McCollough Medical Scholar’s Forum Features VP of Top Medical Insurance Group

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Hayes Whiteside, senior vice president of risk management and chief medical officer for a top medical insurance company, will be the featured speaker for the 11th annual Susan and Gaylon McCollough Medical Scholars Forum Feb. 1-2 in the Shelby Hall rotunda on The University of Alabama campus.

The forum, sponsored by UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, was established by UA alumni Dr. Gaylon McCollough and Susan McCollough.  It begins Friday, Feb. 1 at 3:30 p.m. with registration and continues Saturday, Feb. 2 at 9 a.m. with group discussions.

Whiteside will present two talks during the forum. He will speak on “Risk Management You Won’t Learn in Medical School,” Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. and on “Malpractice Before You Practice,” Feb. 2 at 10:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Whiteside has worked with ProAssurance, the fourth largest medical professional liability insurance writer in the country, since 2004. Prior to joining ProAssurance, Whiteside practiced urology for 17 years in the Tuscaloosa area. He received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Whiteside completed his general surgery internship, residency, and a urology residency at LSU in New Orleans. He has served as associate professor of surgery in UA’s College of Community Health Sciences and served as chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Health from 2002-2006.

The McCollough Medical Scholars Forum’s is designed to give students an understanding of the importance of the scientific and humanistic aspects of healthcare. High school students, UA pre-health professions students, and past forum participants will join UA faculty representing diverse disciplines for the event.

Gaylon McCollough is an Alabaman physician, the president of the McCollough Plastic Surgery Clinic and the founder of the McCollough Institute for Appearance and Health in Gulf Shores.

A 1965 honors graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, he served as an offensive center for the Crimson Tide football team and was named to the All-American Football Team in 1964. Since entering practice, he has obtained recognition as a surgeon and teacher through his affiliation with the largest association of specialty plastic surgeons in the world.

For more information on the forum, contact Chris Hutt, director of health professions advising, in the College of Arts and Sciences at 205/348-5902.

UA’s College of Arts and Sciences is the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.