A new home for Med School Watercooler

In the coming weeks, Med School Watercooler will transition from a standalone blog to a news feed hosted on the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine pages of the University of South Alabama website. 

This move will make the content fully searchable within the USA site and align the college’s news platform with the standard used by other colleges across the University. The feed will highlight news and achievements from across the Whiddon College of Medicine community, including research discoveries, events, awards, presentations and other notable happenings. 

The Med School Watercooler email newsletter will continue to be distributed on Thursdays. The existing blog will remain available as an archived resource.

Medical student publishes research in radiology journal

Brandon Schonour

Brandon Schonour, a fourth-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, has published findings from his research project in Radiology Advances, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). 

Working under the mentorship of Jae Ho Sohn, M.D., a cardiothoracic radiologist and assistant professor of radiology at the University of California, San Francisco, Schonour examined factors that influence image quality in free-breathing, respiratory-triggered lung MRI performed at 0.55 tesla. The project aimed to better understand why image quality can vary significantly between patients and imaging sessions.

Using a large clinical dataset, the study analyzed respiratory parameters, patient body habitus, and scan-related factors to identify contributors to image degradation under real-world imaging conditions. Because lung MRI is especially sensitive to motion and low signal, the work focused on practical clinical challenges rather than idealized imaging scenarios. 

“Being the first author taught me how much effort goes into transforming raw imaging data into a clear scientific story,” Schonour said. “Every figure, table and sentence had to directly support the question we were asking.”

The findings showed that respiratory irregularity and patient-specific factors play a significant role in pulmonary MRI image quality, underscoring the importance of optimized acquisition strategies as low-field MRI becomes more widely used in thoracic imaging.

Schonour said the experience also offered valuable perspective beyond the technical aspects of imaging. “Going through peer review showed me how constructive feedback can ultimately strengthen both the science and its clinical relevance,” he said.

RSNA is one of the world’s leading professional organizations in medical imaging. Reflecting the wide breadth of imaging sciences and innovations in technology and clinical practice, Radiology Advances primarily publishes original multidisciplinary research articles with a focus on emerging topics, cross-cutting and innovative research.

View the full manuscript in Radiology Advances. 

USA cancer research named one of Science’s Top 10 Breakthroughs of 2025

The Grelet lab team, from left, Andrew Parton, undergraduate biology student; Shila Gilbert, lab technician and manager; Simon Grelet, Ph.D., assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology; Lizzy Davis, biomedical sciences graduate student; and Greg Hoover, lab technician.

By Lindsay Hughes

Research led by Simon Grelet, Ph.D., at the University of South Alabama, which uncovered a previously unknown way nerves drive cancer spread, has been recognized as one of Science journal’s Top 10 Scientific Breakthroughs of 2025. 

The honor, announced in the Dec. 18, 2025 issue of Science, highlights major advances across all scientific disciplines. Published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the magazine is regarded as one of the world’s leading peer-reviewed academic journals, making the selection a significant distinction for both Grelet and the university.

Grelet is an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine and a researcher at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, where he directs the Cancer Innervation and Neurobiology Laboratory. The selected research identified a novel mechanism by which neurons transfer mitochondria — the cell’s energy-producing structures — to cancer cells. This interaction fuels cancer metastasis and opens new possibilities for therapeutic intervention.

“Receiving this recognition from Science is a tremendous honor and a powerful affirmation of our work,” Grelet said. “It means a great deal to me, and it is deeply rewarding to see this research acknowledged at such a high level.”

Grelet acknowledged that his lab would not have achieved such a comprehensive development without the scientists who partnered in this study, notably the lab team of Gustavo Ayala, M.D., from UTHealth Houston. “Most importantly, this recognition reflects the collective efforts of my laboratory members, collaborators and co-authors, who worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition,” he said. “It is a team achievement grounded in sustained commitment, creativity and perseverance.”

As part of the recognition, Grelet has been invited by a Science editor to present the work at the upcoming AAAS annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, where the editor will introduce his talk.

Grelet noted that the honor brings increased visibility to the field of cancer neuroscience, a growing area of investigation that examines how nerves influence cancer development and progression. Although clinical and pathological studies dating back to the early 2000s first identified tumor innervation as biologically relevant, the field has expanded rapidly in recent years.

Research from Grelet’s lab has shown that breast cancer innervation sits at the intersection of cancer plasticity and metastasis, and more recently, how nerves can metabolically support cancer cells and fuel metastatic spread. 

“I believe the field is now reaching a critical moment, with a growing number of investigators and studies entering this space, where these discoveries can begin to translate into meaningful benefits for patients,” he said.

Mitochondria (green) moving from a neuron (blue) into

adjacent cancer cells (red) may promote metastasis. 

Image by Gustavo Ayala, M.D., and Simon Grelet, Ph.D.

In parallel, Grelet’s team is expanding its work in mitochondrial biology, particularly the emerging field of intercellular mitochondrial transfer. 

“Cancer rarely invents entirely new mechanisms, but instead hijacks pre-existing physiological processes,” he explained. “I believe that our demonstration of mitochondrial transfer at the nerve–cancer interface may reveal a deeper and previously unrecognized physiological mechanism that cancer exploits during progression.”

Richard Honkanen, Ph.D., professor and chair of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said the recognition reflects both Grelet’s leadership and the university’s growing research profile.

“This achievement reflects Dr. Grelet’s exceptional scientific leadership, creativity, and sustained commitment to ambitious research,” Honkanen said, “while also highlighting the growing strength and national visibility of the department’s research enterprise and the University of South Alabama’s expanding role in high-impact biomedical discovery.”

Christopher Davies, Ph.D., associate dean of research at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said the recognition places Grelet among a select group of scientists whose work has had exceptional impact.

“With his research being recognized by Science as one of the year’s breakthrough discoveries, Dr. Grelet joins a truly exclusive group of scientists whose work is judged to be of exceptional significance,” Davies said. “This recognition marks another milestone in his rapid ascent as a leader in his field and further elevates the reputation of the University of South Alabama and the Mitchell Cancer Institute as centers of cutting-edge research.”

Grelet said the honor reinforces his commitment to pursuing bold, high-risk ideas in an environment that supports long-term scientific discovery. “Only a small fraction of ambitious projects ultimately succeed,” he said. “But when they do, it is especially rewarding to see their impact unfold.”

Grelet joined the Whiddon College of Medicine and the Mitchell Cancer Institute in 2020 after completing postdoctoral studies at the Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He earned a Ph.D. from the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research at Reims University in France.  

He is a recipient of the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute MERIT Award and was named the 2025 recipient of the Mitchell Cancer Institute’s Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Cancer Research.

Register now for early bird discount on USA Medical Alumni Reunion 2026

Registration is open for the USA Medical Alumni Reunion Weekend, planned for June 12-13 in Mobile. 

Register today to take advantage of special early bird pricing. This exclusive discount is only available until Jan. 31, offering the best value for your return to the Whiddon College of Medicine.

Highlights of the weekend include:

• Hard hat tour of the new medical education and research building
• Faculty, student and CME speakers
• Culinary medicine demonstration
• The annual Medical Alumni & Leadership Awards

Register today and find more information at SouthAlabama.edu/MedicalReunion.

Pathology department presents research at international breast cancer symposium

Prabhat Suman, Ph.D.

By Carol McPhail

Representatives from the Department of Pathology and the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute presented research at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held Dec. 9–12, 2025. The symposium is the largest breast cancer research meeting in the world, drawing thousands of attendees from more than 100 countries.

Prabhat Suman, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow, presented a poster titled “Rewiring Fibroblast Function in Breast Cancer.” The study explored the role of lysine-deficient protein kinase 1 (WNK1) in mediating communication between cancer cells and fibroblasts within the breast tumor microenvironment.

Breast cancer tumors often contain fibrotic regions, known as fibrotic foci, which are associated with poorer patient outcomes. Fibrosis is driven by extracellular matrix deposition and crosslinking that occurs when cancer cells interact with fibroblasts, transforming them into cancer-associated fibroblasts — one of the key cell populations in the tumor microenvironment.

Suman explained that WNK1 expression is upregulated in cancer-associated fibroblasts and plays a critical role in tumor–fibroblast interactions and fibroblast activation. The study found that inhibiting WNK1 significantly affects the transition of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as matrix deposition and remodeling in breast cancer.

“These insights highlight new opportunities to target the tumor microenvironment and potentially slow breast cancer progression,” Suman said.

Brusi Kola

Brusi Kola, a Ph.D. student in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, also presented a poster, titled “Obesity and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Untangling the Connection.” The study examined the relationship between obesity and triple-negative breast cancer to better understand how obesity influences disease progression.

Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype characterized by the absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors and low levels of HER2 protein, limiting treatment options. It accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of all breast cancer cases.

Kola’s study analyzed medical records from patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at the Mitchell Cancer Institute over a two-year period. The findings revealed a high prevalence of obesity among these patients, with obesity rates higher in premenopausal patients than in postmenopausal patients.

Additionally, tumors from obese patients were found to be more proliferative than those from patients of normal weight. In mouse models, obese mice showed faster tumor onset and accelerated tumor growth compared with lean mice.

“We are currently studying the obese tumor microenvironment to identify key factors that represent targetable vulnerabilities, with the goal of uncovering new opportunities for therapeutic intervention,” Kola said.

Register now for upcoming Crucial Conversations training

Clear communication and effective conflict resolution are vital to our collective success. Unresolved conflicts and miscommunication can undermine productivity and create tension within the workplace.

To help address these challenges, the Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development is offering an opportunity for select participants to attend Crucial Conversations training. This dynamic course will equip participants with the skills needed to navigate high-stakes discussions with confidence and clarity. Whether it's addressing sensitive issues, resolving conflicts, or providing constructive feedback, Crucial Conversations training empowers individuals to communicate persuasively while maintaining positive relationships.

Participants will gain:

• Enhanced communication: Techniques to express viewpoints clearly and respectfully.
• Effective conflict resolution: Tools to turn disagreements into productive dialogue.
• Stronger workplace relationships: Strategies to build trust and foster understanding.
• Improved team performance: Insights to help create a collaborative environment that drives success.

Two training sessions are available this spring:

Session 1

• Thursday, Feb. 5 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Friday, Feb. 6 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Both days required to complete training
• Location: Goodwill Easter Seals Gulf Coast Administration Building, 2440 Gordon Smith Dr, Mobile, AL 36617
• Registration: https://forms.gle/mtwvpJAmGf1nkYcd9

Session 2

• Thursday, April 30 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• One-day session
• Location: Student Center (on campus)
• Registration: https://forms.gle/f2qDrKQxoppjedju7

Contact Amanda Arnold at 251-460-6823 or akarnold@southalabama.edu with any questions. 

Discovery 2030 meeting to explore future of research at USA

The USA Office of Research and Economic Development invites USA Health employees and Whiddon College of Medicine faculty and staff to participate in the Discovery 2030 USA Health/Whiddon College of Medicine Meeting, set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the University Hospital Conference Center. 

Allen Parrish, Ph.D., vice president of research and economic development at USA, will lead a collaborative discussion focused on shaping the future of research at the University of South Alabama. This 90-minute session will provide an opportunity to share insights and perspectives on strengthening academic–healthcare collaborations and identifying ways to better support clinical participation in research.

Your voice is essential as we work to ensure Discovery 2030 reflects the diverse strengths and priorities of our academic and clinical communities.

Fill out the form to register for the meeting and submit questions in advance. 

Walk with a Doc to focus on brain health

Robert Israel, M.D.

Join USA Health internal medicine physician Robert Israel, M.D., for Walk with a Doc at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the USA Student Rec Center. 

The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin with a short presentation, “Talking about Brain Health,” followed by a healthy walk based on each participant’s ability.

The next Walk with a Doc is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21. For more information, visit the Walk with a Doc webpage.

USA Health welcomes orthopaedic spine surgeon

 Asra Toobaie, M.D., M.Sc.

By Carol McPhail

USA Health has expanded its orthopaedic and spine surgery services with the addition of Asra Toobaie, M.D., M.Sc., an orthopaedic spine surgeon who will work with both orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery teams at the region’s only academic health system.

Toobaie brings advanced expertise in adult spinal deformity correction, minimally invasive spine surgery, image-guided navigation techniques, custom-made implants, and AI-based surgical planning. She will perform spinal trauma surgery at USA Health University Hospital and elective spine surgery at USA Health Providence Hospital.

Toobaie, an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said she was drawn to anatomy and the technical precision of orthopaedic surgery early in her training. “I found spine surgery particularly compelling because no two cases are ever the same,” she said. “Each patient presents unique challenges and opportunities to learn.”

Toobaie graduated from the McGill University School of Medicine in Montreal, Quebec, where she served as president of the McGill University Medical Students for Haiti in 2017. In this role, she was the lead organizer for a surgical skills program for Haitian medical students.

She completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery and a fellowship in combined orthopaedic and neurosurgical adult spine surgery at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. From 2021 to 2023, she served as a resident representative to the Canadian Orthopedic Association Global Surgery (COAGS) program, furthering the development and implementation of the global surgery curriculum at Western University’s orthopaedic surgery residency program.

She went on to complete a complex adult spine surgery fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco.

Toobaie said her international training and experience have given her a broad perspective and a deep understanding of both orthopaedic and neurosurgical approaches to spinal care. She points to trust and accessibility as the cornerstones of effective care. “Patients can always count on my commitment to help them understand and overcome their spine-related challenges with compassion, skill, and the latest surgical advancements,” she said.

Toobaie has contributed to research published in several scientific journals and has given podium presentations at international meetings.

To make an appointment with USA Health Spine Institute, call 251-665-8290. 

Pediatric pulmonologist joins Children's & Women's Hospital

Saroj Choudhary, M.D.

By Milena Mata

Fellowship-trained pediatric pulmonologist Saroj Choudhary, M.D., recently joined the medical staff at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital and is accepting new patients at the Strada Patient Care Center.  

“As a pediatric pulmonologist, I was drawn to this field by a deep desire to help children with respiratory conditions live full, active, and healthy lives without feeling limited by their diagnoses,” Choudhary said.  

Choudhary said she is grateful to care for children with respiratory diseases and provide them with the necessary support. Continued advances in pediatric medicine have greatly improved survival rates for children with pulmonary complications.  

“Seeing these children thrive despite their challenges is the most fulfilling part of my job,” Choudhary said. “Being part of their care journey as they grow and overcome obstacles is both a privilege and a driving force in my work.”  

She most recently worked as a pediatric pulmonologist at Ochsner Hospital for Children in Jefferson, Louisiana, where she performed outpatient care and provided consultations in the emergency department.  

Choudhary earned her medical degree at Sawai Man Singh Medical College in Jaipur, India. During her studies, she scored in the top 10% of her class for four consecutive years. Choudhary completed her residency at the Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in New York City. Then, she completed a fellowship in pediatric pulmonology at Langone Hospital in Long Island, New York. Her scholarly activity has focused on the early detection of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-related metabolic syndrome (CRMS) in infants.  

In addition to her clinical activities, Choudhary is also an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine. The pulmonologist said her passion for teaching helped her decide to join USA Health, USA’s academic health system.  

“I find great meaning in teaching and mentoring medical students and residents and contributing to the education of the next generation of physicians,” she said.  

Choudhary is board certified in pediatrics and has been an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2017. “I want families to know that I am deeply committed to partnering with them – helping each child breathe easier, grow stronger, and achieve their fullest potential,” Choudhary said. 

Obstetrics and Gynecology welcomes new menopause specialist

Judith J. Williams, M.D.

By Casandra Andrews

To better meet the expanding healthcare needs of women, USA Health recently added Judith J. Williams, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and Menopause Society certified provider, to its healthcare team.  

Williams brings more than 20 years of experience providing comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care, including deliveries and gynecologic surgeries, across multiple hospital systems. She specializes in women’s care with a focus on menopause. As part of her academic health system role, she will be an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine  

“Menopause care requires time, experience, and nuance,” said Williams. “After decades in general OB-GYN practice, I wanted the space to focus on a part of women's health that has been overlooked for too long — and to do it in a way that respects both the science and the individual woman."  

She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as a member of The Menopause Society with advanced certification as a Menopause Society certified provider.

“Dr. Williams brings a depth of clinical experience and a patient-centered approach that will greatly benefit the patients we serve,” said Mary “Mimi” Munn, M.D., professor and chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at USA Health. “Her expertise in comprehensive women’s health and menopause care, combined with her background in teaching and leadership, will continue to strengthen our ability to support patients through every stage of life.”  

Williams earned her medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Tennessee, both in Memphis. Her career includes more than two decades in private practice in Memphis, along with administrative leadership roles within the Baptist Memorial Healthcare system, where she contributed to quality initiatives and patient care improvements.  

She will see patients at the newest location of the Center for Women’s Health West Mobile, 6304 USA Health Blvd., Suite D, in Mobile. To make an appointment, call 215-415-1496.    

Faculty, alumnus named to Mobile Bay Magazine’s new 40 Under 40 class

Ayesha Munir, M.D. Photo by Chad Riley.

Ayesha Munir, M.D., an assistant professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology, and Tanner McGill, M.D., a 2020 graduate of the Whiddon College of Medicine, are among the honorees in Mobile Bay Magazine's 2026 class of 40 Under 40. 

Each year, the magazine highlights 40 residents under the age of 40 who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence, and a commitment to the Mobile Bay area. Winners are selected from the business and professional community, the arts, medicine, education, community involvement, and more.  

Munir, who is also a medical oncologist and hematologist at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, provides compassionate, comprehensive cancer care while advancing breast cancer research. She earned her medical degree from Aga Khan University in Pakistan, completed her residency at Albany Medical Center in New York, and her fellowship at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she served as chief clinical fellow.  

Since joining the Mitchell Cancer Institute in 2023, Munir has expanded the institute’s research portfolio and helped streamline care for breast cancer patients. She also serves as principal investigator for multiple clinical trials focused on improving treatment and survivorship outcomes, while also presenting nationally, publishing peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and engaging the community through events such as the annual Think Pink Tea for breast cancer awareness.

Tanner McGill, M.D. Photo by Chad Riley.

McGill is an emergency medicine physician at Baldwin Emergency Physicians. He serves the Mobile Bay region across five emergency departments: Mobile Infirmary, Thomas Hospital and North Baldwin Infirmary as well as the freestanding emergency departments in Saraland and Malbis.

A Mobile native, McGill received his bachelor's degree from Birmingham Southern College. After earning his medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine in 2020, he completed a residency in emergency medicine at the University of Florida’s Shands Hospital, where he became known for his thorough, level-headed decision-making skills in high-stress situations. In his free time, he enjoys mentoring young athletes. 

Learn more about Mobile Bay's 40 Under 40. 

Grelet awarded GENEWIZ Pioneer Grant

Simon Grelet, Ph.D.

Simon Grelet, Ph.D., a cancer researcher at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute and an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, has been named a recipient of the GENEWIZ Pioneer Grant.

GENEWIZ, an Azenta Life Sciences company, is a leading global provider of genomics services. Its Fall Fast Grants program offers rapid funding to academic researchers across the United States to support innovative scientific research and accelerate genomic discoveries.

Grelet will use the $5,000 award to advance the development of MitoTRACER animal genetic models. His research team employs advanced in vivo and in vitro models, along with the MitoTRACER genetic system they designed, to trace the fate of cancer cells that acquire neuronal mitochondria. Their findings indicate that these cells are more likely to successfully form distant metastases.

“I believe these models have strong potential to transform our understanding of human physiology and metabolic homeostasis,” Grelet said.

GENEWIZ supports researchers worldwide by providing high-quality data and constructs for next-generation sequencing, gene synthesis, and Sanger sequencing.

Cantrell recognized with APQI People’s Choice Award for Engaging and Inspiring Presentation

Russell W. Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA

Russell W. Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA, director of data administration and strategic initiatives in the Office of Accreditation and Planning, received the People’s Choice Award for Most Engaging and Inspiring Presentation from the Accreditation Preparation & Quality Improvement (APQI) community of practice.

Cantrell earned this recognition for his presentation, “Melody in Metrics: Crafting Charts That Hit the Right Notes,” delivered at the APQI National Conference in May. His presentation was noted for its dynamic delivery and ability to translate complex accreditation and quality improvement data into clear, actionable insights that resonated with attendees.

The award was formally presented during the APQI Annual Business Meeting held in San Antonio in November. Although Cantrell was unable to attend in person, the award was accepted on his behalf, reflecting the strong impact his work had on accreditation and CQI professionals nationwide.

In his role at the Whiddon College of Medicine, Cantrell manages critical data systems supporting accreditation and quality improvement efforts and leads the use of business intelligence tools to ensure data integrity and effective reporting. He also serves on the college’s continuous quality improvement and strategic planning committees.

“Russ has an exceptional ability to synthesize complex data and present it in ways that are both engaging and impactful,” said Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., associate dean of accreditation and planning. “His work is foundational to our accreditation efforts and strategic initiatives, and this recognition by APQI reflects the value he brings not only to our College, but to the broader medical education community.”

This national recognition aligns with the Whiddon College of Medicine Strategic Plan, particularly its emphasis on educational excellence, data-driven decision-making, and continuous quality improvement.

Pierce assumes role as APQI chair at national business meeting

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, with Colleen

Hayden, Ed.D.

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, executive director of accreditation and continuous quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning, was named chair of the Accreditation Preparation and Quality Improvement (APQI) group. She assumed the role during the APQI National Business Meeting, held in conjunction with Learn Serve Lead: The AAMC Annual Meeting, on Nov. 1 in San Antonio.

This year marked the first time APQI held dedicated space and formal recognition within the Learn Serve Lead conference, elevating the group’s national presence as a community of practice focused on accreditation readiness and continuous quality improvement in undergraduate medical education.

APQI supports professionals engaged in accreditation and CQI through advocacy, professional development, collaboration, and innovation. Pierce’s appointment reflects her national leadership in operationalizing accreditation readiness, CQI systems, and data-informed improvement.

“Melisa’s appointment as APQI chair reflects her expertise in building effective accreditation and CQI systems,” said Tim Gilbert, Ed.D., associate dean of accreditation and planning. “Her leadership strengthens our institution and contributes meaningfully to the national accreditation community.”

In her role at the Whiddon College of Medicine, Pierce serves as the primary operational lead for accreditation and continuous quality improvement, coordinating CQI committee work, managing accreditation platforms and documentation, and serving as Liaison Committee on Medical Education site visit coordinator. Her work aligns directly with the College’s strategic priorities related to educational excellence, staff and faculty success, and continuous improvement.

EDGE session explores courageous productivity in the AI era

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA; Amanda Arnold, M.S.;

Marcina Lang, MPA; and Jaime Koppersmith

The third session of the EDGE for Success series, Courageous Productivity: Leading with Purpose in the AI Era, challenged participants to rethink productivity — not as doing more, but as doing what matters most. Held on Oct. 29, the session focused on shifting from busyness to purposeful impact through clarity, courage, and intentional use of time and tools.

The session was led by Amanda Arnold, MS, RDN, LD, education and training specialist, alongside Marcina Lang, MPA; Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA; and Jaime Koppersmith, who guided participants through discussion and hands-on application centered on sustainable productivity and leadership presence.

Participants explored the productivity paradox — the reality that having more tools does not automatically lead to greater effectiveness. Drawing from Brené Brown’s work on courage and vulnerability and Jordan Raynor’s framework for purpose-driven productivity, the session emphasized aligning energy, attention, and priorities with values rather than urgency.

A key highlight was the AI group challenge, in which participants practiced refining difficult or high-stakes messages using AI as a support tool. The exercise reinforced that technology can enhance clarity and professionalism without replacing authenticity, empathy, or leadership voice.

“True productivity isn’t just about getting more done; it’s about being intentional with our energy, our voice, and our leadership,” Arnold said. “When we show up with purpose, we create space for clarity, trust, and real impact.”

The session embodied the heart of EDGE: practical skill-building grounded in reflection, peer learning, and real-world application. Participants left with concrete strategies to reduce mental clutter, clarify priorities, and experiment thoughtfully with AI as a productivity partner while remaining rooted in purpose and authenticity.

Pediatrics residents match at their top choices for fellowships

From left, Haidee Custodio, M.D.; Erika Morales, M.D.; Jordan Cooper, M.D.; Eru Sujakhu, M.D.; J.C. Hernandez, M.D.; and Benjamin Estrada, M.D.

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

“We're proud of our long history of residents matching into the fellowship programs they aim for, and this year was no exception,” said Haidee Custodio, M.D., pediatrics residency program director at USA Health and professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Our residents put in the work, and our faculty have been right there supporting them every step of the way.”

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

• Chime Ndubuoke, M.D., neonatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas 
• Erika Morales, M.D., endocrinology, Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas 
• Eru Sujakhu, M.D., gastroenterology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio 
• J.C. Hernandez, M.D., cardiology, UTHealth Houston in Houston, Texas 
• Jordan Cooper, M.D., neonatology, East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina 
• Maria Jose Vera Sanchez, M.D., hematology and oncology, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida 

By training in teaching hospitals and at medical clinics, new physicians can learn in an environment that integrates education, research and patient care — an experience offering benefits to the healthcare staff and those they care for. Research shows patients treated in teaching hospitals had up to 20% higher odds of survival compared to those treated at non-teaching hospitals, noted the Association of American Medical Colleges. 

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

Register now for Autonomy in Practice: Foundations of Coaching

The Offices of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development, Student Affairs, and Medical Education have announced the launch of Autonomy in Practice: Foundations of Coaching program, an enhanced professional development program designed to strengthen coaching skills in academic medicine.

“Learning to differentiate the coaching process from advising has brought me a lot of clarity,” said Brandy Merritt, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics and previous participant. “The skills I gained gave me insight into my own thought process.”

In response to participant feedback, the program has been redesigned to offer a more efficient, practice-focused experience. Key updates include:

• Significantly shorter commitment: four sessions over six weeks 
• More time to practice: In-person sessions are now primarily dedicated to hands-on coaching practice with real-time feedback
• Flexible preparation: Remote/virtual reading and discussions to accommodate busy schedules
• Expert guidance: Direct coaching observation and personalized feedback from professional coaches
• Professional development: CME credits provided

The refined program is designed to equip participants with evidence-based coaching techniques that help unlock the innate potential of learners. Faculty will be prepared to guide students in developing self-directed, lifelong learning habits, an increasingly critical skill in the rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Sessions will be held on Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. on the following dates:

• March 6
• March 20
• April 3
• April 17

Fill out the Google doc to register. 

For questions, contact Binata Mukherjee, M.D., MBA, at bmukherjee@southalabama.edu.

Office of Health Advancement takes the lead on professional identity formation initiative

LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, speaks to medical students on professional identity formation.

The Office of Health Advancement is leading the Whiddon College of Medicine’s efforts to strengthen professional identity formation (PIF), a core component of medical education that shapes how students “think, feel and act” like physicians.

Through intentional collaboration and innovation, the PIF working group, co-led by Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA, education and training program manager, and LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., MPA, director of the Office of Health Advancement, is creating a shared vision for how students develop their professional identities throughout their medical school journey.

“Professional identity formation is not just about what students learn,” Modisa said. “It’s about who they become as future physicians and how they integrate their personal values, learner mindset, and professional roles to serve patients and communities with empathy, integrity and excellence.”

A Collaborative Effort

The PIF working group brings together a diverse team of faculty and staff from across the College of Medicine, including:

• Office of Health Advancement: Franklin Trimm, M.D.; Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA; LoRen Modisa, Ed.D, MPA; and Sherry Parnell, BSW
• Undergraduate Medical Education: T.J. Hundley, M.D., FACP; and Peyton McElroy, Ph.D.
• Clinical Skills: Laura Boatright, M.D., CHSE
• Office of Accreditation and Planning / Academic Success: David Williams, Ph.D., MPA; and Angie O’Neal, M.Ed.
• Student Affairs: Laventrice Ridgeway Ed.D., LPC, NCC; and Becky Smith, Ph.D, LPC, NCC
• Faculty Development: Amanda Arnold, M.S., RDN, LD
• Graduate Medical Education: Judy Blair-Elortegui, M.D. (Internal Medicine) and Jenna Pfleeger, M.D. (Family Medicine)

Together, the group is mapping, aligning, and expanding PIF efforts across the medical education continuum, from pre-clinical learning and clerkships to residency preparation and beyond.

From Vision to Action

Tiquera Hall, Ph.D., MPA

The foundation for this work began in May 2024, when faculty and staff from key departments began exploring ways to better connect identity development to medical education. Over the following months, the Office of Health Advancement assumed leadership of the initiative, building on early discussions and launching the PIF working group in October 2024.

Since then, the group has met regularly to identify and analyze existing activities that foster PIF, uncover gaps, and create a unified framework. To date, 93 PIF-related activities or touchpoints have been identified across the Whiddon College of Medicine (65% required and 35% extracurricular) highlighting the breadth of experiences that contribute to student growth.

“Our goal is to create a cohesive and intentional approach to PIF that supports both academic excellence and personal well-being,” Hall said. “When students see how their learning connects to who they are becoming, they develop a stronger sense of purpose and a deeper connection with their patients.”

Defining PIF at the Whiddon COM

Through this work, the Whiddon College of Medicine has adopted a shared definition of professional identity formation: “Through implementation of a student-centered approach to professional identity formation, the Whiddon COM strives to have every student possess a healthy concurrence between personal, learner and career identity.”

Looking ahead, the PIF working group will continue to engage key stakeholders (including students, clerkship directors, faculty, and the curriculum committee) to build awareness, standardize language, and celebrate the individuality of each student’s professional journey.

Professional identity formation is a continuous process; by making it visible and intentional, it is ensured that students not only gain medical knowledge but also develop the reflective, compassionate mindset that defines exceptional physicians.

USA Foundation continues to support Whiddon College of Medicine building construction

Members of the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees tour the Whiddon College of Medicine building. 

Building on its longstanding support of the University of South Alabama, the USA Foundation is providing an additional $9.33 million for construction of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building, scheduled to open in 2027. The Foundation’s Board of Directors approved the gift — consisting of land and cash — at its December meeting. This new commitment follows the foundation’s previous $30 million investment in the project.

“Through their extraordinary and sustained benevolence, the USA Foundation's cumulative commitment to the new Whiddon College of Medicine building now stands at nearly $40 million,” said USA President Jo Bonner. “This is more than a building; it is a vital, strategic investment that will profoundly impact our state and nation for decades to come.”

The latest gift includes $6 million in cash and a 37-acre tract of land on Knollwood Drive north of Government Boulevard valued at $3.33 million. The property will be sold, with proceeds supporting the building project.

“The USA Foundation Board is pleased to provide this additional support for the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building,” said Maxey J. Roberts, managing director of the USA Foundation. “Completion of this facility will fulfill the vision of Dr. Whiddon, the University’s first president and founder of the USA Foundation, who recognized the need for a medical school in this region. It was through his tenacity that the medical school was established in 1969, only six years after the University’s founding.”

The total cost of the new Whiddon College of Medicine Building is $230 million. It has been constructed with more than 2,073 tons of structural steel, and is supported by approximately 28,000 linear feet – more than 5 miles – of driven concrete piles.

“The Foundation’s commitment strengthens healthcare in this region through the professionals educated and trained in the Whiddon College of Medicine,” said John McMillan, president of the USA Foundation.

The new College of Medicine building will complete a medical education quad that includes the College of Nursing, the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, the Simulation Center, and the Charles M. Baugh Biomedical Library. When the building opens, more than 500,000 square feet on campus will be dedicated to healthcare education.