Phung named associate editor of cancer journal section

Thuy Phung, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pathology at the USA College of Medicine and director of molecular genetic pathology and dermatopathology at USA Health, recently joined the editorial staff of a cancer journal for the American Association for Cancer Research, the first and largest cancer research organization. 

She was named an associate editor of the Health Disparities and Outcomes Research section of Cancer Research Communications, a peer-reviewed journal that encompasses the full spectrum of research on cancer. Launched in October 2021, the journal aims to accelerate the pace of discovery and stimulate innovation in cancer science and medicine by providing a venue for rapid, open publication of hypotheses, methods, results, data resources and new knowledge in this quickly evolving field. 

Health Disparities and Outcomes Research, one of nine sections in the journal, publishes studies that investigate the cause and impact of differences in patient group outcomes, cancer survivorship, and the development of health policy from individual or population-level perspectives with a focus on health disparities.

Borchert discusses preparing for next pandemic on NSF podcast

Glen Borchert, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, recently talked with the National Science Foundation on its podcast, "NSF Prepare: Science Before the Storm." 

In the episode, "Unlock Your Superpower: How Looking for Four-Leaf Clovers Can Reveal the Potential of Non-Coding RNA," Borchert shares his journey of growing up in a small town and finding his place in the world of research. He also shares his approach to research, which involves searching for what doesn't fit the established framework of understanding in a particular field and studying the unexamined. He discusses his interest in non-coding RNA and how this area of study has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of gene regulation. Furthermore, Borchert emphasizes the need for antiviral development to prepare us for the next pandemic and shares insights on how his research can contribute to this effort. 

Since joining the faculty at the University of South Alabama in 2012, Borchert has published dozens of papers in peer-reviewed journals and had numerous grant applications funded including the highly prestigious NSF CAREER award (2014-2019).

Listen to the podcast on Spotify. 

Meet a Med Student: Robert Rella

Robert Rella, third from left, with fellow medical students

Robert Rella

Age: 24

Class: 2024

Hometown: Spanish Fort, Alabama

Undergraduate education: B.S., Auburn University

What do you enjoy most about being a medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine?
The opportunity to work so closely with attendings and residents. It’s hands on!

Are you involved in any research, organizations or other initiatives at the College of Medicine?
I have worked on several projects with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the most recent of which being the description of a technique for an orthopaedic surgeon to perform a peripheral nerve block intraoperatively that has helped more than 150 patients undergo total knee replacement surgery opioid-free in the postoperative period, and nearly a thousand other patients reduce their opioid consumption while recovering from surgery. This project was exciting because it takes steps against the opioid epidemic in the U.S. while simultaneously playing a role in minimizing postoperative pain. A link to one of the articles published from this study can be found here: https://www.jisakos.com/article/S2059-7754(23)00024-X/fulltext. 

I also co-founded the Exercise and Athletics Club, an organization that held weekly workouts during the preclinical years of medical school that was a good outlet for classmates to stay healthy and connected with one another. I served as an officer in my class as the SGA liaison and several positions for various other interest groups, including CMMSA and am serving as the current president of the Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group.

What are your interests and hobbies?
Sports and all forms of exercise.

What is something unique about you?
I carry one copy of the mutated CFTR gene.

Medical students begin summer research

Robert Barrington, Ph.D., speaks to medical students

during the summer research program orientation.

The Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine is celebrating 50 years of educating and empowering medical students through our growing research program. Last week, 40 rising second-year medical students and five incoming first-year medical students attended orientation and started the 50th Annual Medical Student Summer Research Program.

The eight-week program pairs medical students with faculty mentors, and students devote 30 to 40 hours a week to a research project. The summer experience includes hands-on research related to basic science and/or clinical medicine, and a seminar program that focuses on various scientific and clinical topics. Through the program, students develop an appreciation of how research contributes to the knowledge and practice of medicine.

The program will culminate with student presentations on 2023 Medical Student Summer Research Day, scheduled for Friday, July 21. Russell Terry, M.D., assistant professor of urology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, will deliver the keynote lecture.

During orientation, Robert Barrington, Ph.D., chair of the Medical Student Summer Research Program and associate professor of microbiology and immunology, presented on responsible conduct in research and bioethics. He also introduced the M.D. with Research Honors Program, available to medical students who desire to conduct in-depth research in an area of the health sciences. 

Karen Braswell, supervisor for clinical education/student affairs, discussed USA Health facilities and Cerner access. Students also had a chance to win Whiddon College of Medicine T-shirts.

Learn more about the Medical Student Summer Research Program.

Pathology faculty present at international meeting

Guillermo A. Herrera. M.D., gives the keynote presentation.

Two pathology faculty members from the Whiddon College of Medicine presented at the Fifth International Meeting of International Kidney & Monoclonal Gammopathy Research Group, held last month in Milan, Italy. 

Guillermo A. Herrera. M.D., professor and chair of pathology, was the keynote speaker at the event, which drew more than 100 participants from all continents interested in multiple myeloma. He discussed mechanisms of renal dysfunction and damage in monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance, a subject he has been researching the last 36 years. 

Other members of the team responsible for the research findings reported include Jiamin Teng, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pathology; Elba Turbat-Herrera, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pathology; Luis del Pozo-Yauner, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology; and Chun Zeng, Ph.D., research associate. 

Luis del Pozo-Yauner, M.D., Ph.D., also presented at the meeting. He discussed an antibody and site-directed mutagenesis-based strategy to understand immunoglobulin light chain amyloid aggregation. 

Members of the research team include Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D.; Elba Turbat-Herrera, M.D.; Vindhya Bellamkonda, M.D., pathology resident; and Bing Liu, electron microscopy specialist.