From lecterns to SonoGames: EM team makes waves at SAEM 2025

Emergency Medicine faculty and residents participated in Society for Academic Emergency Medicine's annual meeting.

At this year’s Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Annual Meeting, USA Health's Emergency Medicine Residency Program demonstrated leadership in clinical education and innovation on the national stage.

Walker Plash, M.D., residency program director and associate professor of emergency medicine, led an engaging small-group session titled “Designing an Experience-Based Wilderness Medicine Educational Activity.” As wilderness medicine continues to gain popularity among medical students and residents, Plash addressed the growing need for effective, hands-on educational experiences. His session explored best practices for designing realistic, resource-limited learning environments, providing participants with practical tools and strategies for curriculum creation and implementation. 

Caroline Molins, M.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine, also shared her expertise in clinical education through her session, “Teaching on Shift in Emergency Medicine.” She introduced an SAEM Education Committee–sponsored online curriculum designed to support emergency physicians —particularly those new to supervising students and residents — with practical, evidence-based tools for bedside teaching. Her session provided department leaders and frontline educators with strategies to implement the curriculum locally and improve clinical learning environments.

Residents David Monaco, M.D., Channing Stroud, D.O.,

and William Craig, D.O., competed in the SonoGames.

Additionally, the residency program participated in the annual SonoGames competition, a national ultrasound skills event known for its intensity and excitement, which challenges residents from across the country in ultrasound knowledge and procedural skill. Residents William Craig, D.O.; David Monaco, M.D.; and Channing Stroud, D.O., formed the team, showcasing their knowledge, procedural skill, and teamwork. Their performance highlighted the strength of our ultrasound training and collaborative spirit. Their preparation and performance were guided by dedicated faculty mentors Beau Stokes, M.D.; Kaitlyn Hall, M.D.; and Reshvinder Dhillon, M.D., whose mentorship and ultrasound expertise were instrumental to the team’s success.

Elliott awarded $150,000 bridge grant to continue blood disorder study

Michael R. Elliott, Ph.D., an associate professor of microbiology and immunology, received a bridge grant from the American Society of Hematology.

By Casandra Andrews

Michael R. Elliott, Ph.D., an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, has been awarded a $150,000 Bridge Grant from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) to support his study on the cytotoxic capacity of antibody-mediated phagocytosis.  

Elliott is one of 25 investigators nationwide selected for the one-year grant, which serves as a critical lifeline for scientists whose federal funding has been disrupted by budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  It marks the first time this grant has been awarded to a researcher at USA since its inception in 2012.  

The grant will allow Elliott and his team at the Whiddon College of Medicine and the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute to continue their research into how immune cells recognize and destroy harmful cells in the blood. Insights from the study could advance therapies for patients with blood-related diseases.  

“This award is not only a testament to Dr. Elliott’s innovative work but also reflects the University of South Alabama’s growing role in advancing biomedical research that impacts patients in our region and beyond,” said Kevin R. Macaluso, Ph.D., chair of the department of microbiology and immunology at the Whiddon College of Medicine.   

The American Society of Hematology created the Bridge Grant program in 2012 to sustain meritorious blood research proposals left unfunded due to NIH budget constraints. This year, ASH expanded the program, investing more than $3.75 million to help 25 investigators continue their work.  

“While ASH continues to advocate fiercely for robust funding for the National Institutes of Health, the cancellation of study sections and grants has put many investigators in an impossible position,” said ASH President Belinda R. Avalos, M.D. “That’s why ASH has invested more than $3.75 million in the Bridge Grant this year to ensure vital research can move forward instead of being stalled.”  

Since its creation, the ASH Bridge Grant has funded 206 projects and committed nearly $28 million in awards. A recent analysis found that nearly 60% of recipients later secured NIH funding, more than double the national resubmission average.  With more than 18,000 members from nearly 100 countries, ASH is the world's largest professional society serving both clinicians and scientists around the world who are working to conquer blood diseases. 

Elliott received his bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University and his Ph.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. His research focuses on innate immunity, macrophage biology, and cancer immunotherapy. His laboratory is in the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute.