USA Health represented in 40 Under 40

By Michelle Ryan
mryan@health.southalabama.edu

Mobile Bay magazine named five representatives from USA Health to its 2023 Class of 40 Under 40. Each year, the magazine recognizes 40 individuals under the age of 40 who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence and a commitment to the Mobile Bay area. Winners are selected from the business and professional community, as well as the arts, medicine, education, community involvement and more.

Ahmed Abdalla, M.D., a medical oncologist and an assistant professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, is renowned as a gastrointestinal medical oncology expert in the Gulf Coast region. A native of Omdurman, Sudan, Abdalla has established multiple clinical trials that provide local patients access to the latest cancer treatment therapies. In addition, Abdalla’s published studies and extensive research allow his expertise to reach a much wider audience.

Phillip Henderson, D.O., is an assistant professor of medicine and surgery and the medical director of liver transplantation at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. His lifelong dream and his drive to become a physician have led to the first partnership between the University of South Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for a joint transplant hepatology clinic in Mobile that also provides care for transplant patients who have surgeries in Birmingham.

Antwan J. Hogue, M.D., a physician and assistant professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine is also an alumnus of the university. The Mobile native, who returned to his hometown after completing his residency, has become a decorated faculty member, earning a Red Sash Award for outstanding teaching efforts and other honors. Hogue and his wife cofounded Project INSPIRE, USA Health’s hospital-based injury prevention program designed to curb youth gun violence.

Kristen Roberts, CPA, is the assistant vice president of finance and administration for the University of South Alabama. She manages the financial statements for the university and USA Health, and she is the youngest person in university history to do so. Her service to the university extends beyond her professional role. Roberts is part of USA’s Leadership South program and represents the university on multiple committees, including the Human Resources Task Force.

Melody Zeidan, J.D., M.D., exchanged her law career for one in medicine, and after graduating and practicing law for nearly 10 years, she’s a resident physician in general surgery at USA Health. Zeidan earned her medical degree from the Whiddon College of Medicine, where she was a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and earned the Dean’s Achievement Scholarship for all four years of medical school before graduating in 2022 She is a member of the Junior League of Mobile and the Mobile Arts Council, and she volunteers as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.