This one-and-a-half-day learning event brings together scholars and professionals from across the CCTS Partner Network. Highlights include a keynote from Reshma Jagsi, M.D., DPhil, professor and chair of radiation oncology at Emory University School of Medicine; the popular Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition; poster presentations; and the CCTS Scholars’ Dinner.
Registration is free, and submissions for posters and 3MT presentations are now open.
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| Chandrani Sarkar, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology, is principal investigator of the project. |
Chandrani Sarkar, Ph.D., a cancer researcher at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute and an assistant professor of pathology at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, is principal investigator of the project. She has been awarded a two-year $616,000 Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program Idea Award from the DOD to lead the research.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal cancer in both men and women, affecting a large population not only in the United States but also worldwide. The National Cancer Institute reports that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer are decreasing in adults 50 and older, they are rising at an alarming rate in adults under age 50.
“With emerging evidence supporting that the disease is often detected at more advanced stages in young adults, there is an urgent and unmet need to identify factors that regulate CRC and elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms to develop targeted therapeutic approaches for patients,” Sarkar said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overweight and obesity are associated with a higher risk of developing 13 types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. These cancers make up 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year. Visceral fat, or “belly fat,” is a type of fat stored deep in the abdominal cavity and surrounds vital organs. Excess visceral fat disrupts normal body functions, which can promote abnormal cell growth and increase the risk of cancer.
The molecular links between obesity and CRC, though explored, are not fully understood. Sarkar’s study aims to study the role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its receptors in obesity-induced CRC progression. Key functions of NPY include regulating appetite and energy balance, stress response, cardiovascular health, and immune modulation.
Identifying new targets will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer, Sarkar said.
Collaborators on the project are Debanjan Chakroborty, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology; Guillermo Herrera, M.D., professor and chair of pathology; Paramahansa Pramanik, Ph.D., assistant professor of math and statistics; and Ahmed Abdalla, M.D., assistant professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology.
Sarkar joined USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine in July 2021. She earned a Ph.D. in cancer biology from Jadavpur University in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She also holds a Master of Clinical Research from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Sarkar’s research efforts have led to several publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. She has also authored book chapters and presented her work at national and international professional meetings.
Amanda Arnold, education and training specialist; Heather Fleming, assistant director of faculty affairs; and Alice Nolen, faculty affairs specialist, will join this year’s cohort as mentees. Emily Wilson, Ph.D., associate dean of faculty affairs and faculty development, has been selected to serve as a mentor.
The GFA Mentoring Circles Program is a year-long, cohort-based initiative that connects faculty affairs professionals from academic medical institutions across the country. Rather than pairing individuals in a one-on-one relationship, the program organizes participants into “mentoring circles” — small groups of five to seven mentees and two to three mentors who meet regularly throughout the year. The goal is to promote networking, peer support, and shared learning on topics relevant to faculty affairs and professional development.
Each circle is thoughtfully composed based on career goals, institutional roles, and areas of interest, with the intent to foster meaningful collaboration and cross-institutional connection. Monthly meetings follow a structured curriculum provided by the GFA, focusing on topics like leadership development, GFA committee involvement, and best practices in career advancement.
Reflecting on her decision to apply, Arnold shared: “I joined the GFA Mentoring Circles Program because I wanted to connect with others who do similar work and learn from their experiences. Being part of a mentoring circle gives me a chance to grow professionally while also contributing to a supportive community.”
The staff members' involvement represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity for the institution to engage with the broader national conversation around faculty development and leadership in academic medicine.
The Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development at the Whiddon College of Medicine has announced the return of the Faculty Development Grand Rounds series for the 2025-2026 academic year. This ongoing professional development initiative provides valuable learning opportunities for our faculty community.
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Kickoff Session
“AI in Medical Training”
Hector Lopez, M.D., Associate Professor of Medical Education
Friday, August 8, noon to 1 p.m.
Register today to secure a spot for the entire series. Faculty members only need to register once to participate in all sessions.
For more information, contact Amanda Arnold at akarnold@southalabama.edu or 251-460-6823.
Four USA Health internal medicine physicians-in-training recently published an article on Cureus, a web-based medical journal, about infections in people with underlying liver diseases.
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Fluoroscopic angiogram showing coil embolization of splenic artery |
The article, titled “Vibrio vulnificus causing severe multiorgan failure in a patient with underlying cirrhosis,” follows v. vulnificus, a bacterium that is found in raw shellfish like oysters. While typically it does not pose a threat, people who have liver disease are more likely to have a serious and potentially fatal reaction to the bacterium.
Cirrhosis is a liver condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy tissue cells, weakening the immune system and increasing iron levels in the body. The article details a case study of a patient who presented symptoms of septic shock after v. vulnificus entered the body. As a result, the patient experienced severe organ failure. The patient also developed severe thrombocytopenia, a condition causing a decrease in platelet levels.
In the article, the residents emphasized the importance of managing v. vulnificus infection efficiently to prevent fatal reactions as seen in this case. The study urges awareness of bacteria found in raw shellfish, especially to those more prone to serious infection.The case study was published under the supervision of Philip Almalouf, M.D., a pulmonologist with USA Health and an assistant professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine.
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| The Class of 2029 gathers in front of the Medical Sciences Building. |
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| Miles Hunt, Trinity Upshaw and Ayanna Whittaker |
Other highlights from the week included a meet and greet with faculty at the MacQueen Alumni Center, and dinner with the dean at Moe's Original BBQ in downtown Mobile.
Activities continue Thursday afternoon when the students are sorted into their wellness houses and compete in a kickball tournament sponsored by the Wellness Program.
View more photos from orientation week.
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| Medical students socialize at the meet and greet at the MacQueen Alumni Center. |
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| Medical student Chris Novellino gives an oral presentation on research day. |
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| Medical student Juanita Monteiro-Pai presents her poster. |
Oliver McDonald, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, presented the keynote lecture. Students had the opportunity to attend a mixer with the keynote speaker the Thursday evening prior to summer research day.
Jonathan Rayner, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and immunology, served as chair of this year's summer research program. Skye Andrade, coordinator of research and communications in the Office of the Associate Dean for Research, and Marcina Lang, MPA, senior manager of COM support services in the Dean's Office, were program coordinators.
The Clyde G. Huggins Awards for Summer Research will be presented to the winners in the oral and poster presentation categories in the coming weeks.
View more photos from Medical Student Summer Research Day on Flickr.
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| Keynote speaker Oliver McDonald, M.D., Ph.D., receives a plaque from Jonathan Rayner, Ph.D. |
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| Richard Menger, M.D., MPA |
As part of the region’s leading academic health system, Menger is also an associate professor of neurosurgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine.
This recognition celebrates the quality and quantity of Menger’s peer-reviewed research published during 2021 and 2022, affirming his role as a leading academic voice in neurosurgery, complex spine care, and healthcare policy.
“This is a great objective external validation of all the work we have been able to accomplish here at USA,” Menger said. “We are proud of the imprint USA Health Neurosurgery has made regionally and nationally.”
A prolific author and national speaker, Menger’s research spans a wide range of clinical and policy-focused topics, including the integration of efficient care delivery models in complex spine surgery. His academic contributions continue to inform national best practices and influence the future of neurosurgical care.
“This illustrates how the Department of Neurosurgery is able to push the field forward in all three areas — performing complex cases, teaching the next generation of surgeons, and participating in leading-edge research,” he said.
The Healthcare Research All-Star lists, compiled annually by Avant-garde Health, recognize only the top 5% of hospitals and physicians publishing high-impact research in their fields. Menger’s selection reflects his continued dedication to advancing the science of spine and neurosurgical care.
Founded in 2014, Avant-garde Health collaborates with healthcare providers to enhance patient outcomes while lowering costs. The company originated from value-based care research at Harvard Business School, led by Professors Michael Porter and Robert Kaplan.
More information about the award and full list of honorees is available at: Neurosurgery and Spine Research All-Stars 2025.
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| A team of 33 volunteers provided medical care in Calca, Peru, with Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama. |
“Trips like this ground me and help recenter my goals as a future physician, reminding me that medicine is not just about knowledge, but about service, empathy and human connection,” said Chase Jordan, a rising third-year medical student. “I was reminded ... how much healing can come simply from listening and showing up with compassion.”
Jordan was among 20 first- and second-year medical students from the Whiddon College of Medicine who recently spent 10 days in southern Peru, serving alongside healthcare professionals on a medical mission trip with the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama (CMMSA). Calca is located outside of the city of Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, and its population is largely indigenous.
CMMSA partnered with Medical Missions International (MMI) Peru to lead a team of 33 volunteers. Working in temporary medical clinics set up in gymnasiums, the group provided medical, dental, optometry and physical‑therapy services. Students rotated through each area for hands‑on learning with attending professionals and local staff.
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| Medical student Chase Jordan listens to a patient's heart. |
“We saw patients in remote areas who walked hours just for the chance to be seen by a healthcare provider. The gratitude they showed was incredibly humbling,” he said. “Beyond the clinical work, the chance to collaborate with Peruvian healthcare professionals, translators, and fellow students created a strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose.”
Mary Frances Buzhardt, a rising second-year medical student, said the trip was a chance for her and her classmates to apply their M1 coursework in an interdisciplinary setting.
“Doing so allowed us to receive experience working alongside different specialties, as well as gain perspective on the roles of various members of the healthcare team,” she said. A personal highlight for Buzhardt was assisting in a frenectomy, a minor procedure to correct a tongue or lip tie, that produced instant results for the 6-month-old patient.
CMMSA Director Duane Baxter noted that, for volunteers who wished, faith was woven naturally into care. “Our host values integrated spiritual care,” he said, “so students had the opportunity to pray with patients and practice compassion-driven care.”
Buzhardt agreed: “It may seem like a small thing to do, but if patients are open to it, prayer can have a powerful impact on fostering strong relationships and making every person feel seen and heard.”
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Alumnus Brian Buning, M.D., assists a patient at the clinic. |
Brian Buning, M.D., a 2015 alumnus, said when he participated in his first mission trip, he didn’t realize just how impactful it would be. “A decade later, I’m still traveling the world with the organization to help serve people physically and spiritually,” said Buning, an emergency medicine physician practicing in Orlando. “This trip was extra special as I was reunited with current physicians who were medical students at South on previous trips. To see how they’ve grown professionally and spiritually was really inspiring.”
Celebrating his birthday “in true Peruvian style” with current students was an unexpected bonus, Buning added.
Kirasten Brasfield, M.D., a 2018 alumna, served in Peru in 2015 and in Rwanda in 2018. When Baxter presented the opportunity to join this year’s mission, she was excited to reunite with classmates she hadn’t seen since graduation. “It was like no time had passed,” said Brasfield, now a family medicine physician in Chatsworth, Georgia.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip, Brasfield said, was being able to “connect with the medical students and mentor them during the clinics, as well as give advice and insight regarding where they are in their training currently. I was encouraged by their enthusiasm for serving and impressed by their knowledge and skills.”
Brasfield also appreciated the slower pace of the clinics in contrast with the typical 20-minute window to see patients in the United States.
“I loved being able to slow down, get to know our patients, their daily struggles and how they may affect their health, and have the time to pray with people if they wanted us to,” she said. “I came back to my job with a renewed sense of intention in my work.”
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Alumna Kirasten Brasfield, M.D., and medical student Tillery French talk with a patient in the clinic. |
On one of the final days of the trip, the team had the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu, the historic site of an ancient Inca citadel set high atop the Peruvian Andes.
“The landscape of Peru, especially the Andes Mountains, was breathtaking, and having the opportunity to tour Machu Picchu added a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience that made the trip even more unforgettable,” Jordan said.
Reflecting on the medical missions, Buning called CMMSA “an incredible blessing” that shaped his trajectory. “They have helped guide me in the specialty of emergency medicine, make lifelong friendships, and provide a platform to mentor students just like I was,” he said.
As he prepares for the clinical phase of his training, Jordan said he hopes global service remains a lifelong part of his medical journey.
“These experiences not only make me a better medical student,” he said, “but also shape the kind of physician I aspire to be — one who leads with empathy and serves beyond borders.”
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| Kristin Rager, M.D., MPH |
After working in private practice in Nashville, Tennessee, Rager moved to Mobile in 2024 to join USA Health. July marked one year of her seeing patients on the Gulf Coast.
Chandra Brown Stewart, executive director at Lifelines Counseling Services, said Rager was honored “because of her commitment to providing holistic care to youth in our community.” After attending an open house at Lifelines last year, the adolescent health physician began sending referrals for those who need mental health support. “We’ve used a collaborative approach to ensure our young people and their families receive the support they need,” Stewart said.
Benjamin Estrada, M.D., assistant dean for medical education and professor and interim chair of pediatrics, said he is incredibly proud of the work Rager is performing in the community.
"In addition to this well-deserved honor,” Estrada said, “she continues to make a meaningful impact in our community through her growing involvement in school health initiatives and other youth-focused programs. We truly appreciate Dr. Rager's dedication to adolescent health and to the well-being of those who live here."
Rager is double board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics in pediatrics and adolescent medicine. Rager was elected as a fellow of the academy in 2015.
“I truly believe that the time between being a child and becoming an adult is the most significant time in our lives,” Rager said. “There are so many choices that we are faced with that can affect our future health, happiness, and success. The choices teens and young adults are faced with daily may have a ripple effect for their whole lives.”
Rager earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed an internship and residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and a fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
She sees patients at USA Health Adolescent and Young Adult Health, 4300 Old Shell Road in Mobile. For an appointment, call 251-634-4589.
The University of South Alabama was named Best Local College, and USA President Jo Bonner received the award for Best Local College President. USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) was recognized as Best Oncology Practice, while several USA Health physicians and providers were individually honored.
Other USA Health winners:
The Nappie Awards are voted on by the community and celebrate excellence across a wide range of categories, from healthcare to hospitality.
During the competition, Lagniappe readers nominated their favorite people, places, and things in more than 300 categories. Top nominees were named, and votes were cast in the final round to select the winners. Award recipients were honored during a ceremony on Friday, July 18, at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile.
USA Health announced the acquisition of the Edison histotripsy system, becoming the first health system in Alabama and one of fewer than 100 nationwide, to offer the groundbreaking, noninvasive treatment for liver tumors.
Histotripsy is a transformative therapy that uses focused ultrasound energy to destroy liver tumors without incisions, needles or long recovery times. The Edison system, developed by HistoSonics, delivers image-guided, personalized treatments using proprietary sonic beam therapy that targets tumors with millimeter precision in a single outpatient procedure.
“This is more than just a medical breakthrough; it’s a paradigm shift,” said Josh Snow, MSHA, CEO of University Hospital, where the new system will be housed. “The Edison system gives us a new path to care — noninvasive, image-guided therapy with minimal recovery time. For patients with limited treatment options, this can make a life-changing difference.”
During a news conference July 16 announcing the acquisition, University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner emphasized the significance of the new technology: “Histotripsy is a dramatic leap forward in noninvasive therapy,” he said. “This investment reflects the core of USA Health’s mission — advancing research, medical education, and patient care across Alabama and beyond. We are profoundly grateful to the USA Foundation for its unwavering support that has made today’s milestone possible.”
The acquisition was made possible through philanthropic support from the USA Foundation. Maxey Roberts, managing director of the foundation, said, “When the foundation board learned about histotripsy, we saw not just a technological innovation but a way to extend lives and reduce suffering. We are proud to help bring this vision to life for our state and region.”
“From a surgical standpoint, this is revolutionary,” said William O. Richards, M.D., chair of surgery at USA Health. “We now have a noninvasive way to treat tumors that were previously considered inoperable. Patients can continue other therapies like chemotherapy and anticoagulation medication without interruption, and we reduce complications like infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding tissues, and long recovery times.”
Suzy Figarola, M.D., chair of radiology, said the system’s real-time imaging and precision are among its most promising features. “Our teams will be able to use ultrasound imaging to guide and monitor treatment in real time, ensuring complete and accurate tumor destruction,” she said. “For many patients, this offers a safer, more hopeful treatment path.”
To learn more about histotripsy at USA Health, visit www.usahealthsystem.com/services/histotripsy.
The Whiddon College of Medicine will host the 52nd annual Medical Student Summer Research Day on Friday, July 25.
The program culminates with student presentations and a keynote lecture on Summer Research Day.
Medical student oral presentations
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Medical Sciences Building, first-floor auditorium
Keynote lecture
11 a.m. – noon
Medical Sciences Building, first-floor auditorium
Oliver McDonald, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Medical student poster presentations
12:30 – 2 p.m.
Medical Sciences Building, second-floor hallway (near the MSB/CSAB connector)
Winners of the Clyde G. “Sid” Huggins Medical Student Research Awards will be announced after the event. The awards honor the memory of the first dean of students at the College of Medicine. Winners receive a plaque and a cash award.
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| Jonathan Nunez |
In his new position, he is responsible for ordering supplies and equipment, assisting in preparing budgets, reconciling monthly reports, helping coordinate travel arrangements for COM students and faculty, and assisting in conducting various cost studies and analyses.
Nunez graduated from Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, followed by a Master of Business Administration. Prior to joining USA, he worked for two years at Troy University as a staff accountant in the business office of the athletics department.
“The Whiddon COM provided a great opportunity for me to take the next step in my career as an accountant,” he said. “I will be taking on more responsibility on the financial side of things, and I am excited to grow not only as an individual but also within the college community.”
Nunez added, “Everyone has been very nice and welcoming, and I am excited for my role as a member of the Student Affairs team.”
“We are thrilled about Jonathan bringing his skill set to the Whiddon COM and the Office of Student Affairs team,” said Laventrice Ridgeway, Ed.D., associate dean for student affairs. “We look forward to all his significant contributions.”
Nunez grew up in Los Angeles. As a child, he worked as a background actor on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly” and “Victorious” and the Disney Channel’s “Kickin’ It.”
“I was able to meet many different people in the industry,” he said, “and it was a unique experience not many people get to have.”
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| Aishwarya Prakash, Ph.D., is principal investigator of the research project. |
Aishwarya Prakash, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine and a cancer researcher at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, is leading the research, which will focus on understanding how cadmium interferes with the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Cadmium is an environmental carcinogen found in soil, cigarette smoke, and foods such as shellfish and organ meats.
The study revolves around a specific DNA repair complex formed by the proteins PMS2 and MLH1, also known as Mutl_Alpha, which is crucial for correcting DNA errors – in essence, typos in our genetic code. “We aim to uncover the detailed mechanisms by which cadmium interferes with this process,” Prakash said. “Our team will use advanced biophysical and structural methods to examine changes in key enzyme regions when cadmium binds, causing loss of function.”
The researchers will investigate specific amino acids within the zinc/cadmium binding region of Mutl_Alpha. Prakash said mutations at these sites can increase the risk of cancer, particularly when there is exposure to cadmium. The findings could be especially relevant for people with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that increases the lifetime risk of cancer by up to 80%. Those with Lynch syndrome are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of cadmium because they have only one functional copy of the DNA-correcting complex Mutl_Alpha, she said.
In addition, the team will explore the broader interactions between DNA repair errors and environmental factors that lead to cancer development. They plan to use sophisticated spatial technology to analyze endometrial tumor samples to study how changes in gene expression initiate and drive cancer.
“Our equipped lab, together with strategic collaborations, positions us to achieve significant insights into the relationship between cadmium exposure and cancer susceptibility,” Prakash said. “If successful, our research can inform environmental lifestyle choices where toxicants like cadmium might be present, such as smoking and diet.”
Collaborators on the project are John Wise, Ph.D., and Jamie Wise, Ph.D., of the University of Louisville; Andrej Wierzbicki, Ph.D., Alan Salter, Ph.D., Kevin Lee, Ph.D., and Justin Roberts, Ph.D., of the University of South Alabama; and Jennifer Scalici, M.D., of Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta.
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| Ting Wei, M.D., Ph.D. |
USA Health is expanding its neonatology division with the addition of Ting Wei, M.D., Ph.D., a physician who specializes in the care of premature infants. She will also serve as an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine.
Before moving to the United States, Wei earned her medical and doctorate degree at the West China School of Medicine. She then served as chief resident and attending at Guangxi Medical University in China and specialized in pediatric surgery for five years.
“While at times it is stressful and exhausting to be a neonatologist, it is more rewarding to see a baby grow bigger and stronger,” Wei said. “Taking care of children, especially tiny human beings, is always my motivation.”
Wei moved to the U.S. in 2012 to conduct research on pediatric anomalies at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute. She later completed her pediatric residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2022 and fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Wei deeply enjoys patient work and research equally. She said working at USA Health will give her the resources to combine both her interests working with patients and continuing research as a faculty physician-scientist.
“Practicing in an academic health system can provide advantages to see patients with different levels of acuity as well as provide solid support for clinical and basic research,” she said.
Wei has published several articles about her area of study and has contributed to multiple research projects. Her main interest lies in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic condition affecting the lungs in premature infants.
“Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common morbidity related to extreme preterm birth,” Wei said. “I hope doing research can help me better understand this disease and potentially develop new therapeutic intervention for these fragile and precious babies.”
Wei also has years of teaching experience. As a resident, she instructed medical students at Guangxi Medical University. Then, she served as an instructor for medical students and residents during her fellowship at UAB.
Wei will care for premature infants in the region’s only level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the newborn nursery at Children’s & Women's Hospital.
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| Bahaaeldin Youssef, M.D. |
His journey to pathology began with a deep fascination for disease mechanisms and a desire to contribute to patient care through diagnostic precision.
“During medical school, I was captivated by the way pathology bridges clinical medicine and basic science,” he said. “Over time, I developed a strong interest in cytopathology, gynecologic, and breast pathology, which has guided my subspecialty training and research focus.”
Youssef earned his medical degree from Suez Canal University College of Medicine in Ismailia, Egypt, and went on to complete a research fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He received his residency training at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee.
He then pursued a fellowship in surgical pathology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, followed by a cytopathology fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles. Most recently, he completed a fellowship in gynecologic pathology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Youssef is actively involved in clinical and translational research, particularly in gynecologic pathology. His recent work includes studies on diagnostic markers in ovarian tumors and the role of cytologic-histologic correlation in improving diagnostic accuracy. He has also contributed to research in breast cancer immunology and cytopathology, with several publications and presentations at national conferences.
Youssef, who is certified in anatomic and clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology, said he is honored to join USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine as an assistant professor of pathology.
“USA Health’s commitment to academic excellence, patient-centered care, and collaborative learning deeply resonated with me,” he said. “I was particularly drawn to the collegial environment, the emphasis on education, and the opportunity to contribute to a growing academic pathology department.”
Understanding the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, Youssef said he hopes to contribute to tumor boards and quality improvement initiatives.
“I’m passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians,” he added. “Throughout my training, I’ve been involved in medical student and resident education, and I look forward to continuing this at USA Health.”
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Natalie Bauer, Ph.D., presents a symposium lecture on pulmonary hypertension. |
Natalie Bauer, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and a member of the USA Center for Lung Biology, was invited to give a symposium lecture. The symposium, “Pulmonary Hypertension: Unraveling cellular phenotype shifts across the timeline of disease progression,” was organized by a group of internationally recognized investigators in pulmonary hypertension.
Bauer’s talk, titled “Signaling Symphony: Extracellular Vesicles and the Molecular Ballet of Pulmonary Hypertension,” focused on her work using extracellular vesicles to repair lung blood vessels in the disease pulmonary arterial hypertension.
“Our innovative approach, using extracellular vesicles derived from pulmonary endothelial cells, to target potentially healing signaling to the pulmonary circulation is an emerging field,” she said. “Extracellular vesicles were identified in blood in the ’60s but only with the advent of modern technologies have we been able to isolate, identify and harness the power of these tiny circulating vesicles.”
Bauer has had a longstanding interest in the endothelial function in both health and disease. “This is coupled with the unique aspects of the pulmonary circulation and its responses to stimuli such as hypoxia that set it apart physiologically from every other circulation,” she said. “This driving biological interest ultimately led me to the study of pulmonary arterial hypertension.”
This deadly disease currently has no cure and minimal treatment. “Fundamentally, what drives our lab is the desire to improve the lives and outcomes for pulmonary hypertension patients,” she added.
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| Reece Stevens, Ph.D. |
“We evaluated the levels of these markers and their associations with vascular injury and inflammatory markers as well as diagnoses of vascular disease,” Meegan said. “While we didn't find any significant associations with vascular injury markers, higher levels of sLOX-1 were associated with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and levels of oxLDL and sLOX-1 were associated with changes in inflammatory markers.”
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| Tyese Pritchett |
Ji Young Lee, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of physiology and cell biology, associate professor of internal medicine, and a member of the USA Center for Lung Biology; Reece Stevens, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow; and Sagar Kumar, M.D., a pulmonary/critical care fellow, presented posters on the mechanisms of pH regulation and metabolism of the pulmonary circulation.
Tyese Pritchett, a Ph.D. student in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, presented a poster about the effects of repeated airway exposure to monoethanolamine, a CO2 scrubbing agent.
Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical society dedicated to accelerating the advancement of global respiratory health through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and advocacy. The ATS and its more than 16,000 members are committed to improving global health by advancing research, patient care, and public health in pulmonary disease, critical illness, and sleep disorders.
In the episode, Riggins interviews Cathy Lavender, M.D., director of the Family Medicine Obstetrics Division at the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, and John Waits, M.D., CEO of Cahaba Medical Care, to discuss the vital role of family medicine obstetricians. Together, they explore topics like combating the maternity care crisis in rural Alabama, balancing malpractice insurance costs, advice for medical students, and the future of family medicine.
Listen to the inspiring conversation about advancing healthcare in underserved communities.
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| Wiltz W. Wagner Jr., Ph.D. |
Wagner began his career in the early 1960s studying the pulmonary circulation under Robert F. Grover, M.D., Ph.D., in Denver, Colorado. He earned his Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics from Colorado State University in 1974, and went on to complete a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Colorado.
Much of Wagner’s work has focused on the lung’s microscopic gas exchange vessels and how blood flow is regulated in the capillaries. He developed a pioneering method to study capillary blood flow directly in the living lung. His lab’s innovations in fluorescence microscopy, laser lighting, and computer image enhancement produced unique data still being analyzed with state-of-the-art mathematical techniques.
After decades of studying the healthy lung, Wagner’s research expanded to conditions such as sickle cell disease, liver cirrhosis, low-oxygen environments, and white blood cell abnormalities — each of which affects pulmonary gas exchange. In a related breakthrough, he developed the only existing theory that explains why some species develop pulmonary hypertension at high altitudes. His interest in exercise physiology also led to early research on athletic amenorrhea. A prolific scholar, Wagner has published more than 130 scientific papers and 160 abstracts.
Wagner joined the University of South Alabama in 2005 as a faculty member in the USA Center for Lung Biology and the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program. He also holds the titles of V.K. Stoelting Chair in Anesthesiology Emeritus and professor emeritus of physiology and biophysics at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Mark Gillespie, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, introduced Wagner before the award presentation. Gillespie completed his postdoctoral fellowship in the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Laboratory at the University of Colorado under Wagner’s mentorship. In his remarks, Gillespie highlighted key moments from Wagner’s long career as a researcher, educator, mentor and historian.
Among his many leadership roles within the ATS, Wagner served two terms as chair of the Pulmonary Circulation Assembly (1999–2003). Since 1990, he has also served on the steering committee of The Grover Conference, the only international meeting in North America repeatedly focusing on subjects relevant to lung vascular biology and medicine.
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| Sridhar Karne |
Sridhar Karne, a third-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, has been selected for the Emory Global Ophthalmology Research Fellowship. This highly competitive opportunity will allow him to advance research and gain hands-on experience in expanding access to eye care in underserved communities worldwide.
Karne’s passion for ophthalmology began during college while traveling with his ophthalmologist, Heather Estopinal, M.D., to Migori, Kenya, through Kenya Relief, a nonprofit group based in Cullman, Alabama, that delivers life-changing healthcare. In just four days, their team provided care to more than 500 patients lacking basic eye health services.
“When I traveled to Migori, I was reminded of our home village and the disparities in overall healthcare that exist in this world,” Karne said. “This disparity touches me personally as I receive annual eye care and I am aware of the privilege that I have had growing up with access that members of my close family do not necessarily have back in India.”
Locally, Karne has gained extensive clinical exposure in ophthalmology through Premier Medical Eye Group in Mobile, shadowing mentors including Mark Douglas, M.D., and Christopher Semple, M.D.
“I am extremely thankful for their support and mentorship throughout my medical school experience,” Karne said.
In addition to the Emory fellowship, Karne was awarded the U.S. Fulbright-Nehru Research Grant in India. With a strong interest in global health and health systems improvement, Karne applied for the Fulbright grant to study models that increase access to eye care and reduce preventable blindness in India.Bri Ard, Ph.D., executive director of global engagement at the University of South Alabama, provided critical mentorship throughout the year-long application process.
“I am humbled to have received the Fulbright award,” Karne said, “but I am also greatly honored and will be partaking in the Emory Global Ophthalmology Research Fellowship to work under my mentor, Jacquelyn O’Banion, M.D., M.Sc., who is the Director of Global Ophthalmology at Emory University.”
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Sridhar Karne, left, cares for a patient in Kenya. |
“My future plans are to further understand the delivery of health care and systems that can improve resource-limited areas. Specifically, with my interest in eye care, access is still a large issue here in the United States as well,” Karne said. “There are many reasons for this, but if we can identify specific limitations in regions that are disproportionately affected by preventable conditions such as preventable blindness, then we can develop tailored models to address and improve the health of our local communities.”
The Emory Global Ophthalmology Research Fellowship Program improves medical training, service capacity, and vision care for under-resourced populations in Georgia and around the world. The collaboration gives Emory-trained ophthalmologists new insights into the delivery of care to diverse population groups.
In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.
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| Gerardo Eman, M.D. |
He will also serve as an assistant professor at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine in the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine. Working in an academic health system, he said, will allow him to improve the quality of patient care.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors who made a lasting impact on my own path,” Eman said. “Academic medicine allows me to stay involved in teaching, engage in research and continue evolving as a clinician. It is incredibly rewarding to be part of a community that values curiosity, collaboration, and a shared pursuit of excellence.”
Eman was drawn to the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine for its complexity and real-time impact on patients.
“There is something uniquely powerful about the interplay between the heart and lungs during critical illness,” said Eman. “And how the right intervention, at the right moment, can completely change a patient’s trajectory, sometimes in a matter of minutes. Helping people breathe easier, recover their strength, and regain hope remains one of the most meaningful aspects of my work.”
While treating sick patients can be demanding, for Eman, it is also deeply rewarding. The intensive care unit (ICU) environment drives him to remain constantly focused and willing to adapt in such a high-stake setting. On the other hand, pulmonary medicine provides longer-term experience that allows Eman to build lasting relationships with patients.
“For me, the combination of acute, hands-on care in critical care and thoughtful, long-term problem-solving in pulmonary medicine is what makes this specialty so fulfilling,” said Eman.
Eman holds a certification in critical care echocardiography from the National Board of Echocardiography. He is interested in acute respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and specializes in advanced critical care ultrasound (POCUS).
“I am especially interested in developing clinical tools and severity scoring systems to better guide the care of patients experiencing acute exacerbations of COPD,” said Eman. “I am also deeply interested in the cardiopulmonary interplay that often defines the trajectory of critically ill patients.”
Eman earned his medical degree from the University of Carabobo in Venezuela and completed his residency and subsequent fellowship at the Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. As a fellow, he developed knowledge of pulmonary diseases and performing procedures such as bronchoscopy and thoracentesis. During his time, he served as an ambulatory clinic chief for the pulmonary division.
Eman is member of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society, where he received an abstract scholarship award at an international conference in 2021. The specialist has also led various presentations nationally and internationally, including Italy and San Francisco, and has contributed to numerous online research publications about his area of expertise.
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| Third-year medical students, from left, are Sridhar Karne, Peter Doan, Harris Bolus, Brandon Schonour, Megan Rasmussen, and Will Gannaway. |
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| Peter Doan |
Harris Bolus, also a third-year medical student, was appointed as the medical student representative from the Whiddon College of Medicine to the Alabama chapter of the ACP by Ross B. Vaughn, M.D., FACP, ACP Governor, Alabama chapter, and internal medicine physician in Tuscaloosa. In this role, Bolus will serve on the Governor’s Advisory Council, which advises the chapter governor on resolutions pending before the national Board of Governors.
“My role is to represent students from the University of South Alabama, as well as to serve as a contact person for students interested in ACP meetings and events,” Bolus said. “I'm excited to learn more about the process of connecting and advocating for physicians in internal medicine and physicians in general.”
For Doan, this was his first time making a presentation at a professional conference, which he described as a meaningful and rewarding experience.
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| Sridhar Karne |
The aim of his poster was to demystify a case involving Familial Mediterranean Fever, which is difficult to diagnose because of its transient nature. Patients often present with recurring fever, abdominal pain, and serositis, which can be commonly mistaken for acute infections, autoimmune disorders, or other periodic fever syndromes.
“Beyond the presentation itself, the conference offered a great platform for networking with practicing physicians from Mississippi and Alabama,” Doan said. “Engaging in conversations about their clinical experiences and perspectives gave me deeper insight into the realities of medical practice in the region and helped shape the way I think about my future role as a physician.”
For Karne, an experienced conference presenter, this was his first time traveling with medical students from his class, which he said made the meeting more enjoyable.
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| Brandon Schonour |
Karne credited second-year internal medicine resident Lauren Healey, M.D., and first-year internal medicine resident Wilhelm Basegoda, M.D., and his mentor, Katherine Glosemeyer, M.D., a hospitalist at USA Health and assistant professor in the Whiddon College of Medicine, for their guidance and collaboration on the project. He also acknowledged the departments of surgery and pathology for assisting with biopsy and diagnosis.
“Conferences also serve as a great learning experience for me because they have interactive forums where they present interesting and rare cases where there is a lot of discussion amongst physicians that I can absorb from up close,” Karne said.
Schonour found his participation in attending and presenting to be motivation for his future goals.
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| Will Gannaway |
Another experienced presenter, Schonour highlighted an instance in which the patient’s complex anatomy caused by wandering spleen syndrome masked an appendicitis diagnosis. Consideration of such anomalies and high clinical suspicion can be important in exploring all scenarios, he said.
Gannaway’s research explored a rare case of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection that presented as an ampullary mass. No malignancy was found, but he concluded the case highlights the importance of tissue diagnosis to distinguish infection from malignancy, noting that such early consideration or recognition could prevent unnecessary surgical interventions.
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| Megan Rasmussen |
The American College of Physicians is a prestigious organization that recognizes specialists from the internal medicine field and strives to improve patient care. 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. Through its physician specialist and subspecialists members, ACP leads the profession in education, standard-setting, and the sharing of knowledge to advance the science and practice of internal medicine.