Blueprint for Success aims to empower new academic physicians and scientists

The Whiddon College of Medicine is proud to announce support for Blueprint for Success, an innovative faculty development seminar series designed specifically for the newest members of our academic community. This program aims to provide a solid foundation for success in the challenging and rewarding fields of academic science and medicine.

Led by Emily Wilson, Ph.D., associate dean of faculty affairs and faculty development, Blueprint for Success offers monthly sessions tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by new faculty members. These afternoon meetings provide a supportive environment for learning, networking, and professional growth.

• Who: Faculty hired from 2022 to present
• When: Third Thursday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m., Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19
• Where: Strada Patient Care Center, First-Floor Conference Room
• What to expect: Informative sessions, networking opportunities, and light refreshments

The Blueprint for Success series is designed with several key objectives in mind:

• Equip new faculty with essential skills and knowledge for academic success
• Foster a supportive community among new faculty members
• Provide guidance on navigating the complexities of academic careers
• Offer insights into balancing research, teaching, and clinical responsibilities

Success is crucial not only for the personal career growth of new faculty members but also for the advancement of their fields and the education of future professionals. Blueprint for Success offers:

• Practical, actionable advice from experienced academic leaders
• Opportunities to connect with peers facing similar challenges
• A structured approach to professional development
• A supportive environment to ask questions and seek guidance

Interested faculty members are encouraged to RSVP for each session to ensure adequate preparation and resources. To register or learn more about upcoming sessions, contact Amanda Arnold at akarnold@southalabama.edu.

Lunch & Learn to focus on promotion and tenure

The Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development invites Whiddon College of Medicine faculty to a Lunch & Learn session on “Promotion and Tenure.”

The session is set for Wednesday, Oct. 9, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the first-floor conference room at the Strada Patient Care Center. 

Email Alice Nolen at anolen@southalabama.edu to sign up for this session.

Whiddon COM welcomes alumna Carly McRae to emergency medicine

Carly McRae, M.D.

Joining USA Health as an emergency medicine physician was a natural decision for Carly McRae, M.D., a lifelong resident of Baldwin County.

McRae grew up in Fairhope, Alabama, and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She earned a medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine in 2021 and recently completed residency training in emergency medicine at USA Health. 

“I wanted to stay on the Gulf Coast, and I really love working with students and residents,” said McRae, who is also an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “Staying at USA was a very natural choice for me!”

Going into medical school, McRae knew she wanted to pursue a hands-on specialty. “During my third-year rotations, I found that the emergency department was the place I was most excited to show up,” she said. “I love the variety of patients that I get to see in a single shift, and love that comradery that comes with working in the ED setting.”

McRae said people may assume that emergency physicians don’t have the opportunity to form relationships with patients in the way other physicians do. “Although I may not see many of my patients on a recurring basis,” she said, “I find it incredibly rewarding to be able to care for and comfort patients on what may be one of their worst days.”

While a medical student, McRae was involved in the USA Student-Run Free Clinic, the Alabama Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama’s medical mission trip to Senegal. She also served as president of the Emergency Medicine Interest Group and the Preventive Medicine Interest Group. 

“During my time training at USA, I had the privilege of learning from many wonderful attendings. There are so many lessons I have learned both personally and professionally from being in this environment,” she said. “I hope that I am able to make a similar impact on the education and development of the residents and students that I will be working with as I move forward in my career.”

Sign up for spring 2025 cohort of Academic Medicine Coach Training Program

The Departments of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development, Student Affairs and Medical Education at the Whiddon College of Medicine invite faculty and staff, both clinical and nonclinical, to participate in the spring 2025 cohort of the Academic Medicine Coach Training Program. 

With the speed of innovation and changes in healthcare, there is a strong need for physicians to become lifelong learners. Coaching helps participants become self-directed learners and foster personal and professional growth and development.

Binata Mukherjee, M.D., MBA, assistant dean for faculty and professional development, will lead a faculty development grand rounds session on the coaching program. The session is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 11, from noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom. Register for the grand rounds information session.

Meetings will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays in the Atlantis Room at Children's & Women's Hospital. CME credits will be provided.

Spring 2025 dates:

• Feb. 6
• Feb. 20
• March 6
• March 20
• April 3
• April 17
• May 1
• May 15
• May 29 – Panda Cares Room (formerly the Multipurpose Room)

To sign up to participate in the spring cohort of the Academic Medicine Coach Training Program, fill out the Google Form. 

Now online: Read the new issue of USA Health magazine

The latest edition of USA Health magazine, which highlights news and feature stories from all facets of the academic health system, is now available to read online.

In this issue, you’ll meet Ocean Kelly, who was born with a rare genetic disorder; hear from leaders in medical education and student affairs at the Whiddon College of Medicine; learn about menopause care available at USA Health; and celebrate with Providence employees as they joined the health system.

View the magazine on Issuu.