Principal Investigator and Owner

Dr. Barry McLean, M.D.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Dr. McLean earned both an M.D. and Ph.D.   He served as Chief Resident and Instructor in Medicine at the University of Alabama School of Medicine.  Prior to that, Dr. McLean, was a Research Associate at Emory University and at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, where he was awarded a Pre-Doctoral Fellowship by the National Science Foundation.

Dr. McLean is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Society of Internal Medicine.  He serves on the vascular Biology Working Group, The National Diabetes Education Initiative and the Partners Against Insulin Resistance (PAIR). 

Dr. McLean is board certified in Internal Medicine and Hypertension had has practiced since 1972.  In 1993 he became the director of Birmingham High Blood Pressure Clinic.   He has served as Principal Investigator and Sub investigator on over 200 studies in the areas of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, seasonal allergies, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, COPD, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, insulin pumps, clamp studies, chronic pain and more. His experience includes Phase I-IV protocols, including first-in-man studies.

Principal investigator

Dr. Khaleel Ashraf, M.D., MBBS, DMRD, FACP

Dr. Khaleel Ashraf is board certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine, as well as a premier oncologist in Birmingham, Alabama. Practicing for more than 20 years, Dr. Ashraf has considerable experience in renal oncology, breast cancer, and blood disorders. Additionally, Dr. Ashraf is involved in activities and analyses involving Stem Cell Transplantation.

Prinicpal-investigator

Dr. Mark Downey, M.D

For over 15 years, Dr. Downey has been an expert in non-surgical treatment of spine-related pain. His precision in procedures such as epidural steroid injections and kyphoplasties have proven to be some of the best in the nation as his practice has been listed as a Spine Center of Excellence, Alabama’s first. Even though he has performed over 30,000 procedures, he makes it a strong point to ensure the patient feels like family instead of a part of a corporation.

Board Certifications

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)

Prinicpal-investigator

Dr. David J. Mooney, M.D

As a hematology and oncology physician, Dr. Mooney has treated patients going through their most challenging moments with compassion, empathy, and honesty. By combining his extensive experience with his never ending desire for a cure, Dr. Mooney has been able to treat patients using cutting edge therapeutics.

Professional Memberships

American Society of Clinical Oncology (2011-present)

Education

Medical School

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Residency

University of Alabama at Birmingham - Internal Medicine

Fellowship

University of Alabama at Birmingham - Hematology/Oncology

Sub-investigator

Dr. Alexander Cotter, M.D

After completing his training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Cotter has focused on conservative treatment of spinal pain using techniques such as injections. One critical aspect of his practice is his belief in neuromodulation to treat cervical and lumbar pain.

Education

Medical School
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

Residency

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Fellowships

University of Alabama at Birmingham (Pain Medicine)

Sub-investigator

Valerie Goodwin

Just before her 4th birthday, Valerie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Enduring three years of intense chemotherapy, she has been cancer free ever since! So, she knew early on that she wanted to be a healthcare provider.

Valerie’s journey as a healthcare provider began as a nuclear technologist prior to completing PA school in 2017. She joined LifeStyle Management in May 2018 eager to help patients become the best versions of themselves when it comes to health.

Clinical research site director

Lorie Szymela

Lorie started her scholarly career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning her degree in Biology. As a Director in the Clinical Research field, Lorie oversees the clinical research functions of Central Alabama Research, as well as creates standards and guidelines for research programs and services. She excels in ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures, good clinical practices, and FDA regulations. Lorie strategizes how Central Alabama Research studies will function and obtain their objective. Additionally, she developed budgets, policies, and procedures to support the research group’s infrastructure.