Primary Care in Advanced Practice Nursing

Lauren C. Mays, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, FNAP is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing, where she served as the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Coordinator from 2019-2024. Under her leadership, the UAB FNP track ranked 3rd in the nation for MSN and 6th for DNP by the US News and World Report. She is a board certified FNP since 2010 with clinical experience in family medicine, women’s health, labor and delivery, and pediatrics. Dr. Mays maintains a clinical practice as Clinic Director at UAB at the WellHouse where she provides primary care to victims of sex trafficking. She is an expert in trauma-informed care and social determinants of health and incorporates both throughout her teaching and practice. As a founding member of the National Association of Family Nurse Practitioners, she is an accomplished author, peer-reviewer, and public speaker at the national and international levels. Dr. Mays was recognized as a PADMA award recipient for her clinical accomplishments and named the Nancy Smith Memorial Excellence in Teaching award recipient for her academic excellence. Her highest honor was being appointed to the Healthy People Curriculum Taskforce where she served as an expert in population health developing interprofessional curriculum for health care professionals across the nation. 

Laura Steadman, Ed.D., CRNP, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, is an Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, where she serves as Faculty in the undergraduate/prelicensure program. With more than 26 years of experience in nursing education, including 13 years at UAB, she has contributed extensively to curriculum development and academic leadership. Dr. Steadman earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from The University of Alabama, her Master of more than 23 years of experience in nursing education, including 13 years at UAB she has contributed extensively Science in Nursing with a specialization in Adult Health Nursing from Troy State University, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Auburn University at Montgomery. She is also a certified Family Nurse Practitioner, bringing advanced clinical expertise to her teaching and mentorship. Her professional focus includes expanding pathways for nursing education and fostering the preparation of future nurse leaders and educators.

Melanie Gibbons Hallman, DNP, CRNP, CNS, FAEN, FAANP, FAAN, is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She co-coordinates the Emergency Nurse Practitioner Subspecialty, a pioneering program for emergency nurse practitioners in Alabama. With over four decades of experience in emergency medical services and hospital emergency care—and over 30 years practicing as an emergency nurse practitioner—Dr. Hallman combines clinical expertise with academic leadership. Dr. Hallman is President of the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners and has held leadership roles in national and state nursing organizations, including service with the Emergency Nurses Association and on advisory committees for emergency medical services and disaster response. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Nursing and of the American Academy of Nursing.

Patricia M. Speck, DNSc, CRNP, FNP-BC, AFN-C, IVSE-C, DF-IAFN, FAAFS, DF-AFN, FAANP, FAAN is Professor Emeritus and former Coordinator of Advanced Forensic Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. She earned her BSN, MSN, and Doctor of Nursing Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing. As a board-certified family nurse practitioner and advanced forensic nurse, Dr. Speck is recognized internationally for her research and expertise promoting primary care of individuals impacted by violence and trauma. Her research focuses on applying forensic nursing science to support populations impacted by violence. She works on developing policies that improve care and practices for individuals who have experienced trafficking, specifically by implementing trauma-informed interventions. These interventions address maladaptive behavioral responses that often occur after traumatic experiences, aiming to promote recovery and better outcomes for affected individuals. Over her career she served as a consultant subject matter expert to organizations, governments, and consulted with NGOs worldwide. Today, Dr. Speck is recognized for her reserach to establish the scientific foundation of forensic nursing practice by aligning with AACN Essentials and FNCB Core Competencies for Forensic Nurses, sharing the lead in global dissemination of certification and accreditation efforts, earning over 25 professional awards including lifetime impact honors, and holding fellowships in major nursing and forensic science associations.