Four faculty, staff join Whiddon College of Medicine
Posted on September 9, 2022 by Carol McPhail
This fall, the Whiddon College of Medicine welcomed four new faculty and staff members.
The COMmunicator asked each to introduce themselves as they began their new roles
in medical education and administration.
Laura Boatright, M.D., C.H.S.E.
Director of Clinical Skills and Simulation
I grew up in Gainesville, Florida, and attended undergraduate and medical school at
the University of Florida. I met my husband, Jeffrey, in medical school. We moved
to Charlottesville for residency at the University of Virginia. I became interested
in medical education, particularly the field of simulation.
I worked as the director of the Clinical Skills Center at UVA before Jeff and I moved
to Mobile, for his job at Alabama Orthopedic Center. We have three cats and a dog,
and we enjoy the outdoors, cooking, movies and puzzles.
I'm looking forward to working with the students at the COM, and I'm very excited
to get to know everyone. Please feel free to drop by my office any time!
LaToya M. Gamble, M.B.A.
Clinical Education Coordinator for the College of Medicine/Student Affairs
I'm originally from and currently reside in Mobile. I earned a Bachelor of Science
in Business Administration from the University of Mobile and a Master of Business
Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Columbia Southern University.
I'm located in the Mastin Building, second floor, Room 201-A, and I am here to serve
the students in any way I can. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not
hesitate to call or email me or Karen Braswell. Please, stop by any time!
Bri Kestler, Ph.D., M.M.S., PA-C
Assistant Professor in the Division of Medical Education
Mostly recently, I was a simulation instructor with USA’s Simulation Department and
an assistant professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.
My hometown is Portland, Oregon, but I have moved around a bit after joining the Army
following my undergraduate degree.
Some advice I have for the med students is, "If you take care of your patients first
and foremost, you will always be in the right."
David S. Williams, Ph.D., M.P.A.
Assistant Dean, Institutional and Academic Success
Most recently, I was assistant director of Course Development at the USA Innovation
in Learning Center.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from the University of Mobile, a Master
of Public Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a doctorate
in Instructional Design and Development from USA.
Mobile is my hometown, and I am so proud to be an alumnus who is still part of the
South community. I love a good cup of coffee with the perfect amount of creamer –
so you can usually catch me on a walk to or from Starbucks over at the library!
I am excited to join the team at the Whiddon College of Medicine and am committed
to your success! I am most excited to meet and work with you all to connect you to
the academic support services that will ensure your foundation is strong.