USA Health System Patient Stories
“In 2011, I had an operation to repair a hernia. After the surgery, complications developed, preventing me from eating or drinking normally for six months. During this time my doctors were uncertain about my recovery.
I decided to go to the USA Health System for another opinion. After meeting with a surgeon at the USA Medical Center, I had a 14-hour surgery that basically reversed the complications and repaired my hernia.
Now that I’m healthy again, I enjoy reading and spending time with my granddaughter. I was treated very well by the excellent doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who were instrumental in my complete recovery. Today, I am leading a happy and productive life because of the expertise and care available at the USA Health System.”
Leanadous Summers
Opelika, Alabama
Leanadous Summers - "Thanks USA Health System!" from USA Health System on Vimeo.
“I love music and have been involved with the school band since the 6th grade. In 2009, I began having seizures and later discovered they were caused by a brain tumor. I was so scared. Music and noise were triggers for my seizures. I had to quit band, and I couldn’t even listen to my iPod or television.
I underwent two brain surgeries to remove the tumor and then had epilepsy surgery in 2011.
Since being treated, I have been able to return to a normal life. I am able to listen to and play music, and this year I’ll start marching in the band again. I love the doctors who helped me, and my experience at USA was the best!”
Alicia Cornell
Magnolia Springs, Alabama
Sophomore at Foley High School
Alicia Cornell - "I'm Back with the Band!" from USA Health System on Vimeo.
"I was treated for Crohn's disease at USA. My condition is in remission now and has been for about seven years. The care I received was the best available anywhere.
Today, I'm able to do the things that are important to me -- things that I've enjoyed all my life, like fishing off-shore and fishing for Marlin. My wife, both of my daughters, and my sons-in-law fish. It's a family thing for us.
Fishing continues to be an important part of my quality of life now that I am healthy. I contribute this to Dr. Jack Di Palma and the USA Health System."
Don McCrory
Orange Beach, Alabama
"I'm Back Onboard!" from USA Health System on Vimeo.
“I was a cross-country and track runner at Bayside Academy. My junior year of high school I was running a race, and I had a heat stroke. I don’t really remember most of it, but I do remember waking up in USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, where I spent two nights in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and two additional nights in the hospital recuperating.
At the time I was concerned that I wasn’t going to be able to run ever again, but after treatment at Children’s and Women’s, I’m back running and doing what I love again! Now that I’m in college, I hope to continue running!
I am grateful for the care I received at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital and for the help getting back on the track again!”
Charlotte Gill
Fairhope, Alabama
"I'm Back on Track!" from USA Health System on Vimeo.
"Playing golf is my passion. For a while though, my time on the course was disrupted by Dupuytren's contracture, a medical condition where the movement of your fingers is severely limited. When you are unable to move your fingers, your ability to play is obviously compromised. My quality of life also suffered. Typing was difficult, pulling keys from my pocket was a challenge, and putting on a golf club was impossible.
Until recently, the only treatment was surgery. But with a new procedure now offered in the University of South Alabama Department of Orthopaedics, I was successfully treated with the novel non-surgical therapy right in the doctor's office. Today my fingers are almost back to normal and my golf game is back.
I am grateful for the opportunity to reclaim my quality of life and return to the golf course.
Dr. Richard Talbott, Dean
Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professionals
Dr. Talbott from USA Health System on Vimeo.
"I injured my neck while sailing in the Dauphin Island Regatta several years ago.
It progressed into what became constant, unrelenting pain that negatively impacted all aspects of my life, including one of my favorite hobbies - playing the guitar.
When the pain didn't improve over time, I went to see University of South Alabama interventional radiologist Dr. Brad Steffler, who recommended a series of epidural steroid injections. The relief was immediate. By the third injection, the pain was completely gone.
I've played guitar since high school and it's a great source of enjoyment and relaxation. When I was dealing with the pain, I worried that I would have to give it up. Now I am back to playing and owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Steffler and his team for giving me back my life – and my music!"
Scott Cox
Mobile, Alabama
"I'm Back in Tune!" from USA Health System on Vimeo.
"All my life, I have enjoyed Mardi Gras. This past December, when I was looking forward to being king of my krewe, I became sick. At USA Medical Center my doctor diagnosed me with stage four renal failure. I was also on the verge of having a heart attack.
After getting the right treatment, I feel great. I am now on dialysis and my kidneys are working better. I am able to parade this year and live each day to the fullest.
I'm grateful to my doctors at USA for their help, and I'm glad to have a second chance at life."
William Bosarge
Krewe de la Dauphine
Dauphin Island, Alabama
Beads Can Fly Again! from USA Health System on Vimeo.
