Dr. Parker graduated from the University of Alabama in 1982 with an honors degree in biology. She attended medical school and completed residency training in psychiatry at the University of Alabama-School of Medicine in Birmingham. Parker completed her fellowship in child/adolescent psychiatry at the University of Arkansas for the Health Sciences in Little Rock. As a second-year resident, she was awarded her department’s Most Outstanding Resident Award, and as a fellow, she was awarded her department’s Most Outstanding Child Fellow Award. Parker is dual-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in adult psychiatry and child/adolescent psychiatry. During her tenure at AltaPointe, the organization has grown from 300 employees to more than 1,450 employees. In addition to her role as AltaPointe’s medical director, she is the chair for the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. Parker has received numerous honors and awards throughout her career. She is the president of the Alabama Hospital Psychiatric Association and past president of the Mobile Bay Psychiatric Association, a local chapter of the American Psychiatric Association. In 2007, she was named an Alabama Health Care Hero by the Alabama Hospital Association. She was appointed by Alabama Governor Bob Riley to serve as a member of the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, a position she still holds. She serves as an adjunct faculty member in the USA College of Allied Health Professions, the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, and the USA College of Nursing. Parker has served as a member of the USA Center for Healthy Communities Advisory Committee. Past appointments include the Mercy Medical Advisory Board, the Mayor’s Transitional Task Force on Healthcare, and the Mobile Ballet Board of Directors. Her major psychiatric interests are in the fields of autism-related disorders, healthcare disparities, and telepsychiatry.
Sandra Parker, MD
Vice President and Chief Medical Officer