Medical students recognized for community service and professional development

Skyler Hamilton

Last month, second-year medical student Skyler Hamilton was attending the first lecture of the respiratory module when T.J. Hundley, M.D., entered the classroom. 

Hundley, associate dean for medical education, then announced the winners of two awards: the Community Service Certificate of Honor for completing the most community service hours during the M1 year and the Professional Development Certificate of Honor for earning the most professional development credits in the first year. 

Hamilton was surprised to learn she was the recipient of both. “When Dr. Hundley called my name, my stomach dropped and I couldn't stop smiling,” she said. “I was completely blown away but honored all in the same moment.” 

Hamilton, who serves as secretary for the Class of 2027, is involved in many initiatives, including weekly tutoring at Wilmer Hall Children’s Home, providing patient education at the USA Student-Run Free Clinic, volunteering at the Hispanic Health Fair, and participating in several student interest groups. She has also shadowed colorectal surgeon Lee Grimm, M.D., a professor of surgery.  

Hamilton said she does not engage in community service for any awards or recognition, however. “I do it because giving back to the community makes me feel whole,” she said. “I love serving my community in any way I can because that is what I was put on this earth to do. That has always been my primary motivation for pursuing a career in medicine. I just love helping people any way that I can.” 

Ben Cockrell

Ben Cockrell, a third-year medical student, received the Community Service Certificate of Honor for completing the most community service hours in the Class of 2026 during his M2 year.  

“I was honored and pleasantly surprised when I received this award,” Cockrell said. “Everyone in my class is involved in organizations that have a huge positive impact in our community, and I was surprised to have the most logged community service hours for the class.”

He volunteers with Rapahope for children diagnosed with cancer and their families, serves as a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and works with Heart for Athletes, an organization his mother started that provides free heart screenings for young people. He also serves as one of the patient education coordinators at the USA Student-Run Free Clinic, where he leads or coordinates sessions on topics like diabetes and hypertension. 

Brandon Schonour, a third-year medical student, received the Professional Development Certificate of Honor for earning the most professional development credits in the Class of 2026 during his M2 year. 

Brandon Schonour

Last year, Schonour worked on a diagnostic radiology-focused research project. The experience helped him develop skills in working as part of a team, writing manuscripts, and giving oral presentations, he said. 

He also volunteered over the course of the year with the Quatsabadi STEM Mentoring Program, which aims to help Native American high school students explore professions in healthcare. Additionally, he served as president of the Native American Student Association at USA, leading the group in hosting lectures, volunteering in the community, and working with local tribes to create more awareness about Indigenous issues as well as support Native students on campus. 

“Leading the group in this way, I feel, will help prepare me for the future when I will need to step into a similar leadership role as a member of interprofessional teams in the healthcare setting,” he said.

Schonour said he was shocked by receiving the professional development honor. “I know that my fellow classmates consistently go above and beyond by doing so much outside of the classroom, whether it be in the community performing acts of service, in the lab doing research, and so much in between,” he said. “To be able to represent the class with this award is a real honor that I am truly thankful for.” 

Menger accepted into premier scoliosis society

Richard Menger, M.D., MPA

Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, chief of complex spine surgery, associate professor of neurosurgery, and vice chair of neurosurgery at USA Health, was accepted into the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) as an active fellow. Menger is currently the only active fellow of the SRS in the Mobile area and one of five full members in Alabama.

The SRS is an international society that was founded in 1966 with 37 members. It has gained recognition as one of the world's premier spine societies, maintaining a commitment to research and education in the field of spinal deformities. 

“The SRS represents the top thought leaders in spinal deformity surgery,” Menger said. “I’m excited to learn from the collective knowledge of such a group and bring those lessons to USA Health.”

Part of the fellow requirement is to submit cases and outcomes. “Selection is a testament to our entire team from nursing to physical therapy to advanced practice providers,” Menger said. “We are very proud of the level of complex care we are able to provide here, locally, at USA Health. We continue to treat patients from throughout the region and look to build our interdisciplinary programs, including with pediatric orthopedics.”

A patient's scan before and after scoliosis treatment

Strict membership criteria ensure that the individual fellows support SRS’s commitment. Current membership includes more than 1,600 of the world’s leading spine surgeons, researchers, physician assistants and orthotists who are involved in research and treatment of spinal deformities.

Active fellowship is limited to orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and to non-physician members of allied specialties. To become an active fellow, a surgeon must dedicate 20% of their practice to spinal deformity, have made a significant contribution to spinal problems, and successfully completed a three- to five-year candidate fellowship in the society.

To learn more about Menger and the work he is doing at USA Health’s Spine Institute, visit southspine.com.

USA welcomes Maier to emergency medicine

Krista Maier, D.O.

With a passion for teaching and learning in academic medicine, Krista Maier, D.O., has found the right fit at USA Health. She recently joined the health system as an emergency medicine physician and the Whiddon College of Medicine as an assistant professor of emergency medicine.

Maier earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, followed by a residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, New York.

What drew Maier to emergency medicine was the dynamic and varied nature of the specialty. During her clinical rotations, she experienced various fields of medicine, but it was the emergency department that truly resonated with her. 

“Each day, I see a variety of patients, with about half of these being sicker or requiring more immediate care, which keeps the job interesting for me,” she said. She can start her shift by treating gastroenteritis, then move on to splinting a fracture, diagnosing appendicitis, and managing critical cardiac issues — all within a few hours. 

Maier’s desire to contribute to medical education further led her to join USA Health. Her first job after residency involved teaching family medicine residents at a community hospital, an experience that ignited her passion for mentorship. 

“I found that I enjoyed teaching more than I had initially expected,” she said, “and this led me to pursue a position where I could be much more active in medical education.”

Now, as part of an academic health system, she finds fulfillment in helping shape the next generation of healthcare providers while continuing her own education amid the ever-evolving landscape of emergency medicine.

What Maier finds most rewarding about her role is the ability to make a significant difference in her patients’ lives in a matter of hours. She described the profound satisfaction that comes from turning around a critically ill patient, enabling them to avoid intensive care. She understands that for many patients, the emergency department is their only option for timely care, and she takes pride in being there for them during their most vulnerable moments. 

She said, “Seeing the relief on a patient’s face when I assure them that they aren’t having a heart attack or that they will be seeing a specialist within 24 hours makes up for the difficult encounters we have.” 

Whiddon COM Class of 2028 elects officers

The Whiddon College of Medicine Class of 2028 recently elected its top officers and other M1 representatives.

Anne Elizabeth Crowell, president

Leading the class is Anne Elizabeth Crowell as president – a role that allows her to be a cheerleader for her class. 

“I absolutely love my classmates!” she said. “It is such an honor to serve and encourage those who have helped me learn and grow so much already in medical school.”

Her goals as president are three-fold: “For my classmates, I hope to make their learning environment positive and to represent them well to faculty and administration. For my school, I seek to uplift the Whiddon COM and show those around me all of the amazing opportunities and incredible learning experiences that are found here,” she said. “As for my personal goals through this position, I hope to grow in my leadership skills through increasing my time management, delegation, advocacy and intentionality skills.” 

In her few short weeks as president, Crowell said she has already learned so much about her classmates and herself. 

“I am incredibly blessed to have amazing officers, faculty and administration surrounding me,” she said. “I am so thankful for all the guidance and wisdom that has been passed down to me that I am able to incorporate into my presidency. I am continually so thankful for this opportunity.” 

Mohammed Ghalib, vice president

As vice president, Mohammed Ghalib’s goal is “to build a bridge between students and faculty, ensuring transparency and collaboration in decision-making processes,” he said. “I hope to facilitate initiatives that address the needs of our diverse student body as well as other initiatives that will enrich our overall experience.”

Ghalib said he aimed to take on a leadership role to help foster a strong, supportive community among his classmates. 

“Medical school can be challenging, and having a sense of camaraderie can make a huge difference,” he said. “As vice president, I want to be an advocate for my peers, ensuring that their voices are heard and that we maintain a collaborative and inclusive environment.”

Ghalib said he was drawn to the Whiddon College of Medicine because of its emphasis on community, innovation in medical education, and commitment to serving underserved populations. 

“I’m truly honored to be in this leadership role, and I take it as an opportunity to give back to the community that has already given me so much in such a short amount of time,” he said. “I’m excited to continue advocating for my peers and ensuring that we all succeed together.”

Brandi Broome, secretary

Brandi Broome decided to run for secretary so she could advocate for her classmates while still having time to balance work and family. The position also enables her to use her writing skills. 

“I hope to help my classmates achieve their goals, even when it's just managing the small details,” she said.

The Whiddon College of Medicine was her medical school of choice, she said, “because after speaking to everyone here, I believed these people would actually care if I succeeded and help me if I struggled.”

“I'm thrilled to be here, proud of my class, and happy to help any of you,” she added. 

Allee Alexander, treasurer

Allee Alexander was elected class treasurer. She looks forward to serving her classmates while building valuable leadership skills needed to be a successful physician. 

“As class treasurer, I hope to establish an open line of communication between myself and my classmates regarding expenses and class purchases,” she said. “I also hope to work with the administration to create a smooth transition plan for future class treasurers.” 

Alexander aspired to attend medical school at the Whiddon College of Medicine since she was a sophomore in high school, when she first set her sights on becoming a physician. In her first two months as a medical student, she said she is reminded almost daily that she made the right decision, as she is able to get involved in the community and form meaningful relationships.

“The professors truly want you to succeed, and my classmates have become my family,” she said. “Serving as an officer has already allowed me to meet and learn from amazing upperclassmen and faculty. I have loved every minute of my time here at the Whiddon COM, and I cannot wait to see what the next four years have in store.” 

Class of 2028 officers and M1 representatives:

• President: Anne Elizabeth Crowell
• Vice President: Mohammed Ghalib
• Secretary: Brandi Broome
• Treasurer: Allee Alexander
• Social Chairs: Peyton Brewer, Zachary McMullen and Kelly Nguyen
• Merchandise Chairs: Dhruvika Patel and London Hinton
• AV Assistant: Israel Valenzuela
• Community and Volunteer Service: Cindy Nguyen and Mariam Hashmi
• Honor Council: Seth McClendon, Jonathan Mallard, Ashlyn Conner and Shelby Singleton
• Intramural Chairs: Bea Richardson, Tahj Jones and Asa Barnett
• Yearbook Editors: Veronica Sanders and Israel Valenzuela
• SGA Representative: Kaitlyn Riggins
• Wellness Officers: Tessa Allen, Lydia Motamed, Waleed Saoud and Alex Stokes

Last chance to register for USA Health Game Day

This is the last opportunity to register for USA Health Game Day 2024, set for Tuesday, Oct. 15, when the South Alabama Jaguars take on the Troy Trojans. The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Hancock Whitney Stadium. 

USA Health employees and volunteers, and Whiddon College of Medicine employees and students are each eligible to receive two free tickets to the football game. Registrants will also receive two wristbands to attend the tailgate event, catered by Sonny's BBQ, which begins at 4:30 p.m. 

The deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. For details and registration, visit the USA Health Game Day event page. 

To purchase additional tickets in USA Health's sections, visit usajaguars.com/tickets/HEALTH and enter promo code HEALTH, or call 251-461-1USA. 

Game Day T-shirts will be ready for pickup on Friday, Oct. 4, at the location selected at checkout. A very limited number of shirts will be available for cash purchase at hospital gift shops starting Friday. Sizes S-XL are $17.50, and 2XL-3XL are $19.50.

Chaney awarded NIH grant to support neuroscience research

Samantha Chaney

Samantha Chaney, a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, recently received the National Institutes of Health’s Blueprint and BRAIN Initiative Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) Award. 

The grant is a two-phase award that facilitates completion of the doctoral dissertation and transition of talented graduate students to strong neuroscience research postdoctoral positions and will provide career development opportunities relevant to their long-term career goal of becoming independent neuroscience researchers. Known as an F99/K00 grant, it supports up to two years to complete the dissertation phase and up to four years in the postdoctoral phase.

Chaney works in the lab of Amy R. Nelson, Ph.D., professor of physiology and cell biology. She presented the preliminary findings supporting this grant at two conferences, Vasculata 2024 and the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2024 this summer. She will also attend a meeting for D-SPAN awardees, which will take place at the Society for Neuroscience in Chicago.

“I am so grateful to everyone who supported my D-SPAN application and excited by the new opportunities this award will bring as I transition to the next stage of my career,” Chaney said.

The award provides funds for Chaney to utilize two-photon microscopy to study how pneumonia causes neurovascular unit dysfunction over time. She will also examine differences in neurovascular unit state in pneumonia vs. non-pneumonia post-mortem human brain. 

For her postdoctoral project, she plans to use the methods learned during her Ph.D. training to investigate the mechanisms of neurovascular dysfunction at the capillary level in migraine experimental models.

See Samantha Chaney’s profile on the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research site. Learn more about the D-SPAN award.