Casselli joins Microbiology and Immunology faculty

Timothy Casselli, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology, works in the lab.

Timothy Casselli, Ph.D., recently joined the faculty of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine as an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.    

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Casselli as new member in our department,” said Kevin R. Macaluso, Ph.D., professor and Locke Distinguished Chair of Microbiology and Immunology at the Whiddon College of Medicine.  “He is an excellent addition to our faculty, bringing expertise in immunopathology and infectious disease that will strengthen the research and teaching mission of the University of South Alabama and USA Health.” 

Most recently, Casselli served as an assistant professor of research in biomedical sciences at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He has received numerous awards, and his research has been funded by federal grants.  

A member of the review editorial board for the journal Frontiers in Microbiology from 2016-2022, Casselli is also a member of the American Association of Immunologists and the American Society for Microbiology.  

Casselli earned a Ph.D. in immunology and infectious diseases from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, an M.S. in microbiology and infectious diseases from the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, in Canada, and a BMS degree in microbiology and immunology from what is now Western University in London, Ontario, in Canada.  

Casselli’s research seeks to identify how Borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, can access the central nervous system and the mechanisms leading to disease known as neuroborreliosis. Ultimately, his research aims to do three things:   

• Identify risk factors to learn why some people develop neuroborreliosis while most do not;   
• Identify biomarkers because there is not currently a reliable non-invasive test to determine if someone has neuroborreliosis; 
• Identify treatments. By learning more about the mechanisms by which Borrelia affects the central nervous system, targeted treatments can be developed.  

And while the infection itself is treatable with antibiotics, he said, many patients suffer from continuing symptoms long after the infection appears to be resolved. By studying the lingering effects of Borrelia infection on the central nervous system, Casselli hopes to identify targets for treatments that can bring relief to impacted patients. 

New members selected for Gold Humanism Honor Society

Twelve third-year medical students, four residents and two faculty members were selected for the USA chapter of the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society (GHHS) at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. The new members will be inducted and pinned at the White Coat Ceremony on June 20.

GHHS is a community of medical students, physicians, and other leaders who have been recognized for their compassionate care. The national honor society reinforces and supports the human connection in healthcare, which is essential for the health of patients and clinicians. Members are selected through a peer-nominated process. 

Faculty, residents and medical students selected

for the Gold Humanism Honor Society

The following were named to the GHHS Class of 2026:

Faculty

• Maryann Mbaka, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery
• Abhijin Das, M.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Residents

• Claudia Barrios, M.D. – Internal Medicine
• Karl Fischer, M.D. – Surgery
• Minya Seok, M.D. – Internal Medicine
• Juhi Shah, M.D. – OB-GYN

Medical Students

• Oays Aljabi
• Noah Baker
• Maxon Bassett
• Madelyn Campbell
• Peter Doan
• Corinne Gautreaux
• Madison Hogans
• Caroline Howell
• Sridhar Karne
• Benjamin Loftis
• Caleb Phillips
• Thomas Robinson

Madison Hogans said the group's goal is to recognize those who go above and beyond for their patients through initiatives like Thank a Resident Day and Solidarity Week. The group also looks forward to participating in events that unite faculty, healthcare providers and students, such as the annual Art of Medicine event. “Our hope is to make a positive impact on our community and inspire others to grow in empathy and compassion,” she said.

Hogans said she feels incredibly grateful to have been nominated for GHHS. “Being selected serves as a meaningful reminder of my 'why' for pursuing medicine and my desire to connect with and care for patients,” she said. 

Benjamin Loftis said being selected for GHHS means a great deal to him, and he is thankful for the people surrounding him at USA. “Every day I am encouraged by the community we have here,” he said. “This year my hope for the GHHS at South Alabama is to further emphasize the importance of those relationships and use them to uphold the values of humanism and continue providing patient-centered care in our community.”

GHHS chapter advisors are TJ Hundley, M.D., Melody Petty, M.D., and Karen Braswell.

The Arnold P. Gold Foundation champions humanism in healthcare, defined as compassionate, collaborative, and scientifically excellent care. The honor society now has more than 180 chapters in medical schools and more than 45,000 members in training and practice. 

USA Health Obstetrics and Gynecology Conference planned for April 3-4 in Biloxi

To better prepare healthcare providers to meet the expanding gynecological needs of women, USA Health’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is presenting its 31st annual education conference April 3-4 at the Golden Nugget Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.   

The event should be of interest to obstetricians and gynecologists, family medicine physicians, and advanced practice providers, plus nursing professionals, social workers, and other healthcare members interested in the care of women and newborns.  

More than a dozen members of the USA Health OB-GYN staff will make presentations, along with other guest speakers including faculty members from the Whiddon College of Medicine. They include:  

• Catherine (Beth) Allen, MS, LCGC, a licensed certified genetic counselor with USA Health OB-GYN  
• Caleb Butts, M.D., FACS, USA Health surgeon, associate professor of surgery, Whiddon College of Medicine 
• Shawn Drake, PT, Ph.D., department chair/professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of South Alabama  
• Heather Fishel, M.D., FACE, USA Health endocrinologist, assistant professor of Internal Medicine, Whiddon College of Medicine   
• Lyndsey Harper, M.D., founder/CEO of Rosy, associate professor of OB-GYN, Texas A&M University 
• Samantha Fields, BSN, RN, USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital  
• Sarah Givens, BSN, RN, USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital 
• Rachel Hunter, M.D., USA Health breast surgical oncologist, assistant professor of surgery, Whiddon College of Medicine  
• Robert Israel, M.D., FACP, USA Health internal medicine physician  
• Ann Payne-Johnson, M.D., M.S., USA Health family medicine physician, assistant professor of family medicine, Whiddon College of Medicine 

Objectives for this educational program were developed in response to the needs of healthcare providers in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, family medicine, nursing, and social work from previous course evaluations, government guidelines, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), and as identified by the USA Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

At the conclusion of the two-day program, participants should be able to: 

• Incorporate guidelines based on ACOG criteria for practice management into clinical practice to improve obstetrical care.  
• Evaluate information as presented to incorporate recommended best practices into a women’s healthcare team.  
• Outline and promote methods to facilitate collaboration within multiple healthcare disciplines and healthcare systems to maximize health promotion of patients and families. 

The conference will feature 12 continuing medical education (CME) credits for physicians, advanced practice practitioners and nurses. 

Click here for more information on registration and a full conference schedule.  

Whiddon COM alumna McDade Hancock joins pediatrics faculty

Carey McDade Hancock, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics, gives a patient a checkup.

To better serve the healthcare needs of children, pediatrician Carey McDade Hancock, M.D., has joined USA Health Semmes Primary Care.

From an early age, Hancock was fascinated by the practice of medicine, asking probing questions far beyond her years of the physicians who cared for her as a child.

In high school and college, her passion for helping others blossomed as she served as a volunteer at nursing homes in the Mobile area. Today, she continues to connect with young patients and their caregivers by building long-term relationships.

“I love establishing connections with my families because I’m not just taking care of the child,” she said. “It’s so important to form bonds with parents, too. I am grateful they trust me to take care of their precious children because they know I have a child’s best interest at heart.”

Hancock earned an undergraduate degree from Spring Hill College and in 2008 received a medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine. She completed a pediatric residency at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

In late 2024, she returned to the USA family, accepting a position with USA Health Pediatrics, joining a practice with two other physicians, Katrina L. Roberson-Trammell, M.D., and Crystal Parks-Coleman, D.O., at one of the system’s newest locations on Moffett Road in Semmes. She previously worked for Victory Pediatrics and Franklin Primary Health Center.

As part of an academic health system, Hancock will also help train the next generation of healthcare providers, serving as an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Whiddon College of Medicine.

Hancock said she strives to provide a space where parents can feel free to ask questions.

“I’m a parent just like them,” she said. “As a pediatrician, I always approach the family as if they were my family and the child as if they were my child. It’s a no-judgment zone, and I want them to be able to make the best decisions for their care.”

To make an appointment with Hancock, call 251-645-8946.

USA Health cardiology fellow selected for prestigious skills course

Cardiology fellows from around the United States participated in the skills course.

Celestine Odigwe, M.D., was selected as one of 20 cardiology fellows from around the country to participate in the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Educator: Fundamental Skills course in Washington, D.C. 

The prestigious class provides fellows-in-training the opportunity to enhance their presentation skills in teaching materials through practice and feedback. The course also helps cardiology fellows seeking to attain accreditation. The selection process was highly competitive with selection committee members basing their choices on professional accomplishments and impact on education.  

Celestine Odigwe, M.D.

Odigwe is in the second year of his cardiology fellowship with USA Health and the Whiddon College of Medicine. He said he is seeking to develop his educational curriculum and his delivery as an educator. 

“As a cardiology fellow, I recognize the critical role that effective communication and education play to members of the care team and patients,” Odigwe said. “By refining my teaching skills, I aim to ensure that we continue to deliver quality education in [an] engaging and exciting way while making use of available cutting-edge technology.” 

The course was also a great way to network with peers who share a passion for medicine and learn from the most experienced professionals, he said. Networking is crucial in this field because it allows for professional development by providing opportunities for collaboration in research and clinical practice. The course allowed for insightful conversations with a diverse group of professionals, which helps establish a new perspective on patient care and education.  

“I was honored and excited to be selected from such a distinguished group of candidates,” Odigwe said. “It was both a recognition of my efforts thus far and an opportunity to grow in areas that are essential to my career goals.” 

The American College of Cardiology, the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team and its 56,000 members, is dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health. The organization provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions.