A geophysicist-turned-physician assistant, who exchanged global medical missions for volunteer work in a free health clinic inside Katrina-battered New Orleans, is the newest member of the College of Allied Health Professions’ Hall of Fame at the University of South Alabama.

Dr. Wade Shields learned firsthand how badly underprivileged countries need medical help during years of analyzing seismic data for Mobil Oil Co. After retirement and completion of USA’s physician assistant program, Shields volunteered with numerous medical missions to countries throughout Central America. After Katrina, Shields decided to use his medical skills to help his devastated hometown of New Orleans.

“In honoring Dr. Shields, we are recognizing the high moral standards and community service that we want to see in our graduates, but in this case, his sense of service goes beyond the call of duty,” said Dr. Richard Talbott, dean of the College of Allied Health Professions.

The College of Allied Health Professions honored Shields during its annual awards banquet on March 29. This year, the college combined the Hall of Fame announcement with awards for faculty and graduating students from the allied health honor society, Alpha Eta. Those awards: Research, Dr. Robert Moore, assistant professor of speech pathology and audiology; Service, Richard Nenstiel, chair of physician assistant studies; Teaching, Dr. Barry Dale, assistant professor of physical therapy.