The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees appointed Laura B. Kezar, M.D., Professor Emerita in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.
Dr. Kezar received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Emory University before serving her country as a member of the United States Navy Medical Corps. Following her military service, she completed a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UAB where she served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Kezar joined the faculty in 1995. She consistently demonstrated her passion for medical education, professionalism, and lifelong learning throughout her career, serving as a mentor to students, residents, faculty and other SOM professionals; PM&R Residency Program Director; and Associate Dean for Students in the UAB School of Medicine from 2007 to 2018.
Dr. Kezar received many accolades for her teaching and mentoring, including having an award named in her honor entitled the “Laura B. Kezar Faculty Excellence Award” which is given annually at the discretion of PM&R residents to a faculty member who displays outstanding dedication and commitment to improvement of the UAB PM&R Residency Program.
Dr. Kezar served on many university councils and committees, including the Executive Committee for LCME Accreditation, the UAB SOM Medical Education Committee, UAB Deans Council for Graduate Medical Education, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Admissions committee among many others.
Dr. Kezar was also active in numerous national and international professional societies, including the Association of American Medical Colleges, where she served in multiple leadership positions; the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and the Association of Academic Physiatrists, where she served as on many different subcommittees and ultimately as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Kezar’s interests included complex musculoskeletal rehabilitation, pain medicine and academic and vocational support for people with disabilities. She retired from UAB’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation on September 30, 2019, following 23 years of loyal and dedicated service.