Whiddon COM showcases data-driven research on physician wellness and healthcare disinformation

Russell W. Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA

At this year’s Southeastern Decision Sciences Institute conference in Greenville, South Carolina, Russell W. Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA, director of data administration and strategic initiatives for the Office of Accreditation and Planning, presented two studies addressing critical challenges in healthcare — physician wellness and the rising impact of disinformation on medical professionals.

The Decision Sciences Institute (DSI) is dedicated to advancing research and education in decision sciences, bringing together scholars and professionals who use analytical methods to solve complex problems. With a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, DSI fosters collaboration across disciplines, including analytics, information systems, statistics, healthcare, and higher education.

Cantrell’s first presentation, “Now You See Me: Tracking Medical Faculty and Resident Wellness in Tableau,” was a collaborative research effort with Binata Mukherjee, M.D., MBA, assistant dean for faculty and professional development; Amy Campbell, DNP, RN, assistant professor of nursing; Walker Plash, M.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine and director of the residency program; Amanda Arnold, M.S., education and training specialist; and medical student Ben Loftis. Their work highlights how data visualization can be a powerful tool in supporting physician and resident well-being, a key factor in both medical education and healthcare delivery. 

“Wellness is often dismissed with surface-level efforts, but real improvement starts with data,” Cantrell explained. “Our goal is to provide healthcare professionals with the ability to see patterns so they can make proactive choices about their well-being.” This research underscores the importance of incorporating wellness tracking into medical training programs, ensuring future physicians develop sustainable, long-term strategies for their own health as they care for others.

His second presentation, “Surveying Vulnerabilities: Tech-Driven Insights into U.S. Healthcare Disinformation,” explored how misinformation affects healthcare workers and its potential impact on patient care. 

“Fake news can spread faster than any virus,” Cantrell noted. “My research examines whether healthcare systems are vulnerable to the same types of disinformation campaigns that have influenced politics.” This study is particularly relevant to medical education, as the ability to critically evaluate information and combat misinformation is becoming an essential skill for future physicians.

Both research projects reflect the Whiddon College of Medicine’s commitment to equipping future healthcare providers with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex medical landscape. By leveraging data analytics to track physician wellness and investigating the impact of misinformation on clinical decision-making, these studies directly support the university’s broader mission of advancing medical education, enhancing provider well-being, and improving patient care. 

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research, Whiddon COM continues to strengthen medical training by integrating evidence-based approaches that prepare students and residents for the challenges of modern healthcare. 

USA welcomes Moreno-Walton as vice chair of emergency medicine

Lisa Moreno-Walton, M.D., M.S., MSCR

An internationally respected physician, researcher and educator, Lisa Moreno-Walton, M.D., M.S., MSCR, was recently appointed vice chair of emergency medicine at USA Health and the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.

As vice chair, her primary responsibilities are overseeing faculty development and establishing a research program within the department. She intends to involve faculty and residents in building evidence-based best practices to improve patient care.

Edward Panacek, M.D., MPH, chair of emergency medicine, has known Moreno-Walton for over 15 years and has long admired her remarkable career trajectory and her esteemed international reputation in academic emergency medicine.

“Dr. Moreno-Walton represents a historic addition to our faculty in many ways,” Panacek said. She is the first tenured faculty hired in emergency medicine, the first to have previously served as an associate dean, and the first with an extensive track record of extramurally funded research. 

“The timing could not be better,” Panacek continued, “as the department has set a goal of developing a quality clinical research program in emergency medicine over the next two years, and she will be leading that effort.” 

Moreno-Walton, for her part, shares a deep mutual respect for Panacek and his accomplishments in the field, including successfully launching the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at USA Health. “I know Dr. Panacek is committed to excellence in patient care, medical education and research,” she said. “When a like-minded chair asked me to join his team in a rapidly developing department in a growth-minded College of Medicine committed to excellence, I knew this was the place for me.”

She expressed her gratitude for the welcoming environment at USA Health, noting that her interactions with colleagues have been overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone I have met at USA has been welcoming, helpful and friendly,” she said. “So far, it’s been a great place to work.”

Moreno-Walton came to USA Health from Greenville, North Carolina, where she was a tenured professor of emergency medicine and associate dean in the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

Her passion for emergency medicine stems from its dynamic, multifaceted nature. “In emergency medicine, we get to use everything we learned in medical school – from medicine, surgery, OB, pediatrics, radiology, and psychiatry. We joke that we get the best 15 minutes of every diagnosis known to medicine,” she said. “Every day is stimulating, exciting, and intellectually challenging. We learn something new on every shift.”

For Moreno-Walton, the role of emergency physician goes beyond treating medical conditions — it's about saving lives and changing lives. “I have the privilege of helping anyone and everyone who presents to the ED,” she said. “I love my patients, and I love being a great doctor to people who may not otherwise have access to excellent medical care.”

As an educator, Moreno-Walton is dedicated to shaping young doctors-in-training. “I have the opportunity to ensure that the next generation of physicians is highly knowledgeable, committed to our patients and to the values of equitable care, best practices, and shared decision-making, lifelong learning, and the sense of privilege of being entrusted with our patients’ lives and health,” she said.

Further, as a prolific researcher, “I am able to ensure that the benefits of research are justly and equitably applied to all patients, regardless of race, faith, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other human condition.” 

“I can’t imagine a better way to spend my life,” she added.

Moreno-Walton earned a medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed residency training at Jacobi Medical Center, both located in the Bronx, New York. She received a Master of Social Work from New York University and a Master of Science in Clinical Research from Tulane University in New Orleans. 

She is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine and serves on the organization’s Stakeholders Advisory Board. She is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, a Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, and serves on the board of the American College of Academic International Medicine.

Register now: EDGE for Success professional development series

From left, Marcina Lang, MPA; Amanda Arnold, M.S.; Frank Lucas, MLA; Alani Rodgers, M.Ed.; and Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, will lead the EDGE for Success program.

Leadership isn’t about a title — it’s about growth, impact, and developing the skills to bring out the best in yourself and others.

The Whiddon College of Medicine will host EDGE for Success: Empowering Development, Growth, and Excellence, a six-week professional development series designed to help staff build leadership skills, enhance communication, and gain hands-on experience in collaboration and facilitation.

“Professional growth doesn’t just happen — it’s an intentional process,” said Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, director of quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning. “EDGE for Success provides structured support, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities that empower staff at all levels to develop their skills and confidence. If you've ever thought, ‘I want to grow, but I don’t know where to start,’ this program is your starting point.” 

The program is a collaboration between several departments and will be led by Marcina Lang, MPA, senior manager of COM support services; Amanda Arnold, M.S., RDN, LD, education and training specialist in the Office of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development; Frank Lucas, MLA, senior associate registrar at the Whiddon COM; Alani Rogers, M.Ed., assistant director in the Office of Research Education and Training; and Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA. These leaders will guide participants through engaging discussions, practical skill-building, and structured mentorship to support their professional growth.

Sessions will take place in person at the Whiddon College of Medicine, beginning with orientation on Feb. 25, followed by the six-week series starting March 25. Each one-hour interactive session will help participants build and refine their own professional development plans, ensuring continuous growth throughout the program.

“Professional development is essential for both personal growth and workplace success. It enhances employees’ skills, boosts their confidence, and keeps them engaged in their careers,” Lang said. “Investing in professional development leads to a more motivated, knowledgeable, and adaptable workforce, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the college of medicine as a whole.”

Program highlights:

• Develop a personalized professional development plan
• Engage in interactive discussions and small-group exercises
• Be paired with a mentor for coaching and feedback
• Gain hands-on experience researching, presenting, and facilitating discussions
• Measure growth through pre- and post-program assessments

EDGE for Success is open to all staff, regardless of formal leadership roles. Spots are limited. To register for EDGE, complete the Google Form.

Medical students, physicians connect at career mixer

Medical students chat with physicians in various specialties at the MAA Student Career Mixer.

The USA Medical Alumni Association hosted the 2025 Student Career Mixer on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Strada Patient Care Center, bringing together more than 40 Whiddon College of Medicine students and 31 physicians representing 23 unique specialties.

This annual event offers students a valuable opportunity to connect with medical alumni and area physicians, explore different career paths, and build meaningful professional relationships.

“Thank you to all our medical student and physician attendees who made this event a success,” said Hayley Chancey, assistant director of medical alumni relations. 

If you are interested in representing a specialty at the next mixer, email medalum@southalabama.edu.

GHHS announces Solidarity Week activities

The University of South Alabama chapter of the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society (GHHS) will celebrate Solidarity Week for Compassionate Patient Care, a national initiative designed to remind students and healthcare employees of the importance of compassion in medicine.

Activities planned for the week:

Together Tuesday, Feb. 11:
Our goal is to engage with patients and their support systems by distributing beads, stickers, refreshments, and snacks, fostering a sense of encouragement and community. We plan to visit all the patient floors and waiting areas. 

9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Children's & Women's Hospital – Meet in the student lounge before going throughout the hospital.

1 p.m. at University Hospital – Meet outside Karen Braswell's office before heading through the hospital.

Thankful Thursday, Feb. 13:

This day is dedicated to showing appreciation for hospital staff by handing out beads, stickers, and small gifts.

8 a.m. at University Hospital – Meet outside Karen Braswell's office before going throughout the hospital.

Learn more about Solidarity Week.