USA Health’s Department of Pediatrics will present its inaugural hands-on Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Bootcamp beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Gulf Coast Regional Simulation Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama.
This CME-accredited Point-of-Care Ultrasound course offers a valuable opportunity for USA Health physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to enhance their bedside diagnostic and procedural skills, said USA Health neonatologist Gangajal Kasniya, MBBS, FAAP, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine.
“As healthcare continues to shift toward safer, faster, and more efficient models, POCUS empowers providers to make real-time clinical decisions with greater accuracy,” Kasniya said.
The course, which offers six CME credits, will cover both foundational knowledge and high-yield procedural applications specifically tailored to pediatric practice. With expert instructors from radiology, cardiology, emergency medicine, pediatric anesthesia, neonatology, and Whiddon College of Medicine faculty, participants will gain the skills and confidence to integrate POCUS into their daily clinical workflows.
This course is a meaningful first step, Kasniya noted, as USA Health works toward launching a comprehensive POCUS program for pediatric residents beginning in July 2025. Kasniya has worked closely with fellow neonatologist Saminathan Anbalagan, M.D., to develop this new training for USA Health providers.
“Establishing a sustainable POCUS program — both for our pediatric residents and for our neonatal intensive care unit — is a key part of the academic health mission,” Kasniya said. “This bootcamp will support faculty development, which is essential for building a strong foundation for resident education.”
From left, Ashley Hay, Anna Atkinson, Christina Murphree, Stephanie Roote, and Amanda Arnold. Not pictured, Joanne Brookfield.
The third session in the EDGE for Success series explored a modern challenge many of us face: how to stay productive without burning out. Titled “Courageous Productivity: Leading with Purpose in the AI Era,” the session helped participants rethink the difference between being busy and being impactful.
The dynamic session was led by Amanda Arnold, M.S., RDN, LD, education and training specialist, alongside a strong peer facilitation team including Anna Atkinson, regulator coordinator for USA Health Clinical Trials Office; Joanne Brookfield, M.S., director of educational technologies and services; Ashley Hay, clinical skills coordinator; Christina Murphree, manager of practice operations, USA Health Physician Enterprise, Department of Internal Medicine; and Stephanie Roote, senior associate director of financial aid.
Through thoughtful discussion and hands-on activities, participants unpacked what it means to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose, especially in an age where information overload, task switching, and decision fatigue threaten focus. Drawing from the work of thought leaders like Brené Brown and Jordan Raynor, the session encouraged attendees to adopt practical strategies like personal clarity checkpoints, communication templates, and even purposeful rest. Participants also engaged in a group challenge where they used AI to refine leadership messaging, demonstrating how technology can be a powerful support, not a distraction, when aligned with our values.
As Arnold shared, “True productivity isn’t just about getting more done — it’s about being intentional with our energy, our voice, and our leadership. When we show up with purpose, we create space for clarity, trust, and real impact.”
This session embodied what EDGE is all about: supporting the growth of future leaders through self-discovery, peer learning, and meaningful tools for real-world application. Participants left with concrete strategies to reduce mental clutter, clarify priorities, and experiment with AI as a personalized productivity partner — all while staying rooted in purpose and authenticity.
Next up: “Personal Branding and Professional Development.”
From left, Robert Barrington, Ph.D., Sage Garriss, Alani Rodgers, Adeyeye Haastrup, Killian Brewer, Sicily Hardy, Brianna Mitchell, and Haley Kominek.
The Whiddon College of Medicine recently hosted an engaging Graduate Research Forum that showcased the groundbreaking work of Ph.D. students in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program.
The event provided a unique opportunity for doctoral candidates to share their innovative research with faculty, staff, students and researchers. The forum featured a series of poster presentations and talks, with each speaker offering insights into their specific areas of study.
“It was great to see the Ph.D. students’ hard work on display, and even better to feel the excitement from the entire research community as this forum was brought back,” said Skye Andrade, coordinator in the Whiddon College of Medicine Office of Research. “The event not only highlighted the significant contributions of our Ph.D. students, but also reflected the Whiddon College of Medicine’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and collaborative research environment. By providing a platform for emerging scholars to share their work, the forum reinforced our role as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation in healthcare.”
Kevin Macaluso, Ph.D., professor and chair of microbiology and immunology, agreed: “The breadth of research across the BMS graduate program is impressive. The trainees who presented talks and posters provided an excellent representation of the exciting, high-quality research that is happening here every day.”
Adeyeye Haastrup, a third-year student in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, served as chair of the organizing committee for the event. He said it was especially meaningful to see how impactful the forum was for participants.
“Events like these are essential for Ph.D. students — they provide a platform not only to showcase our work but to receive valuable feedback, exchange ideas, and foster new collaborations,” he said. “I personally gained fresh perspectives on my research through conversations with scientists across disciplines, and I’ve already begun exploring promising intramural partnerships that emerged from these interactions. Exposure to research outside one’s immediate field can often be surprisingly useful; even when the connections aren’t obvious, the knowledge gained becomes a resource to draw on later.”
Meghan Hermance, Ph.D., assistant professor of microbiology and immunology, is one of the faculty mentors for graduate students. “I was especially impressed by the diversity of research topics and the clarity with which trainees presented their findings,” she said. “It’s a testament not only to the strength of our graduate programs but also to the dedication of their faculty mentors. Events like this remind us of the critical role that early-career scientists play in driving discovery and innovation.”
In addition to the speakers and poster presentations, several awards were given:
Top Abstracts:
Sage Garriss – “An Improved Partial Carotid Artery Ligation Model in Mice for Studying Flor-Induced Vascular Pathology with Enhanced Survival and Outcomes”
Adeyeye Haastrup – “Transcript Isoform Switching Provides Novel Insights on Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and NAD+ Metabolism in Murine Lungs During Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection”
Manley Hicks – “Overcoming macrophage hypophagia in mAb therapies”
Haley Kominek – “M6A levels are conspicuously depleted in vesicular extracellular RNA isolates”
Travel Awards:
Killian Brewer – Samuel J. Strada Travel & Enhancement Award
Adeyeye Haastrup – Dr. Valentina Grishko Memorial Travel Award
Haastrup, who is in the biomedical engineering and bioinformatics track, presented his research on gene regulation at the transcript isoform level, specifically in the context of sepsis. “My presentation focused on a new discovery involving the regulation of mitochondrial and cellular bioenergetic genes in the lungs,” he explained. “These findings hold strong therapeutic potential for restoring energy-compromised cells and organs in sepsis patients — a major stride in addressing bioenergetic crises in critical care.”
Winning two awards at the forum was a deeply humbling experience, Haastrup said. “I see this recognition as a shared success — a reflection of the guidance, mentorship and support I’ve received from every faculty member at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine,” he said. “Truly, I could name something I’ve learned from every professor I’ve encountered here, both in and out of the classroom.”
Hermance said the forum provides an invaluable platform for Ph.D. students and postdocs to present their research, engage in scientific dialogue, and receive constructive feedback from faculty and peers. “These events foster a sense of scholarly community, encourage professional development, and help trainees gain confidence in communicating their work,” she said. “Such skills are essential for future success in research and beyond.”
Haastrup expressed his gratitude to the team who helped organize the event. “The positive feedback from attendees — even those from outside the College of Medicine — has been overwhelming,” he said. “To everyone who participated and supported the forum, thank you.”
Lyndsey Harper, M.D., associate professor of OB-GYN
at Texas A&M University, was among the guest speakers.
To better meet the complex gynecological needs of women, more than 100 physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers gathered April 3-4 for USA Health’s 31st annual Obstetrics and Gynecology Education Conference in Biloxi, Mississippi.
“Things in medicine change so quickly that it’s a good idea for us to share updates on the latest trends and advances,” said Mary (Mimi) B. Munn, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine physician and professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology at USA Health. “And with the closure of so many OB-GYN practices in rural areas, it’s critical for USA Health to continue to foster collaborations and partnerships in this time of decreasing resources.”
Held at the Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino, the symposium featured presentations on topics ranging from menopause and menopause hormone therapy to medical management of obesity and the success of an at-home blood pressure monitoring program at Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
More than a dozen members of the USA Health OB-GYN staff made presentations, along with other guest speakers including additional faculty members from the Whiddon College of Medicine and Texas A&M University.
Constance Collins Dabezies, M.D., FACOG, MSCP, a board-certified OB-GYN who sees patients at USA Health’s medical offices in Spanish Fort, discussed the health concerns that can come with menopause and the evidence-based guidelines that physicians can follow to help their patients better navigate that stage of life.
An estimated 2 million women reach menopause each year in the United States. The onset is typically described as a point in time 12 months after a woman's last menstrual cycle, according to the National Institute on Aging, noting that the years leading up to that point — when women may have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, or other symptoms — are called the menopausal transition or perimenopause.
For many women, the menopausal transition often begins between ages 45 and 55. It typically lasts seven years but can span 14 years or longer, research indicates.
Dabezies urged those gathered not to be dismissive of a patient’s symptoms and to offer individualized and collaborative care, including shared decision making.
When it comes to treatment options for those suffering from symptoms related to menopause, Dabezies said there is “evidence-based data to support the use of menopause hormone therapy.” She offered additional resources for attendees, including a 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of the Menopause Society, and answered multiple questions following the presentation.
Dabezies is among a small group of healthcare providers in Alabama to hold the NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner designation from the Menopause Society.
“We hope those who attended will be inspired by the presentations,” Munn said, “and go back to their practices equipped with more tools and strategies to better help their patients deal with the unique and challenging health issues women often face.”
During baseball season, a group of medical students from the Whiddon College of Medicine can be found cheering on players at Miracle League of West Mobile: Schmidt Family Park, where the students volunteer with the local Buddy Ball league.
The program pairs kids with physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities with volunteer “buddies” to engage in physical activities. The goal of Buddy Ball is to create a supportive and adaptive environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate, enjoy the game, and develop skills.
“The most rewarding part of the experience is just watching the kids have fun and be active,” said Erin Powell, a second-year medical student. “It's also great to see how the kids interact with each other and watch them learn what it means to work as a team.”
Powell and her classmates Joseph Tucker and Chip Ogles coach one of the teams in the league. Second-year student Jensen Hammons and first-year student Will Carothers also volunteer with the league as buddies.
This year, there are four teams and 62 participants on the roster. The teams usually play one or two games a week, and they try to get in extra practice during the week. During games, the coaches “buddy up” the young athletes with volunteers, keep a running sheet for the batting order, pitch to the kids, and, most importantly, ensure everyone is having a good time. Volunteers sit with their buddies for the entirety of games and help them bat, run bases, and chase down balls.
“I think these kids serve as a reminder to all of us that you can do anything you set your mind to, and all it takes is a positive attitude,” Powell said.
The students heard about Buddy Ball at the club fair during their M1 orientation. “All of us love kids and enjoy being active,” Powell said, “so being a part of a club where we could combine those two passions was really a no-brainer.”
The baseball field, located at the recently opened Miracle League of West Mobile: Schmidt Family Park, is the first of its kind in Mobile County. It features a synthetic rubberized surface to accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices, with double-wide base paths for extra maneuverability.
The coaches said they are always looking for more medical students to volunteer with the Buddy Ball program. For more information or to volunteer, join the Buddy Ball GroupMe.
The Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine is pleased to announce the establishment of its chapter of the Aequitas Health Medical Honor Society, a national society that recognizes medical student fellows committed to eliminating health disparities in all forms. This prestigious honor society celebrates and supports future physicians who demonstrate leadership, community engagement, and a personal commitment to advancing health equity throughout their medical education.Founded in 2021 at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Aequitas Health was born from a collective awareness of the deep-rooted health inequities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The society seeks to build a nationwide community of medical students and professionals actively working to dismantle systemic disparities affecting underserved populations. The Whiddon College of Medicine chapter continues this mission with a focus on our region’s unique health equity challenges and strengths.
Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D.
The development of the Whiddon College of Medicine chapter was initiated in fall 2023 by Ryan Ford, a member of the Class of 2026 and co-chair of a student advisory committee. The chapter is supported by the Whiddon COM Office of Health Advancement.
Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D., was named the inaugural president of the chapter. She is an assistant professor of surgery, director of the USA Health Center for Healthy Communities, and founder of Project Inspire.
“Her leadership and dedication to community-centered health advancement will serve as a guiding light for the chapter,” said Franklin Trimm, M.D., associate dean of health advancement at the Whiddon College of Medicine.
The inaugural fellows from the Class of 2025 exemplify the values of the Aequitas Health Medical Honor Society through sustained efforts in leadership, advocacy and service:
Mary Claire Carlton
Claire Chastain
Emily Cleveland
Altonnesha Darby
Warren Law III
Rachael Motamed
Ryleigh Randall
Natalie Simpkins
“These students represent the future of medicine well — one where compassion, a focus on the needs of individual patients and of the communities in which they live, leadership and service are central to healthcare delivery and professional identity,” Williams Hogue said. “Their induction into the Aequitas Health Medical Honor Society is both a recognition of their accomplishments and a call to continued leadership in promoting the best health possible for all. We celebrate their contributions and look forward to the work ahead.”
Students completing medical and doctoral degrees at the Whiddon College of Medicine look forward to several events leading up to graduation.
An honors breakfast and ceremony are planned for medical students who are receiving awards and honors cords on Friday, April 25, in the Student Center Ballroom. Breakfast will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
The Academic Hooding Ceremony for all graduates of the Whiddon College of Medicine will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at the USA Mitchell Center. Sixty-eight graduating medical students will take the Hippocratic Oath and be hooded by someone of their choosing. Two graduating students in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program will be awarded doctoral hoods by their major professors. The military commissioning ceremony for M.D. graduates will follow. The event will be streamed live on the Mitchell Center's YouTube channel.
USA's Spring Commencement Ceremony will celebrate graduates and confer degrees from the Whiddon College of Medicine and other colleges at the university. Commencement is set for 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 9, at the Mitchell Center. The Class of 2025 will be the 50th class to receive medical degrees from the Whiddon College of Medicine. Commencement will be streamed live on the Mitchell Center's YouTube channel.
Mikhail Alexeyev Ph.D., center, and research technologists Natalya Kozhukhar, Ph.D., and Rafik Fayzulin, Ph.D., study mitochondrial DNA in the lab.
By Lindsay Hughes
A scientist at the University of South Alabama has challenged a key conclusion of a 2023 study on the maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA.
Mikhail Alexeyev, Ph.D., a professor of physiology and cell biology at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, provides a critical analysis of the study in Nature Genetics, a high-impact scientific journal. His opinion piece, “An alternative model for maternal mtDNA inheritance,” is published in the journal’s March 2025 issue.
Understanding how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited “will inform our approaches to genetic counseling for mitochondrial disease and male infertility, as well as the development of gene therapy strategies for treating mitochondrial disorders,” Alexeyev said.
In most species, mtDNA is inherited from a single parent. The current understanding is that, in humans, mtDNA is inherited exclusively from the mother. Scientists have identified several mechanisms in different species that ensure uniparental inheritance of mtDNA. However, it is still unclear how these mechanisms work in humans. Interestingly, studies have shown that mtDNA content in human sperm inversely correlates with fertility: As the amount of mtDNA in sperm increases, fertility tends to decrease.
The study that Alexeyev challenges was conducted by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and published in the September 2023 issue of Nature Genetics. The authors demonstrated that human sperm contains little to no mtDNA, less than previously thought. They also confirmed earlier findings that sperm were missing two proteins – POLG and POLRMT – that are essential for maintaining mtDNA.
Another important finding in the Jefferson University study involved a protein called TFAM. Normally, TFAM is found in the mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells, where it plays a key role in maintaining and regulating mtDNA. However, in sperm, TFAM is primarily located in other areas of the cell, like the nucleus (the cell’s control center) and cytosol (the fluid in the cell that surrounds the organelles).
The researchers also found that TFAM is chemically modified through phosphorylation, a process in which a phosphate group is added to the protein. They suggest that this modification prevents TFAM from entering the mitochondria, which may account for the loss of mtDNA in sperm. In other words, this alteration in TFAM’s location and function could explain why sperm don’t pass on mitochondrial DNA.
In his critique of the Jefferson University study, Alexeyev invokes Occam’s razor, a principle that suggests the simplest explanation – the one that requires the fewest assumptions – is usually the best. He proposes a more straightforward model: “Sperm lacks mtDNA because it is missing POLG and POLRMT, as well as two other proteins, TFB2M and TWNK,” he explained. “In the absence of any of these four proteins, mtDNA is lost, and the combined loss of all four presents a compelling argument – one that the reviewers of our opinion piece acknowledged.”
In their rebuttal to Alexeyev’s criticism, the authors put forward a hypothesis that TFAM, unlike the other four proteins, physically shields mtDNA from nucleases. Nucleases are enzymes that are designed to break apart the nucleotides that make up the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. Therefore, TFAM relocalization from mitochondria would have the additional consequence of making mtDNA vulnerable to attack by nucleases, which leads to accelerated mtDNA loss.
“However, we point out that this assumption is contradicted by experimental evidence,” Alexeyev said. “Indeed, mtDNA remains accessible to mitochondrially expressed nucleases. We and others have used this accessibility to develop methods for mtDNA elimination from cells.”
Recently, the Alexeyev lab used the GeneSwap method, as described in their paper “A method for in situ reverse genetic analysis of proteins involved in mtDNA replication,” to substitute normal TFAM in cells with mutant forms that mimic the phosphorylated version found in sperm. These modified cells retain mtDNA, contradicting the model proposed by the Jefferson University team.
Alexeyev's work, including his use of innovative gene-editing techniques, may help refine our understanding of mtDNA inheritance and its role in human health. If researchers can uncover the precise mechanisms behind mtDNA inheritance, it could open new avenues for gene therapy and treatment strategies.
From left, Brittany Seals, Ed.D.; Brittany Brown, MSN, RN, NE-BC; Marcina Lang, MPA; Megan Durbin; and Keniesha Fields facilitated the session.
The second session in the EDGE for Success series delivered powerful takeaways on communication, feedback, and trust-building – essentials for thriving in any workplace, regardless of title or role.
The session was facilitated by a dynamic team: Marcina Lang, MPA, senior manager of COM support services; Brittany Brown, MSN, RN, NE-BC, director of operations for internal medicine; Megan Durbin, clinical trials budget coordinator; Brittany Seals, Ed.D., assistant director of admissions; and Keniesha Fields, coordinator of employer development and student experience. Their energy and authenticity made the session not only impactful but deeply relatable.
The focus of the session was on how we engage when conversations get difficult, how we listen, how we speak, and how we rebuild trust when it breaks. Participants explored how assumptions, tone, and body language can either build or break connection. Using concepts drawn from “Crucial Conversations,” “Radical Candor,” and “How to Hug a Porcupine,” attendees practiced turning emotionally charged conversations into opportunities for clarity, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving.
This session exemplified what EDGE is all about: supporting personal and professional growth through peer-led learning. It was evident that those facilitating weren’t just presenting; they were modeling the very skills they were teaching. The session gave participants space to reflect, connect and engage with strategies they could immediately apply in their own work and relationships.
“We can’t grow or lead without learning how to hear each other especially when it’s hard,” Lang said. “Real communication isn’t just about getting your point across; it’s about creating space for others to be heard.”
Participants left the room with practical tools and stronger connections ready to turn challenging conversations into opportunities for learning, trust, and growth.
Next up: Productivity and AI Tools for Personal Efficiency.
Robert Israel, M.D., leads a cooking demonstration for
meeting participants at the teaching kitchen.
Physicians, residents, and medical students recently gathered at the Whiddon College of Medicine for the Alabama Chapter of the American College of Physicians' one-day Winter Scientific Meeting to explore advancements in health and precision medicine.
The event brought together a diverse group of practitioners and topics, including:
Errol Crook, Sr., M.D., associate dean for clinical affairs and chief medical officer at Morehouse School of Medicine, who emphasized the importance of using genetics and social factors to provide individualized care that would improve outcomes for patients, especially those from underserved communities.
Antwan Hogue, M.D., an assistant professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, senior hospitalist and medical director of the Johnson Haynes, Jr., Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, who shared insights on using precision medicine to treat sickle cell disease.
Brian Persing, M.D., a hematologist/oncologist with Singing River Health System, which serves the Mississippi Gulf Coast, discussed the evolving role of personalized treatments in cancer care.
Robert Israel, M.D., director of USA Health’s Integrative Health and Wellness Program and internal medicine physician, covered how to advise patients on what to eat.
The meeting ended with an optional hands-on cooking demonstration at the University Commons Teaching Kitchen led by Israel, who emphasizes the power of food as medicine. He regularly shares how plant-forward diets relate to culinary medicine, a relatively new, evidenced-based field that helps people understand how what they eat can help prevent and treat disease.
Specifically, studies show a plant-forward diet can help decrease the risk of many health conditions and diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and many cancers.
Founded in 1915, ACP is the largest medical specialty organization in the world with 161,000 members in more than 172 countries. It promotes the science and practice of medicine, and it supports internal medicine physicians in their quest for excellence. ACP and its physician specialist and subspecialists members lead the profession in education, standard-setting, and the sharing of knowledge to advance the science and practice of internal medicine.
On March 25, Whiddon College of Medicine students gathered for a unique professional development opportunity titled “IMPROV Your Networking,” an event designed to equip future physicians with essential communication skills for building authentic connections.
Organized by Rachel Cotter, a second-year medical student and the Whiddon College of Medicine delegate to the Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA), the event used improvisational activities and reflective discussion to encourage students to approach networking with greater confidence and intentionality.
The session was co-led by Angie O’Neal, M.Ed., director of Learning Support Services, and Kayla Pavlick, Ph.D., assistant professor of medical education. Together, they guided students through interactive exercises focused on “telling your story” by helping students articulate who they are, what motivates them, and how to make memorable first impressions.
“As an introvert, networking can sometimes feel overwhelming or unnatural,” Cotter said. “This event was about helping students feel more comfortable being themselves while making meaningful professional connections.”
The program also served to build enthusiasm for the upcoming MASA Annual Session, scheduled for April 11–13 in Orange Beach. Cotter encouraged her peers to attend the statewide gathering, which brings together physicians, medical students, and healthcare advocates for networking, continuing education, and policy discussions.
“Events like MASA’s Annual Session are where professional relationships begin,” Cotter said. “They’re also where student voices matter. This is how we become part of the larger conversation shaping healthcare in Alabama.”
The Whiddon College of Medicine is proud to support student leaders like Cotter in creating innovative, peer-centered programming that fosters both personal growth and professional development.
For more information about MASA and the Annual Session, visit www.masalink.org.
From left, Juan Ochoa, M.D., Yulong Huang Stokes, and Bassam Bassam, M.D.
By Milena Mata
Fourth-year medical student Yulong Huang Stokes recently received the Eran and N.Q. Adams Endowed Scholarship in Autonomic Disorder from the USA Department of Neurology.
The scholarship was created to support young physicians engaged in neurology who wish to gain a better understanding of dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is an autonomic disorder that affects the involuntary functions of the nervous system such as heart rate. Third- and fourth-year medical students at the Whiddon College of Medicine can apply for this unique research and learning opportunity.
“On a professional and personal level, Yulong is a very talented and achieved medical student,” said Bassam Bassam, M.D., a professor of neurology at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “She has significant professional and scholastic achievements at an early stage of her medical career. Those achievements, qualifications, and motivation to better understand autonomic disorders clearly qualifies her for receiving the scholarship.”
Stokes received an undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama in 2021 and will graduate from the Whiddon College of Medicine in May 2025. With a special interest in epilepsy, Stokes plans to pursue a fellowship after completing her residency in neurology at USA Health.
“I became interested in neurology after my third-year clerkship,” she said. “I originally thought I should pursue a primary care specialty since I liked everything I did, but I didn’t love anything as much as neurology.”
Stokes’ skills include differential diagnosis formulation, interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific manuscript writing, patient communication and counseling and navigation of electronic medical records. She has also made writing contributions to five peer-reviewed journal articles.
After receiving the neurology scholarship, Stokes began research of literature and medical records at USA Health’s Strada Patient Care Center to address the prevalence of symptoms and diagnostic trends in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). She detailed changes in the definition of the syndrome, which helped increase awareness. This highlights the importance of specifying the differences between POTS and other medical conditions, Stokes said.
Juan Ochoa, M.D., a professor of neurology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said he admires Stokes’ passion for the field.
“Ms. Stokes’ compassion, resilience, and determination distinguish her as an extraordinary individual who will undoubtedly become an exceptional physician,” Ochoa said. “She has not only shown a profound commitment to her patients but has also demonstrated impressive scholarly aptitude, evidenced by her publication of a peer-reviewed paper during her clerkship rotation. This achievement underscores her intellectual rigor and dedication to advancing the field of neurology.”
In addition to her academic career, Stokes worked as a clinical skills tutor, a group fitness instructor, and a research lab manager. She has also served as an English tutor, student peer mentor at the USA College of Education and has volunteered at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
The Department of Radiology at USA Health was presented with the Outstanding Trainee Poster Award at the 2025 Southern Radiological Conference held in Point Clear, Alabama. This recognition highlights the academic and professional achievements of the department’s residents and the program’s efforts to successfully train the next generation of radiologists.
“We are incredibly proud of our residents’ accomplishments, and this award is a testament to the high level of dedication and excellence we strive for in our department,” said Brian Wood, D.O., interventional radiologist, and vascular and interventional radiology section chief at USA Health. “Our residents continue to push the boundaries of radiological research, and we are thrilled to see their work being recognized on a national stage.”
The poster, which showcased the management of visceral abdominal aneurysms, including cases diagnosed and treated by USA Health’s Radiology Department, was recognized for its informative content and impressive visual presentation.
The award recipients were radiology residents: Anas Souid, M.D.; Ian Thompson, M.D.; Hunaid Rana, M.D.; Zubair Chaudry, M.D.; with oversight by Zeiad Hussain, M.D., and Wood.
“I am truly honored to be a part of this award,” Souid said. “The Department of Radiology and the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office have consistently encouraged us as residents to engage in scholarly activities. We are deeply grateful to our attending physicians for their guidance, inspiration and unwavering support. We also appreciate the resources provided by USA Health, including funding opportunities that enable us to pursue scholarly endeavors and participate in national conferences.”
Souid expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the achievement, with a special thanks to Radiology Department Chair Suzy Figarola, M.D., Residency Program Director Brett Martin, M.D., and Wood for their invaluable support.
The Southern Radiological Conference serves as an important platform for the brightest minds in the field of radiology, where professionals come together to share research, advancements and innovations.
From left, Melisa Pierce, EdD, MPA, Jordan Wood, Ashley Givens, and Domenico Spadafora, PhD., led the EDGE for Success session.
The Whiddon College of Medicine kicked off a powerful start to EDGE for Success with the first session this month.
The program is designed to elevate professional growth for staff through a unique approach that blends leadership development, self-discovery, and mentorship in a supportive, engaging environment. Throughout the series, both mentors and mentees are building relationships that support quality improvement, professional development, and personal growth. The experience is about more than skill building; it’s about recognizing the potential in each other and helping it flourish.
Session 1 focused on the Foundations of Leadership, inviting participants to explore their values, reflect on their “why,” and think intentionally about the kind of impact they want to make in their roles. Through small group activities and lively discussions, participants unpacked how self-awareness, communication, and personal values contribute to effective leadership at every level.
Jordan Wood, medical oncology research assistant; Ashley Givens, medical education coordinator; and Domenico Spadafora, Ph.D., flow cytometry lab manager; led the session’s content delivery, presenting leadership concepts like values-based leadership, emotional intelligence, and defining their “why” with clarity and real-world insight that made the material resonate. Their contributions sparked meaningful conversations and set the tone for what’s shaping up to be a powerful and collaborative series.
The session was facilitated by Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, who developed and helps lead the EDGE program with a focus on recognizing potential, building meaningful connections, and supporting individual and institutional growth through leadership development.
“One of the best parts of launching EDGE has been meeting colleagues from across the Whiddon College of Medicine and seeing just how much talent, insight, and heart we have within our walls,” said Pierce, who serves as director of quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning. “This is about creating space for people to grow, be seen, and lead in their own way — and we’re just getting started.”
Stay tuned for more updates as the Whiddon College of Medicine continues to showcase EDGE participants’ voices, talents, and leadership journeys throughout the series.
Gracie Overstreet recently joined the Office of Student Affairs at the Whiddon College of Medicine.
In her role as program coordinator, she manages the daily operations of the Office of Student Affairs and provides administrative support to the College of Medicine’s associate and assistant deans, Registrar’s Office, Office of Financial Aid, and Student Affairs Business Operations. She also serves as students’ first point of contact and fields student concerns to the appropriate Student Affairs office.
“I am very excited to join the College of Medicine, not only because there are a lot of exciting things happening in the college, but also because of the work that I get to provide to the students and having the opportunity to watch them grow along their journeys,” she said. “Now that I am a two-time graduate of the university, having the ability to be a part of the students’ support system and giving back in a way that was given to me, is incredibly rewarding.”
A native of Jackson, Alabama, Overstreet earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, and she is expected to graduate with a Master of Business Administration from USA this spring.
Prior to joining the Whiddon College of Medicine, she served as a secretary in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work at the University of South Alabama. Previously, she was a student assistant in the USA School of Computing.
Laventrice S. Ridgeway, Ed.D., assistant dean of student affairs, said he and the staff look forward to Overstreet’s significant contributions to the team, as she brings a wealth of influential experiences from her previous positions at the university.
“One of the things that was clear about Gracie during the hiring process was her ambition and zeal to work with USA students, as she is a two-time graduate of the university, which makes us happy to retain her as a part of the Jag nation,” Ridgeway said.
Second-year internal medicine residents participate in a wellness retreat.
Second-year residents in USA Health’s Department of Internal Medicine recently attended an annual wellness retreat at the Strada Patient Care Center.
Part of the Internal Medicine Residency Wellness Program, the retreat addresses burnout, resiliency techniques and wellness strategies under the direction of department leadership, including Judy Blair, M.D., professor and director of the internal medicine residency program; Haley Ballard, M.D., assistant program director and associate professor; Rachel Seaman, M.D., associate professor; and Yun Coronado, M.D., MBA, assistant professor.
Residents create Mardi Gras bead mosaics.
The risk for burnout and depression ranks high among medical students, even as they progress into their residencies, according to the American Medical Association. In response, medical schools and faculty are taking steps to educate students about the importance of self-care early on.
During the wellness retreat, residents learned about the eight components of a wellness wheel through various lectures, events and activities.
To add an element of competition, four teams faced off against each other in the following areas included in the wellness wheel:
Social: In a “Three Truths and a Lie” game, residents guessed the opposing team’s truths and lies.
Environmental: Residents used Mardi Gras beads to create colorful mosaics to repurpose and reduce waste in the city.
Physical: To get moving, residents played a life-sized Hungry Hungry Hippos game.
Financial: Residents played a physician-themed edition of The Game of Life to learn to manage their money.
Occupational: In Who’s That Boss?, residents matched the hobbies and interests of their attending physicians.
Intellectual: The teams took the competition outside in the Geri Moulton Children’s Park, where they went on a scavenger hunt.
Spiritual: Residents wrote and reflected on their current spiritual needs in a “What’s on Your Heart?” activity.
Emotional: The eighth spoke on the wellness wheel was related to resilience, which was discussed, and intertwined with the physical, being impacted by the quality of sleep.
The retreat, one of the department’s most anticipated events, helps residents connect with each other and learn strategies to prioritize their wellness, while also working to contribute to the well-being of others.
A study on perceptions about academic medicine coach training at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine has been selected for publication and deemed Best in Class by the Association of Academic Medical Colleges Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA).
The study, titled “A lifelong journey: A phenomenological exploration of faculty perceptions about coach training at an academic medical center,” evaluates the impact on faculty and staff as they undergo training to become coaches to medical students.
“Studies typically evaluate the impact on coachees and program outcomes,” wrote the author, Binata Mukherjee, M.D., MBA, assistant dean for faculty and professional development at the Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. “Limited information is available about educating faculty to integrate the role of coaching.”
Data were collected through surveying 20 faculty members who had completed 34 hours of training in the Academic Medicine Coach Training Program. Mukherjee established the program at the Whiddon College of Medicine in 2021.
The study found that in the process of training to be a coach, faculty members not only recognized the benefits of coaching for learners but also realized individual personal benefits.
“The training evoked self-awareness and opportunities for personal growth,” Mukherjee said. “The newly trained coaches expressed the beginning of an internal transformation to embody being a coach and demonstrated willingness to influence personal and professional development of learners and colleagues.”
The paper will be included in the Group on Faculty Affairs’ repository of Faculty Affairs & Faculty Development research and scholarship. It was selected for Best in Class in the category “Developing the Next Generation of Leaders.”
Mukherjee also recently earned the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The achievement represents the culmination of extensive training and practice in professional coaching techniques.
The Academic Medicine Coach Training Program trains about 20 volunteers each year to coach medical students as they progress through their education at the Whiddon College of Medicine.
Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, performs surgery on a patient.
By Jessica Jones and Milena Mata
Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, chief of complex spine surgery and vice chair for the department of neurosurgery, has been selected for the Scoliosis Research Society’s (SRS) Leadership, Education and Development (L.E.A.D.) cohort. This highly competitive program aims to develop the next generation of leaders within the spine surgery field and represents a significant achievement for Menger and the USA Health Spine Institute.
“It's an honor to be selected and to represent our health system,” said Menger, an associate professor of neurosurgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “I look forward to learning from leaders across the world and bringing those lessons back to the University of South Alabama and USA Health as we continue the push as a high accountability organization."
The SRS L.E.A.D. program, established in 2023, is an exclusive year-long initiative designed to enhance leadership, communication, and team-building skills among SRS members. Participants are selected based on their outstanding credentials and contribution to the society. Menger’s nomination recognizes his distinguished work in spinal reconstruction and his dedication to advancing the field of complex spine surgery.
The program offers a curriculum that includes both virtual and live sessions, focusing on topics critical to leadership in the medical field. These include coaching, leading research teams, fostering diversity, communication within teams, owning leadership, and personal marketing techniques. Trainees will also gain a deeper understanding of leadership within the SRS, setting them on the path to becoming influential figures in spinal deformity research and treatment.
Menger, who became an Active Fellow in the SRS, brings extensive experience to the program. His involvement in the L.E.A.D. program is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to USA Health’s dedication to advancing medical education and leadership. The lessons learned from this elite group will contribute to the continued growth of the institute’s spine surgery program, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care.
“There must be something in the water with our class,” Yulong Stokes remarked. “I feel like we have an abnormally high number of marriages!”
Indeed, the Whiddon College of Medicine Class of 2025 – a class of 68 medical students – includes six couples who are engaged or married.
Virginia Farley, too, noticed the trend in her class: “Who knew the Whiddon College of Medicine is also a matchmaker!”
The couples went through the National Resident Matching Program with the goal of staying together with their partners during residency training – a process referred to as “couples match.”
On Match Day, March 21, the Class of 2025 convened at the USA Mitchell Center to discover their fates. This year, 46% of the class matched at programs in Alabama, including 18 students who matched at USA Health hospitals.
These are a few of their stories.
Andrew Stokes and Yulong (Huang) Stokes
Andrew and Yulong Stokes
Yulong, originally from Fuzhou, China, always had an inclination toward medicine, but the years of schooling ahead seemed daunting. She found her way back to her first passion while working as a scribe in Providence Hospital’s emergency department. She went on to graduate from the University of South Alabama with degrees in biomedical sciences and philosophy.
Andrew, from Mobile, initially pursued engineering but, after taking an EMT course, he became interested in practicing medicine and patient care. His curiosity led him to earn degrees in emergency medical services and biology from USA.
The two met early in their academic careers at South – in a general chemistry class their freshman year. They formed a strong friendship through studying together and their involvement in campus ministry, eventually growing into a relationship in October 2020.
When Andrew took a Chinese class, “I frequently asked for her help — definitely not just an excuse to spend more time with her,” he quipped.
Andrew worked as a paramedic while preparing for medical school. Yulong’s early acceptance into the Whiddon College of Medicine made Andrew’s decision to attend the same medical school a no-brainer. Before their Step 1 exam, Andrew proposed to Yulong, and they tied the knot in December 2023, during winter break of their third year.
“Soon after, I had the incredible opportunity to visit China, where I met her extended family — an experience I will always cherish,” he said.
Yulong said matching as a couple “has made our options paradoxically both more limited and more expansive. As challenging as this process has been, I am elated that we are going through this together. Overall, I feel pretty stoked (no pun intended) to find out where we end up.”
The Stokes learned they will stay in the Mobile area. He matched in family medicine at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, and she matched in neurology at USA Health.
William Smith and Virginia Farley
Will Smith and Virginia Farley
For Daphne resident Will, aspirations of pursuing medicine began at just 11 years old, when a career interest test in middle school revealed physician as his top result. After shadowing doctors throughout high school and college, his passion only deepened. He earned a degree in chemistry at the University of Alabama.
Virginia, on the other hand, found her calling later. During her undergraduate studies at Sewanee: The University of the South, she volunteered at free clinics in rural areas of the Cumberland Plateau. There, the Birmingham native realized the profound shortage of primary care providers in underserved communities and decided to become part of the solution.
As a medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, she has participated in the Primary Care Pathway, which enhances the educational experience by preparing students to serve populations in rural and underserved areas.
Will and Virginia’s connection began on the second day of M1 orientation when they sat next to each other in the auditorium. Will, eager to break the ice, shared his love for making French press coffee, only to nervously choke on his water. Despite the awkward start, they quickly bonded, joining study groups in which their friends marveled at how well they clicked. By the end of their first semester, they were inseparable.
In July 2024, amid the stress of preparing for Step 2, Will proposed to Virginia, offering a welcome break from studying to celebrate. They look forward to their wedding on May 17, 2025.
“We are forever thankful to the Whiddon COM for bringing us together,” Virginia said.
The couple matched at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where he will train in internal medicine, and she will train in family medicine.
Nicholas Friend and Mary Claire Carlton
Nick Friend and Mary Claire Carlton
Nick, a Mobile native, knew from an early age that medicine was his calling. Fascinated by science and human anatomy, he made it his goal to become a physician. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in genetics.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Mary Claire, originally from Letohatchee, Alabama, grew up with aspirations of becoming a fashion designer – and with a fear of blood. But after some personal and family experiences with medicine in high school, her passion for healthcare was sparked. She earned a degree in microbiology from Auburn University.
Both chose the Whiddon College of Medicine for medical school, valuing the opportunity to stay close to their families in Alabama. They quickly found a community who made the journey even more rewarding.
“We have loved being here – particularly because our class is full of the most wonderful friends in the world – and would absolutely choose it again,” Mary Claire said.
In their first year of medical school, they started out as friends through sports like tennis and intramural volleyball. Nick asked Mary Claire out “at least five times” before his persistence eventually paid off. After serenading Mary Claire at a karaoke night, she finally agreed to go out with him. By their third year, they were engaged and married, and now they are expecting a baby in April.
The pair reflected on the challenges of the couples match and how the process would have been insurmountable without the guidance of their advisors at USA.
“Between the couples match, an incoming tiny human, and our two very energetic dogs, we have given up on being nervous and are just choosing to take each day as it comes,” Mary Claire said.
After opening their envelopes together on stage, they announced they will stay at USA Health, where he matched in internal medicine, and she matched in general surgery.
Sidney Bailey and Addison (Barchie) Bailey
Sidney and Addison Bailey
During his junior year of high school in Monroeville, Sidney took a health science class that allowed him to shadow healthcare providers at the local hospital, clinics and nursing homes. Seeing the impact these caregivers had on the community inspired him to pursue medicine. He went on to earn a degree in biomedical sciences from Auburn University.
Addison of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, always knew medicine was her calling, inspired by her father’s career as a physician. She found her niche in family medicine, drawn to the relationships she could build with patients and their families. She graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in biology.
Their paths led them both to the Whiddon College of Medicine, where they met on the first day of M1 orientation.
“Our last names were already side by side alphabetically, so we ended up being anatomy lab partners,” Addison said. “We started studying together and our relationship just continued to blossom.”
By the end of their first year, they were engaged in Juneau, Alaska, and by the end of their second year, they celebrated with a beautiful wedding in Pensacola, Florida. Most recently, at the end of their third year, they welcomed their son, Bryson, “just in time to help us study for Step 2 CK,” Addison said.
Although the couples match process was overwhelming at times, they used some of their in-person interviews as opportunities for family road trips. Now, they are filled with excitement for the next chapter of their careers.
“We have been through a lot of major life events during our time in medical school,” Addison said, “and, although it has been quite challenging at times, we would not change it for the world.”
The family will be staying in the Mobile area, as he matched in diagnostic radiology at USA Health, and she matched in family medicine at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center.
Alexander Lund and Hope (Harris) Lund
Hope and Alexander Lund
Growing up in Dothan, Alabama, Alexander was immersed in medicine from a young age, as both of his parents were physicians. He never imagined a career outside of healthcare and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in biology.
Hope, originally from Opelika, Alabama, had her heart set on becoming a pediatrician since she was 8 years old. She earned a degree in biomedical sciences from Auburn University.
Their paths converged at the Whiddon College of Medicine. Alexander felt an immediate connection with the school during his interview, appreciating the smaller class size and the charm of the city. Hope had heard about the Whiddon COM through pre-med meetings at Auburn University and was drawn to it for its close-knit community, which was only confirmed during her interview day.
At the start of their M1 year, they sat at the same small group table but weren’t particularly close. That all changed when they started crossing paths at social events, realizing they enjoyed each other’s company. From there, their relationship grew. They dressed up as Beauty and the Beast for the class Halloween party, followed by their first official date at Red or White.
“We went from dating to engaged to married over the next two and a half years of medical school,” Hope said. “We have enjoyed being on this adventure together – studying hard, conquering exams, applying to residency, making memories with friends, and traveling on our breaks.”
As Match Day approached, they were filled with both nervousness and excitement, knowing their journey together is just beginning.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to match as a couple given that we do not see ourselves continuing this journey apart,” Hope said. “Overall, we are excited because of the adventure that lies ahead.”
The couple will be moving to Gainesville, Florida, where they both matched at the University of Florida – he in internal medicine and she in pediatrics.
Robert Israel, M.D., teaches a class of medical students in the kitchen.
By Michelle Ryan-Day
The USA Health Integrative Health and Wellness Program is making a significant impact on lives, one plate at a time—and it’s starting to gain attention statewide and even nationwide.
Earlier this week, Alabama Public Radio (APR), a network of public radio stations based in Tuscaloosa, aired a feature on the program’s work. The segment highlighted the experiences of medical students gaining essential nutrition education and high school students learning to create healthy snacks in USA Health’s teaching kitchens.
Under the expert guidance of program director Robert Israel, M.D., FACP, an internal medicine physician at USA Health, and Ben Schrubbe, M.D., a family medicine physician in Baldwin County, the hands-on cooking classes are giving participants the skills they need to make healthier choices.
“Cori Yonge, a great friend and reporter for National Public Radio, asked to spend time with us in the kitchen with classes both of med students and a class from LeFlore High School,” Israel said. “Her questions were insightful and revealing, and we learned from them. We were also very lucky to be able to connect her with our good friends at the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative who were able to relate what we are doing locally to what is happening globally.”
Since joining the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative in 2021, a nationwide network of interactive culinary teaching facilities, USA Health has provided life-changing experiences to a diverse range of participants. From high school athletes, teenagers, and young children and their parents to community members, USA employees, and medical students, the program is teaching everyone how to prepare meals and snacks that are as delicious as they are healthy.
Israel credited the existence of such a program to the leadership at USA Health and the University of South Alabama and their vision of a healthier Gulf Coast community.
“Their ongoing and steadfast support is the reason this program exists, and this story should really be seen as the ability to see something valuable where nothing existed before,” he said. “We have really felt a building momentum around our message and a deep yearning for a healthier nutritional foundation, and that is gratifying for us. We hope to use this as a springboard to even better things in the next year or so.”
The program shines a light on two critical nutrition-related issues. First, it advocates for expanding medical school curricula to include nutrition education, as diet-related diseases contribute significantly to healthcare costs and mortality. Second, it emphasizes the importance of hands-on cooking experiences that focus on reducing highly processed foods and incorporating more plant-based, nutrient-dense options into everyday diets.
Through these practical cooking classes, participants gain the skills to make lasting dietary changes and reduce their risk of chronic health issues.
The Integrative Health and Wellness Program has two teaching kitchens – at University Commons in Mobile and Mapp Family Campus in Fairhope, but a third will be built at the new medical school under construction at USA.
Schrubbe, who echoed gratitude for APR’s coverage to a wider audience, recognized another benefit the teaching kitchens provide.
“The concept of ‘Food is Medicine’ allows our patient population to be directly involved in improving their health and the health of their families,” he said. “I have noticed that our classes not only provide important nutritional information and culinary skills, but also have the added benefit of building community.”
APR offers programming in classical, folk, jazz and nostalgic music programs, as well as local news and news and feature programs from National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media networks.
All healthcare providers – including medical students and residents – involved in treating critically injured patients are invited to register and attend the 14th Gulf Coast Trauma Symposium, scheduled for March 26-28 at the Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The first two days of the symposium will feature nationally and regionally recognized speakers discussing the management of patients across the care continuum, including pre-hospital care, for injured patients. The third day will feature pre-hospital courses, including an ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support), TEAM (Trauma Evaluation and Management) and Ultrasound training.
Nicole A. Stassen, M.D., a professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center, will give the William A.L. Mitchell Endowment Lectureship, titled “The Pebble in the Pond: The Ripple Effect of our Profession on our Lives.”
Stassen also serves as the director of both the University of Rochester Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program and the Kessler Family Burn Trauma Intensive Care Unit. She is the medical director of the Kessler Trauma Center Trauma Survivors Network.
Bryan A. Cotton, M.D., MPH, will present the John Emory Campbell Lectureship, titled “Greater Than the Sum of its Parts: The Use of Whole Blood in the Resuscitation of Hemorrhage.” Cotton is the John B. Holmes Professor in the Clinical Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. He is also director of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program and co-director of the Shock-Trauma ICU at Memorial Hermann Hospital.
The Trauma Symposium is a great opportunity to collaborate with healthcare providers, community leaders and other stakeholders regarding trauma-informed care, violence prevention, and disaster preparedness and management.
The event is hosted by the Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at USA Health University Hospital in conjunction with the Alabama Gulf EMS System. Last year more than 250 healthcare providers attended the symposium.
To receive a discount on registration, medical students may register using the code Student2025. Residents may use the code Resident2025.
