Back to Where It All Began – A New Chapter at USA Health for Paul Henning, MD.

Back to Where It All Began – A New Chapter at USA Health 

Life has a funny way of coming full circle. After years of training, practicing, and collecting more hospital ID badges than should be legally allowed, it feels incredible to return to the University of South Alabama (USA) College of Medicine—this time, not as a student, but as an associate professor of emergency medicine. 

The new role comes with some exciting responsibilities, including attending physician duties. Additionally, I will serve as the associate program director for emergency medicine. And—let’s be honest—probably answer a lot of emails. But at the heart of it, the goal is the same as always: provide the best emergency care possible and help train the next generation of emergency physicians. 

A Journey Through Medicine (and Back Again)

The road here has been anything but a straight line. After earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from USA, medical school took me to St. George’s University in Grenada. Because who doesn’t want to study surrounded by beaches? Residency training followed at Weill Cornell in New York for emergency medicine. Later, I trained at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for anesthesiology and critical care. Somewhere along the way, the American Board of Emergency Medicine was kind enough to let me in. 

Before medicine took over entirely, there were years spent as a firefighter and paramedic right here in Mobile. That experience shaped everything that followed—learning to handle high-pressure situations, work as a team, and survive on questionable amounts of coffee. 

Lessons from the ER and a New Home at USA Health 

Most recently, life was spent working in Pensacola, Florida, at Sacred Heart Hospital. I was also teaching at Florida State University College of Medicine. But there’s something special about coming back to where it all began. Walking the same hallways, now from the other side of the lecture room. 

The goal moving forward? Keep emergency medicine exciting. Keep learning (because it never really stops). And hopefully, keep at least a few residents from making the same rookie mistakes we all did. 

It’s good to be back. 

Paul Henning, MD