PALs make an impact through peer-led academic support

At the Whiddon College of Medicine, peer support plays a crucial role in student success. Each year, a select group of motivated and academically successful second-, third-, and fourth-year medical students serve as Peer Academic Leaders (PALs), helping strengthen the college’s culture of shared learning.

PALs are an integral part of the Academic Success team and play a vital role in fostering an inclusive, collaborative learning environment. Through individualized guidance, group sessions, and structured academic programming, they help fellow students navigate the academic demands of medical school and build the skills necessary for long-term success.

“Our Peer Academic Leaders are an essential part of our Academic Success efforts,” said Angie O’Neal, M.Ed., director of learning support services, who oversees the PAL program. “They create a supportive, collaborative environment where students can strengthen their skills, build confidence, and learn from peers who truly understand the challenges of medical training. Their commitment to helping others succeed is one of the things that makes our learning community so strong.”

Throughout the year, PALs design and lead a wide range of academic support opportunities, including content review, question-based coaching, peer-to-peer case learning, study sessions, and exam preparation workshops. Their support extends to Step 1 and Step 2 preparation and other critical milestones, ensuring that students at every stage of training have access to timely and relevant academic guidance.

To prepare for this role, all Peer Academic Leaders complete training at the start of the academic year and participate in monthly professional development focused on evidence-based learning strategies, effective communication, and peer support. This ongoing training not only enhances the quality of support they provide but also builds valuable skills in leadership and medical education that will benefit them in their future careers as physicians.

David Williams, Ph.D., MPA, assistant dean for institutional and academic success, said the program reflects the college’s commitment to shared learning and mutual support. “Our Peer Academic Leaders exemplify the spirit of mentorship and collaboration that we value in our medical education program,” he said. “Their dedication to supporting their classmates not only strengthens academic performance but also reinforces a culture of shared success. I am proud of the impact they make and the leadership they demonstrate.”

Pathology fellow earns inaugural BCRFA Catalyst Award for promising breast cancer research

Prabhat Suman, Ph.D., right, with his mentor, Debanjan Chakroborty, Ph.D., is investigating mechanisms that drive tumor growth.

By Lindsay Hughes

A researcher at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute was recognized for his early-career potential with a new honor from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA). 

Prabhat Suman, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in pathology, has been selected as one of the first recipients of a BCRFA Catalyst Award, a $25,000 grant to support early investigators pursuing innovative breast cancer studies.

For Suman, who has spent the past three years investigating mechanisms that drive tumor growth, the award represents both validation and momentum.

“As a researcher, getting the BCRFA Catalyst Award means a lot to me,” he said. “Not only does it help me pursue new ideas, but it also gives me the confidence that I am on the right track with my work. This award will let me get the early results I need to strengthen my research and lay a solid groundwork for future grant applications. I am grateful for the opportunity.”

The project funded by the Catalyst Award will allow Suman to explore how WNT7b, a signaling protein, affects tumor growth. By generating preliminary data, the research team hopes to determine whether reducing WNT7b activity can slow or stop the spread of breast cancer cells.

“Understanding the mechanism of action of this protein could lead to the development of novel treatments, thereby improving disease prognosis,” Suman explained. “The results will help to secure larger grants and more advanced studies.”

His mentor, Debanjan Chakroborty, Ph.D., an assistant professor of pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine and a cancer researcher at MCI, said the recognition comes at a pivotal moment in Suman’s career.

“As a mentor, I would like to say that this is a phenomenal achievement,” Chakroborty said. “Dr. Suman has been working with me for three years now, and I have witnessed his rapid growth as a researcher. The award will not only provide financial support but also boost his confidence in his research endeavors. He is an excellent researcher, and this award will undoubtedly strengthen his trajectory and contribute to future success. I look forward to seeing the outcome of this innovative study.”

Suman credits Chakroborty’s mentorship as a key part of his development. “I am thankful to my mentor, Dr. Debanjan Chakroborty, for his unwavering support and encouragement. His guidance has been vital in my growth as a researcher,” he said.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has invested more than $17 million in Alabama-based breast cancer research since 1996.

Apply now for Educator's Compass faculty development program

Whiddon College of Medicine faculty are invited to apply for the Educator's Compass: Teaching Track, a cohort-based faculty development program designed to help medical educators strengthen their teaching skills and confidence in the classroom and clinical setting.

Through interactive workshops, peer learning, and practical application, participants explore evidence-based strategies to enhance learner engagement and instructional effectiveness. This program is ideal for faculty who are passionate about teaching and demonstrate promise as future educational leaders.

Program Details

• Cohort: Spring 2026
• Schedule: Every other Wednesday, Jan. 14 – May 6, 2026
• Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
• Format: Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual sessions)
• Who should apply: Module directors, clerkship directors, program directors, associate directors, and other faculty members interested in advancing their teaching skills
• How to apply: https://forms.gle/rHu452FMchNzd66h7

Space is limited, so early application is encouraged. Contact Amanda Arnold at akarnold@southalabama.edu with any questions about the program.