Emergency medicine faculty shine at MEMC25 in Budapest

Edward A. Panacek, M.D., MPH, speaking, and Lisa Moreno-Walton, M.D., M.S., MSCR, standing, along with international colleagues, introduce the first-prize abstract speaker.

USA Health's Department of Emergency Medicine was proudly represented at the 2025 Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress (MEMC25), held in August in Budapest, Hungary. The presence and contributions of faculty from the Whiddon College of Medicine underscored the department’s commitment to international collaboration, educational innovation, and thought leadership in emergency medicine.

Lisa Moreno-Walton, M.D., M.S., MSCR, FAAEM, served as chair of the MEMC25 Organizing Committee, continuing her legacy of global leadership in emergency medicine. Joining her in a key leadership role was Edward A. Panacek, M.D., MPH, who served as co-chair of the MEMC25 Abstract Committee. 

Caroline Molins, M.D.; Sara Wattenbarger, D.O.; and Carmen
Martinez-Martinez, M.D., attend the abstract session.

Multiple emergency medicine faculty-physicians assisted in the review and scoring of the almost 400 research abstract submissions from 35 countries. Panacek, professor and chair of emergency medicine, reviewed the abstracts for scientific rigor and quality. Other reviewers included Caroline Molins, M.D.; Carmen J. Martinez-Martinez, M.D.; Richard Garri, M.D.; and Reshvinder Dhillon, M.D. 

Several faculty members served as abstract and track moderators throughout the conference, and many delivered impactful educational sessions:

Sara Wattenbarger, D.O., presented “Creating a Culture of Wellness and Positivity in Your Residency Program,” offering a practical framework for implementing ACT — Acknowledge, Communication, Teamwork — as a wellness strategy in training environments.

Moreno-Walton, professor and vice chair of emergency medicine, led a seminar on “Work-Life Balance for Women Throughout the Stages of an EM Career.” She also moderated a seminar during which the presidents of national EM organizations representing 12 countries presented “Updates on EM in Nations of the World.”

Molins led the panel “Real-Time Reflections: A Panel on Feedback That Sticks and Shifts Practice,” and also spoke on “Giving Feedback to the Oblivious and the Crier,” exploring feedback delivery in emotionally charged teaching encounters.

Martinez delivered two insightful talks: “Creating an Environment of Psychological Safety for Meaningful Feedback” and “Hidden Dangers – Common Pediatric Poisons,” providing attendees with actionable strategies for both educational culture and pediatric emergency care.

Register now for the Healthcare Leadership Certificate Program

The Healthcare Leadership Certificate program offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between technical excellence and strategic leadership.

This comprehensive program brings together the expertise of three institutions: the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, the Mitchell College of Business, and USA Health. This collaboration creates a learning experience that integrates medical knowledge with essential business insight — exactly what today's healthcare leaders need. Participants will be guided by distinguished faculty from USA Health and the Mitchell College of Business who bring real-world healthcare leadership experience to every session.

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   Build the relationship and team management skills critical to healthcare excellence.
4. Dollars and Sense of Healthcare (July 10-11, 2026)
   Understand the financial realities driving healthcare decisions.
5. Getting There from Here (Aug. 21-22, 2026)
   Develop strategic planning and implementation skills.
6. Viability and Sustainability of Healthcare Operations (Oct. 2-3, 2026)
   Learn to create lasting, sustainable healthcare solutions.
7. Know Thyself (Nov. 13-14, 2026)
   Complete the journey with deep personal leadership reflection, culminating in graduation and a celebratory reception.

Program Details

• Schedule: Modules 1-6 run Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. Module 7 extends to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday for graduation. Each day begins with breakfast at 7:30 a.m., fostering networking and relationship-building with your fellow healthcare leaders.
• Location: 5811 USA South Drive, USA campus
• Investment: $5,000 for the complete program
• Commitment: Expect 4-5 hours of reading between modules

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OB/GYN Interest Group to host book club

The OB/GYN Interest Group will host its quarterly Book Club at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in the Atlantis Room, located behind Children's and Women's Hospital. 

The group is reading “I'm Sorry for My Loss: An Urgent Examination of Reproductive Care in America” by Rebecca Little and Colleen Long. The book delves into the abyss of pregnancy loss, a topic that is misunderstood and full of guilt and shame, written with emotional resonance and humor by authors who have both been through it themselves. 

All are invited to attend and join in the discussion, regardless of department affiliation or whether they have read the book. Dinner will be served. 

Contact Marianna Oditt at mso1621@jagmail.southalabama.edu or Heather Glass at hglass@health.southalabama.edu with any questions.

The book is available on Audible, Kindle and hard copy. Purchase on Amazon. 

RSVP on the Google form.