Whiddon College of Medicine showcases leadership, scholarship at Together We Lead conference
Posted on April 30, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
The Whiddon College of Medicine continued its tradition of regional leadership and
academic excellence at the 2026 Together We Lead joint conference in Orlando, Florida.
This premier gathering, hosted by the Southern Group on Student Affairs, the Group
on Collaboration, Engagement and Community, and the Organization of Student Representatives,
serves as a vital hub for innovation and strategic collaboration in healthcare education.
Representing the Whiddon College of Medicine were Laventrice S. Ridgeway, Ed.D., associate dean of student affairs; Frank L. Lucas, Ed.D., director of student records and engagement; LoRen Modisa, Ed.D., director of the Office of Health Advancement; and Tiquera W. Hall, Ph.D., education and training manager for the Office of Health Advancement.
The Whiddon College of Medicine’s contributions to this year’s oral presentation sessions addressed critical transitions in medical education and the professional development of those who support the student journey.
Ridgeway, alongside colleagues Daniel J. Correa, M.D., M.Sc., and Alden Landry, M.D., MPH, presented “Advising challenges in residency applications: Learner mistrust and the needs of advising systems.” This session explored the complex dynamics between students and advising structures, offering strategies to rebuild trust and enhance the efficacy of the residency application process.
“Addressing learner mistrust is essential for creating a supportive environment where students feel confident in the guidance they receive during the residency match,” Ridgeway said. “By refining our advising systems, we ensure that our students are not only prepared but feel truly advocated for as they transition to the next stage of their careers.”
Lucas joined Eileen Doherty, Ph.D.; Leila Harrison, Ph.D.; and Jamie Vassel, Ed.D., for a session titled “From staff to scholar: Developing ourselves through doctoral programs.” The presentation highlighted the transformative journey of medical school staff transitioning into scholarly roles, emphasizing the value of advanced education in strengthening institutional support services.
“The transition from staff to scholar allows us to bring a unique, evidence-based perspective to student services,” Lucas said. “Pursuing doctoral growth isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about elevating the level of expertise we provide to the Whiddon COM community and modeling lifelong learning for our students.”
In addition to the oral sessions, the Whiddon College of Medicine’s impact was felt during the poster presentation rounds. Mackenzie Bernadino, M.S.; Janey Crabtree, BGS; Melinda Harrison, Ph.D.; Amanda M. Lynn, M.S.; and Ridgeway shared framework use recommendations in a poster titled “Leveraging the GSA professional development initiative to enhance growth in medical student services.” This work showcased how professional development frameworks can be utilized to elevate the quality of services provided to medical students.
The Whiddon College of Medicine’s presence at the Together We Lead conference underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of medical education trends and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and holistic support for its learners.