College of Health Professions
Introduction
South University's College of Health Professions is committed to helping graduates prepare to launch careers and transform the healthcare industry. Our graduate and undergraduate programs immerse students and faculty in the dynamic world of healthcare. Experience industry-relevant education through interactive simulations and skills, hands-on clinical placements, and impactful community health initiatives. Students have the opportunity to develop essential leadership skills, gain a competitive advantage with real-world experience, and explore their passions across various specialties. Faculty members are empowered to mentor the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals, innovate teaching methods, and contribute to community health through research and service. Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for today's healthcare challenges and equip you to lead tomorrow's solutions.
College of Health Professions Faculty & Staff
Meet the Team!
The College of Health Professions is led by a team of experienced Deans dedicated to fostering academic excellence and innovation, ensuring students receive a high-quality education designed to prepare them for successful healthcare careers. Their leadership supports faculty development, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and anticipates future industry challenges.
Our Department Chairs are seasoned professionals who stay at the forefront of healthcare developments and possess extensive knowledge of accreditation standards. They provide strategic vision and operational oversight, mentor faculty, and lead the ongoing enhancement of our rigorous curricula, ensuring our programs remain relevant and impactful in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Ilaria Gadalla, DMSc, PA-C, FHM
Dean, College of Health Professions, Associate Professor
Dr. Gadalla was nationally recognized with an Award of Excellence in the category of Clinical Leadership for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants by the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) in 2020. The Clinical Leadership Award recognizes outstanding contributions to patient care and quality improvement, leadership of clinical care in hospital medicine, promotion of clinical knowledge, innovations in the role of an NP/PA or contributions to their hospital/hospitalist group, and excellence in creative collaboration, excellence in operations, and/or excellence in program development. In addition, she published with SHM the Hospital Medicine NP/PA Practice Integration and Optimization Statement to assist clinicians and administrators in Hospital Medicine and to promote exceptional care for hospitalized patients.
Dr. Gadalla has a variety of leadership experience throughout her professional career. Most recently, she was appointed as a member of the Accreditation Review Commission for the Anesthesiologist Assistant (ARC-AA) Standards Committee. In 2022, she was nominated by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) to serve as a Commissioner on the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). She has been recognized as a Fellow in Hospital Medicine and the first PA member of the Hospitalist Editorial Board. In addition, she has served as the chair of the SHM NP/PA Executive Council, and as a committee member of the SHM Practice Management Committee, the PAEA Governance and Ethics Board, and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Cardiovascular Team Physician Assistants Committee.
She is an active member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA), a fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the Palm Beach County Medical Society, and the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association.
Dr. Gadalla continues to serve the local community as a Hospitalist and volunteer clinician. She enjoys boxing, cycling, swimming, and painting in her spare time.
Karen Wilcox, DMSc, PA-C
Assistant Dean – College of Health Professions Graduate Programs, Assistant Professor
Dr. Karen Wilcox has been with South University since 2011. Originally from New York, she has lived and worked in the Tampa Bay area since 2005 and brings 20 years of clinical experience in Family Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola College in Maryland in 2002 and graduated from Nova Southeastern University-Fort Lauderdale in 2005 with both a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Master of Medical Science degree. Dr. Wilcox completed a Doctor of Medical Science at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia in 2021 with a focus in PA education. Her teaching/academic interests include otolaryngology, endocrinology, behavioral medicine, women’s health and integrative medicine.
Dr. Wilcox has held advanced leadership roles within the Physician Assistant Program before assuming her current position as the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. She currently serves as a site visitor for the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), helping ensure high standards in PA education nationally. Her scholarly interests include programmatic assessment, wellness and prevention, and women’s and behavioral health topics. She has presented at state and national conferences and remains committed to fostering excellence in medical education at the graduate level.
Dr. Wilcox is an active member of the Florida Academy of PAs (FAPA), the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). She continues to serve underserved populations as a volunteer PA at Calvary Community Clinic in Tampa.
Dana Dixie, O.T.D., B.S.
Associate Dean, College of Health Professions Undergraduate Programs / OTA Chair / Associate Professor
O.T.D., University of Toledo
B.S., University of Toledo
Dr. Dana Dixie has been a member of the South University, Tampa OTA Program since 2013. Earning a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toledo, Dr. Dixie’s professional background includes seventeen years of service as an Occupational Therapist. She specializes in aquatic therapy and dementia care.
An advocate for service learning and the occupational therapy profession, Dr. Dixie served as the Student Occupational Therapy Association faculty liaison for eight years, developing service, research, and community initiatives throughout Tampa—several of which led to state conference presentations and first-place awards. She also mentors OT doctoral capstone students, coaches a little league team for children with intellectual and physical challenges, and continues to practice occupational therapy by traveling abroad on service projects for underserved populations.
Coming Soon!
Director of Clinical Affairs
Michael Mingione, CAA, MHSC
Anesthesiologist Assistant Chair
Mr. Mike Mingione joined South University in 2021 as Assistant Program Director for the West Palm Beach Anesthesiologist Assistant program, which led to his promotion to Program Director the following year, and then Department Chair in 2024. He has been a practicing anesthetist in Palm Beach and Martin counties since 2014. Prior to anesthesia, Professor Mingione held a position in finance following a career in Division I Men’s Soccer.
Education:
- Master of Health Science, Anesthesia Science, Nova Southeastern University
- Bachelor of Science, Finance, St. John’s University, New York
Professional/Clinical Experience:
- Board of Directors, Florida Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Member, American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Member, American Society of Anesthesiologists
- Member, Association of Anesthesiologist Assistant Education Programs
Kristen Smethurst, DMSc, PA-C
Physician Assistant Department Chair, Assistant Professor
In 2014, Dr. Smethurst moved with her family to Australia for 3 years. While there, she was an avid volunteer and traveler. Since returning to Florida in 2017, she has worked in urgent care and is currently volunteering in the community doing HIV testing and counseling.
Dr. Smethurst has experience teaching: women’s health, behavioral health, clinical procedures, epidemiology and biostatistics, clinical laboratory medicine, amongst others. She actively serves on a number of departmental and institutional committees to include the South University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family and watching her daughter play volleyball. She is proud to be part of the founding faculty for the South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program!
Hany Eissa, MD, DMRD
Medical Assisting Chair
Dr. Hany Eissa has served as Assistant Professor to the Department Chair of the Medical Assisting Program at South University's College of Health Professions since 2003. Dr. Eissa brings extensive clinical experience as a Radiologist in Alexandria, Egypt.
Education:
- Medical Doctor, Medical Science and Surgery, University of Alexandria
- Post-Graduate Diploma, Medical Radiodiagnosis, University of Alexandria
- ECFMG Certified, USA
Clinical/Professional Experience:
- Professor, Anatomy and Physiology
- Professor, Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Doctoral Graduate School
- Professor, Diagnostic Radiology, Medical School
- Member, American Association of Medical Assistants
- Member, American Medical Technologists
Amanda Bryson, PTA, MBA
Physical Therapist Assistant Chair
Amanda Bryson has been with the South University Physical Therapist Assistant program in Austin since June 2014. She has served the program over the years as an adjunct faculty member, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Lead Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, and Program Director. Prior to her academic career, Professor Bryson specialized in neuro rehab and pediatrics.
Education:
- Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, South University
- Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, Texas A&M University
- Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant, Blinn College
Clinical/Professional Experience:
- On-Site Reviewer, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Member, Reaffirmation Panel, CAPTE
- Item Writer Coordinator, Federation of the State Boards of Physical Therapy
- Advanced Item Writer, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
- Fellow, American Physical Therapist Association Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership
Erica DeSimone, MSA
Director of Academic Operations
Claudine Ellis, MBA
Clinical Manager for College of Health Professions
Claudine Ellis joined South University, West Palm Beach Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program in June, 2021 as the Clinical Coordinator and has recently been promoted into the College of Health Professions Clinical Manager role as of May, 2024.
Originally from Jamaica, she has been living in West Palm Beach, FL for 12 years. Claudine graduated with an Associate of Science in Tourism Management from Western Hospitality Institution. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, she excelled as an Administrative Assistant, providing crucial support to senior-level managers. She pursued her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Services Administration from Keiser University. During her tenure as a Health Center Coordinator, she demonstrated a commitment to delivering exceptional care, ensuring optimum client support, and enhancing patient satisfaction. She then graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from South University, West Palm Beach.
In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new destinations, listening to music, visiting the beach, volunteering within the community, and spending time with her friends and family.
Christopher Whisenant, MS
Data Coordinator for The College of Health Professions