Dr. Rutecki Interviewed By Baltimore Sun

Nephrologist Dr. Gregory Rutecki, professor of internal medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was interviewed for an article in the April 11 Baltimore Sun about using HIV-infected organs for transplants.

Click here to read the entire article.

USA Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Center Celebrates Anniversary at New Location

The University of South Alabama Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Center recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary at its new location at 2 Medical Park in West Mobile. In 2006, they moved from Knollwood Hospital to the USA Orthopaedic Surgery clinic, giving patients convenient access to both the surgeons and therapists.

Roy Daigle, associate dean of computer and information sciences at USA and a physical therapy patient, said the department has been very successful in creating a professional environment. “I like the atmosphere they have created there, and I would absolutely recommend them to anyone,” he said. “The atmosphere is friendly and inviting, and everyone knows you. They follow a team-oriented collaborative approach that I really like.”

Daigle started physical therapy to avoid surgery on his shoulder, but he soon learned that surgery was inevitable. After having rotator cuff surgery, Daigle started therapy with physical therapist Mark Leflore. He said all of the therapists at the Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Center have a strong connection with their patients. “I observed what was happening during therapy, and I saw that they all find ways to achieve the objectives without boring the patient,” he said. “You aren’t doing the same repetitive thing over and over again.”

“I have achieved so much, and I know that I will be where I want to be because of their tremendous help,” Daigle said.

Another patient, Kim King, began therapy following an injury that shattered the radius of her wrist in November. During her therapy sessions, she works with her occupational therapist, Susan Bishop, to build up strength and improve range of motion. “It’s coming along very well,” said King, a pharmacy technician at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital. “It’s slow, but I see improvements every day.”

“Susan’s awesome,” King said. “She’s understanding, and I know that I can sit down and talk to her because she is a great listener. I’ve been with her for so long, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Although King has never attended occupational therapy sessions prior to this injury, she said the entire experience has been a positive one. “Right when you walk in the door, everyone smiles and asks about your day,” King said. “The new location is also very convenient because my physician and therapist are in the same building.”

Teresa Englestead, manager of credit and collection for the USA hospitals, has been seeing physical therapist Joan Friedlander on and off for three years because of issues with her neck, hip and knees.

“This department has always been very accommodating, especially now that therapy is located alongside the physicians,” she said.

Englestead said Friedlander fit her program to suit what was going on in her life. “Joanie is a great listener, and she has helped me so much,” Englestead said. “She has taught me what to do at home, and the therapy has made me feel much better. I feel like I have a great relationship with my therapist, and that’s what is most important.”

The USA Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Center provides outpatient physical and occupational therapy to treat a wide range of injuries and conditions. To learn more, call (251) 665-8201 or visit http://www.usahealthsystem.com/.

Next Week's DSS - Dr. Joseph Brewer

The next Distinguished Scientist Seminar at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine will be presented by Dr. Joseph W. Brewer, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

The lecture will take place May 5, 2011, at 4 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building auditorium.

The goal of Dr. Brewer’s research program is to delineate the molecular mechanisms that regulate homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in mammalian cells.

Dr. Brewer received his Ph.D. in immunology from Duke University and carried out his postdoctoral studies at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For more information on Dr. Brewer’s research, visit http://www.southalabama.edu/microbiology/brewer.html. To learn more about the seminar, call Natalie Kent at (251) 461-1548.

RSVP Today Online - 2011 Oncology Outlook

The USA Mitchell Cancer Institute is hosting a CME Event, Oncology Outlook 2011, on May 6-7 at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear, Ala.

The University of South Alabama is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The University of South Alabama designates this educational activity for a maximum of 5.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM.

To view the brochure and complete schedule of events, click here. To register, click here.

"Just Another Night For the USA Burn Center"

The University of South Alabama's Regional Burn Center at the USA Medical Center was featured in the April 20th Press-Register.

To read the complete story, click here.