Let me tell you a little more about me
Welcome to my hypertension blog! Let me introduce myself and share my journey with you.
I earn a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Troy University, Troy Alabama. I also have a master’s in public health from Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, La.
My fascination with medication adherence, self-blood pressure monitoring, and blood pressure control stems from my grandfather, Mr. George McNeal.
He struggled with uncontrolled blood pressure for years, relying on unconventional remedies like garlic water. However, his adherence to antihypertensive medication only began when I introduced him to a home blood pressure monitor.
By tracking his readings and sharing them with his doctor, he received proper medicines and embraced lifestyle changes.
Years later, while working in an occupational health clinic in the late 1980s, I observed a concerning trend: many employees had uncontrolled blood pressure despite effective medications being available.
Few monitored their blood pressure at home. This led me to investigate the reasons behind medication nonadherence and explore the potential of home blood pressure monitoring, especially in underserved communities.
This journey culminated in groundbreaking research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, resulting in my dissertation and numerous publications and presentations at medical conferences.
Since 2010, I have been able to coach hundreds of patients through my free Get To Goal Program at UAB Health Smart Clinic and lead the Circulation Network, a hypertension support group for UAB employees.
Transitioning from academia to a resistant hypertension postdoctoral fellowship in the School of Medicine was a challenging but ultimately rewarding decision under the mentorship of esteemed cardiologists like Drs. David Calhoun and Suzanne Oprail,
There, I witnessed significant improvements in blood pressure control among resistant hypertensive patients. In various roles, including adjunct professor, postdoctoral scholar, and quality improvement scholar, I achieved many goals but wanted to have more impact. The persistent health disparities and a shortage of primary care providers influenced me to return to graduate school.
Motivated by these challenges, I launched this blog and podcast to reach a wider audience and explore innovative approaches to hypertension management.
I aim to share evidence-based guidelines and practices and empower nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and hypertensive patients.
My journey with hypertension, influenced by family history, drives my commitment to community service.
I am happily married to my childhood sweetheart and he is my soulmate. 
I have always been involved with leading people since I was 15 years old. First as the organist of my church to various community services in my community.
I’m a foodie and love to read and listen to music. In my spare time, I travel with my family and I attend book and music festivals. We attend the philharmonics and live music venues of all kinds.
I have two grown girls, one son-in-law, and one grandbaby who are the sunshine of my life.
Reflecting on my life, I remember Maya Angelou’s words to Oprah about legacy. While uncertain of mine, I remain dedicated to fulfilling my purpose and making a positive impact through my work.
Join me on this journey toward better health and empowerment in managing hypertension, especially resistant hypertension.
