Most recently serving as associate dean of medical education and student affairs, Dr. LeDoux takes great pride in playing a key role in the lives of medical students as they become competent physicians and lifelong learners.
As she reflects upon her years spent at the USA College of Medicine, Dr. LeDoux said two words come to mind: “amazing opportunities.”
As a researcher, she played a critical role in the discovery of mitochondrial DNA repair. In collaboration, she and Dr. Glenn Wilson were the first to discover that base excision DNA repair occurs in mitochondrial DNA. Their research has served as the basis for additional scientific discoveries as well as the development of novel treatments for patients.
“This research provided opportunities for me to present our findings at many national and international venues,” she said. “It also formed the foundation for much of the ongoing research here at the USA College of Medicine. Knowing that you played a key role in a scientific discovery that has resulted in textbooks with entire chapters devoted to mitochondrial DNA repair is extremely rewarding.”
As a scientist, Dr. LeDoux said she had the opportunity to interact with many intelligent and wonderful individuals both at scientific meetings and through the large number of review committees on which she served.
In 2003, she was appointed assistant dean for curriculum. In 2011, she was promoted to associate dean for medical education and student affairs. As professor and chair of the division of medical education, she successfully led the initiative to reorganize the medical school’s curriculum to an integrated, organ‐system‐based approach.
According to Dr. John Marymont, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the USA College of Medicine, Dr. LeDoux has played an instrumental role at the USA College of Medicine. “From conducting groundbreaking research on mitochondrial DNA repair, to playing a significant role in maintaining our LCME accreditation, Susan’s impact on the USA College of Medicine is immeasurable,” he said. “She has been an inspiration and mentor for our students, residents and faculty alike.”
After earning her doctorate in basic medical sciences from the University of South Alabama, Dr. LeDoux completed her post‐doctoral training in anatomy at the USA College of Medicine. Later, she joined the faculty as an assistant professor of cell biology and neurosciences. Throughout her career, she has excelled as a medical educator, scientist and administrator.
Dr. LeDoux is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. In addition to her work at the USA College of Medicine, she has served on numerous review panels for National Institutes of Health. She has also served as a member of the Step 1 Item Writing Committee for the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Dr. LeDoux has written 65 scientific publications, and as a visiting scientist has made presentations nationally and internationally in places such as Sicily, Norway, Germany, Denmark, Chile, and the Netherlands.
In the next months – after over 30 years of dedicated service – she will officially retire from USA, and will continue to teach anatomy on a part-time basis.
A reception in Dr. LeDoux’s honor will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on April 29, 2019, at the USA Faculty Club.
