Medical students, physicians connect at career mixer

Medical students chat with physicians in various specialties at the MAA Student Career Mixer.

The USA Medical Alumni Association hosted the 2025 Student Career Mixer on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Strada Patient Care Center, bringing together more than 40 Whiddon College of Medicine students and 31 physicians representing 23 unique specialties.

This annual event offers students a valuable opportunity to connect with medical alumni and area physicians, explore different career paths, and build meaningful professional relationships.

“Thank you to all our medical student and physician attendees who made this event a success,” said Hayley Chancey, assistant director of medical alumni relations. 

If you are interested in representing a specialty at the next mixer, email medalum@southalabama.edu.

GHHS announces Solidarity Week activities

The University of South Alabama chapter of the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society (GHHS) will celebrate Solidarity Week for Compassionate Patient Care, a national initiative designed to remind students and healthcare employees of the importance of compassion in medicine.

Activities planned for the week:

Together Tuesday, Feb. 11:
Our goal is to engage with patients and their support systems by distributing beads, stickers, refreshments, and snacks, fostering a sense of encouragement and community. We plan to visit all the patient floors and waiting areas. 

9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Children's & Women's Hospital – Meet in the student lounge before going throughout the hospital.

1 p.m. at University Hospital – Meet outside Karen Braswell's office before heading through the hospital.

Thankful Thursday, Feb. 13:

This day is dedicated to showing appreciation for hospital staff by handing out beads, stickers, and small gifts.

8 a.m. at University Hospital – Meet outside Karen Braswell's office before going throughout the hospital.

Learn more about Solidarity Week.

Medical students collecting clothes for Penelope’s Closet

Often, when someone escapes an abusive relationship and finds refuge at a shelter, they only have the clothes on their back and the shoes on their feet.  

To help provide necessities for those who find themselves in such situations, students from the Whiddon College of Medicine in the Jags Against Trafficking group are collecting clothing and footwear for children, women and men to donate to Penelope’s Closet, a local thrift store that funds Penelope House in Mobile. 

Penelope House helps victims of partner violence gain social and economic independence through shelter, counseling, advocacy, and referral to community resources and agencies in Mobile, Washington, Choctaw and Clarke counties in Alabama. The shelter can provide refuge for victims and their children when their lives are in imminent danger.  

Students Tara Hicks and AK Porter, members of Jags Against Trafficking group, are leading the clothing drive that runs through Monday, March 3.  

Drop-off bins are located in: 

• The medical student lounge at the Whiddon College of Medicine 
• The first student room at Mastin on the campus of University Hospital 
• The OB student workroom in CWEB on the Children’s & Women’s Hospital campus 
• Office 1006 in CWEB  

For more information, contact Tara Hicks at tlh1523@jagmail.southalabama.edu or AK Porter at akp2121@jagmail.southalabama.edu.

Whiddon COM kicks off spring semester with staff retreat: 'Turning Disagreements into Dialogue'

Whiddon College of Medicine staff members participated in a retreat focused on navigating difficult conversations. 

The Whiddon College of Medicine Office of Student Affairs, led by Associate Dean Kelly Roveda, M.D., and Assistant Dean Laventrice Ridgeway, Ed.D., started the new year with an engaging and insightful staff retreat focused on enhancing communication and collaboration. The retreat provided a dynamic learning experience for the team, featuring a special presentation on “Turning Disagreements into Dialogue,” a primer on Crucial Conversations. 

Crucial Conversations presenters Tiqueria Hall, Ph.D., MPA, education and training program manager in the Office of Health Advancement, and Marcina Lang, MPA, senior manager of COM support services, guided the staff through a two-hour interactive session designed to equip them with essential skills for navigating difficult conversations. The workshop emphasized strategies to transform disagreements into constructive dialogue, fostering a more open and effective communication environment within the Student Affairs department.

The retreat, held on a Friday morning, set a positive tone for the year ahead by encouraging staff members to engage in meaningful discussions through situational topics relevant to their daily interactions. By applying the basic tools discussed, the team explored ways to address conflicts with clarity, respect, and mutual understanding.

The Whiddon COM Student Affairs staff expressed their enthusiasm for the retreat's success, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development in strengthening teamwork and enhancing student support services. 

For those interested in a staff retreat focused on “Turning Disagreements into Dialogue: A Crucial Conversations Primer,” contact Amanda Arnold, education and training specialist in the Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development, at akarnold@southalabama.edu. 

For any other staff retreat questions, contact Marcina Lang at marcinalang@southalabama.edu.

Lang promoted to senior manager of COM support services

Marcina Lang, MPA

Marcina Lang, MPA, was recently promoted to senior manager of COM support services at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

In her new role, she will continue her efforts as a liaison for the Dean's Office, both within the College of Medicine and across the university. She will also take on additional special projects and events while placing a stronger focus on staff professional development and engagement.

“Marcina’s dedication and enthusiasm for her work are evident in everything she does,” said Maya Mirzoeva, MBA, associate dean of finance and administration at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “She is deeply passionate about the college's mission and consistently goes above and beyond to support both the institution and its employees. Her ability to manage complex tasks, lead initiatives, and collaborate effectively with colleagues and leadership has been invaluable.”

Lang, who joined the University of South Alabama in 2010, said, “It is very rewarding and brings great joy facilitating meaningful interactions, creating solutions that enhance the work experience, and ensuring seamless operations that support our faculty, staff and students.”

“I am thankful to God for blessing me with such amazing colleagues in the College of Medicine and across the university,” she added.

Lang earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and a Master of Public Administration from USA.

Register now for faculty development opportunities

The Whiddon College of Medicine Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development, led by Emily Wilson, Ph.D., is dedicated to supporting faculty members in their academic research and professional growth. These ongoing programs are designed to help faculty grow as educators, researchers, and leaders in academic medicine: 

Nuts and Bolts: Research Development Series
This series is a collaborative effort between the Offices of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development and Research. It is designed to provide researchers at all career stages with essential guidance on crafting successful grant applications. Topics covered include understanding funding agencies, developing a biosketch, structuring an R01 proposal, budgeting, writing the Specific Aims page, biostatistics, the NIH review process, clinical trials, research compliance, and more. 

Sessions are held every other Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. Register here: southalabama.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsdu-grzktG9y8pzCXgf-TMVI7ZBrHfP

Faculty Development Grand Rounds
Grand Rounds is a monthly summit that brings together educators and experts to discuss key topics in academic medicine. Covering a range of subjects, including innovative teaching strategies, effective mentorship, medical education scholarship, leadership in academic medicine, and faculty wellness, these sessions provide valuable professional development opportunities. 

Sessions are held on the second Friday of each month at noon via Zoom. Register here: southalabama.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckf-GgrDspHNIKtkylYmIu8VVHrtNd8CsO

Al-Mehdi recognized by USMLE for service

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), recently recognized Abu-Bakr Al-Mehdi, M.D., Ph.D., for more than a decade of service to the program. 

Al-Mehdi is a professor of medical education and pharmacology at the Whiddon College of Medicine. He also serves as assistant dean of assessment and evaluation at the college and is the executive chief proctor of the USMLE Step exams.

He has been volunteering for both NBME activities and the USMLE program since 2014 and currently serves as a member of the USMLE Pharmacological Advertisements Test Material Development Committee.  

“Volunteering for the USMLE program requires great depth of knowledge of foundational science, disease pathogenesis, illness scripts, mechanisms of drug actions, diagnostic reasoning, verbal and nonverbal communication, and psychometrics, just to name a few,” Al-Mehdi said. “As a scientist, it gives me deep satisfaction to be part of this great intellectual and scientific endeavor that only happens under the umbrella of the USMLE program successfully, year after year. The USMLE program has become the de-facto standard for quality control of medical education all over the world.”

Accompanied by a graphic of Al-Mehdi, the USMLE posted on its social media accounts: “Behind the scenes of the #USMLE program is a group of dedicated volunteers. The expertise and dedication of these individuals make it possible for the USMLE program to continue to serve medical boards, the #MedEd community, physicians and patients.” 

Al-Mehdi received his M.D. and Ph.D. from the Crimea Medical Institute, Ukraine, before practicing as a general surgeon in Bangladesh and Ukraine. He joined the faculty of the Whiddon College of Medicine in 2002. 

Rippey selected for international sports medicine fellowship

Peter Rippey, M.D., second from left, and other members of the group try out the Canadian Olympic team's bobsled on their visit to the Olympic training center in Calgary.

USA Health family medicine physician Peter Rippey, M.D., recently represented the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) as one of three U.S. designees during a prestigious two-week travel fellowship in Canada.   

Rippey, an assistant professor of family medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, also has a sports medicine qualification.  

During the international fellowship, Rippey was among two fellows and one mentor from the U.S. who traveled to Canada to meet with other sports medicine specialists and observed how the provision of care can differ, including: reimbursement models, clinical practices, treatment models, and the challenges of providing care for athletes.    

The group attends a Canadian Football League

Edmonton Elks game.

“We shadow sports medicine specialists in clinic and hospital settings, tour and shadow rehab specialists, and have conversations about how provision of care is the same or differs and share ideas,” Rippey said. “We also gave lectures at various sites and acted as ambassadors of sorts to foster international relationships in the sports medicine community.”  

Sports medicine physician members of the AMSSM are eligible to apply for this competitive opportunity if they have completed their fellowship within the previous 12 years. Considered prestigious in sports medicine, the international traveling fellowship offers the chance to learn from global sports medicine experts and further their knowledge through clinical immersion at renowned facilities.  

Rippey described being selected as an honor and personally very exciting because the mentor in his group was Stan Herring, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician considered one of the fathers of sports medicine and an expert in the field of concussions and head injury. Herring is currently a clinical professor in the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, and Neurological Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle.  

Herring also has served as team physician for the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, and Major League Baseball’s Seattle Mariners.   

“We had amazing conversations traveling around Canada for two weeks,” Rippey said. “We also met the chief medical officer for the Canadian Olympic team; chief medical officer for the Canadian Football League; and Kathryn Schneider, Ph.D., PT, a researcher who was instrumental in drafting the latest concussion position statement.”  

Rippey spent time in Western Canada in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, as well as a weekend in Banff National Park. “I would like to thank my fellow sports physicians and colleagues in the departments of family medicine and orthopaedics for allowing me to serve,” Rippey said, “and covering for me to take two weeks off in the middle of football season and from clinic duties.”  

Founded in 1991, the AMSSM provides a forum to foster professional relationships among sports medicine physicians to advance the discipline of sports medicine through education, research, advocacy, and excellence in patient care.  

The AMSSM Traveling Fellowship program encourages academic interchange, shared research, and exploration of common clinical interests with other sports medicine leaders worldwide. The experience includes the opportunity to view live patient encounters, tour sports medicine facilities, share cases, and spend time with regional experts in sports medicine.  

Spencer named business manager of Whiddon COM

Mona Spencer

Mona Spencer, who has been with the University of South Alabama since 2001, has been promoted to business manager of the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

“Over the past several years, Mona has taken on comprehensive responsibilities associated with the South Alabama Medical Science Foundation and has excelled in every aspect of her role,” said Maya Mirzoeva, MBA, associate dean of finance and administration at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Her deep understanding of her position and her effective management of her duties have significantly enhanced our operations. Her hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and I firmly believe this promotion is well-deserved.”

Spencer started her career in the Whiddon College of Medicine Business Office as an accountant and worked her way up to her previous position of associate business manager. In her 23 years of service thus far, she has enjoyed her pleasant work environment and the beauty of the university’s campus. 

“The most rewarding aspect of my job and working for the College of Medicine is that I enjoy executing my daily responsibilities, and I take pride in knowing the work that I perform facilitates the education and work of medical professionals, the USA Health system and the University of South Alabama.”

Pediatrics residents match at their top choices for fellowships

Pediatrics residents share their fellowship matches.

The latest class of pediatrics residents from USA Health recently matched into their top choices for subspecialty fellowships at prestigious hospitals and health systems across the United States. 

“We could not be prouder of our residents. They've worked so hard and truly earned their top choices,” said Haidee Custodio, M.D., pediatrics residency program director at USA Health and professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. “I would also like to extend our thanks to our amazing attendings for their unwavering support and encouragement along the way.” 

Here are the pediatrics residents, their specialties, and where they matched for fellowships:  

• Maya Augustine, M.D., pediatric gastroenterology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine  
• Liliana Arriola Montenegro, M.D., pediatric infectious diseases, Children’s Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado 
• Shaira Bedi, M.D., pediatric nephrology, Stanford Children’s Health  
• Ana Flores, M.D., pediatric endocrinology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine   
• Audrey Gunn, D.O., pediatric rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital 
• Zoha Nizami, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine, Children's Hospital of Michigan 
• Tyler Tolleson, M.D., pediatric cardiology, Johns Hopkins 
• Reham Yehia, M.D., pediatric endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles 

Residents in the Med-Peds residency program also recently matched for subspecialty fellowships. They are: 

• Shilpa Joseph, M.D., adult hematology-oncology, Hackensack University Medical Center 
• Gannon Ray, M.D., adult hematology-oncology, USA Health 

Additionally, Deena Wafadari, M.D., a graduate of the program from the Class of 2017, also matched this year to Boston Children's Hospital (at Harvard) in allergy-immunology. 

The three-year pediatrics residency program at USA Health is a university-based initiative designed to prepare residents to enter practice as general pediatricians or for subspecialty training. The goal of the program is to prepare the pediatricians-in-training to practice effective primary care pediatrics in the community, while simultaneously providing flexibility, allowing those interested in subspecialty training, academic pediatrics, and research the necessary background to pursue those professional goals. 

SciComm bootcamp to focus on transformative communication

Whether a physician, scientist, or both, communicating difficult scientific concepts is more than a skill — it's an art.

The Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development will host “SciComm Bootcamp: Your Gateway to Transformative Communication” on Tuesday, April 1, in the Strada Patient Care Center first-floor conference room (1101). A morning session is set for 8 to 11 a.m., and an afternoon session is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m.

“Communicating the difficult concepts of science is essential to easing the fears of patients, presenting your work, and promoting scientific education.,” said Natalie Bauer, Ph.D., assistant dean for admissions at the Whiddon College of Medicine.

Past participant Peyton McElroy, Ph.D., assistant professor of medical education, described the bootcamp as “a great way to learn crucial skills regarding how to communicate the value of my work with people outside of my field.” She added that the experience was “eye-opening, humbling, and helpful all at once.”

Program highlights:

• Transform scientific communication through improvisation
• Learn to engage diverse audiences
• Build confidence in presenting complex ideas
• Fun, interactive skill-building activities
• 3 CME credits

To register for the bootcamp, fill out the Google Form.

Whiddon COM researchers and high school students land publication in biology journal

Students from the Alabama School of Mathematics and 

Science, from left, are Kingston Barnes, Kahyeon Jeon, 

Alayla Roussell and Kimberly Gregson.

Four Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) student interns recently received co-author credits on a paper before they graduated from high school, thanks to their work with Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine researchers. 

During the summer of 2024, four high schoolers assisted in the investigation of small-RNA production in colon cancer, along with Glen Borchert, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology, second-year medical student Noel Godang, and biomedical sciences major Anita Nguyen. 

Findings from the project, funded by a National Science Foundation grant, were recently published in microPublication Biology, a peer-reviewed journal that presents high-quality data and original research relevant to members of the science community interested in biological sciences.    

The ASMS students who received co-author credits are Kingston Barnes, Kahyeon Jeon, Alayla Roussell, and Kimberly Gregson. 

Borchert, whose daughter attends ASMS but was not involved in this project, speaks often at the state's only public residential high school for upper-level students seeking advanced studies in mathematics and science. School leaders also help to identify students interested in taking part in research projects, often much earlier in their educational journeys than if they attended a typical high school. 

“Pure science is the real driver of technological innovation,” Borchert said. “That said, most kids that excel at math and science are directed toward careers in medicine and/or engineering from a very early age and very few are exposed to actual scientific research until late in their undergraduate experiences, if ever at all.” 

From left, Anita Nguyen, Kahyeon Jeon, medical student 

Noel Godang and Kimberly Gregson. Team members 

not pictured: Alayla Roussell and Kingston Barnes.

While in high school, Nguyen said she didn’t have access to research projects like this, but now that is changing as they are expanding growth and learning opportunities for students. She found it rewarding to inspire curiosity among younger students.  

“It's very gratifying to have worked with very brilliant young minds,” she said. “It makes me wish I were as smart as they were in high school, and these students from ASMS made a great decision by starting their research journey early on. I believe it is especially important to engage younger minds in science and research because they can also bring new perspectives to the project.” 

Godang, an ASMS graduate, considers himself very fortunate to be a part of the tradition of providing learning opportunities like this.  

“ASMS has always been great at providing opportunities to branch out of the traditional high school education to internships and partnership opportunities within the community,” he said. “During my time at ASMS, the faculty were incredibly supportive of students who wanted to partake in these internships.” 

Before he graduated high school, Godang participated in a summer research internship at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. He then joined Borchert’s lab during his freshman year at the University of South Alabama and started doing research on topics related to non-coding RNAs. Along the way, he has worked with undergraduate and graduate students, so he enjoyed the opportunity to share what he has learned. 

“Seeing the enthusiasm and curiosity in these ASMS students reminded me of my own early days in research. It was exciting to potentially spark a lifelong interest in science in these young, brilliant minds,” he said. “As a mentor, I had also learned so much from them as their fresh perspectives and questions often led to new ways of thinking about our research.” 

In addition to mentoring students on the project, Godang, who said he could relate to them as a former ASMS student himself, was able to provide insights about the transition from high school to college and beyond.  

“I believe involving younger students in research experiences can help increase overall scientific literacy, which would help create a more informed and scientifically aware society,” Godang said. “My experiences at ASMS had undoubtedly influenced my decision in wanting to pursue medicine, and I hope the experience that these ASMS students gained this summer makes them more curious about future careers as well.” 

Kasniya awarded grant to improve health outcomes

Gangajal Kasniya, MBBA

Thanks to a quality improvement grant from Chiesi USA, the level lll neonatal intensive care unit at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital will soon have new equipment and guidelines to help improve outcomes for infants experiencing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Neonatologist Gangajal Kasniya, MBBA, FAAP, was recently awarded a $20,400 grant to initiate a quality improvement project for enhancing RDS management in African American infants through the implementation of standard video laryngoscope-assisted less-invasive surfactant administration (LISA) guidelines.

Surfactant treatment is the standard of care in preterm infants with RDS, as this therapy has been shown to improve newborn and infant survival, research data shows. Surfactants help with breathing by reducing surface tension between liquids and solids.

“Less invasive surfactant administration is a technique that delivers surfactant via a thin catheter without intubation,” said Kasniya, who is also an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “This method has been shown to reduce the severity of respiratory distress syndrome and the risk of chronic lung disease in preterm infants compared to traditional endotracheal approaches.”

Goals of the quality improvement project, Kasniya said, include increasing LISA usage among eligible infants (diagnosed with RDS and on noninvasive ventilation) to 65% within the first year of implementing the new guidelines.

To achieve the objectives, he said, USA Health’s Division of Neonatology is developing standardized LISA guidelines, acquiring a neonatal-specific video laryngoscope to improve procedural success, and implementing educational tools to promote equitable care practices.

A board-certified neonatologist, Kasniya joined the staff at Children’s & Women’s Hospital and the faculty at the Whiddon College of Medicine in 2024 to help care for extremely premature and sick infants in the region’s only level III NICU.

Kasniya earned a medical degree from Sawai Man Singh Medical College in India. His pediatric residency was completed at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Chicago, followed by a neonatology fellowship at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York.

A fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, he is also a member of the American Federation for Medical Research, Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research, Trainees and Early Career Neonatologists, and the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

Chiesi USA, Inc., located in Cary, North Carolina, is an affiliate of Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A, a family-owned, global research and development-focused pharmaceutical company based in Italy. The company is committed to supporting educational efforts in U.S. medical communities. Its grant program funds projects in independent medical education, healthcare-related charitable support, scientific project support, and medical fellowships.

Medical students present new research at gun violence prevention conference

From left, Daphney Portis, Carly Salter, Makenna Taylor, Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D., Lynette Parker, and Joshua Jones attend the conference.

Two second-year medical students from the Whiddon College of Medicine recently presented new research at the National Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms in Seattle. 

Makenna Taylor

Makenna Taylor and Carly Salter explored the impacts on those who treat victims of gun violence in their presentations at the third annual event. 

Last summer, Taylor worked alongside Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D., trauma surgeon and assistant professor of surgery, on better understanding the impact of hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIP) from the perspective of credible messengers. Credible messengers are also known as violence intervention specialists.  

Williams Hogue is cofounder of Project Inspire, a nationally recognized hospital-based violence injury prevention program at USA Health University Hospital designed to curb gun violence and recidivism among youth through intentional programming and mentorship in the Mobile community. 

“HVIPs are programs that largely operate out of trauma bays that seek to provide wraparound services to victims of gun violence in order to help them escape the cycle of such violence,” Taylor said. “Overall, our research aimed to understand the benefits and potential adverse effects of HVIPs from the perspective of violence intervention specialists.” 

According to her research, most violence intervention specialists find their job rewarding, but they do face significant challenges in providing sufficient resources to victims of gun violence. 

“I am currently most interested in internal medicine, and I had the privilege of getting to know internists at the conference who were able to help me make sense of how this research may play into my future career,” Taylor said. “I learned about other research presented on the effects of weather and access to air conditioning on rates of gun violence, to policies affecting gun violence, to methods of gun violence prevention.” 

Carly Salter

Salter’s presentation was a geospatial analysis comparing the location of gunshot injuries to a victim’s residence. 

“We found that residents of the City of Mobile are shot a mean distance of 5.4 miles from their home,” she said. “We also created a density map for the Gulf Coast to pinpoint which areas are affected most by gun violence.”  

Salter’s interest in the topic comes from her passion for emergency medicine and trauma surgery, both of which treat gunshot wound victims frequently in Mobile. 

“In order to better serve victims of gun violence, we need to first understand the population that is affected,” she said. “We hope this research identified which populations are in the most need in our community and helps create effective gun violence prevention measures as well as reduce the rate of revictimization.” 

Both Taylor and Salter described the experience presenting at the conference as exciting and surreal.  

“It was amazing to collaborate with other researchers in different fields who came from all across the nation,” Salter said.  

Both also expressed thanks to Williams Hogue, the USA Health Department of Surgery, the Whiddon College of Medicine, and the health system’s hospital-based violence intervention program, including Daphney Portis (Project INSPIRE), Lynette Parker (Center for Healthy Communities), and Joshua Jones (HVIP program director) for their support at the conference. 

Hand surgeon Rodriguez-Feo joins orthopaedic surgery faculty

Charles L. Rodriguez-Feo, M.D.

USA Health has expanded its orthopaedic surgery services with the addition of hand surgeon Charles L. Rodriguez-Feo, M.D., a native of Fairhope and a third-generation physician.

Rodriguez-Feo holds the highest level of hand surgery certification (Certificate of Added Qualification) and is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He will treat conditions involving the hand and wrist, including carpal tunnel syndrome; trigger finger; thumb and wrist pain; hand and wrist arthritis; Dupuytren’s disease; autoimmune diseases; injuries involving the skin, tendon, nerve and bone; and most hand-related congenital abnormalities.

“As a third-generation physician, I pride myself on emphasizing each patient’s history, present concerns, and future goals,” said Rodriguez-Feo, who is an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “I strive to approach each with understanding and solution-based problem solving.”

His father, John Rodriguez-Feo, M.D., practices orthopaedic surgery in Baldwin County, and his late grandfather, Juan Rodriguez-Feo, M.D., was an OB-GYN in Havana, Cuba.

Rodriguez-Feo comes to USA Health from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga, where he was a clinical instructor. He says he chose to practice in an academic medicine setting because he enjoys training resident physicians in the practice of hand, wrist and upper extremity reconstructive surgery.

Rodriguez-Feo earned his medical degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He completed a residency in plastic surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle and a fellowship in orthopaedic hand surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Rodriguez-Feo lives in Fairhope with his wife, Katie, and their young daughter. He enjoys woodworking, ceramics, fishing, hunting, and gardening.

He will see patients in the Orthopaedic Surgery clinic on the third floor of the USA Health Strada Patient Care Center, 1601 Center St. in Mobile. To make an appointment, call 251-665-8200.

Whiddon COM recognizes CME professionals

The Whiddon College of Medicine recognizes Friday, Jan. 24, as Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the vital contributions of professionals who make lifelong learning in medicine possible. 

Under the leadership of James Creg, senior director of Continuing Medical Education, the department exemplifies dedication and innovation. The team also includes:

• Jennifer Hicks, MPA, assistant director, who oversees the seamless implementation of CME programs and fosters collaboration across departments. 
• Kimberlee Rish, senior coordinator, who excels in managing logistics and enhancing the participant experience. 
• Mary Jo Ashcraft, senior coordinator, whose expertise ensures each program runs smoothly, from planning to evaluation. 

This dynamic group works behind the scenes to make continuing education accessible, impactful, and relevant for healthcare providers across the region. Their dedication allows physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to remain at the forefront of their fields while meeting accreditation standards.

Whiddon College of Medicine celebrates new doctoral graduates

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D.; Tiquera Hall, Ph.D.; and

LoRen Modisa, Ed.D.

The Whiddon College of Medicine proudly recognizes three professional staff members who recently earned their doctoral degrees at the fall commencement. This remarkable achievement highlights the College's commitment to fostering professional growth and supporting research that advances medical education and student success.

These graduates, who represent the Whiddon College of Medicine's dedication to innovation and continuous improvement, conducted impactful research that explores key aspects of teaching and student well-being. Their studies examined ways to refine educational tools, promote student-centered learning environments, and address barriers faced by a broad range of learners. This work not only benefits the Whiddon College of Medicine but also contributes to larger conversations about best practices in the field of medical education. 

“These hard-working professionals who continue their education while working full time in our college and supporting their families require a dedication and passion for education,” said Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., associate dean of accreditation and planning. “They serve as a living example to the students they work with and support each day.”

The graduates are:

• Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, director of quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning
• Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA, education and training manager in the Office of Health Advancement
• LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, director in the Office of Health Advancement

“The Whiddon College of Medicine’s commitment to continuous improvement and support has been foundational in my professional journey,” Pierce said. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and mentors for fostering an environment where growth and collaboration thrive.”

Franklin Trimm, M.D., associate dean of health advancement, recognized members of the team for their achievements. “The educational process of the Office of Health Advancement’s team members, LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, and Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA, in earning their doctoral degrees continues to enhance the work of advancing education that addresses health disparities and improves outcomes for all while fostering a supportive environment in the College of Medicine and health system,” Trimm said. “Drs. Modisa and Hall each bring unique focuses on educational leadership and learning environments that are positively impacting our work.” 

Medical student presents at international pediatric neurosurgery meeting

Garrett Dyess presents at the meeting.

Garrett Dyess, a first-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, gave an oral presentation at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) 2024 Joint Pediatric Section Annual Meeting in New York City. 

He presented findings from his research, titled “Assessment of Neuroendovascular Training at Pediatric Neurosurgery Training Centers.” In the past decade, endovascular treatments for cerebrovascular diseases in children have advanced significantly. However, training for pediatric neurointerventionalists varies widely across institutions, and there is a limited number of specialists with a pediatric focus. 

“This project aimed to evaluate the neuroendovascular workforce at major pediatric academic centers and understand whether neurosurgical leaders see a need for more pediatric-focused training,” Dyess said.

The study concluded that most institutions surveyed do not have dedicated pediatric neurointerventionalists. In many cases, primary providers lack specific pediatric training, and secondary providers are trained in interventional radiology with a pediatric focus. When adult-focused providers manage pediatric cases, endovascular-trained neurosurgeons often step in, the study found.

“The results highlight a clear need for more pediatric neuroendovascular specialists, particularly neurosurgeons with dedicated training in this field,” Dyess said.

Before entering medical school, Dyess took part in the research while working at Children's of Alabama in Birmingham. The study was conducted with the UAB Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery. 

Internal medicine residents improve nonverbal skills in unique way

Haris Manan, M.D.

USA Health internal medicine residents continue to find success preparing for future patients through the department’s hands-on Medicine and Horsemanship workshop. 

It uses equine-assisted therapy to help resident physicians raise their awareness of how important nonverbal communication is and apply those lessons in working with their patients. 

Haris Manan, M.D., praised the experience for reinforcing the importance of building trust, which directly translates to improving doctor-patient care. 

“Working with horses requires clear communication, patience, empathy, and an understanding of non-verbal cues — all essential skills in internal medicine,” he said. “Just as horses respond to subtle changes in demeanor and body language, patients often communicate non-verbally, requiring physicians to be attentive and compassionate listeners.” 

Szymon Matejuk, M.D.

Previous studies at other academic institutions have demonstrated that similar equine-assisted sessions improve communication, leading to better patient compliance and satisfaction with their medical care.  

Other residents noted how each horse exhibited different personality traits, just like they would encounter in their patients.  

“Medicine and Horsemanship was a great opportunity to engage with a diverse group of horses, each showcasing unique personalities that mirrored the individuality of patients we encounter in our practice,” said Szymon Matejuk, M.D. “Empathy and adaptability are essential in medicine. By understanding the varied needs of both horses and individuals, we emerge as more compassionate and effective physicians." 

Ekta Khubchandani, M.D.

Studies have shown that horses and humans display similar facial emotions – 17 to be exact – when expressing fear, surprise and sadness.   

Ekta Khubchandani, M.D., picked up on that similarity quickly. 

“The Medicine and Horsemanship seminar gave me insight into how our body language is just as important as our words are to the patient,” she said. “For me, it is a reminder that the doctor-patient relationship is a delicate one, and that we must be gentle with patients. Not all our patients are the same – they all exhibit their own traits, and so do horses.”  

Neurosurgery department makes impact at Congress of Neurological Surgeons Meeting

Neurosurgery faculty and fellows presented at the CNS annual meeting. 

The USA Health Department of Neurosurgery earned significant recognition at the 2024 Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting in Houston, the largest international conference in neurosurgery.

Representing the Whiddon College of Medicine and USA Health, the team of faculty, fellows, and medical students gave a total of 10 presentations.

“Our impact at the CNS meeting truly represents the department’s foundation of academic excellence set by Anthony Martino, M.D., professor and chair of neurosurgery,” said Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, vice chair of neurosurgery and chief of complex spine surgery at USA Health. “The presentations were a collective effort with significant work and production by our medical students and specifically our fellows.”

Medical students Danner Butler and Maxon Basset attended the CNS meeting with USA Health’s neurosurgery team.

Presentations led by the Department of Neurosurgery included:

• “The Value of Endoscopy in Keyhole and Transcranial Surgeries: Eliminating Blind Spots” – An engaging oral presentation given by Jai Deep Thakur, M.D., director of minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery, during which he emphasized the critical role of endoscopic techniques in enhancing visualization, reducing surgical risks, and improving patient outcomes in minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures.
• “Posterior Fossa Pathologies as Independent Predictors of Postoperative Neurological Deficit in Early Brain Tumor” – One of two discussions from Adnan Shahid, MBBS, MCh, a minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery fellow at USA Health.
• “Skull Base-Focused Elective Cranial Practice: A Critical Analysis of the Initial Three Years of Elective Practice” – The second presentation given by Shahid, based on Thakur's extensive three-year experience with posterior fossa surgeries.
• “Antibiotics-Impregnated Calcium Sulphate Beads in Spine Surgery: An Analysis of 61 Patients” – Sudhir Suggala, MBBS, MCh, a complex spine surgery fellow at USA Health, presented on the innovative use of calcium sulphate beads for infection prevention in spine surgeries performed by Menger, providing valuable insights into their efficacy and outcomes. The study highlighted the critical role of advanced techniques in enhancing patient care, underscoring a steadfast commitment to research and innovation in spine surgery.

In addition, Menger was invited to give a lecture on “Coronal Spinal Deformity” as part of the Scoliosis Research Society Symposium at the CNS meeting. Menger delivered a second lecture on “Prior Authorization and the Value of a Neurosurgeon.”

“This type of academic productivity is what truly sets the University of South Alabama apart from other programs in our area,” said Thakur, who is also an assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “We want to provide the best care for our patients, so we keep pushing boundaries, studying outcomes, and performing research. We couldn’t have done it without the resources provided by USA, and our group working together.”

Staff earn research administration credentials

Helen Moore

Two staff members in the Research Administration and Development Office at the Whiddon College of Medicine have earned the esteemed Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.

Helen Moore, manager of pre-award grant services, and Ashley Lawson, manager of post-award grant services, have achieved this significant professional milestone in the field of research administration. Both Moore and Lawson were promoted to their roles last November. 

The CRA certification, awarded by the Research Administrators Certification Council, recognizes individuals who demonstrate comprehensive expertise in the management of research projects, including pre-award and post-award processes, compliance, and financial oversight. 

Ashley Lawson

“Achieving this credential reflects Helen’s and Ashley’s dedication to excellence, deep knowledge of research administration, and commitment to advancing our institution’s research mission,” said Jennifer Mills, MBA, CRA, executive director of research administration and development at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Their success not only highlights their personal and professional growth but also strengthens our team’s ability to support innovative and impactful research. We are proud to have Helen and Ashley as part of our team and look forward to their continued contributions to our research community.”

Learn more about the CRA credential.

Military students match early in residency programs

Whether carrying on the tradition of service in their families or forging their own paths in military medicine, fourth-year medical students found out in December if they matched in military residency programs. 

This year, three students at the Whiddon College of Medicine – Jerry Andrews, Naden Kreitz and Peter Lochmaier – learned they will further their medical training at military medical centers as part of an early match process. 

The rest of the Class of 2025, who will go through the National Resident Matching Program, will find out their residency placements on Match Day, set for Friday, March 21.

Jerry Andrews

Andrews, a native of Prattville, Alabama, has aspired to pursue a career in medicine since high school. When he interviewed for medical school at the University of South Alabama, he noticed “a unique warmth here that I didn’t feel anywhere else.”

And, as a military brat, he said joining the Air Force was always on his radar. 

“Along my journey, I discovered the unique opportunity to merge my passion for medicine with my commitment to honoring my family's proud tradition of military service,” said Andrews, who matched in internal medicine at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. 

Naden Kreitz

Kreitz of Montgomery, Alabama, joined the military to develop leadership experience. “The Air Force allowed me to be part of something bigger than myself,” he said.

He chose USA for medical school because he was certain he would graduate “as a confident physician and, at the same time, allow myself to grow as an individual surrounded by an intentional community.” 

With his wife by his side, Kreitz opened the email informing him that he will be joining Andrews at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for residency, where Kreitz matched in obstetrics and gynecology.

Peter Lochmaier

Lochmaier of Chattanooga, Tennessee, knew since high school that he wanted a job protecting people, leading him to enter the U.S. Air Force Academy. “I eventually realized that the best way to actually protect people would be through medicine,” he said.

The Whiddon College of Medicine has been the perfect place for him to do just that, he said. “It is a program that puts people first and has given me the best environment to become an amazing physician.”

Lochmaier matched in anesthesiology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. “Now, I will be able to protect patients as they go through surgery as an anesthesiologist,” he said.

OB/GYN book club to discuss 'Reproduction on the Reservation'

The OB/GYN Interest Group will host its next book club meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the Atlantis Room on Children's & Women's Hospital campus. 

The group will discuss “Reproduction on the Reservation: Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Colonialism in the Long Twentieth Century” by Brianna Theobald. This pathbreaking book documents the transformation of reproductive practices and politics on Indian reservations from the late 19th century to the present, integrating a localized history of childbearing, motherhood, and activism on the Crow Reservation in Montana with an analysis of trends affecting Indigenous women more broadly.

Dinner will be served, so please RSVP at: https://tinyurl.com/mpn8xmz3

The book is available for free on the Hoopla app through the Mobile Public Library.

Whiddon College of Medicine makes national impact at AAMC’s Learn Serve Lead 2024

Representatives from the Whiddon College of Medicine attend the AAMC annual meeting.

Several members from the Whiddon College of Medicine showcased the institution’s dedication to quality improvement, student wellness, and advancing medical education at the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Learn Serve Lead 2024 annual meeting in Atlanta. As the premier event for academic medicine, the conference brought together thought leaders from across the nation to share strategies and drive innovation in healthcare education. 

“Collaboration is at the heart of the Whiddon College of Medicine’s approach to driving innovation in medical education,” said Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, director of quality improvement. “Through partnerships with other medical colleges, we share knowledge, identify gaps in current research and resources, and develop solutions to pressing challenges. This collective effort ensures that we not only meet but exceed the standards of medical education, equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as future physicians.”

Key discussions led by the team included:

• Addressing Conflict and Belonging: Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA, education and training manager, hosted a session on navigating peer-to-peer conflict and microaggressions in collaborative learning groups, emphasizing psychological safety and belonging in medical education.
• Assessment and Learning Improvement: David Williams, Ph.D., MPA, assistant dean for institutional and academic success, led a discussion on closing the loop in course and program assessments, focusing on leveraging data to drive meaningful learning improvements across the curriculum.
• Professional Identity Formation: LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, director of the Office of Health Advancement, shared strategies for embedding professional identity formation throughout the medical school curriculum, fostering the development of future physicians.
• Peer-to-Peer Programs: Angie O’Neal, M.Ed., director of learning support services, and Becky Smith, Ph.D., health and wellness counselor, discussed the development of two peer-support programs — Peer Emotional and Educational Resilience Support (PEERS) and Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) — that promote wellness and destigmatize help-seeking behaviors among medical students.
• Quality Improvement: Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, facilitated a session on maximizing the impact of Continuous Quality Improvement Committees, focusing on how structured processes and data-driven decision-making enhance transparency, stakeholder engagement, and sustained improvement in accreditation efforts.

Additionally, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Laventrice Ridgeway, Ed.D., ALC, joined a panel discussion addressing challenges with Medical Student Performance Evaluations (MSPEs), collaborating with colleagues from other medical colleges to explore solutions that enhance the residency application process and better reflect student performance. Ridgeway was also acknowledged as the newly appointed AAMC Group on Student Affairs’ liaison to the Committee on Student Diversity Affairs.

“By engaging with academic medicine professionals nationwide, the Whiddon College of Medicine continues to advance its mission of providing the highest quality medical education,” Pierce said. “Participation in Learn Serve Lead allows us to contribute to the broader academic medicine community while driving meaningful improvements within our own institution. These efforts reflect our dedication to fostering excellence and ensuring that our students are prepared to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.”

Mobile Bay magazine’s 40 Under 40 includes standouts from Whiddon COM

Each year, Mobile Bay magazine highlights 40 residents under the age of 40 who are selected from the business and professional community, the arts, medicine, education, community involvement, and more.

Casey Daniel, Ph.D., MPH

This year’s honorees from USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine include:

Casey Daniel, Ph.D., MPH, is an associate professor of family medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine and director of epidemiology and public health at the University of South Alabama. Inspired to pursue cancer research after battling melanoma as a teenager, Daniel has worked to bring public health awareness, engagement and education to the region through research, teaching and outreach. She has worked on 13 funded grants totaling $15.56 million and is helping to develop a Master of Public Health degree program at USA.

Maryann Mbaka, M.D., MBA

Maryann Mbaka, M.D., MBA, is a trauma surgeon at University Hospital and assistant professor of surgery and associate program director for the general surgery residency program at the Whiddon College of Medicine. The Nigeria native has dedicated her career to providing life-saving care, advancing trauma research, and mentoring future physicians. She is a prolific researcher with more than 30 peer-reviewed publications. She is leading a clinical trial exploring innovative tools to enhance critical care. Mbaka is also the founder and CEO of Living Kings and Queens Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through healthcare access.

Rodgers takes on new leadership role at Whiddon COM

Alani Rodgers, M.Ed.

Alani Rodgers, M.Ed., has been appointed assistant director of the Office of Research Education and Training (ORET) at the Whiddon College of Medicine. 

The office plays a pivotal role in managing the Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) Graduate Program as well as coordinating support for undergraduate students and postdoctoral trainees. 

“I am truly excited to enter my new role as assistant director in ORET. It’s an incredible opportunity to support students and the department in ways that will contribute to our collective success,” Rodgers said. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to help create an environment where students thrive, develop, and feel empowered. Together, we’ll continue to build on the strength of our department, fostering growth, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.”  

Robert Barrington, Ph.D., director of the ORET, said under Rodgers’ leadership, the office is poised to advance several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the BMS Graduate Program. These efforts include expanding enrollment to align with the institution's aspiration of achieving Carnegie R1 status, revising curricula, and enhancing opportunities for student professional development. Rodgers will be instrumental in these endeavors, beginning with the recruitment of the 2025 cohort.

Rodgers is a familiar and highly regarded member of the Whiddon College of Medicine, having served in the Office of Admissions since 2020. She initially joined as assistant to the director before being promoted to assistant director. Her prior experience includes roles as a secretary with the USA College of Engineering and USA Health. 

Rodgers received a Master of Education in educational administration for higher education administrators from the University of South Alabama. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and administration at USA. 

Learn more about the Office of Research Education and Training. 

Chakroborty awarded $100,000 grant to further breast cancer research

At the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama’s award presentation, from left, are Debanjan Chakroborty, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology; Chandrani Sarkar, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology; Beth Davis, president and CEO of BCRFA; and Simon Grelet, Ph.D., assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology.  

Debanjan Chakroborty, Ph.D., an assistant professor of pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine and a cancer researcher at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Presented during an event in Birmingham in early December, the award was part of the organization’s $1.125 million investment in state-based research in 2024.

The highly competitive grants provide investigators funding over a two-year period. The awards act as seed funding for early-stage studies, allowing researchers to generate crucial data needed to attract major national grants. 

Breast cancer is a complex disease that is often identified with the presence of hardened mass or tissue, resulting from an overabundance of non-cellular components called extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM imparts a gradual elastic force to the cancer cells, known as matrix stiffness, which alters the cancer cell behavior, promotes metastatic progression, and impacts therapeutic outcomes, Chakroborty explained.

“Manipulation of cancer tissue stiffness is envisioned as a major strategy for improvement in cancer therapeutics,” he said. “However, the strategy is not yet successful due to the lack of appropriate targets.” 

Chakroborty’s project will explore a novel axis in breast cancer progression. Specifically, the study will identify the role of lysine-deficient protein kinase 1 (WNK1) on matrix stiffness in breast cancer. WNK1 is a protein that is abundantly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts, the most prominent non–cancer cell population in breast cancer tumor microenvironment and the primary depositor of ECM.

The research will be conducted in collaboration with Dhananjay T. Tambe, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering/biomedical engineering at USA; and Elba A. Turbat-Herrera, M.D., professor of pathology and director of the USA Health Biobank.

Also during the event, other researchers from USA presented posters to share findings from previously funded BCRFA research projects. Among the presenters were Simon Grelet, Ph.D., assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology; and postdoctoral fellows Prabhat Suman, Ph.D., from Chakroborty’s lab, and Sooraj Kakkat, Ph.D., from the lab of Chandrani Sarkar, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology. 

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to find a cure for breast cancer by funding promising breast cancer research in Alabama. BCRFA funds promote a comprehensive approach to battling breast cancer by fueling collaborative and innovative research to help diagnose, treat, prevent, and eradicate the disease.