New & Noteworthy

Mobile Bay OB-GYN Center announces the addition of Francie O’Hea Ruzic, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist Mobile, Ala.D

[MOBILE, AL] — Francie O’Hea Ruzic, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist, joins Mobile Bay OBGYN Center following the completion of an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. As a Mobile Native, Dr. Ruzic is thrilled to begin providing care to women of all ages in her hometown. She is now accepting new patients. Dr. Ruzic earned her medical degree from the University of South Alabama as well as a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University. She has been a leader amongst her peers, serving on multiple committees, while completing her residency at University of Alabama at Birmingham.

She has conducted research with UAB Women and Infants Center, Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine and is the recipient of Clyde G. Huggins Research Award Winner from the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and Children & Women’s Hospital.

USA Health clinics earn continued PatientCentered Medical Home recognition

[MOBILE, AL] — Four USA Health practices – USA Health Stanton Road Clinic, USA Health Family Medicine, USA Health Pediatrics and USA Health Adolescent Pediatrics – have been awarded recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) PatientCentered Medical Home Program that ultimately translates to better experiences and outcomes for patients.

The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement. The program reflects the input of the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Osteopathic Association and others.

NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. Learn more at ncqa.org.

USA scientist receives $2.3 million grant renewal for flea pathogen research

[MOBILE, AL] — A $2.3 million grant renewal from the National Institutes of Health will help scientist Kevin Macaluso, Ph.D., and his colleagues at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama, ultimately improve diagnosis and treatment of diseases transmitted by fleas and other insects.

There are no vaccines available to prevent rickettsial infections and antibiotics are not recommended for prevention of such diseases.

Rickettsial infections, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, are bacterial diseases that can produce mild to severe, flu-like symptoms and are transmitted through the bites of arthropods such as fleas and ticks. If untreated, the toll of the disease on humans can be severe. In the United States, there are about 5,500 rickettsial infection cases reported each year to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number is likely much larger because the majority of cases typically go unreported.

Macaluso, Locke Distinguished Chair and a professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said the grant is essential for his lab’s continued work.

“Our ultimate goal for this research is to make clear the biological and molecular mechanisms that are critical to rickettsial transmission by fleas so we can better understand the epidemiology of flea-borne rickettsial diseases and identify novel points of intervention,” Macaluso said.

Recent discoveries, including the transmission of flea-borne pathogens in the absence of a rickettsemic host and the identification of multiple rickettsial agents co-circulating in flea populations have guided the research to determine if overlapping rickettsial agents circulating in flea populations influence the transmission one another.

The assembly of the cat flea genome, which Macaluso and other collaborators first published details about in June 2020, also allows for investigation of the flea-derived factors that facilitate or prevent Rickettsia transmission.

Rickettsia felis originally was identified in the United States as a human pathogen in 1991 and now is associated with human infection in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Forbes magazine names Infirmary Health best healthcare system employer in Alabama

[MOBILE, AL] — Infirmary Health earned recognition as one of the “Best places to work and the top healthcare system employer in the state of Alabama,” according to the 2022 America’s Best-in-State Employers list released by Forbes magazine.

The list was developed through a partnership of Forbes and market research company, Statista, identifying organizations favored best by employees in each state. Findings were compiled from an anonymous survey of 70,000 employees nationwide, representing 25 industry sectors. Forbes’ list of Best-in-State Employers considered every aspect of an employee’s experience, such as working conditions, salary, potential for growth and diversity. Forbes also considered direct recommendations from employees, as well as indirect recommendations from workers in the healthcare sector.

“At Infirmary Health, our mission is LIFE—Leadership. Integrity. Family. Excellent Service. — and our greatest asset is our 6,100 team members,” said Mark Nix, President & CEO of Infirmary Health. “The recognition from Forbes as the best healthcare system employer in Alabama affirms our dedication to our staff and physicians who work to provide high-quality healthcare to our communities. We could not meet the needs of our region without the support and dedication of each team member.”

Infirmary Health employs 6,100 dedicated individuals from Mobile, Baldwin and surrounding counties in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. As the largest non-governmental healthcare system in Alabama, Infirmary Health accounts for an additional 6,500 jobs indirectly across the state and is the largest private employer in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

Gulf Orthopaedics welcomes orthopaedic spine surgeon, Blake Bowden, M.D.

[MOBILE, AL] — Blake Bowden, M.D. joins Gulf Orthopaedics an affiliate of Infirmary Health, following the completion of a spine surgery fellowship at the Texas Back Institute. As an orthopaedic spine surgeon, Dr. Bowden will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint disorders affecting the spine.

Dr. Bowden is a graduate of Boston University with a bachelor of science in manufacturing engineering. He earned his degree in medicine from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA and completed a residency in orthopaedics with the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.

Gulf Orthopaedics team of experienced physicians provide the Gulf Coast Region with the latest, most cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical treatment methods, specializing in trauma, sports medicine, spine disorders, shoulder replacement, hip replacement, knee replacement and foot-ankle treatment. Learn more at gulfortho.com.

USA awarded $5.45 million to enhance Primary Care Pathway program

[MOBILE, AL] — With the goal to increase the number of primary care physicians in rural and medically underserved communities and ultimately improve the health of those populations, the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama received $5.45 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand and enhance its Primary Care Pathway (PCP) program.

This award supplements a grant the Whiddon College of Medicine received from HRSA in September 2019. The initial grant, plus all supplemental funding, now totals $19.8 million.

Launched in July 2020, the PCP program is an educational track that provides medical students with four years of specialized training in primary care. The Primary Care Pathway Scholars are selected based on an interest in primary care and a willingness to commit to the practice following residency training. The program enrolls up to 10 students per class, for a total of 40 PCP Scholars.

Diagnostic & Medical Clinic welcomes family medicine physician, Jared Jones, MD

[MOBILE, AL] — Jared Jones, M.D. joins Diagnostic & Medical Clinic (DMC) following the completion of his residency in family medicine at the University of South Alabama. As a family medicine physician, he will provide a range of acute, chronic and preventative medical services. This includes diagnosing and treating illness, routine checkups and healthy lifestyle management.

Dr. Jones is a graduate of the Louisiana University of Shreveport with a bachelor of science in molecular and cellular biology. He earned his medical degree from the Louisiana State University at Shreveport. During his residency at the University of South Alabama, he was elected chief resident for the 2021-2022 academic year. Dr. Jones is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of sergeant.

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