Whiddon College of Medicine celebrates new doctoral graduates

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D.; Tiquera Hall, Ph.D.; and

LoRen Modisa, Ed.D.

The Whiddon College of Medicine proudly recognizes three professional staff members who recently earned their doctoral degrees at the fall commencement. This remarkable achievement highlights the College's commitment to fostering professional growth and supporting research that advances medical education and student success.

These graduates, who represent the Whiddon College of Medicine's dedication to innovation and continuous improvement, conducted impactful research that explores key aspects of teaching and student well-being. Their studies examined ways to refine educational tools, promote student-centered learning environments, and address barriers faced by a broad range of learners. This work not only benefits the Whiddon College of Medicine but also contributes to larger conversations about best practices in the field of medical education. 

“These hard-working professionals who continue their education while working full time in our college and supporting their families require a dedication and passion for education,” said Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., associate dean of accreditation and planning. “They serve as a living example to the students they work with and support each day.”

The graduates are:

• Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, director of quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning
• Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA, education and training manager in the Office of Health Advancement
• LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, director in the Office of Health Advancement

“The Whiddon College of Medicine’s commitment to continuous improvement and support has been foundational in my professional journey,” Pierce said. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and mentors for fostering an environment where growth and collaboration thrive.”

Franklin Trimm, M.D., associate dean of health advancement, recognized members of the team for their achievements. “The educational process of the Office of Health Advancement’s team members, LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, and Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA, in earning their doctoral degrees continues to enhance the work of advancing education that addresses health disparities and improves outcomes for all while fostering a supportive environment in the College of Medicine and health system,” Trimm said. “Drs. Modisa and Hall each bring unique focuses on educational leadership and learning environments that are positively impacting our work.” 

Medical student presents at international pediatric neurosurgery meeting

Garrett Dyess presents at the meeting.

Garrett Dyess, a first-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, gave an oral presentation at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) 2024 Joint Pediatric Section Annual Meeting in New York City. 

He presented findings from his research, titled “Assessment of Neuroendovascular Training at Pediatric Neurosurgery Training Centers.” In the past decade, endovascular treatments for cerebrovascular diseases in children have advanced significantly. However, training for pediatric neurointerventionalists varies widely across institutions, and there is a limited number of specialists with a pediatric focus. 

“This project aimed to evaluate the neuroendovascular workforce at major pediatric academic centers and understand whether neurosurgical leaders see a need for more pediatric-focused training,” Dyess said.

The study concluded that most institutions surveyed do not have dedicated pediatric neurointerventionalists. In many cases, primary providers lack specific pediatric training, and secondary providers are trained in interventional radiology with a pediatric focus. When adult-focused providers manage pediatric cases, endovascular-trained neurosurgeons often step in, the study found.

“The results highlight a clear need for more pediatric neuroendovascular specialists, particularly neurosurgeons with dedicated training in this field,” Dyess said.

Before entering medical school, Dyess took part in the research while working at Children's of Alabama in Birmingham. The study was conducted with the UAB Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery. 

Internal medicine residents improve nonverbal skills in unique way

Haris Manan, M.D.

USA Health internal medicine residents continue to find success preparing for future patients through the department’s hands-on Medicine and Horsemanship workshop. 

It uses equine-assisted therapy to help resident physicians raise their awareness of how important nonverbal communication is and apply those lessons in working with their patients. 

Haris Manan, M.D., praised the experience for reinforcing the importance of building trust, which directly translates to improving doctor-patient care. 

“Working with horses requires clear communication, patience, empathy, and an understanding of non-verbal cues — all essential skills in internal medicine,” he said. “Just as horses respond to subtle changes in demeanor and body language, patients often communicate non-verbally, requiring physicians to be attentive and compassionate listeners.” 

Szymon Matejuk, M.D.

Previous studies at other academic institutions have demonstrated that similar equine-assisted sessions improve communication, leading to better patient compliance and satisfaction with their medical care.  

Other residents noted how each horse exhibited different personality traits, just like they would encounter in their patients.  

“Medicine and Horsemanship was a great opportunity to engage with a diverse group of horses, each showcasing unique personalities that mirrored the individuality of patients we encounter in our practice,” said Szymon Matejuk, M.D. “Empathy and adaptability are essential in medicine. By understanding the varied needs of both horses and individuals, we emerge as more compassionate and effective physicians." 

Ekta Khubchandani, M.D.

Studies have shown that horses and humans display similar facial emotions – 17 to be exact – when expressing fear, surprise and sadness.   

Ekta Khubchandani, M.D., picked up on that similarity quickly. 

“The Medicine and Horsemanship seminar gave me insight into how our body language is just as important as our words are to the patient,” she said. “For me, it is a reminder that the doctor-patient relationship is a delicate one, and that we must be gentle with patients. Not all our patients are the same – they all exhibit their own traits, and so do horses.”  

Neurosurgery department makes impact at Congress of Neurological Surgeons Meeting

Neurosurgery faculty and fellows presented at the CNS annual meeting. 

The USA Health Department of Neurosurgery earned significant recognition at the 2024 Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting in Houston, the largest international conference in neurosurgery.

Representing the Whiddon College of Medicine and USA Health, the team of faculty, fellows, and medical students gave a total of 10 presentations.

“Our impact at the CNS meeting truly represents the department’s foundation of academic excellence set by Anthony Martino, M.D., professor and chair of neurosurgery,” said Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, vice chair of neurosurgery and chief of complex spine surgery at USA Health. “The presentations were a collective effort with significant work and production by our medical students and specifically our fellows.”

Medical students Danner Butler and Maxon Basset attended the CNS meeting with USA Health’s neurosurgery team.

Presentations led by the Department of Neurosurgery included:

• “The Value of Endoscopy in Keyhole and Transcranial Surgeries: Eliminating Blind Spots” – An engaging oral presentation given by Jai Deep Thakur, M.D., director of minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery, during which he emphasized the critical role of endoscopic techniques in enhancing visualization, reducing surgical risks, and improving patient outcomes in minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures.
• “Posterior Fossa Pathologies as Independent Predictors of Postoperative Neurological Deficit in Early Brain Tumor” – One of two discussions from Adnan Shahid, MBBS, MCh, a minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery fellow at USA Health.
• “Skull Base-Focused Elective Cranial Practice: A Critical Analysis of the Initial Three Years of Elective Practice” – The second presentation given by Shahid, based on Thakur's extensive three-year experience with posterior fossa surgeries.
• “Antibiotics-Impregnated Calcium Sulphate Beads in Spine Surgery: An Analysis of 61 Patients” – Sudhir Suggala, MBBS, MCh, a complex spine surgery fellow at USA Health, presented on the innovative use of calcium sulphate beads for infection prevention in spine surgeries performed by Menger, providing valuable insights into their efficacy and outcomes. The study highlighted the critical role of advanced techniques in enhancing patient care, underscoring a steadfast commitment to research and innovation in spine surgery.

In addition, Menger was invited to give a lecture on “Coronal Spinal Deformity” as part of the Scoliosis Research Society Symposium at the CNS meeting. Menger delivered a second lecture on “Prior Authorization and the Value of a Neurosurgeon.”

“This type of academic productivity is what truly sets the University of South Alabama apart from other programs in our area,” said Thakur, who is also an assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “We want to provide the best care for our patients, so we keep pushing boundaries, studying outcomes, and performing research. We couldn’t have done it without the resources provided by USA, and our group working together.”

Staff earn research administration credentials

Helen Moore

Two staff members in the Research Administration and Development Office at the Whiddon College of Medicine have earned the esteemed Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.

Helen Moore, manager of pre-award grant services, and Ashley Lawson, manager of post-award grant services, have achieved this significant professional milestone in the field of research administration. Both Moore and Lawson were promoted to their roles last November. 

The CRA certification, awarded by the Research Administrators Certification Council, recognizes individuals who demonstrate comprehensive expertise in the management of research projects, including pre-award and post-award processes, compliance, and financial oversight. 

Ashley Lawson

“Achieving this credential reflects Helen’s and Ashley’s dedication to excellence, deep knowledge of research administration, and commitment to advancing our institution’s research mission,” said Jennifer Mills, MBA, CRA, executive director of research administration and development at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Their success not only highlights their personal and professional growth but also strengthens our team’s ability to support innovative and impactful research. We are proud to have Helen and Ashley as part of our team and look forward to their continued contributions to our research community.”

Learn more about the CRA credential.