Rx for Success pre-orientation course empowers future medical professionals

M2 student facilitators Nia Booth and Jade Crabtree work with incoming first-year students in the pre-orientation course.

The Office of Academic Success, within the Office of Accreditation and Planning, at the Whiddon College of Medicine offered the pre-orientation course, Rx for Success: Achieving Academic Excellence in Medical School, for the second year in a row. This year's program saw increased participation, with 50 incoming M1 students joining the course, which ran from July 22-25 and blended Zoom and in-person sessions.

David S. Williams, Ph.D., MPA, assistant dean for institutional and academic success, led the course alongside an expanded instructional team that included four exceptional second-year medical student facilitators – Keegan Musaalo, Jade Crabtree, Avery Thomas and Nia Booth. These student facilitators received personal professional development in advance of the course to enhance their teaching and leadership skills.

David S. Williams, Ph.D., and Angie O'Neal,

M.Ed., with M2 student facilitators Nia Booth,

Keegan Musaalo, Avery Thomas and

Jade Crabtree.

A highlight of this year’s program was the involvement of Angie O'Neal, M.Ed., director of learning support services. O'Neal brought her expertise to the instructional team, focusing on teaching students about the importance of creating individual learning plans tailored to their medical school careers. Her sessions emphasized the use of learning science, validated self-assessment tools, and self-reflection to help students set and achieve their academic and professional goals.

Throughout the course, students were immersed in lessons on learning science, evidence-based learning strategies, effective time management skills, and the importance of resilience in medical school. They also engaged in activities designed to reflect on the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and professional behavior as they embark on their medical school journey.  

“It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and commitment from our incoming students,” Williams said. “This program is a vital part of our mission to provide the tools and support necessary for their success in medical school and beyond.”  

Avery Thomas, one of the student facilitators, said, “It has been so rewarding to meet the next class of medical students and see their growth in only one week. I am so excited to see how they take the skills they learned this week to become successful future physicians.”

Margaret Lloyd, a first-year student who participated in the course, commented, “I was most nervous about effectively studying for medical school exams and the step exams. Now, I feel confident that I can implement these strategies and use the momentum from the success of the strategies to continue enjoying studying and doing well in exams. Thank you for doing this! I am so lucky to be entering a class that gets a resource like this since this is only the second year of it.”

The collaborative nature of the program was further enhanced by guest speakers who delivered interactive lessons and Q&A sessions. Laura Boatright, M.D., from the Division of Medical Education discussed the best ways to study to develop clinical reasoning. Laventrice Ridgeway, Ed.D., from Student Affairs focused on strategic goal setting. Loren Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, and Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA, from the Office of Health Advancement addressed resilience in medical education, while Natalie Bauer, Ph.D., from Admissions provided insights on professionalism and time management. Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., from Accreditation and Planning wrapped up the week emphasizing the various ways in which the Whiddon COM supports student success and professional development.

The Office of Academic Success is committed to continuing the Rx for Success pre-orientation course each summer, continually enhancing it to better support our incoming medical students, Williams said.  

Williams and T.J. Hundley, M.D., associate dean for medical education, lead an ongoing educational research project evaluating the course's impact and how students are integrating these evidence-based strategies in their learning and development. Data from last year’s program was presented at the national Medical Education Learning Specialists Conference in November 2023, highlighting the program's success and areas for further development.

USA Medical Alumni Association kicks off annual fund campaign

Now through Dec. 31, support the future of the Whiddon College of Medicine and fellow South medical alumni with a gift to the USA Medical Alumni Association Annual Fund. Contributions fuel student and alumni events, scholarships, awards, and career development opportunities all year long.

Make a gift at connect.southalabama.edu/g/maa-gifts. 

Medical students, residents participate in American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference

Medical students and pediatrics residents attended the
AAP national conference in Orlando.

To learn more about the latest pediatric health initiatives and to present case studies and other research, a record number of Whiddon College of Medicine students and USA Health pediatrics residents attended the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference in Orlando earlier this month along with faculty from the Department of Pediatrics. 

More than a dozen students and residents traveled to the conference, with five presenting poster presentations at the national conference.  

“The AAP meeting provides residents with valuable exposure to the latest advancements in pediatric care, networking opportunities with experts, and insights into current best practices, all of which enhance their medical education and professional development,” said Haidee Custodio, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the College of Medicine who leads pediatric graduate medical education for USA Health.

Eru Sujakhu, M.D. received the AAP Section on International Medical Graduates (IMG) Travel Award and gave an oral presentation on her IMG experience.  

“Highlighting the challenges and successes of IMG residents is crucial in addressing the national pediatric workforce shortage,” Custodio said. 

Noor Buttar, D.O., and Iboro Udoete, M.D. served as USA Health’s Section on Pediatric Trainees delegates. The physicians-in-training represented our program and shared insights learned from the AAP conference to help residents thrive during their training, Custodio said. 

Fourth-year medical student Kara Nix, who is president of the Pediatrics Interest Group and a Primary Care Pathway Scholar, said playing an active role in national conferences such as the AAP is vital to career advancement.  

“The AAP provides numerous opportunities for medical students to engage in pediatric advocacy, research, and education,” Nix said. “By providing early exposure and involvement, the AAP plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the field.” 

The following faculty and residents made presentations at the AAP national conference: 

• Maya Augustine, M.D. (poster presentations)
  “A Pediatric Case of Bickerstaff's Brainstem Encephalitis with Relapse of Symptoms Following Initial Treatment with IVIG and Steroids”
  “Identification of Multiple Small Intestinal Arteriovenous Malformations with Double Balloon Enteroscopy in a Pediatric Patient” 
• Shaira Bedi, M.D. (poster presentation)
  “Sodium Levels and Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage: Tale of Two Extremes”  
• Zoha Nizami, M.D. (poster presentation)
  “Placental Pathology and Neonatal Outcomes Associated with Lenticulostriate Vasculopathy in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Case Control Study”  
• Audrey Gunn, D.O. (co-author/presenter with Kelechi Ikeri, M.D.)
  “Reducing Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalization among Infants Admitted to a Regional Hospital”   
• Eru Sujakhu, M.D. (oral presentation)
  Section on International Medical Graduates  

USA Health Game Day 2024 honors employees

Employees from USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine were among the sold-out crowd at Tuesday night's football game at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The South Alabama Jaguars defeated the Troy Trojans, 25-9, to win the Battle of the Belt. 

Faculty, staff and their families enjoyed a meal of Sonny's BBQ at the USA Health Game Day tailgate tent before heading inside the stadium to cheer on the Jags to victory. 

The following employees represented USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine during a special on-field presentation at the game: 

• Wilma Baliem, CRNP, clinical nurse practitioner supervisor in oncology at the Mitchell Cancer Institute
• Caleb Butts, M.D., trauma/burn surgeon and associate professor of surgery
• Brittney Carden, manager of the Mitchell Cancer Institute Specialty Pharmacy
• 
  Bradly Clay, M.D., sports medicine physician, orthopaedic surgeon for the Jags, and assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery
• Gul Dadlani, M.D., pediatric cardiologist and chair of the department of pediatrics
• Laura Hudson, secretary for the department of surgery 
• Victoria Humphries, RN, charge nurse in the mother/baby unit 
• Emily McGowin, CRNP, nurse practitioner in trauma/critical care
• Jamie Meegan, Ph.D., assistant professor of physiology and cell biology 
• Gwenn Moring, medical assistant in radiology at the Freestanding Emergency Department
• Brad Murph, manager of rehab services at Providence Hospital  
• Taylor Pettway, director of operations for the department of OB-GYN
• Maran Ramani, M.D., MPH, division chief of neonatology, chief medical office for Children's & Women's Hospital, and professor of pediatrics
• Jennifer West, care access associate at University Urology

View more photos from the event on Flickr.

Whiddon COM alumnus chosen as White House Fellow

Zachary White II, M.D.

Zachary White II, M.D., a 2021 graduate of the Whiddon College of Medicine, was selected as a 2024-2025 White House Fellow. As one of 15 fellows from around the nation, White was assigned to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Founded in 1964 by Lyndon B. Johnson, the White House Fellows Program is one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. The one-year paid fellowship offers exceptional emerging leaders first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government.

A native of Birmingham, White earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Tuskegee University, followed by a master's degree in biomedical and health sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is currently in his third year of residency in radiation oncology at Stanford University in Stanford, California. 

During medical school, White served as the president of the Class of 2021 – the Whiddon College of Medicine's first Black class president. He also founded and served as co-president of the Oncology Interest Group and was a member of the USA Chapter of the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society. 

White was one of two students nationwide to receive the 2018 ASTRO Minority Summer Fellowship Award, which led to eight weeks of research and clinical studies in radiation oncology at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He was one of nine students in the nation to receive the 2019 Medical Rotation for Underrepresented Populations Award from the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. As a fourth-year medical student, he was one of 11 students to participate in the American Medical Association's Foundation Leadership Development Institute. The year-long national program is dedicated to cultivating a diverse cohort of aspiring physician leaders who are committed to serving the needs of their communities and improving the nation’s health.

In a recent interview with AL.com, White said of the White House Fellows Program: “My ultimate goal is to eventually return to Alabama and contribute positively to both rural and metropolitan communities. This experience will not only allow me to grow as a leader but also equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a transformative leader. I’m eager to leverage this opportunity to contribute meaningfully to address the health disparities that persist in Alabama’s communities.”

Read the full article, “Alabama native chosen as White House Fellow,” in AL.com. 

Learn more about the White House Fellows Program. 

Children’s & Women’s Hospital joins multicenter study on cardiac arrest care for pediatric patients

Mukul Seghal, M.D.,MBA, an assistant professor of 

pediatrics, is site principal investigator of the study.

With goals of saving more children who suffer from cardiac arrest and enhancing CPR protocols, USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital has joined a multicenter collaborative study that will assess up to 7,000 cardiac arrest cases at 100 hospitals.

More research is needed on the topic because current CPR guidelines are mostly based on adult data, leaving a gap in understanding how best to help kids during emergencies, said pediatric intensivist Mukul Sehgal, M.D., MBA, who will serve as the site principal investigator for the study in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a method that can help save someone’s life during cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs, according to the American Heart Association. Sehgal is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of pediatric critical care at the Whiddon College of Medicine, where his duties include teaching physicians in training.

Cardiac arrests in children are a major public health issue with thousands of pediatric patients each year treated with CPR and managed after a cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, neurological outcomes following in-hospital CPR events can vary, and sometimes leave children with neurological deficits.

As part of the cardiac arrest project’s protocol, all attending physicians in the hospital’s PICU will undergo training by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia team members for data assimilation and entry procedures.

Key goals for the multiyear study include:

• Assess CPR quality: Analyze how well CPR is performed in different hospitals.
• Link CPR to survival: Investigate how CPR techniques affect survival rates.
• Post-care matters: Examine how care after cardiac arrest impacts recovery.
• Monitor responses: Study how children's bodies respond to medications like epinephrine during CPR to find the best dosing strategies.

“The insights gained could also help save more lives in the future,” Sehgal said, “and improve outcomes for children experiencing cardiac arrests.”

Mbaka studies new tool for weaning patients from ventilator

Maryann Mbaka, M.D., an assistant professor of 

surgery, is leading the study at USA Health.

Research shows that patients whose breathing is supported by a ventilator for an extended time are at higher risk of losing strength in the diaphragm, the major muscle of respiration, and developing a life-threatening infection such as pneumonia.

Maryann Mbaka, M.D., a trauma and emergency general surgeon at USA Health University Hospital, is studying a new way to help these patients regain the strength they need to breathe on their own more quickly – potentially avoiding infection and death.

USA Health is one of 18 sites in the nation enrolling patients in the ReInvigorate Study, which will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the pdSTIM System to increase diaphragm strength and improve ventilation weaning for patients when compared with the standard of care.

“This research focuses on the stimulation of the phrenic nerve – which controls the diaphragm – as a way to wean critically ill patients off ventilatory support,” said Mbaka, who also serves as an assistant professor of surgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Patients with acute respiratory failure can experience many complications associated with critical illness and prolonged hospitalization; therefore, having any means to improve the care of those patients and expedite ventilatory wean will not only improve the care of the patients, but also improve outcomes.”

Developed by Stimdia Medical for use at the bedside, the pdSTIM System is indicated for ventilated adults who have been on mechanical ventilation for at least 96 hours and have failed at least one weaning attempt. To employ the system, a provider inserts a temporary pacing lead into a small incision in the patient’s neck, and a nearby console recognizes the onset of the patient’s inhalation and stimulates the phrenic nerve through the lead, causing the diaphragm to contract.

Studies have estimated that more than 300,000 patients receive mechanical ventilation in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumonia, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, blood clots and fluid buildup in the lungs are among the complications that can occur in patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Mortality in patients with acute lung injury on mechanical ventilation has been estimated to range from 24% in people ages 15 to 19 to 60% for patients ages 85 and older.

Mbaka said critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit at University Hospital who fail to wean from the ventilator per protocol will be evaluated for this study after appropriate consent is obtained.