Infectious diseases physician-researcher joins internal medicine faculty

Dahlene Fusco, M.D., Ph.D.

Dahlene Fusco, M.D., Ph.D., an infectious diseases physician with extensive clinical and research experience, recently joined USA Health. She will also serve as an associate professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine.  

“I developed an interest in infectious diseases when I noticed how many clinically relevant pathogens are still in need of tolerable treatments,” she said. “I have dedicated most of my research to identification of pre-clinal targets for antivirals, as well as understanding of host-virus interactions.”  

Fusco, who is board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases, both by the American Board of Internal Medicine, was drawn to working in an academic health system for several reasons.  

“I chose to work in an academic medical center because this provides opportunities to meet with patients and identify their evolving clinical needs related to infectious diseases, provide clinical trial access to interested patients, and interact closely with researchers in microbiology and immunology to accelerate collaborative work and pathogen countermeasure development,” she said.   

Fusco graduated with a degree in physics and philosophy from Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She completed medical school and a Ph.D. in structural biology, both at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in The Bronx, New York. A residency in internal medicine followed at Massachusetts General Hospital, the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, in Boston. She completed her training with a fellowship in infectious disease at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, New York.  

Fusco brings extensive research experience in virology and host-virus interactions, and since her first junior faculty position in 2010, she has been devoted to cultivating diversity and promoting outreach in the field.   

She has led multiple clinical trials related to antivirals and is extensively published in peer-reviewed journals. She serves as editor of infectious diseases for Scientific Reports, the fifth most-cited journal in the world.  

In New Orleans, Fusco helped open one of the first COVID clinics in 2020. In July 2022, she assisted in establishing a floating Mpox response team to treat patients with the virus there. At that time, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its rapid spread, new transmission methods, and presence in countries where it had not previously been seen.   

Fusco has experience treating AIDS, blood infections, cancer-related infections, COVID-19, Hepatitis B and C, Lyme disease, malaria, confirmed parasitic infections, wound infections and more.   

She is accepting new patients at the Mastin Internal Medicine Clinic, 2451 University Hospital Drive, Suite 102 in Mobile. To schedule an appointment, call 251-470-5890.   

Augustine to present case report at American Academy of Pediatrics National Convention

Maya Augustine, M.D.

Maya Augustine, M.D., a third-year pediatrics resident at USA Health, is presenting her first case report at a national conference this week.  

The study details the identification of multiple small intestinal arteriovenous malformations with double balloon enteroscopy in a pediatric patient. Augustine is scheduled to make the poster presentation during the American Academy of Pediatrics National Convention & Exhibition in Orlando that begins Sept. 27.  

“Having my poster accepted for a national conference is a significant milestone for me,” she said. “It validates the hard work and dedication I have put in, and I am excited about the opportunity to share my case report with peers and experts in the field.” 

Augustine said her interest and passion for gastroenterology stems from its diverse and dynamic nature. “GI encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting various organs, such as the esophagus, stomach, liver, and intestines, which allows me to continually expand my knowledge and skills,” she said. “The combination of procedural work, inpatient care, and outpatient management is particularly appealing to me, as it offers a holistic approach to patient treatment. I am drawn to the opportunity to perform endoscopic procedures while also managing complex cases in both hospital and clinic settings.” 

She credits David A. Gremse, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine, with being an invaluable mentor during her residency.  

“Although not formally assigned as my mentor, our relationship has naturally developed into one of profound guidance and support,” she said. “He provides keen insights into the nuances of patient care and has opened doors to research opportunities, professional development, and connections with specialists in the field of GI.”  

Their discussions, she explained, helped clarify her interests and deepen her aspirations within the specialty: “His encouragement has inspired me to pursue various research initiatives, including my recent poster presentation. As a dedicated teacher and role model, Dr. Gremse exemplifies the qualities I aspire to embody in my own practice.” 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a 67,000-member professional association composed of pediatricians and pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists. The AAP promotes optimal physical, mental, and social health for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. It also provides a range of services including advocacy for children and pediatrics, health systems delivery research, public information and education, continuing medical education, and analyses and review of child health policy issues.  

Blueprint for Success aims to empower new academic physicians and scientists

The Whiddon College of Medicine is proud to announce support for Blueprint for Success, an innovative faculty development seminar series designed specifically for the newest members of our academic community. This program aims to provide a solid foundation for success in the challenging and rewarding fields of academic science and medicine.

Led by Emily Wilson, Ph.D., associate dean of faculty affairs and faculty development, Blueprint for Success offers monthly sessions tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by new faculty members. These afternoon meetings provide a supportive environment for learning, networking, and professional growth.

• Who: Faculty hired from 2022 to present
• When: Third Thursday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m., Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19
• Where: Strada Patient Care Center, First-Floor Conference Room
• What to expect: Informative sessions, networking opportunities, and light refreshments

The Blueprint for Success series is designed with several key objectives in mind:

• Equip new faculty with essential skills and knowledge for academic success
• Foster a supportive community among new faculty members
• Provide guidance on navigating the complexities of academic careers
• Offer insights into balancing research, teaching, and clinical responsibilities

Success is crucial not only for the personal career growth of new faculty members but also for the advancement of their fields and the education of future professionals. Blueprint for Success offers:

• Practical, actionable advice from experienced academic leaders
• Opportunities to connect with peers facing similar challenges
• A structured approach to professional development
• A supportive environment to ask questions and seek guidance

Interested faculty members are encouraged to RSVP for each session to ensure adequate preparation and resources. To register or learn more about upcoming sessions, contact Amanda Arnold at akarnold@southalabama.edu.

Lunch & Learn to focus on promotion and tenure

The Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development invites Whiddon College of Medicine faculty to a Lunch & Learn session on “Promotion and Tenure.”

The session is set for Wednesday, Oct. 9, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the first-floor conference room at the Strada Patient Care Center. 

Email Alice Nolen at anolen@southalabama.edu to sign up for this session.

Whiddon COM welcomes alumna Carly McRae to emergency medicine

Carly McRae, M.D.

Joining USA Health as an emergency medicine physician was a natural decision for Carly McRae, M.D., a lifelong resident of Baldwin County.

McRae grew up in Fairhope, Alabama, and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She earned a medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine in 2021 and recently completed residency training in emergency medicine at USA Health. 

“I wanted to stay on the Gulf Coast, and I really love working with students and residents,” said McRae, who is also an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Staying at USA was a very natural choice for me!”

Going into medical school, McRae knew she wanted to pursue a hands-on specialty. “During my third-year rotations, I found that the emergency department was the place I was most excited to show up,” she said. “I love the variety of patients that I get to see in a single shift, and love that comradery that comes with working in the ED setting.”

McRae said people may assume that emergency physicians don’t have the opportunity to form relationships with patients in the way other physicians do. “Although I may not see many of my patients on a recurring basis,” she said, “I find it incredibly rewarding to be able to care for and comfort patients on what may be one of their worst days.”

While a medical student, McRae was involved in the USA Student-Run Free Clinic, the Alabama Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama’s medical mission trip to Senegal. She also served as president of the Emergency Medicine Interest Group and the Preventive Medicine Interest Group. 

“During my time training at USA, I had the privilege of learning from many wonderful attendings. There are so many lessons I have learned both personally and professionally from being in this environment,” she said. “I hope that I am able to make a similar impact on the education and development of the residents and students that I will be working with as I move forward in my career.”