Student-Run Free Clinic leaders present research on volunteer engagement

Megan Rasmussen, third-year medical student and co-author

of the research, presents a poster at the Society of

Student-Run Free Clinics Annual Conference in Philadelphia

Medical students at the Whiddon College of Medicine presented research on COVID-19 and volunteer engagement at two recent conferences. 

Third-year medical student Isabella Dinelli presented the research poster “Exploring the Complex Interplay of COVID-19 and Volunteer Engagement: A Deep Dive into Retention Dynamics within a Student-Run Free Clinic” at the American Public Health Association annual conference in Minneapolis. 

Dinelli serves as research coordinator for the University of South Alabama Student-Run Free Clinic, a student-led initiative that provides free medical checkups and healthcare services to some of the most vulnerable populations in the greater Mobile community. Students in medical school or studying pharmacy, audiology, nursing or occupational therapy volunteer at the clinic and gain experience in numerous clinical and interpersonal skills, such as communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. 

“The study examined what motivates our volunteers to work in our clinic, the possible obstacles they encounter and ways to foster long-term commitment across all disciplines in our multidisciplinary student clinic,” she said. 

The study found that a strong community connection and ongoing training are essential for volunteer satisfaction. Dinelli said the findings would guide the clinic’s leaders in creating initiatives that support, motivate, and prepare volunteers to deliver care. “By enriching the volunteer experience and refining training, we aim to better equip our team to deliver quality care to underserved communities, especially as the clinic extends its services to the Choctaw Nation,” she said. 

Co-author Megan Rasmussen, also a third-year medical student, presented the research poster at the Society of Student-Run Free Clinics Annual Conference in Philadelphia. “At the conference, I connected with students from medical schools across the country who faced similar challenges,” Rasmussen said. “Their insights into successful strategies for boosting volunteer engagement and retention were invaluable and provided inspiration for our own initiatives.” 

Dinelli, Rasmussen and third-year medical student Qays Aljabi conducted the research along with mentor Casey L. Daniel, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor of family medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

Schwaitzberg to present Frazer Memorial Lecture

Steven D. Schwaitzberg, M.D.

Steven D. Schwaitzberg, M.D., SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo, will present a lecture on Friday, Nov. 15, at USA Health University Hospital. 

The lecture, “AI, Amazon and the Atom: Unintended Consequences in Healthcare,” is set for 7 a.m. in the second-floor conference room and via Zoom. It is open to the public and made possible through the Emmett B. Frazer, M.D., Memorial Endowment at the Whiddon College of Medicine Department of Surgery. 

For more information, contact the department of surgery at 251-445-8230. 

Stevens recognized for lung biology research at annual showcase

Five University of South Alabama faculty members were recently honored at the 3rd annual Technology and Research Showcase for their research in fields ranging from sustainability to cyber security and marine sciences to lung biology. 

“The Research and Technology Showcase is South’s opportunity to show our community the cutting-edge research that is being conducted by our faculty,” said Michael Chambers, J.D., Ph.D., interim vice president for research and economic development and chief economic development officer. “Our faculty bring in millions of dollars in external funding every year to improve patient care and outcomes, to create novel technologies and to safeguard our national security and our environment.”

Troy Stevens, Ph.D., professor and Lenoir Louise Locke Chair of Physiology and Cell Biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, was among those recognized at the event. He also serves as director of the USA Center for Lung Biology. 

When SARS-CoV-2 infections spread across the world in 2020, the numbers of infected patients, mortality and recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infections were all tracked closely by healthcare professionals. Recent estimates suggest there have been approximately 705 million coronavirus cases since 2020, with 7 million deaths. This also means that most patients have recovered from coronavirus infections, yet these recoveries have not been without incident. Roughly 19% of patients who recover from SARS-CoV-2 infections exhibit protracted impairment in end-organ function, prominently lung, heart, kidney, brain and muscular dysfunction. The SARS-CoV-2 survivors who exhibit protracted end-organ dysfunction have been called long-haulers. 

Stevens’ team’s work has revealed a previously unknown host response to lower airway infection, where viruses and bacteria elicit generations of cytopathic amyloid and tau variants within the lung that can injure multiple organs. These findings identify a mechanism of end-organ dysfunction in the aftermath of critical illness and provide a novel molecular target for development of medical therapy to treat adverse outcomes during and after infection. This work encourages investigators to reconsider our current ways of thinking about the causes of various chronic diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies.  

Read the full news release from the University of South Alabama. 

The Office of Research and Economic Development held its 3rd annual Research and Technology Showcase, which highlighted the work of five USA faculty members. Troy Stevens, Ph.D., professor and chair of physiology and cell biology, second from right, was among those honored.

Mazloom joins interdisciplinary clinical oncology faculty at Whiddon COM and Mitchell Cancer Institute

Anita Mazloom, M.D., M.S.

Anita Mazloom, M.D., M.S., has joined the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) as a medical oncologist and hematologist and the Whiddon College of Medicine as an assistant professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology. 

She was previously named chief fellow for two consecutive years. 

“I am excited to officially join the USA Health team after completing my fellowship and moving to Mobile,” said Mazloom. “I never lived in the South before coming here for my fellowship, but I love the small-town feel and community aspect. Everyone is welcoming and friendly.” 

Mazloom chose to practice at MCI following her three-year fellowship because of its academic medicine capabilities and the work environment. 

“I love teaching and also being able to conduct clinical research,” she said. “Part of an academic medical center is leading the next generation of hematologists and oncologists, and I enjoy mentoring residents and fellows.  Also, I am excited to open and lead clinical trials at MCI to bring new treatments for our patients.” 

Mazloom’s interest in cancer care began prior to medical school when she worked as a research associate for Genentech, a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing medicines for individuals with serious and life-threatening diseases. Mazloom worked with cancer therapeutics and later saw the therapeutics being used clinically during her residency and fellowship programs. 

“I am drawn to research and the ability to help patients in an ever-evolving field. Guiding patients through their cancer journey is a rewarding experience as they trust you during a vulnerable time in their lives,” said Mazloom. “Building that bond with patients feels special and I truly cherish it. I have joy in seeing my patients every day and working with a great team at MCI, where everyone has the common goal to help our patients.” 

Preceding her oncology and hematology fellowship at USA Health, Mazloom completed her residency at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. She attended medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. 

Residents share research at annual chest medicine conference in Boston

Krithika Muthyala, M.D., and Lauren

Healey, D.O., present at the conference.

Three USA Health residents recently attended the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) 2024 annual meeting in Boston, which brings together thousands of medical professionals.  

Third-year residents Adam Miller, D.O., and Krithika Muthyala, M.D., and second-year resident Lauren Healey, D.O., represented the Department of Internal Medicine and had the opportunity to provide valuable insight into emerging scientific and clinical advancements happening in the critical care, pulmonary, and sleep fields.  

“I always love representing South Alabama internal medicine and showing other physicians nationwide the depth of our research and clinical projects,” Miller said.   

All three residents presented research at the meeting.   

Miller’s poster examined acute pericarditis caused by differentiation syndrome in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) relapse. Healey’s presentation covered immunotherapy-induced diabetic ketoacidosis.   

Adam Miller, D.O., presents his poster.

Muthyala teamed up with the Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute to report on the statistical analysis of the impact of gender differences with PD-L1 expression on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLS) prognosis.  

At the annual meeting, participants can share their findings with colleagues, gain feedback from expert faculty, collaborate with other professionals in the field, and more.  

The American College of Chest Physicians is a global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care.  

Medical students, residents and faculty support refugees through wellness event

Representatives from the Whiddon COM volunteer at the

Dwell Mobile Wellness Fair.

To better connect with community members and improve access to healthcare, 10 medical students, six residents and numerous faculty members from the Whiddon College of Medicine volunteered their time and talents recently during the Dwell Mobile Wellness Fair.  

Held at Dwell Mobile, the community event was a collaborative effort between multiple organizations, said Linda Hassouneh, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and a hospitalist at USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital who specializes in treating patients with infectious diseases.  

Dwell Mobile is a nonprofit organization that provides post-resettlement acclimation services and support to refugee families who have relocated to the Gulf Coast.  

The organization’s mission is to provide resettled families practical support in their new life, including how to build meaningful relationships with new neighbors, and opportunities to develop a better future.  

At the event, USA Health Pediatrics participated with four primary stations: oral hygiene, viral illness prevention, healthy eating awareness and social media guidance, Hassouneh said.  

To promote healthy lifestyles, a separate space was set up for dance lessons where children and adults learned some healthy moves for the Zumba and salsa styles of dance and exercise.   

This was the second year students and faculty from USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine took part in the event, Hassouneh said.  

“Through these efforts, we enhance the health and well-being of children by offering education and helping to identify resources available to patients,” she said. “By engaging directly with the community, we strengthen our relationships with patients and foster trust. At the same time, we build valuable connections with our students, learners, and other healthcare providers.”  

USA Health’s pediatric residents, physicians and medical students often take part in health-related community outreach events to build stronger connections with those they serve.    

View more photos from the event on Flickr.