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Dr. ChenAssociate Professor Danielle Powell, M.D. has been appointed Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs in the UAB Heersink School of MedicineDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

After completing her residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Powell joined the PM&R faculty in 2011. Since then, she has contributed to the success of the department by serving in various leadership roles - Vice Chair of Clinical Operations, Associate Program Director of the PM&R residency program, and Interim Chair of the Department.

In this new role, Powell will oversee and coordinate the clinical activities within the department, providing leadership and guidance to clinical providers and staff. She will continue to implement and monitor quality improvement initiatives to enhance the delivery of clinical care and patient outcomes, collaborating with other department leaders to develop and expand clinical programs and services offered by the PM&R department. Her goal is to ensure the clinical practices align with established policies and procedures while building and maintaining relationships with our stakeholders to enhance the visibility and impact of the PM&R department. She stated, “This is a rewarding opportunity to not only contribute to the strategic vision of the department but also play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of healthcare delivery in PM&R.”

Powell added, “As Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, my vision is to lead and inspire a premier PM&R department that will be recognized nationally for excellence in clinical care, innovation, education, and community impact. Patients we serve will receive compassionate, evidence-based care that maximizes their functional potential and enhances their quality of life. Through collaboration, education, and research, our department will be at the forefront of advancing rehabilitation medicine, contributing to the well-being of our patients and the broader healthcare community.”

In addition to Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, Powell currently serves as the Medical Director of the Adult Multidisciplinary Spina Bifida Clinic, a joint effort with Neurosurgery, Urology, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Director of the PM&R Cancer Rehabilitation program.