Blount named director of USA Health clinical trials

By Carol McPhail

CMcPhail@health.southalabama.edu

Winona “Wendy” Blount, RN, MSN, has been named director of clinical trials for USA Health.

Blount has served as manager of the division of clinical trials at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute since 2016. Over the past three years, she has strengthened infrastructure and processes at MCI, helped to develop a Phase 1 clinical trials program and established an infusion unit at MCI dedicated to clinical trials.

In her new role, Blount will oversee clinical trial activities for all of USA Health. She will strengthen the infrastructure of clinical trials across the healthcare system and maintain the highest level of patient safety. Currently, USA Health has more than 130 clinical trials available to patients within the departments of adult medicine, and pediatric and adult oncology.

“Wendy is an outstanding leader and will be a tremendous asset to clinical trials for USA Health,” said Dr. Rodney P. Rocconi, interim director of the Mitchell Cancer Institute. “We are truly fortunate to have her leading these efforts for the entire health system and our patients.”

A native of Mobile County, Blount earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and master’s degrees in nursing administration and nursing education from the University of Mobile. Since 1991, she has worked in a variety of nursing roles in the Mobile community, where she also serves as an adjunct clinical nursing instructor at Coastal Alabama Community College.

About USA Health

Beginning with the founding of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 1973, USA Health stands as the only academic medical center along the upper Gulf Coast. It provides excellent healthcare to the region’s diverse population at University Hospital and Children’s & Women’s Hospital, one of only five free-standing hospitals in the country dedicated to the healthcare of children and women. Continuous research and technological advancements keep the Mitchell Cancer Institute at the forefront of cancer treatment and outcomes. The health system employs 3,900 clinical and nonclinical staff members, including about 190 academic physicians who serve dual roles treating patients and teaching the next generation of medical doctors.