We’re dedicated to supporting faculty and trainees in their growth and wellbeing. Our office provides free and confidential counseling, consultation, and coaching for faculty, physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, medical residents, medical students, biomedical graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows.
Services
- One-on-one assessments and consultations
- Short-term counseling and coaching
- Group sessions
- Referral assistance
Make an Appointment
- Call us at (205) 731-9799
- Email alisapalmore@uab.edu
- You do not need a referral.
Professionals

Lauren Nassetta, M.D., Director
Lauren Nassetta, M.D., Director of PDO, is an associate professor in the division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine within the Department of Pediatrics, where she serves as an associate residency program director and Chief Wellness Officer. She moved to Alabama to attend Birmingham-Southern college, and has completed medical school, pediatrics residency and a chief resident year at UAB. Her professional mission is to provide UAB providers and trainees with opportunities to explore and learn skills for maintaining joy in work, as well as guidance in developing a growth-oriented mind-set, centered on acceptance of imperfections in themselves and others.

Sam Perna, D.O.
Sam Perna, D.O., is an associate professor in the division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care within the Department of Medicine. He is an Osteopathic Physician whose primary training is Family Medicine. After a period in private practice, Dr. Perna entered fellowship training at UAB in Palliative Medicine. Prior to medical school, he also earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Alabama. His wellness experience includes both group and individual counseling for adults and children. Congruent with his Family Medicine and Counseling education, Dr. Perna is comfortable helping the full breadth of client needs.

Megan McMurray, Ph.D.
Megan McMurray, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Florida and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in rehabilitation psychology in the UAB SOM department of PM&R. She is board certified (ABPP) in the specialty of rehabilitation psychology. Dr. McMurray is skilled at providing a variety of wellness services. Her specific training and expertise is evidence-based psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapies, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Ashley Hanson, Ph.D.
Ashley Hanson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alabama and completed her postdoctoral fellowships in the Department of Psychiatry at UAB. Dr. Hanson is skilled at providing a variety of services, such as evidence based individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and psychological assessments to adults. She uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness interventions, as well as other treatment modalities in her practice.

Julia Sanford, LICSW
Julia Sanford, LICSW, is a clinical counselor in UAB Student Counseling Services. She earned a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin and Bachelor of Arts in English from Auburn University. She enjoys helping students through difficult life transitions, identity exploration, and issues related to grief and loss, as well as developing individualized strategies to help students manage symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and other life stressors. Julia is also certified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor through the National Council on Behavioral Health.
Adrianne Raymond, MA
Adrianne Raymond, MA, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is a clinical counselor in UAB Student Counseling Services, a division of UAB Student Affairs. She received her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. Adrianne has over 25 years of service at UAB and has worked extensively in the areas of substance abuse and professional wellbeing. She has focused much of her energies in working with health care professionals and trainees on normalizing the idea of asking for help. She is skilled in a number of treatment modalities including group and individual counseling and CBT.
Our Staff
Alisa Palmore, Administrative Associate
Contact Us
Physical Address:
509 Kirklin Clinic Parking Deck
509 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Mailing Address:
KCPD 509
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294
Phone: 205-731-9799