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.