Students, faculty present research at international meeting on tropical medicine

Eliane Esteves, Ph.D.

Four researchers – including two graduate students – associated with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, presented research at the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (ASTMH) annual meeting held in November in New Orleans.   

Three members of the lab led by Meghan E. Hermance, Ph.D., assistant professor of microbiology and immunology, presented work at the conference.   

Eliane Esteves, Ph.D., an assistant professor, and Clemence Obellianne, a research technologist, had abstracts selected for oral presentations that were offered during the “Ectoparasite-Borne Diseases” scientific session of the conference. 

Esteves' talk was titled “Defining the kinetics of SFTSV acquisition and dissemination within Haemaphysalis longicornis nymphs.” Obellianne's talk was titled “First evidence of non-viremic transmission of Powassan virus between co-feeding ticks.”  

Bailey Hettinger

Bailey Hettinger, a graduate student in the biology master's program, gave a poster presentation titled “Minimum Feeding Time Required for Haemaphysalis longicornis to Transmit Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus.”    

Meagan Taylor, a Ph.D. student in the lab of Jonathan O. Rayner, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and immunology, also gave a poster presentation titled “Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)-Induced Type I Interferon Expression in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.” 

Meagan Taylor

During the conference, Hermance, who is a member of the executive council and treasurer for the American Committee on Arthropod-Borne Viruses and Zoonotic Viruses (ACAV), took part in ACAV subcommittee meetings, the ACAV Council meeting on the first day of the ASTMH conference, as well as several ACAV-sponsored sessions during the conference. She is serving a three-year term on the executive council that expires in 2026, and a four-year term as treasurer, which ends in 2027. 

Clemence Obellianne

Founded in 1903, the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene is the largest international scientific organization of experts dedicated to reducing the worldwide burden of tropical infectious diseases and improving global health. It accomplishes this through generating and sharing scientific evidence, informing health policies and practices, fostering career development, recognizing excellence, and advocating for investment in tropical medicine/global health research.  

Medical students present research on peer-to-peer learning at national conference

Madison D. Hogans and Amber K. Mathus present their poster at the Medical Education Learning Specialist Conference.

Third-year medical students and peer academic leaders Madison D. Hogans and Amber K. Mathus recently showcased their research at the 2024 Medical Education Learning Specialist (MELS) annual meeting, held Nov. 7-8 at the Emory University Conference Center in Atlanta.

Under the mentorship of David S. Williams, Ph.D., assistant dean of institutional and academic success at the Whiddon College of Medicine, Hogans and Mathus presented their poster titled “From Concept to Practice: Crafting an Innovative Peer-to-Peer Case-Based Learning Program for Pre-Clerkship Medical Education.” The project highlighted the development and outcomes of a program designed to empower peer academic leaders to help M1 and M2 students better prepare for their course assessments.

The Peer-to-Peer Case-Based Learning program, founded by Hogans and Mathus, integrates clinical case analysis with curriculum-aligned material to foster the development of illness scripts, emphasize patient care competencies, and encourage collaboration. Sessions are held outside of required course activities and aim to prepare pre-clerkship students for clinical experiences through active participation. Additionally, the program provides peer academic leaders with opportunities to strengthen their clinical reasoning, deepen their understanding of patient care, and refine their teaching skills.

Hogans previously presented pilot data from the program at the Medical Association of the State of Alabama annual conference earlier this year. The MELS presentation offered a deeper dive into the program’s inception, evolution, and its impact on professional identity formation for both participants and peer leaders.

The idea for this program, Hogans said, came from a shadowing experience with Brittney Anderson, M.D., a family medicine physician in Demopolis, Alabama, between her first and second years of medical school. “Dr. Anderson challenged me to think beyond basic sciences, bridging the gap between theory and real-world patient care with the ultimate goal of helping me begin to think like a physician,” she said. “I wanted to create a program that encourages students to develop these skills early in their training.” 

Hogans said being part of the program has helped her to grow professionally and to envision herself as both a future physician and medical educator. “It’s been amazing to see the impact this program has had on me and other students,” she said, “and I look forward to its continued growth and the ways it will benefit future participants.” 

Mathus said developing the program has been a rewarding experience, seeing it come to fruition and how many students it has positively impacted. “Throughout this journey, I have witnessed how the program helps build the next generation of great physicians. I can confidently say that I will be a better lifelong learner and primary care provider due to the skills I’ve developed along the way, both as a peer academic leader and as a researcher,” she said. “This experience has enriched my professional growth and reinforced my commitment to making continuous improvements through medical education and practice.”

The Peer-to-Peer Case-Based Learning program will continue this year, with Hogans and Mathus training the next cohort of peer leaders to ensure its sustainability and ongoing impact.

“This program is a testament to the power of student-driven initiatives,” Williams said. “Madison and Amber have created a model that not only enhances the learning opportunities for our first- and second-year students but also develops the leadership and teaching identities of peer educators.”

USA Health Pediatrics expands with addition of Weidow

Nicole Weidow, D.O.

To better meet the healthcare needs of children in our community, pediatrician Nicole Weidow, D.O., recently joined USA Health Pediatrics and the faculty of the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

“I’m passionate about being a pediatrician because it gives me the opportunity to support children during their most formative years and make a lasting impact on their health and well-being,” Weidow said. “My journey into this field began when I was both a babysitter and a children’s hospital volunteer when I was a teenager and discovered the joy of working with children.” 

She said those experiences inspired her to build a career centered on helping infants and children thrive. “At the same time,” she said, “I also find great fulfillment in guiding new mothers — offering advice, support and encouragement as they navigate the rewarding, yet sometimes challenging, journey of parenthood.” 

She holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine in Dothan. In 2021, she completed a one-year residency in internal medicine at Infirmary Health, followed by a three-year residency in pediatrics at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.  

Weidow is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine, where she will help educate future generations of healthcare providers. “I chose to work in academic medicine because I love teaching and guiding medical students and residents,” she said. 

She is accepting new patients at the Strada Patient Care Center in Mobile. For an appointment, call 251-410-5137.

Pierce elected chair of APQI Steering Committee

The Accreditation Preparation & Quality Improvement (APQI) held its annual business meeting at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.

Melisa H. Pierce, Ed.D., MPA

Melisa H. Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, director of quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning at the Whiddon College of Medicine, has been elected chair of the Accreditation Preparation & Quality Improvement (APQI) Steering Committee. Her appointment was officially conferred on Nov. 8 at the APQI annual business meeting held at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.

The APQI, a national community of practice, supports professionals involved in accreditation and quality improvement for undergraduate medical education programs. The group provides resources, advocacy, professional development, and a collaborative network for addressing challenges and sharing best practices.

Pierce has been an active member of APQI, participating as a panelist for webinars, sharing educational resources, and presenting best practices for accreditation and quality improvement at national conferences. As chair, she will lead the steering committee in achieving its strategic goals, preside over annual business meetings, and guide initiatives to enhance accreditation practices and foster collaboration among medical schools.

“Our group has a vast amount of expertise and talent,” Pierce said. “We are doing the work, creating and refining best practices, and improving outcomes, but we must also ensure this work is accessible to the broader community through peer-reviewed journals. By showcasing data-driven outcomes, we can enable others to apply these best practices and strengthen accreditation and quality improvement efforts across medical education.” 

Pierce emphasized the critical role of collaboration in advancing APQI’s mission. “This group thrives on bringing together professionals from diverse institutions to share knowledge, identify gaps, and develop innovative solutions,” she said. “Collaboration drives the innovation and research needed to support accreditation and quality improvement at a systemic level.”

She added that the importance of publishing the work done by APQI members cannot be overstated. “Our efforts have the power to influence and improve medical education globally,” Pierce said. “Publishing our findings ensures that the work we do reaches beyond our immediate circles and contributes meaningfully to the field.” 

Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., associate dean for accreditation and planning at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said, “The selection of Dr. Pierce to lead the APQI group is a validation of the leadership we enjoy at South Alabama. This is one more example of national medical education leaders looking to the Whiddon College of Medicine for guidance.”

Pierce expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a dynamic and accomplished group. “I am humbled to lead this incredible group of experts in the field,” she said. “Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in accreditation and quality improvement, and it is a privilege to lead this effort and represent the Whiddon College of Medicine in this capacity.” 

Creg named director of Office of Continuing Medical Education

James Creg

Following a national search, James Creg has been appointed director of the Office of Continuing Medical Education at the University of South Alabama. 

Creg said his initial goals are to continue the standard of excellence in the Office of Continuing Medical Education and to support its mission of providing educational programs for healthcare professionals designed to improve their skills, medical knowledge, and ability to deliver evidence-based patient care.

“CME is an essential requirement for healthcare teams, and it is rewarding to be part of that process,” he said. “My experience in CME has allowed me to be part of providing accreditation for medical relief workers all over the world.”  

Creg, who received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Louisville, has spent the past 15 years working in continuing medical education. Most recently, he served as senior manager of curriculum development at the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development program.

He and his wife of 33 years, Jamie Creg, have five children and two grandchildren. They moved to Mobile from Louisville in July and have thoroughly enjoyed the city so far.

“My wife is a children’s minister at a local church, and through USA and church activities, we have been warmly welcomed and have met some great people.”

Dasgupta receives 2024 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research

Arlene Mitchell, chair pro tempore of the USA Board of Trustees, presents Santanu Dasgupta, Ph.D., with the 2024 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research.

Santanu Dasgupta, Ph.D., has been named the recipient of the 2024 Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research. 

Dasgupta joined the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute and the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine in 2020. He is head of the Mitochondrial Research Laboratory and a member of the Cancer Biology Program at the Mitchell Cancer Institute, and an assistant professor of pathology and director of research in pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine.

The $10,000 award is presented annually to a promising scientist at the Mitchell Cancer Institute upon the recommendation of a faculty committee. The award was established in 2009 by University of South Alabama Trustee Arlene Mitchell, currently serving as chair pro tempore, in memory of her late husband, Mayer Mitchell, a Mobile businessman, longtime USA trustee and formative figure in the establishment of the MCI. 

“Dr. Dasgupta’s pioneering work on early detection and treatment of aggressive cancers not only advances our scientific understanding of these diseases but also brings us closer to more effective, lifesaving therapies,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., MBA, dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs. “This award is well-earned recognition of his exceptional contributions to cancer research.”

Dasgupta is principal investigator on multiple projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. The aim of his research is to develop biomarker tools for early cancer detection, monitoring, risk assessment and therapeutic guidance – ultimately improving the overall survival of cancer patients.  

As a result of his research, the University of South Alabama submitted a patent application to support the development of a mitochondrial DNA-based blood test kit – the first of its kind – for early detection and monitoring of triple-negative breast cancer.

Additionally, his lab’s recent discovery of TOMM22 protein as a potential biomarker and novel therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer has received national recognition. It is the first study to demonstrate the role of the mitochondrial protein import system in promoting pancreatic cancer. 

Dasgupta also has particular interest in understanding the factors that contribute to racial health disparities in cervical, ovarian, head and neck, pancreatic, breast and prostate cancer.

“Dr. Dasgupta’s groundbreaking research is paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for countless lives,” said Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, USA Health chief executive officer and senior associate vice president for medical affairs. “I congratulate Dr. Dasgupta on this outstanding achievement. We are so grateful to have him at USA Health and on the MCI team.”

Dasgupta earned a doctorate in cancer biology from the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in West Bengal, India. He went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore.

A prolific author, he has published 86 scientific articles – 18 of which have been published since joining the MCI in 2020.

Pathology resident presents research on melanoma at national dermatopathology conference

Muhammad Tahir, M.D., M.S., presents a

poster at the ASDP annual meeting.

Muhammad Tahir, M.D., M.S., a fourth-year resident in pathology at USA Health, recently presented research on melanoma at the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) 61st annual meeting in Chicago.

His poster presentation, “Determining and Comparing the Expression of PTEN, BLF-1, and CDK4 in Melanoma,” focused on examining key molecular markers that may play a role in melanoma progression and its potential therapeutic implications. 

Tahir said attending and presenting at the conference was an enriching experience that reinforced his passion for dermatopathology, which involves the study and diagnosis of skin diseases and disorders.

“As a current pathology resident with plans to pursue a fellowship in dermatopathology, this conference presented a valuable opportunity to engage with experts in the field, present my research, and expand my understanding of current advancements and challenges in dermatopathology,” Tahir said. “The feedback I received was invaluable, helping me gain new perspectives on the implications of my findings and inspiring potential avenues for further research.”

The conference featured a diverse range of presentations, workshops and discussions centered on the latest developments in dermatopathology. The sessions on molecular diagnostics, immunohistochemical advances, and emerging techniques in melanoma and other skin conditions were particularly enlightening, Tahir said. 

“It was motivating to be surrounded by like-minded professionals who are deeply committed to advancing skin pathology and patient care,” he said. “This experience has reinforced my commitment to the field and has made me even more excited about the next steps in my professional journey. I am grateful to the USA Department of Pathology for the opportunity to present my research and participate in such a dynamic and educational event.”

Tahir received a medical degree from Taishan Medical University in Shandong, China. Prior to starting his residency training with USA Health, he earned a master’s degree in molecular pathology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

USA Health welcomes Benjamin to infectious disease division

Carla G. N. Benjamin, M.D.

Carla G. N. Benjamin, M.D., has had a passion for science all her life, but her fascination with infectious disease is what truly captured her interest. From the West Indies to Brooklyn, New York, to rural southwest Kansas, she now brings the breadth of her research and expertise to USA Health and its infectious disease division.   

“I am drawn to this specialty not only for its cognitive demands – requiring a deep understanding of various body systems and countless pathogens – but also for the profound impact we can have on patients’ lives,” she said. “Witnessing the ‘Lazurus effect’ in our field, where we can cure or significantly improve a patient’s condition, particularly in cases like HIV, is incredibly rewarding.”  

A native of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, Benjamin attended medical school at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. She completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in infectious disease at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.  

“My training in this dynamic and diverse city allowed me to confront the complexities of HIV medicine and research, tropical medicine, transplant immunosuppression, and multidrug-resistant pathogens, alongside other prevalent infectious diseases,” she said.  

From the urban setting in New York, Benjamin transitioned to rural medicine in southwest Kansas.  

“There, I further honed my expertise in skin and soft tissue infections, wound and bone infections, complicated prosthetic joint infections, and the management of COVID-19,” she said. “This experience enriched my understanding of infectious diseases in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of adaptable and patient-centered care.”  

Benjamin, who is board-certified in internal medicine and infectious disease, is also an assistant professor at the Frederick B. Whiddon College of Medicine. She is a member of the Infectious Disease Society of America, American College of Physicians, and Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association.  

“I chose to practice in an academic health system because it embodies an environment of continuous learning, collaboration with like-minded colleagues, and the opportunity to teach the next generation of healthcare providers,” she said. “Being part of an academic institution allows me to engage in research and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge, ultimately benefiting mankind.”  

Benjamin has experience treating COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, vibrio, Lyme disease, parasitic infections, blood infections, bone infections, and more.  

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