The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Medicine Adult Spina Bifida Clinic is the only program in the Southeast region that provides multidisciplinary care for individuals with spina bifida for their entire lifespan.

Because UAB has long been recognized as a premier spina bifida care provider, the adult clinic received one of the first Spina Bifida Association (SBA) Clinic Care Partner designations in the country. Clinic Care Partners collaborate with other providers and the SBA to share ideas within a national network.

Until recent years, spina bifida was primarily considered a pediatric problem. With the success of innovative healthcare, there are now more individuals with this condition living healthy adult lives. This creates a need for adult care. UAB is unique because they are one of only two SBA partners in the country that work with both adult and children. The partnership between UAB and Children’s of Alabama ensures a seamless transition from pediatric to adult care.

Jeffery Blount, MD, Director, UAB Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, has a special interest in transitional care from pediatrics to adulthood. “Only when care is approached and planned across the broad expanse of a person’s life can fundamental and critical objectives such as autonomy, self-actualization, self-esteem, and fulfillment begin to be accomplished,” said Blount.

Within the healthcare system, it is uncommon to find so many providers in the same institution that have a special interest in adult spina bifida care. This prompted the SBA to make a site visit to the UAB adult multidisciplinary spina bifida clinic in February 2024. During the visit, they observed best practices, learned about their patient care process, and met with patients and providers.

The onsite visit made an impression on the SBA team. “I know in the day-to-day clinical world you may sometimes forget the profound difference you are making and the standard you are setting. Your efforts give me hope, both personally and professionally…because what you are accomplishing and the pure dedication of your staff is unmatched,” said Jenna Brown, National Director of Development, Spina Bifida Association.

Danielle Powell, M.D., UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Vice-Chair of Clinical Operations and Adult Multidisciplinary Spina Bifida Clinic Medical Director, is proud of the work being done by the clinic team.

“The Spina Bifida Association Site visit recognized UAB as a leader in clinical care for adults with spina bifida. This recognition is vital for ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients, fostering trust and confidence, attracting talent and resources, driving research and innovation, advocating for improved services, and maintaining a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement,” said Powell.

Located in UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center, the UAB Adult Multidisciplinary Spina Bifida Clinic, is a collaboration between Neurosurgery, Urology, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. This clinic offers comprehensive care by providing three specialties crucial to maintaining optimal health for adults with spina bifida, all in one visit. While onsite, patients also have access to radiology, social work, neuropsychology, wheelchair seating and repairs, physical and occupational therapy, orthotics and prosthetics, wound care, and plastic surgery.

The clinic’s team includes Danielle Powell, M.D., Medical Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Tracey Wilson, M.D., Urology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery; Ashley Donahue, CRNP, Urology; Jeffrey Blount, M.D., Pediatric Neurosurgery; Daniel Harmon M.D, Adult Neurosurgery; Tiffany Gualandi, RN, Spina Bifida Clinic Coordinator; Tanita Paige, LPN, Urology Clinical Coordinator, and Betsy Hopson, MSHA, Children’s of Alabama Spina Bifida Program Director.

Pictured back row left to right: Ashley Donahue, CRNP; Kristen Davison; Daniel Harmon, MD; Jeffrey Blount, MD; Judy Thibadeau, RN; Jonathan Routh, MD / Middle row left to right: Cathy Carver, PT; Tracey Wilson, MD; Danielle Powell, MD; Betsy Hopson, MSHA; Kathy Sawin, Erin Kattus; Tanita Paige, LPN; Kelli Walker / Front row left to right: Tiffany Gualandi, RN; Laura Carlson; Jenna Brown