Fred L. Helms, EdD, serves as Assistant Dean of Academic & Career Support. Dr. Helms obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, Master of Science degree in education and EdD in counseling psychology from Auburn University. He is a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator certified practitioner and completed QPR gatekeeper training, as well as faculty training in mind-body medicine. Prior to joining ACOM, Dr. Helms served as regional manager and transplant coordinator for the Alabama Organ Center at University of Alabama Health Services – Birmingham. He is a published author and has given presentations on student empathy, wellness and professionalism. Dr. Helms’s research interests include student empathy, increasing critical thinking skills through medical school and understanding student reflective narratives for FQHC and hospice clinical rotations.