Cantrell recognized with APQI People’s Choice Award for Engaging and Inspiring Presentation

Russell W. Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA

Russell W. Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA, director of data administration and strategic initiatives in the Office of Accreditation and Planning, received the People’s Choice Award for Most Engaging and Inspiring Presentation from the Accreditation Preparation & Quality Improvement (APQI) community of practice.

Cantrell earned this recognition for his presentation, “Melody in Metrics: Crafting Charts That Hit the Right Notes,” delivered at the APQI National Conference in May. His presentation was noted for its dynamic delivery and ability to translate complex accreditation and quality improvement data into clear, actionable insights that resonated with attendees.

The award was formally presented during the APQI Annual Business Meeting held in San Antonio in November. Although Cantrell was unable to attend in person, the award was accepted on his behalf, reflecting the strong impact his work had on accreditation and CQI professionals nationwide.

In his role at the Whiddon College of Medicine, Cantrell manages critical data systems supporting accreditation and quality improvement efforts and leads the use of business intelligence tools to ensure data integrity and effective reporting. He also serves on the college’s continuous quality improvement and strategic planning committees.

“Russ has an exceptional ability to synthesize complex data and present it in ways that are both engaging and impactful,” said Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., associate dean of accreditation and planning. “His work is foundational to our accreditation efforts and strategic initiatives, and this recognition by APQI reflects the value he brings not only to our College, but to the broader medical education community.”

This national recognition aligns with the Whiddon College of Medicine Strategic Plan, particularly its emphasis on educational excellence, data-driven decision-making, and continuous quality improvement.

Pierce assumes role as APQI chair at national business meeting

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, with Colleen

Hayden, Ed.D.

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, executive director of accreditation and continuous quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning, was named chair of the Accreditation Preparation and Quality Improvement (APQI) group. She assumed the role during the APQI National Business Meeting, held in conjunction with Learn Serve Lead: The AAMC Annual Meeting, on Nov. 1 in San Antonio.

This year marked the first time APQI held dedicated space and formal recognition within the Learn Serve Lead conference, elevating the group’s national presence as a community of practice focused on accreditation readiness and continuous quality improvement in undergraduate medical education.

APQI supports professionals engaged in accreditation and CQI through advocacy, professional development, collaboration, and innovation. Pierce’s appointment reflects her national leadership in operationalizing accreditation readiness, CQI systems, and data-informed improvement.

“Melisa’s appointment as APQI chair reflects her expertise in building effective accreditation and CQI systems,” said Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., associate dean of accreditation and planning. “Her leadership strengthens our institution and contributes meaningfully to the national accreditation community.”

In her role at the Whiddon College of Medicine, Pierce serves as the primary operational lead for accreditation and continuous quality improvement, coordinating CQI committee work, managing accreditation platforms and documentation, and serving as Liaison Committee on Medical Education site visit coordinator. Her work aligns directly with the College’s strategic priorities related to educational excellence, staff and faculty success, and continuous improvement.

EDGE session explores courageous productivity in the AI era

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA; Amanda Arnold, M.S.;

Marcina Lang, MPA; and Jaime Koppersmith

The third session of the EDGE for Success series, Courageous Productivity: Leading with Purpose in the AI Era, challenged participants to rethink productivity — not as doing more, but as doing what matters most. Held on Oct. 29, the session focused on shifting from busyness to purposeful impact through clarity, courage, and intentional use of time and tools.

The session was led by Amanda Arnold, MS, RDN, LD, education and training specialist, alongside Marcina Lang, MPA; Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA; and Jaime Koppersmith, who guided participants through discussion and hands-on application centered on sustainable productivity and leadership presence.

Participants explored the productivity paradox — the reality that having more tools does not automatically lead to greater effectiveness. Drawing from Brené Brown’s work on courage and vulnerability and Jordan Raynor’s framework for purpose-driven productivity, the session emphasized aligning energy, attention, and priorities with values rather than urgency.

A key highlight was the AI group challenge, in which participants practiced refining difficult or high-stakes messages using AI as a support tool. The exercise reinforced that technology can enhance clarity and professionalism without replacing authenticity, empathy, or leadership voice.

“True productivity isn’t just about getting more done; it’s about being intentional with our energy, our voice, and our leadership,” Arnold said. “When we show up with purpose, we create space for clarity, trust, and real impact.”

The session embodied the heart of EDGE: practical skill-building grounded in reflection, peer learning, and real-world application. Participants left with concrete strategies to reduce mental clutter, clarify priorities, and experiment thoughtfully with AI as a productivity partner while remaining rooted in purpose and authenticity.

Pediatrics residents match at their top choices for fellowships

From left, Haidee Custodio, M.D.; Erika Morales, M.D.; Jordan Cooper, M.D.; Eru Sujakhu, M.D.; J.C. Hernandez, M.D.; and Benjamin Estrada, M.D.

The latest class of pediatrics residents from USA Health recently matched into their top choices for subspecialty fellowships at prestigious hospitals and health systems across the United States.  

“We're proud of our long history of residents matching into the fellowship programs they aim for, and this year was no exception,” said Haidee Custodio, M.D., pediatrics residency program director at USA Health and professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Our residents put in the work, and our faculty have been right there supporting them every step of the way.”

Here are the pediatrics residents, their specialties, and where they matched for fellowships:   

• Chime Ndubuoke, M.D., neonatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas 
• Erika Morales, M.D., endocrinology, Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas 
• Eru Sujakhu, M.D., gastroenterology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio 
• J.C. Hernandez, M.D., cardiology, UTHealth Houston in Houston, Texas 
• Jordan Cooper, M.D., neonatology, East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina 
• Maria Jose Vera Sanchez, M.D., hematology and oncology, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida 

By training in teaching hospitals and at medical clinics, new physicians can learn in an environment that integrates education, research and patient care — an experience offering benefits to the healthcare staff and those they care for. Research shows patients treated in teaching hospitals had up to 20% higher odds of survival compared to those treated at non-teaching hospitals, noted the Association of American Medical Colleges. 

The three-year pediatrics residency program at USA Health is a university-based initiative designed to prepare residents to enter practice as general pediatricians or for subspecialty training. The goal of the program is to prepare the pediatricians-in-training to practice effective primary care pediatrics in the community, while simultaneously providing flexibility, allowing those interested in subspecialty training, academic pediatrics, and research the necessary background to pursue those professional goals. 

Register now for Autonomy in Practice: Foundations of Coaching

The Offices of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development, Student Affairs, and Medical Education have announced the launch of Autonomy in Practice: Foundations of Coaching program, an enhanced professional development program designed to strengthen coaching skills in academic medicine.

“Learning to differentiate the coaching process from advising has brought me a lot of clarity,” said Brandy Merritt, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics and previous participant. “The skills I gained gave me insight into my own thought process.”

In response to participant feedback, the program has been redesigned to offer a more efficient, practice-focused experience. Key updates include:

• Significantly shorter commitment: four sessions over six weeks 
• More time to practice: In-person sessions are now primarily dedicated to hands-on coaching practice with real-time feedback
• Flexible preparation: Remote/virtual reading and discussions to accommodate busy schedules
• Expert guidance: Direct coaching observation and personalized feedback from professional coaches
• Professional development: CME credits provided

The refined program is designed to equip participants with evidence-based coaching techniques that help unlock the innate potential of learners. Faculty will be prepared to guide students in developing self-directed, lifelong learning habits, an increasingly critical skill in the rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Sessions will be held on Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. on the following dates:

• March 6
• March 20
• April 3
• April 17

Fill out the Google doc to register. 

For questions, contact Binata Mukherjee, M.D., MBA, at bmukherjee@southalabama.edu.

Office of Health Advancement takes the lead on professional identity formation initiative

LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, speaks to medical students on professional identity formation.

The Office of Health Advancement is leading the Whiddon College of Medicine’s efforts to strengthen professional identity formation (PIF), a core component of medical education that shapes how students “think, feel and act” like physicians.

Through intentional collaboration and innovation, the PIF working group, co-led by Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA, education and training program manager, and LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, director of the Office of Health Advancement, is creating a shared vision for how students develop their professional identities throughout their medical school journey.

“Professional identity formation is not just about what students learn,” Modisa said. “It’s about who they become as future physicians and how they integrate their personal values, learner mindset, and professional roles to serve patients and communities with empathy, integrity and excellence.”

A Collaborative Effort

The PIF working group brings together a diverse team of faculty and staff from across the College of Medicine, including:

• Office of Health Advancement: Franklin Trimm, M.D.; Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA; LoRen Modisa, Ed.D, MPA; and Sherry Parnell, BSW
• Undergraduate Medical Education: T.J. Hundley, M.D., FACP; and Peyton McElroy, Ph.D.
• Clinical Skills: Laura Boatright, M.D., CHSE
• Office of Accreditation and Planning / Academic Success: David Williams, Ph.D., MPA; and Angie O’Neal, M.Ed.
• Student Affairs: Laventrice Ridgeway Ed.D., LPC, NCC; and Becky Smith, Ph.D, LPC, NCC
• Faculty Development: Amanda Arnold, M.S., RDN, LD
• Graduate Medical Education: Judy Blair-Elortegui, M.D. (Internal Medicine) and Jenna Pfleeger, M.D. (Family Medicine)

Together, the group is mapping, aligning, and expanding PIF efforts across the medical education continuum, from pre-clinical learning and clerkships to residency preparation and beyond.

From Vision to Action

Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA

The foundation for this work began in May 2024, when faculty and staff from key departments began exploring ways to better connect identity development to medical education. Over the following months, the Office of Health Advancement assumed leadership of the initiative, building on early discussions and launching the PIF working group in October 2024.

Since then, the group has met regularly to identify and analyze existing activities that foster PIF, uncover gaps, and create a unified framework. To date, 93 PIF-related activities or touchpoints have been identified across the Whiddon College of Medicine (65% required and 35% extracurricular) highlighting the breadth of experiences that contribute to student growth.

“Our goal is to create a cohesive and intentional approach to PIF that supports both academic excellence and personal well-being,” Hall said. “When students see how their learning connects to who they are becoming, they develop a stronger sense of purpose and a deeper connection with their patients.”

Defining PIF at the Whiddon COM

Through this work, the Whiddon College of Medicine has adopted a shared definition of professional identity formation: “Through implementation of a student-centered approach to professional identity formation, the Whiddon COM strives to have every student possess a healthy concurrence between personal, learner and career identity.”

Looking ahead, the PIF working group will continue to engage key stakeholders (including students, clerkship directors, faculty, and the curriculum committee) to build awareness, standardize language, and celebrate the individuality of each student’s professional journey.

Professional identity formation is a continuous process; by making it visible and intentional, it is ensured that students not only gain medical knowledge but also develop the reflective, compassionate mindset that defines exceptional physicians.

USA Foundation continues to support Whiddon College of Medicine building construction

Members of the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees tour the Whiddon College of Medicine building. 

Building on its longstanding support of the University of South Alabama, the USA Foundation is providing an additional $9.33 million for construction of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building, scheduled to open in 2027. The Foundation’s Board of Directors approved the gift — consisting of land and cash — at its December meeting. This new commitment follows the foundation’s previous $30 million investment in the project.

“Through their extraordinary and sustained benevolence, the USA Foundation's cumulative commitment to the new Whiddon College of Medicine building now stands at nearly $40 million,” said USA President Jo Bonner. “This is more than a building; it is a vital, strategic investment that will profoundly impact our state and nation for decades to come.”

The latest gift includes $6 million in cash and a 37-acre tract of land on Knollwood Drive north of Government Boulevard valued at $3.33 million. The property will be sold, with proceeds supporting the building project.

“The USA Foundation Board is pleased to provide this additional support for the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building,” said Maxey J. Roberts, managing director of the USA Foundation. “Completion of this facility will fulfill the vision of Dr. Whiddon, the University’s first president and founder of the USA Foundation, who recognized the need for a medical school in this region. It was through his tenacity that the medical school was established in 1969, only six years after the University’s founding.”

The total cost of the new Whiddon College of Medicine Building is $230 million. It has been constructed with more than 2,073 tons of structural steel, and is supported by approximately 28,000 linear feet – more than 5 miles – of driven concrete piles.

“The Foundation’s commitment strengthens healthcare in this region through the professionals educated and trained in the Whiddon College of Medicine,” said John McMillan, president of the USA Foundation.

The new College of Medicine building will complete a medical education quad that includes the College of Nursing, the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, the Simulation Center, and the Charles M. Baugh Biomedical Library. When the building opens, more than 500,000 square feet on campus will be dedicated to healthcare education.

Doc Rock 2026: Five local bands to battle for a cause

By Brittany Nelson

USA Health’s fifth annual Doc Rock returns Jan. 29, 2026, at Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile. All proceeds from this battle-of-the-bands event will support research and critical clinical needs at USA Health. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Many local bands with an affiliation to USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine submitted an application in hopes to perform at Doc Rock next month. After much deliberation, the selection committee recently announced the final five bands: Eklektik Experience, No Complications, Sixth Sense, Sloth Racer and Society Hill.

“Doc Rock is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Natalie Fox, CEO of USA Health. “The energy in the room is unmatched with wall-to-wall smiles, great music, and a night full of fun that rallies support for our health system, our employees, and the patients we serve.”

Early voting is now open, giving supporters the chance to help their favorite band earn one of several awards. Every vote also contributes to the band’s fundraising total, directly supporting its chosen USA Health entity. The awards include Crowd Favorite Award (audience’s favorite band), $2,000; Technical Award (band chosen by the judges), $3,000; Fan-atic Award (largest number of donors), $4,000; and Rock the Mission Award (highest fundraising band), $5,000.

Proceeds from sponsorships, ticket sales and voting donations will directly support the research and clinical priorities identified by each participating band. Since its launch in 2022, Doc Rock has raised nearly $200,000 to advance essential research and clinical care at USA Health. The event’s impact was honored in early 2025, when it was named Business Alabama’s Philanthropic Project of the Year and featured in the publication.

Purchase tickets, become a sponsor, and cast early votes at usahealthsystem.com/docrock. 

Meet the Bands

Eklektik Experience
Supporting USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital

Band Members: Herbert Conaway (IT Technical Specialist at USA Health Providence), Donald William, David Woods, Jimmy Williams, Moses El, Larry Moore, Felicia Moore, Ashley Lewis, Ida Finklea and Terrell Warren

Eklektik Experience was founded with one goal: to be the band of choice for any occasion. With seasoned musicians and more than 30 years of combined experience, their setlist spans funk, jazz, Motown, R&B, neo-soul, country and Top 40 favorites. 

No Complications
Supporting USA Health Emergency Medicine

Band Members: Ethan Bertagnolli (USA Health University Hospital ER Nurse), Roman Scardina, Sam Herport and Garrett Warman

Formed in 2021, No Complications is a local indie-alternative rock band known for electrifying performances. Their authentic sound and heartfelt songwriting have helped them carve out a strong presence in the indie music scene.

Sixth Sense
Supporting USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute

Band Members: Israel Valenzuela, Maddison Hill, Charity Yarbrough, Wesley Yarbrough, Cade Meyers and Cya Edwards (all medical students at the Whiddon College of Medicine)

Sixth Sense began as a trio at a Whiddon College of Medicine talent show before expanding to broaden their sound. They now perform multi-genre covers ranging from alternative and pop to jazz, R&B, indie and rock. For these future physicians, music is a creative outlet that brings balance and connection, where artistry and compassion intersect.

Sloth Racer
Supporting Pediatric ICU at USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital

Band Members: Mark Roberts (spouse of USA Chief Financial Officer Kristen Roberts), Franklin Pratt, John Rocker and Reed Gilmore

Sloth Racer has been performing together since 2017, bringing an upbeat, high-energy style to every show. They’re known for crowd-pleasing covers spanning hits from the ’90s to today.

Society Hill
Supporting USA Health University Hospital’s Project Inspire

Band Members: Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D. (Trauma Surgeon, University Hospital; Director of USA Health Center for Healthy Communities), Antwan Hogue, M.D. (Senior Hospitalist; Medical Director at the Johnson Haynes Jr. Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center), Daphney Portis (Project Inspire Program Coordinator), Ralph Edwards (USA Health Informatics Specialist) and Jada Gardner (USA Health Director of Staff Development)

Established in 2024, Society Hill brings fun, engaging energy to the stage with R&B and pop covers. United by a shared passion for music and healing, the group performs to inspire positive change and support their community.

Pathology residents present abstracts at ASCP 2025

Ardenne Martin, M.D.; Maha Babker, M.D.; and Charu 

Shastri, M.D., were among the residents who 

presented at the annual meeting.

Six residents from the Department of Pathology presented their scholarly work at the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 2025 Annual Meeting held Nov. 17-20 in Atlanta. 

“We congratulate our residents for their exceptional representation of the University of South Alabama Whiddon College of Medicine and their contributions to advancing pathology practice and research,” said Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D., professor and chair of pathology. “Their presentations highlight the strength and growth of our training program.”

Presenting residents and abstracts:

• Maha Babker, M.D.
• “Invasive Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast with Lobular Carcinoma Component: A Case Report.”
• “Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Complicated by Pulmonary Mucormycosis in an Immunocompromised Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patient: A Case Report.”
• Charu Shastri, M.D.
• “Right or Risky? Examining Third-Trimester Umbilical Cord Coiling and Its Impact on Pregnancy Complications and Outcomes.”
• Jawaria Hassan, M.D.
• “Clinicopathological Features and Molecular Alterations of Endometrial Carcinosarcoma Diagnosed in the South Gulf Coast Region.”
• Rasha Mohammed, M.D.
• “Quantifying the Giants: A Novel Immunohistochemical and Digital Pathology Approach to Polyploid Giant Cancer Cell Detection and Prognostic Stratification in High-Grade Ovarian Carcinoma.”
• Huseyin Kilic, M.D.
• “Renal Hemangioblastoma in a Patient with von Hippel–Lindau Syndrome: A Rare Tumor in an Uncommon Site.”
• Ardenne Martin, M.D.
• “Understanding Drivers of Laboratory Test Overuse in Clinical Practice: A Strategy for Enhancing Financial Well-Being at USA Health University Hospital.”

ASCP is a professional association encompassing 100,000 pathologists and laboratory professionals. Founded in 1922, ASCP provides programs in education, certification and advocacy on behalf of patients, pathologists and laboratory professionals.