Patricia M. Speck

Patricia M. Speck graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Nursing in 1982, 1985, and 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a Master of Science degree in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing Science degree respectively. After retiring from UTHSC College of Nursing as the Public Health Nursing and Forensic Nursing Concentration Coordinator, she joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing in the Department of Community Health, Outcomes, and Systems. Currently, Speck is a Professor and Coordinator of the graduate Advanced Forensic Nursing program, serving on the DNP and PhD faculty. She is internationally recognized as a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (1984-present) and expert in advanced forensic nursing care of patients experiencing an intersection with the legal system. She is the past-president of IAFN (2004-5), is the recipient of over 25 awards, and received the lifetime Professional Impact Award from End Violence Against Women International in 2017. Speck consults nationally and internationally with governments, universities, institutions, and non-governmental organizations to evaluate and implement infrastructure change in response to violence. As a forensic nursing practice expert and active researcher, Speck develops policy, evaluates programs, and builds workforce capacity through publication, education, and violence prevention initiatives.