USA College of Medicine Kick-Starts Student-Run Clinic at Homeless Shelter

University of South Alabama College of Medicine second-year medical student Jacob Sexton and USA Speech Pathology Student Kristan Johnson talk with Russell Wells during a wellness clinic visit June 28, 2014, at the homeless day shelter 15 Place in downtown Mobile, Ala. 

Students at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine have recently kick-started a student-run volunteer clinic at 15 Place, a homeless shelter in Mobile, Ala.

The clinic began operation with an interprofessional staff including both undergraduate and graduate students and is a collaboration between the students and faculty of the USA College of Medicine; College of Nursing; several departments in the College of Allied Health, including physician assistant studies and speech pathology and audiology; as well as the department of social work in the College of Arts and Sciences.

According to Dr. Susan Ledoux, associate dean for medical education and student affairs and professor and vice chair of the department of cell biology and neuroscience at USA, the concept was brought to fruition when medical students currently in their second year expressed a desire to create a volunteer, no-charge wellness clinic for the homeless population in Mobile. By the end of March 2014, the clinic was in operation.

The USA student-run clinic is open every other Saturday, and has expanded from the location at 15 Place to include Dumas Wesley and Cathedral Place.

For fourth-year USA medical student Griffin Collins, the clinic’s hands-on approach has a big impact on professional development. “Students divide into teams with representatives from each department to interview and care for patients,” he said. “We counsel the patients on a wide range of health conditions from metabolic conditions such as diabetes to mental health conditions like depression.”

“It provides us an opportunity to be engaged in the community, develop empathy for disadvantaged patients and to see the value of the differing perspectives offered by students from other disciplines,” said Collins.

Patients that visit the student-run clinic for a wellness checkup and require further medical services and/or treatment are referred and connected with other agencies.
USA Student Run Clinic at 15 Place from USA Health System on Vimeo.

Carl Nechtman Receives Neurosurgical Society of Alabama Student Award

Carl Nechtman, a fourth-year medical student at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was recently selected as the recipient of the 2014 Neurosurgical Society of Alabama Student Award for his presentation on infantile aneurysms.

Nechtman gave a presentation at the 2014 Neurosurgical Society of Alabama Annual Meeting in San Destin, Fla., on the incidence and presentation of cerebral aneurysms in infants that were treated endovascularly, meaning minimally invasive surgery that is designed to access many regions of the body via major blood vessels.

Examples in his research included congenital (a condition existing at birth and often before birth, or that develops during the first month of life, regardless of causation) aneurysm in a three-month-old infant, as well as a child suffering from a post-traumatic aneurysm.

“I believe it is important both to share our findings with others as well as develop relationships that allow us to expand our network and encourage collaboration amongst colleagues,” Nechtman said.

New Lobby, Courtyard Underway at USA Children's & Women's Hospital

The University of South Alabama Children's & Women's Hospital is in the process of completing a new lobby and courtyard. The art-filled courtyard will offer a relaxing place for patients and families to meet in fresh air, and the lobby will house a new gift shop and information desk.

More photos of the renovations are shown below. Check back soon for more information on the dedication of the new addition.

A workman stencil in marine animals in the new courtyard at USA Children's & Women's Hospital.

Construction crews work in the new courtyard at University of South Alabama Children's & Women's Hospital

The new lobby at USA Children's & Women's Hospital is almost ready for a late summer dedication.

USA Welcomes Dr. William Scott

Dr. William Scott was recently appointed assistant professor of neurosurgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and will serve as a neurosurgeon with USA Physicians Group.

Dr. Scott earned his medical degree from Medical University of the Americas in Nevis, West Indies. He completed his residency in surgery at USA, as well as a neurological surgery residency at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. In addition, he conducted a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Children’s Hospital in Dallas.

He is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Scott will see both pediatric and adult patients at 3 Mobile Infirmary Circle, Suite 312. He is now accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call (251) 665-8290.