Pediatrics expands with the addition of Shawn M. McFarland, M.D.
His honors include the Dave Berry Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics Uniformed Services Section, the Air Force Medical Service Clinical Excellence Award, the Chief of the Medical Staff Commitment to Excellence Award in U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and multiple military commendations.
By Casandra Andrews
[email protected]
To better serve the healthcare needs of children, USA Health Pediatrics has added Shawn M. McFarland, M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician with decades of clinical leadership and medical experience.
McFarland brings extensive experience in pediatric care, executive medicine, and health system leadership from a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force Medical Service. Most recently, he served as surgical operations squadron commander with the 81st Medical Group at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he managed more than 200 medical personnel supporting surgical and outpatient care. He remained clinically active as a pediatrician while serving in various leadership roles.
"After years of providing care to military kids and families across the globe, it is my honor and privilege to join the team at USA Health,” McFarland said. “I am very excited to be a part of providing the highest quality pediatric care to the children and families of the greater Mobile area while also supporting training for our next generation of pediatricians."
In addition to overseeing complex surgical services, McFarland also led large multidisciplinary teams across the United States and abroad, including assignments as chief of the medical staff at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the headquarters for U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and as operational medical readiness squadron commander at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England. His responsibilities included quality and risk management, patient safety, credentialing and privileging, budget oversight, and the interpretation and implementation of public health regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Dr. McFarland brings a combination of outstanding clinical expertise, proven leadership and a deep commitment to patient safety and education,” said Benjamin Estrada, M.D., professor of pediatrics and interim chair of the Department of Pediatrics at USA Health. “His experience leading large, complex medical teams while remaining actively engaged in patient care will be an asset to our patients, our learners and our health system.”
At USA Health, McFarland will provide pediatric care while also contributing to medical education as an associate professor of pediatrics at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. He has held multiple leadership and teaching roles supporting graduate medical education and resident training throughout his career.
McFarland earned his medical degree from the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and completed his pediatric residency through the integrated Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Wright State University program. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
His honors include the Dave Berry Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics Uniformed Services Section, the Air Force Medical Service Clinical Excellence Award, the Chief of the Medical Staff Commitment to Excellence Award in U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and multiple military commendations. He is a lifetime member of Alpha Omega Alpha and a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
He is accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call 251-410-5437.
