Support the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine
Welcome to the future of medical education and research
The Whiddon College of Medicine has a strong reputation for providing students with a high-quality medical education that includes an integrative and comprehensive basic science program and access to highly educated researchers dedicated to solving some of medicine’s most complex mysteries. Our medical students perform at the highest levels, outscoring their counterparts at many of the most prestigious medical schools in the United States. With the current learning environment well past its intended functional life, a new medical education and research facility will provide a 21st century, interactive learning environment for our students and faculty and foster best practices in teaching the next generation of physicians and scientists. Construction of a 295,000-square-foot facility is underway and will bring research and education together in one building designed to encourage casual exchange and collaboration.
A word from the Dean
Established in 1973, the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine has been dedicated
to educating medical students to address the healthcare needs of Alabamians, especially
in rural and underserved communities. Soon after its inception, our college launched
a robust research program that has led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries. The
new medical education and research facility marks a significant milestone in our journey.
This state-of-the-art building will not only enhance our educational programs but
also amplify our impact on healthcare. We plan to gradually increase our class size
from 80 students to 100 per class, with the capacity to accommodate up to 120 students.
Our new learning studios and group gathering spaces are designed to support the evolving
teaching environment, while the advanced research laboratories will provide our researchers
with the tools they need to continue their innovative work. This facility represents
our commitment to excellence in medical education and research, and we are excited
about the future it holds for our students, faculty, and the communities we serve.
With gratitude,
John V. Marymont, M.D., M.B.A
Dean, Whiddon College of Medicine
Vice President, Medical Affairs, USA Health
Features of the new Whiddon College of Medicine
Situated near the current Medical Services Building and adjacent to the Health Sciences
Building along University Boulevard, the new 295,000-square-foot Whiddon College of
Medicine medical education and research facility is designed to enhance our capacity
and elevate our educational offerings for the 21st century.
This state-of-the-art building will feature advanced laboratory spaces that are both
flexible and efficient, supporting cutting-edge research now and into the future.
Key features of the new facility include:
- A beautiful forum to serve the entire USA campus and local medical community
- Innovative learning studios to support modern teaching methods
- A teaching kitchen that promotes the concept of “food as medicine” for students and the community
- Comfortable student lounges for relaxation and rejuvenation
- Clinical skills testing areas for practical, hands-on training
- Write-up stations outside research labs to encourage collaboration
- Conveniently located faculty and support staff offices
- And much more!
Have a look around
From learning studios, a teaching kitchen, clinical skills labs, and meeting rooms
to core labs, PI offices, and collaboration space, every area within the new Whiddon
College of Medicine building has been carefully designed to foster collaboration and
learning.
Click below to learn more about some of the spaces planned for the new facility.
Right: The planned layout of the first floor of the new Whiddon College of Medicine
building.
Our Clinical Skills Lab is a cutting-edge facility designed to provide hands-on training for medical students. Equipped with the latest simulation technology, the lab offers a realistic environment where students can practice and refine their clinical skills. From basic procedures to complex diagnostics, the Clinical Skills Lab ensures that our students are well-prepared to deliver exceptional patient care in real-world settings.
Our Teaching Kitchen is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to educating students
and the community about the vital role of nutrition in health. This dynamic space
offers hands-on culinary training, emphasizing the concept of "food as medicine."
Here, students learn to prepare nutritious meals, understand dietary impacts on health,
and incorporate these principles into patient care, promoting overall wellness and
disease prevention.
Right: Second-year medical students at the Whiddon College of Medicine take a class in Culinary Medicine at the USA Health Teaching Kitchen at University Commons.
Our small and medium classrooms are designed to foster an engaging and interactive learning environment. Equipped with modern technology and flexible seating arrangements, these spaces support a variety of teaching methods, from traditional lectures to group discussions and collaborative projects. These classrooms provide an ideal setting for personalized instruction and meaningful interactions between students and faculty, enhancing the overall educational experience.
Our Research Laboratory is at the forefront of scientific discovery, equipped with
cutting-edge technology and advanced instrumentation. Here, our researchers conduct
groundbreaking studies across various fields of medicine, pushing the boundaries of
knowledge and innovation. With state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative environment,
the laboratory fosters creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration, driving forward
our mission to improve healthcare outcomes and advance medical science.
Right: The planned layout of offices, collaborative spaces, laboratories, and related rooms in the new Whiddon College of Medicine building.
Throughout the Medical Education and Research wings, our faculty offices provide a supportive environment for teaching, research and mentorship. These spaces are strategically located to facilitate collaboration and communication among faculty members, fostering a vibrant academic community. Equipped with modern amenities and comfortable workspaces, our faculty offices are designed to inspire creativity, innovation and excellence in both education and research endeavors.
Funding opportunities
Maximize the impact of your gift by contributing to the creation of a dynamic learning and research environment. Your support will directly benefit hundreds of South Alabama medical students, empowering them to become skilled healthcare professionals who provide quality care to thousands of patients. Few opportunities for giving offer such a far-reaching and profound impact.
Join our community of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends who have already demonstrated
their commitment to advancing medical education and research at USA. Your generosity
and leadership through your gift will inspire others to follow suit, ensuring that
our institution continues to thrive and make a difference in the lives of many.
You can leave a lasting legacy by naming rooms within the Whiddon College of Medicine
through naming gifts. These gifts can be pledged over a five-year period or made through
various charitable giving vehicles, including estate gifts, IRA distributions, or
stock donations. If you're interested in naming one of the rooms, please reach out
to us via email at development@southalabama.edu or call us at (251) 460-7032.