The University of Alabama’s University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa announced it is expanding specialty services as one of Alabama’s largest private neurology practices prepares to join its system, a move expected to strengthen patient access to neurological and sleep-medicine care across West Alabama.

According to the University, Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine will transition to UMC-Neurology and Sleep Medicine on Dec. 12, while continuing operations at its Rice Mine Road Loop facility. The integration brings expanded services for neurological diseases and additional resources for patients managing sleep disorders.

Dr. Richard Friend, dean of the College of Community Health Sciences, said the partnership provides “much-needed care and access” for the UA community and the region. He added that the move also increases clinical training opportunities for medical students, residents, and fellows, while expanding the number of clinical trials available at UMC.

The practice includes six neurologists and sleep-medicine professionals with subspecialty training in neuromuscular disease, epilepsy, sleep medicine, and clinical neurophysiology. With the transition, UMC will offer enhanced services, including electrodiagnostics, EEG testing, and nerve conduction studies, used to assess muscle disorders, nerve damage, and irregular brain activity.

Dr. James Geyer, neurologist and director of the Sleep Program, said the group’s physicians, technologists, and nursing staff bring extensive experience in patient care, medical education, and clinical research. Geyer also serves as a clinical professor in UA’s Department of Family, Internal and Rural Medicine, director of the UA Research MRI, and medical director for the College’s Institute for Rural Health Research.

In 2024, the neurology and sleep-medicine group recorded more than 25,000 patient encounters and performed over 3,000 sleep studies. It operates a large accredited sleep center and is home to one of the nation’s few accredited Behavioral Sleep Medicine training programs.

UMC is the largest multi-specialty medical practice in West Alabama, serving patients from clinics in Tuscaloosa, Northport, Demopolis, Fayette, Carrollton, and Livingston. The addition of Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine builds on UMC’s longstanding neurology services in Tuscaloosa and Northport.

Together with the practices it oversees — including the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy and Capstone Hospitalist Group — the College of Community Health Sciences recorded approximately 300,000 patient visits in 2024.

The partnership aligns with The University of Alabama’s ongoing efforts to expand health-care access, research, and clinical training capacity as part of its statewide mission.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].