Student research on retinal surgery earns first place at state medical meeting
Posted on April 16, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
Jacob Holston, a second-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, earned
first place in the research podium presentation category at the Medical Association
of the State of Alabama Annual Session on April 11.
Holston presented his research, “Intraoperative Fluorescein Angiography for Retinal Vascular Disease,” examining the use of fluorescein angiography during retinal surgery. His findings showed the approach was associated with improved postoperative visual outcomes, lower rates of vitreous hemorrhage, and enhanced real-time identification of macular ischemia.
“I was honored to represent the Whiddon College of Medicine at the conference and humbled to receive first place,” Holston said.
He credited his mentors, ophthalmologists Alan J. Franklin, M.D., Ph.D., in Mobile, and Joaquín Sosa-Lockward, M.D., in the Dominican Republic, for their guidance and support on the project.
The Medical Association of the State of Alabama represents approximately 7,000 physicians statewide and hosts the annual session to highlight research, leadership and excellence in patient care.