Construction progresses on new Whiddon COM building

The 295,000-square-foot medical education and research facility will provide a 21st-century, interactive learning environment for students and faculty and foster best practices in teaching the next generation of physicians and scientists.

View the latest construction photos on Flickr. 

Editorial support helps faculty advance research to publication

Completing a study, collecting data, and even presenting at a conference often represent only part of the research process. Many projects stall before publication — final revisions can feel daunting amid demanding schedules, reviewer feedback may be difficult to address, or a poster presentation may merit development into a full manuscript without sufficient time to expand it.

To support faculty in overcoming these barriers, the Dean's Office, in collaboration with Emily Wilson, Ph.D., associate dean for faculty affairs and faculty development, offers professional editorial services exclusively for the Whiddon College of Medicine community. 

Elly Trepman, M.D., an experienced medical and science editor who has helped numerous basic scientists and clinicians get their work published, provides comprehensive support. Services include detailed editing of manuscripts and grant proposals with tracked revisions, formatting for target journals or funding agencies, reference verification through PubMed, and constructive feedback to strengthen scientific writing. Trepman also assists in expanding posters from regional or national meetings into full manuscripts.

Draft manuscripts, grant proposals, or posters may be sent to Emily Wilson, Ph.D., at emilyw@southalabama.edu. Submissions should include the target journal or funding agency, relevant formatting requirements, prior editorial comments if available, and a requested deadline. Typical turnaround is about one week for editing, or one to two weeks for developing a poster into a full paper. Rush jobs are accommodated whenever possible, with work handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The primary focus is peer-reviewed journal articles and grant applications, though review articles and book chapters can be considered as time permits. By providing professional editorial guidance, the College of Medicine aims to support faculty in advancing their scholarly output and ensuring their research reaches publication.

USA Medical Alumni Association annual fund campaign is underway

From now through Dec. 31, South medical alumni can invest in the future of their alma mater with a donation to the USA Medical Alumni Association Annual Fund. 

Contributions fund student and alumni events, scholarships, awards, and career development initiatives throughout the year.

Show your support today: connect.southalabama.edu/g/maa-gifts

Cantrell selected as a 2025 Tableau Ambassador

Russell W. Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA

Data visualization leaders play a critical role in shaping how organizations use analytics to solve complex problems and foster innovation. This year, Russell W. Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA, director of data administration and strategic initiatives in the Office of Accreditation and Planning at the Whiddon College of Medicine, was once again chosen to be a Tableau Ambassador. He has been selected to serve as a Teaching Ambassador, joining a cohort of only 29 instructors worldwide and 15 in the United States.

Tableau is a leading data visualization software platform by Salesforce. The Tableau Ambassador program highlights individuals who elevate the practice of data visualization through knowledge sharing, inclusivity, and mentorship. Ambassadors are recognized for amplifying diverse voices, nurturing community growth, and creating spaces where collaboration thrives. The 2025 class of 386 leaders represents the most geographically diverse group of ambassadors to date, spanning education, healthcare, technology, and analytics.

Cantrell’s continued recognition reflects both his technical expertise and his commitment to advancing data literacy in academic medicine. “Tableau has given us powerful ways to communicate insights that matter,” Cantrell said. “It’s not just about making data look good — it’s about helping people see patterns that can change outcomes. Being part of this global community means we’re learning from one another and driving innovation forward.”

His role in the Office of Accreditation and Planning ensures that this recognition is not just personal, but also a reflection of the Whiddon College of Medicine’s broader commitment to data-driven excellence. By engaging in the global Tableau community, Cantrell helps showcase how the college is making an impact worldwide — integrating analytics into accreditation, planning, and quality improvement, while preparing future healthcare leaders to thrive in a complex and data-rich environment.

USA scientist awarded national grant to uncover triggers for inflammatory reactions

Michael R. Elliott, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and immunology, is principal investigator of the project.

By Casandra Andrews

With a goal of providing new insights aimed at helping patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases avoid or receive better treatment for first infusion reactions, University of South Alabama scientist Michael R. Elliott, Ph.D., recently received a two-year R21 grant for $431,147 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.  

“Antibody-based therapies are among the most powerful tools for treating cancers and autoimmune diseases,” said Elliott, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Yet for some patients, the very first infusion of these therapies can trigger inflammatory reactions ranging from mild discomfort to severe complications.”  

Elliott's research aims to uncover the biological triggers of inflammatory reactions, with a particular focus on the immune cells that drive them. The idea is that by identifying the underlying mechanisms, he hopes to make these therapies not only safer but also more widely accessible to patients. 

With some patients, the initial infusion of antibody-based therapies is associated with the rapid onset of chills, fever, hypotension, shortness of breath, and rash. These first infusion reactions range in severity, with most patients recovering with clinical support within hours to, in rare cases, very severe responses that can result in hospitalization and death.  

In this project, researchers will investigate the role of macrophages in producing inflammatory cytokines during FIR and determine the major signaling mechanisms responsible for the induction of these cytokines. Ultimately, this work will provide important new insights aimed at avoiding and treating FIR in the context of immunotherapy. 

Elliott received his Ph.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. His research focuses on innate immunity, macrophage biology, and cancer immunotherapy. His laboratory is located at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute.