Walk with a Doc to focus on melanoma

Join USA Health surgical oncologist Harrison Howard, M.D., for Walk with a Doc at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the USA Student Rec Center. The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin with a short talk about current treatments for melanoma, followed by a healthy walk based on each participant’s pace and distance. 

The next Walk with a Doc is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10. For more information, visit the Walk with a Doc webpage. 

Herrera invited to speak at international onconephrology symposium

Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D.

Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D., professor and chair of pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, represented the University of South Alabama and the Department of Pathology on an international stage.

He was invited to give a lecture at the first International Onconephrology Symposium held Nov. 19–20 in Mexico City. His presentation was titled “Identification of Paraproteins (Monoclonal Proteins) in Tissues: Techniques.”

The lecture was attended by more than 100 nephrologists, oncologists and pathologists, reflecting strong interest and international collaboration across specialties dedicated to improving patient outcomes in onconephrology.

Onconephrology is a specialized field in kidney medicine (nephrology) focusing on managing kidney problems in cancer patients, addressing complications from cancer itself, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and potential kidney injury during treatment. Onconephrologists work closely with oncologists to help patients preserve kidney health while undergoing cancer treatment.

Herrera earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan. He completed his residency training in anatomic and clinical pathology at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He is certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic and clinical pathology and cytopathology. 

Pathology residents present case studies at national dermatopathology meeting

Katrina Jiang, M.D., presented two posters and delivered an oral presentation at the meeting.

Katrina Jiang, M.D.

Residents in the Department of Pathology presented their outstanding scholarly work at the 2025 American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) Annual Meeting held Nov. 6-9 in Baltimore.

Katrina Jiang, M.D., a first-year resident, delivered an oral presentation titled “Two Cases of Electron Microscopy-Proven SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Presenting as Subcutaneous Masses.”

Jiang also presented two posters at the conference: “Desmoplastic Melanoma with Loss of SOX10 and S100 Expression and p63 Positivity: A Rare Diagnostic Pitfall” and “An Unusual Presentation of Delayed Psoriasis Years After PD-1 Checkpoint Inhibitor Discontinuation.”

Ardenne Martin, M.D., a second-year resident, gave an oral presentation titled “Protein Kinase C Fused Melanocytoma with Sentinel Lymph Node Involvement in a Young Male.”

Ardenne Martin, M.D.

“These presentations are a testament to the department’s continued commitment to advancing diagnostic excellence, research innovation, and national academic engagement in dermatopathology,” said Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D., professor and chair of pathology. “Their contributions reflect the high level of scholarship and clinical rigor within our department and institution.”

Dermatopathologists are physicians who, after completing their training in either dermatology or pathology, pursued additional training in accredited programs for the interpretation of skin biopsies. These physicians integrate the clinical information with microscopic observations of the biopsy from the patient to provide diagnostic information to the treating physician.

The mission of the ASDP is to improve patient care, support member needs, and advance the field of dermatopathology through education, advocacy and innovation.

EDGE session strengthens skills for communication and crucial conversations

Gracie Overstreet, MBA; Christina Murphree, and

Alicia Jones, MBA

The second session of EDGE for Success focused on building the communication skills that shape trust, collaboration and leadership effectiveness. The session was led by mentor Christina Murphree with mentees Alicia Jones, MBA; Douglas Kent Holmes, M.D.; and Gracie Overstreet, MBA. 

The group explored a practical Communication Toolbox, including active listening, clarity and conciseness, empathy, constructive feedback, conflict resolution, and nonverbal awareness, skills that help prevent misunderstandings and create space for genuine connection.

A key part of the session introduced four communication styles — Driver, Analyzer, Expressive and Agreeable — and highlighted how understanding these differences can transform team dynamics. Participants reflected on how their own style influences their interactions and how adapting to others’ needs can reduce tension, strengthen rapport, and support more productive conversations.

Through guided discussion and real-world examples, the session emphasized that difficult conversations don’t have to be avoided; they can be navigated with confidence, care, and intention. Participants shared insights about staying present, listening without judgment, and giving feedback that is both honest and respectful.

Session 2 underscored a core EDGE message: leadership begins with how we communicate. By practicing intentional communication, participants are building the trust, emotional intelligence, and resilience that allow them to lead from any role.

Whiddon COM showcased nationally at the Assessment Institute

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA

This October, Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, executive director of accreditation and continuous quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning, represented the Whiddon College of Medicine at the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis. She presented her session, “The EDGE Effect: Transforming Professional Development Through Leadership Growth,” highlighting the College’s innovative approach to developing leadership capacity among faculty and staff who do not hold formal supervisory roles.

The session shared key findings from the EDGE for Success program, an initiative created within the Whiddon COM to address a clear gap in professional development. Traditional models often overlook non-supervisory professionals, despite their essential role in communication, collaboration, and student support. EDGE was designed to meet that need by pairing structured skill-building with mentorship, reflection, and facilitation practice.

The research demonstrated measurable gains in leadership confidence, resilience, and general self-efficacy, reinforcing the idea that leadership can be cultivated at every level of an institution. “We identified a gap in professional development and created EDGE to address it,” Pierce sad. “It has been incredibly well received, and the data shows how meaningful it has been for both mentees and mentors.”

The presentation also connected EDGE to broader institutional priorities. The program reflects the University of South Alabama’s Strategic Plan, particularly its emphasis on student success, high-impact practices, and a supportive professional culture. Within the Whiddon COM Strategic Plan, EDGE directly supports goals related to staff and faculty success, educational excellence, and fostering a collaborative academic environment.

Presenting this work on a national stage allowed the Whiddon COM to share a scalable model for workforce development while highlighting the College’s commitment to continuous improvement, inclusive leadership, and investing in people. The EDGE Effect continues to demonstrate how intentional development, supported by strong mentorship and reflective practice, can elevate both individual growth and institutional effectiveness.