear learning objectives and design simulation experiences that are realistic, engaging, and tailored to meet curricular goals. 

‘Practice makes perfect’

Simulation plays a vital role in medical education. “Through hands-on training, students are able to develop essential skills, make and learn from mistakes, and build the confidence that comes from experience,” said Craig Walker, assistant director of simulation operations at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Many of our simulation activities are designed to be collaborative, encouraging teamwork and communication among learners.” 

Medical student Vanessa Vega takes a

standardized patient's blood pressure.

First- and second-year medical students engage with a wide range of simulation equipment, including high-fidelity manikins and task trainers, to practice everything from basic procedures like checking blood pressure to complex emergency interventions such as running full codes. Task trainers allow for focused practice on specialized procedures, including pelvic exams and lumbar punctures. 

Additionally, students work with standardized patients (SPs) to refine their interview techniques, conduct thorough history-taking, perform physical exams, and become more comfortable interacting with patients in a clinical setting. Throughout the academic year, students also attend dedicated ultrasound sessions to further enhance their diagnostic and procedural skills. 

During their clerkship rotations, third-year medical students actively utilize the simulation center as part of their orientation and ongoing skills development. The simulation center collaborates with clerkships in emergency medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, neurology, and surgery. At the start of each rotation, students participate in orientation sessions designed to reinforce essential clinical skills. 

Beyond orientation, many groups return to the simulation center throughout their rotations for additional sessions that allow them to further refine and build on their procedural and decision-making skills. This continuity of simulation-based learning helps bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world patient care.

“These sessions are important because, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect,” said Megan Thompson, internal medicine clerkship coordinator. “Within a simulated encounter, students can practice their history taking and exam skills and perfect their bedside manner in a controlled environment, away from the pressure of interacting with real patients.”

Thompson said even though students are taking care of patients at this stage of their training, simulation is still an extremely valuable tool. “The set encounters allow for a degree of standardization that they wouldn't be able to get in their regular hands-on experiences,” she explained. “We can also expose them to specific situations that may or may not ever come up authentically in their actual clinical shifts, such as handling situations of domestic violence, so that they can get some supervised practice and feedback on the encounters.”

Training residents and providers

The Whiddon COM Simulation Center also offers residents and providers a dynamic environment where they can be fully immersed in clinical scenarios and work through critical decision-making processes before encountering these situations in real life. 

For instance, emergency medicine residents at the on-campus simulation center manage complex trauma cases such as gunshot wounds, focusing on wound treatment and airway management. Pediatric residents have trained at the Children & Women’s Hospital Simulation Lab, treating an infant simulator presenting with RSV, practicing nebulizer use and intubation techniques. Internal medicine residents enhance their procedural proficiency by working with central line trainers at the University Hospital Simulation Lab. 

Pediatric providers participate in a point-of-care

ultrasound workshop.

Additionally, pediatric providers recently took part in a comprehensive point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) workshop, featuring multiple stations and a variety of ultrasound equipment, offering a broad introduction to the practical applications of ultrasound in clinical care. 

“The event was a great success,” said Gangajal Kasniya, MBBS, a neonatologist and an assistant professor of pediatrics. Approximately 25 faculty members from various divisions attended the workshop, led by 12 instructors including Kasniya.

“Dr. Laura Boatright, Sarah Steffens, and Craig Walker were incredibly helpful throughout the event,” Kasniya said. “The facility was exceptionally well-organized and fully equipped for hands-on learning, and they also arranged standardized patients, which added great value. The high-quality simulation equipment enabled realistic and immersive training.”

Kasniya said he plans to collaborate with the Whiddon COM Simulation Center to make the workshop an annual CME event, inviting participants from across the state and other institutions. The pediatrics residency program is launching a POCUS curriculum starting in July, and the simulation center will play a key role in its implementation.

Expanding opportunities

Walker said the past year has been a time of exciting growth and new beginnings for the department. “With a newly established team, a brand-new simulation space, and state-of-the-art equipment, we have laid a strong foundation for a dynamic simulation program,” he said. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this first year has been developing innovative programs and collaborating closely with our users to meet their evolving educational needs.” 

Looking ahead, Walker said goals for the coming year include solidifying and enhancing their offerings for medical students, expanding services to include more residents and providers within USA Health, and exploring opportunities to extend their simulation expertise into the broader healthcare community. 

“We are energized by the momentum of our first year and excited to continue growing as a center of excellence in simulation-based education,” Walker said.

To schedule a simulation activity or event, fill out the scheduling form. Learn more about the Whiddon College of Medicine Simulation Center.

Ramani presents findings from landmark study on maternal and child health

Maran Ramani, M.D., presented at the

Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting. 

Maran Ramani, M.D., MPH, MSHA, MHSQS, a neonatologist, researcher and professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine, recently presented findings from an international study exploring the potential of an antibiotic to protect newborns from the devastating effects of birth asphyxia, a condition that remains a leading cause of infant death and long-term disability in low-resource settings. 

Ramani presented the study’s findings at the prestigious Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting in Hawaii in April, where the research he led was selected for a platform presentation — an honor reserved for high-impact studies.   

“The results were both promising and reassuring,” Ramani said. “Not only is intrapartum azithromycin safe for mothers, as previously confirmed by an A-Plus trial, but it also poses no risk of growth or neurodevelopmental impairment in their children.” 

In 2022, Ramani was awarded a three-year grant from The Thrasher Research Foundation to conduct a multinational clinical trial, known as the Azithromycin Brain neuroprotection for Children (ABC) study, to determine whether a single oral dose of the antibiotic azithromycin can be repurposed to have neuroprotective benefits for infants who suffer a lack of oxygen to the brain before or during birth. 

The study took place in five countries: India, Pakistan, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guatemala. Through the grant, Ramani worked with teams of physicians and scientists from those countries to improve health outcomes for infants born in low-resource settings. 

Ramani, who also serves as chief medical officer for USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital and the division chief of neonatology and medical director for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), said the landmark study marks a historic milestone for USA, standing as one of the largest global health clinical trials led by a faculty member.  

“It underscores the university’s growing influence in international health research,” he said, “and its commitment to improving outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide.” 

Ramani is board certified in general pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics. He completed a fellowship in neonatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and a pediatric residency at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. 

In addition to medical training, Ramani earned master’s degrees in healthcare administration (MSHA) and hospital quality and safety (MSHQS) from UAB. His research interests include global health and neurodevelopmental outcomes of prematurity and birth asphyxia.  

OB-GYN Interest Group announces book club meeting

The OB-GYN Interest Group at the Whiddon College of Medicine will host its first book club meeting of the 2025-2026 year on Wednesday, Aug. 13.  

The group will be reading “All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today.” 

The meeting will be held in the Atlantis Room located behind Children's & Women's Hospital, 1700 Center St., in Mobile. Dinner will be served.  

“We would love to have you join in our discussion no matter your role in the community or whether you've read the book,” said Marianna Oditt, president of the OB-GYN Interest Group. “Everyone is invited!” 

The book is available for purchase on Amazon as a hard copy or for Audible and Kindle devices.

Please RSVP on the Google doc to ensure enough food for everyone.

USA Health names Grazette division chief of cardiology

Luanda Grazette, M.D., MPH

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 Neurosurgery makes significant 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 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.” 

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 Whiddon College of Medicine 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.