As construction of the University of South Alabama’s (USA) new Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine building continues, the project has received its largest gift from an individual. Native Mobilian and local businessman Elliot B. Maisel has committed $5 million to the $200-million facility that will allow the university to graduate more physicians and accelerate research and innovation. USA said a large gathering area in the building will be named the Maisel Family Forum as recognition. “Our medical and graduate students, as well as our faculty, deserve an environment that fosters interactive learning and best practices; Elliot Maisel’s gift is an investment in the future of healthcare,” said Dr. John Marymont, dean of the college and vice president for medical affairs. “We will have the ability to grow the class size for medical students, which will have a positive and profound impact on the shortage of primary care physicians practicing in the state, particularly in rural and underserved Alabama.”