Radiation Oncology welcomed its first advanced practice providers (APPs): Hayley French (left) is a certified physician assistant and Heather Locke (right) is a nurse practitioner.

The UAB Department of Radiation Oncology welcomed two new advanced practice providers (APP) in October 2023.

Hayley French is a certified physician assistant (PA-C) who joins Radiation Oncology from the UAB Epilepsy Center, where she worked for six years. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, French attended the University of Kentucky for her undergraduate and graduate programs: Bachelor of Health Sciences (2012) and Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (2017). French has worked in health care since 2010, starting as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), then as a medical technologist before becoming a PA-C.

Outside of work, Hayley sings in the chorus for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. She also enjoys antique shopping and hanging out with her dog, Winnie, a shar-pei/lab mix.

“Everyone in Radiation Oncology has been so welcoming. I am so excited to be a part of this outstanding team,” French said.

Heather Locke is a nurse practitioner (NP) who joins Radiation Oncology from UAB Endocrinology and the 1917 Clinic, where she worked as an NP from 2021 to 2023. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Locke lived in Vancouver, Washington, and Henderson, Kentucky, before moving to Birmingham in 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Murray State University in 2016 and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family and Adult Geriatrics Primary Care at the University of Louisville in 2019.

Locke’s hobbies outside of work include reading, running, hiking, and watching documentaries curled up on the couch with her two beagles Milton and Marty. She also spends many Saturdays orienteering with her husband at Oak Mountain. Fun fact: She has an identical twin sister.

“Radiation Oncology is a very interesting field with extremely compassionate and efficient care teams. Everyone here seems to genuinely love what they do every day,” Locke said. “I look forward to making this my home for many years to come!”