New Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine Building Opens Doors to More Students in Mobile, AL

University of South Alabama

The latest dynamic chapter is being written in the story of Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine with the construction of the school’s new 250,000-square-foot building. The $200 million state-of-the-art facility is targeted to be finished in 2026 and located on the University of South Alabama campus in Mobile. 

Education Hub Invests in Workforce 

University President Jo Bonner says it will offer future students the most advanced learning and research opportunities anywhere in the country. It is one of only two accredited institutions in the state to offer a medical degree. A doctor of medicine or a doctorate in basic medical sciences degrees are offered. 

“When completed, the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building will allow us to increase the number of doctors we graduate each year from 80 to 100 with the ability to grow to 125, and most of them will remain in Alabama to practice,” Bonner says. “Combine that with the state’s largest College of Nursing and the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions and the University of South Alabama has a profound impact on health care in our region and state.” 

The building project will round out a medical education hub on campus that includes the nursing and allied health professions colleges as well as the Health Simulation Building and the Charles M. Baugh Biomedical Library. 

The College of Nursing has more than 21,000 alumni, offers more than 15 programs, and provides extensive and flexible online degree curriculums. More than 10,000 students have completed one of the 27 degree and certificate programs provided by the College of Allied Health Professions. 

Local Enjoys Practicing in Hometown 

Mobile native Dr. Mary Caitlin Marshall, a gastroenterologist at USA Digestive Health Center, earned her undergraduate degree at Auburn University. For medical school, she wanted to return home. 

“I knew I would likely stay in Mobile after medical training, and I wanted to learn in the community I would one day care for,” Marshall says. 

The Whiddon College of Medicine fit the bill. Marshall also completed her internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at USA Health University Hospital. 

“I loved medical school. It was challenging, but I felt like the environment fostered camaraderie,” she says. “These relationships ultimately influenced my decision to go into internal medicine and subsequently gastroenterology.”