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Rachel Cowan, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and program co-director for UAB’s Spinal Cord Injury Model System, co-chaired the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Wheelchair Service Guidelines Develop Group (GDG) and co-authored the Wheelchair Service Guidelines alongside Kylie Shae and Sarah Sheldon. The Guidelines were official launched at the April 2023 meeting of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics in Guadalajara, Mexico.

UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of MedicineDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation's residency program ranks in the top 25 by reputation in Doximity’s Residency Navigator.

The UAB Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (UAB-TBIMS) conducts independent and collaborative research projects. The UABTBIMS was part of a recent collaborative research study on the resilience of caregivers at six months following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Virginia Commonwealth Traumatic Brain Injury Model System led the multi-center study, and other participating centers included Mayo Clinic Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, Indiana Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System, and the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’sDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a prosthetics and orthotics patient care provider, has joined the Limb Loss & Preservation Registry (LLPR).

Past research suggests that an imbalance of gut bacteria develops after spinal cord injury (SCI). This imbalance can lead to cardiometabolic diseases like obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Good leadership is key to any organization, and UAB is no exception. UAB’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is proud to announce that Administrative Director Tracy Brewer joins the FALL 2023 cohort of the UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership.

Dr. Andre’ McShan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Medical Director for the Occupational Medicine program at The Workplace-UAB Highlands, was selected to serve on the American Heart Association 2023-2024 Southeast Board of Directors.

McShan is a longtime advocate for the American Heart Association. He has served on the board at the local level including his role as past president. In this new appointment, McShan will serve a 3-year term for the Southeast regional board of directors as well as a member of the Health Equity and Workplace Health Steering Committees.

“Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States and disproportionately effects minority communities,” said McShan. “Like many others, I’ve experienced personal loss due to heart disease and stroke. I’m honored to be a part of this organization, and I’m excited to use my expertise to expand the efforts of the American Heart Association.”

The board will meet quarterly and rotate to different host cities around the southeast. Their current regional initiatives include topics such as addressing teen vaping, helping to decrease food insecurity, and reinforcing blood pressure guidelines.

The American Heart Association is a nonprofit organization in the United States that funds cardiovascular medical research, educates consumers on healthy living and fosters appropriate cardiac care in in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The Center for Engagement in Disability Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (CEDHARS) selected Fedora Biney, Ph.D. and Huacong Wen, Ph.D. as recipients of its spring 2023 pilot grant funding opportunity, “Secondary Data Analysis to Advance Health or Rehabilitation Outcomes Research in People with Disabilities.”

The University of Alabama at BirminghamDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Training Program welcomed a group of eight new residents in July.

Professor Yuying Chen, M.D., Ph.D. has been promoted to Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation  (PM&R) in the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine (HSOM). Chen served as Research Director prior to her promotion.

Dr. Chen joined the department of PM&R faculty in 2000 and has served as Project Director of the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center since 2005. She has gained international recognition for her research involving epidemiology, mortality, and secondary conditions after spinal cord injury (SCI), including obesity, racial health disparities, and social determinants of health. Chen’s most recent honors include being selected to serve on the American Spinal Injury Association Board of Directors, awarded The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine’s (ACRM) SCI Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group Margaret Nosek Award, selected for the UAB Healthcare Leadership Academy Class of 2023, and recognized by The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with the Most Cited Original Research Article Award.

“It is my privilege and honor to promote Dr. Chen to the Vice Chair of Research role. She is a passionate researcher who, through her work, has greatly advanced the worldwide standard of care for those living with spinal cord injury,” states Vu Nguyen, M.D., chair of the Department. We are very fortunate to have had her leadership over the years. It is my hope that we can capture her energy and brilliance to elevate the level of research in the department and at UAB. It’s a great day for UAB PM&R research,” exclaims Nguyen.”

Dr. Chen is a board-certified physiatrist from Taiwan and epidemiologist with extensive training and experience in database management, research methodology, and statistical analysis. She has led a number of studies and published more than 94 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, many of which involved the use of the National SCI Database.

“I look forward to this new chapter of my research career, leading a team of remarkable researchers to expand the Department’s research portfolio and advance rehabilitation science,” said Dr. Chen.

Dr. Chen is the Co-Director for the UAB Center for Engagement in Disability Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She also serves on the Heersink School of Medicine Faculty Council and Committee on Responsible Research Practices as well as PM&R’s Promotion and Tenure, Finance, Journal Club, and Grand Rounds Committees.

The UAB Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (UAB-TBIMS) led a collaborative research study on crash risk following return to driving after moderate-to-severe TBI. Collaborative centers included the Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, Mayo Clinic Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, University of Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, Moss Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System, Southeastern Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury System, and JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.

All eight TBI Model Systems sites conducted a phone survey to interview a total of 438 adults with TBI who returned to driving. The aim was to look at the number of motor vehicle crashes and risk factors of crashes for people after moderate-to-severe TBI. Participants were asked about their confidence in driving, driving ability, and history of crashes. Those interviewed were of different ages, time since injury, injury severity, sex, employment status, marital status, education levels, location, family income, and seizure history in the year prior to survey.

The study found that the people with TBI who participated in this study were 1.5 to 2.5 times more likely to be in crashes over a one-year timeframe when compared to the general population. Although the crash risk is higher following TBI than the general population, the results do not justify restricting people from driving after TBI as most people reported not having any crashes after their injury. However, there remains a need to identify and address factors that increase crash risk after TBI.

This study was funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research and published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation .

Congratulations to our newest class of graduating residents on their completion of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program. Our 2023 graduates include Lendrum Morrow, M.D., Jacob Schultz, M.D., Ashley Steffens, M.D., and Brea Willeford, D.O.

The department is excited to watch each graduate create their own path for success in medicine. Lendrum Morrow, M.D. is doing an Interventional Spine and MSK Fellowship at OrthoAlabama Spine and Sport in Birmingham, AL. Jacob Schultz, M.D. will continue as an assistant professor and attending physician at Frazier Rehabilitation Institute Dept. of Neurosurgery in Louisville, KY. Ashley Steffens, M.D. is relocating to Mobile, AL to be an attending inpatient physician at JL Bedsole Rotary Rehabilitation Hospital. Brea Willeford, D.O. will remain at UAB to do a Pain Medicine Fellowship with UAB Department of Anesthesia.

The graduation ceremony took place on July 15, 2023 at The Fennec in downtown Birmingham. In addition to celebrating our graduates, awards were given to staff and residents who have gone above and beyond in PM&R.

Resident Anchor Award - This annual award is given to a non-faculty member who goes above and beyond their regular duties to best support the residents. This person exemplifies a high level of dedication to the residents, as well as their normal role and responsibilities. This award is voted on by the residents and given annually to a non-faculty member that the residents feel best exemplifies the spirit of this award in all that they do in their daily role. 
Recipient: Savannah Tinsley, PM&R Residency Program Education Coordinator

Laura B. Kezar Award for Dedication and Commitment to the Residency Program - This annual award is named for Dr. Laura B. Kezar who served as a valued member of the PM&R Faculty as well as the PM&R Residency Program Director from 1996 to 2007, and the Assistant Program Director from 2007 to 2014. Throughout her tenure with the department, Dr. Kezar has always made the PM&R Residency Program and education for all a top priority. Her dedication and commitment was noted by every residency class. She served not only as a teacher and educator, but also mentor to a countless number of residents over the years. This award is voted on by the residents and given annually to a faculty member that the residents feel best exemplifies the spirit of this award in all that they do in their daily practice.
Recipient: Berdale Colorado, D.O.

Samuel L. Stover Excellence in Teaching Award - This annual award is named for Dr. Samuel L. Stover who served as a valued member of the PM&R Faculty as well as Chair of the Department of PM&R from 1976 to 1994. Dr. Stover was known as a lifelong learner and throughout his career placed great emphasis on education. He felt the education of our residents should be a top priority for the department and instilled this expectation in all of our faculty members through the years. This award is voted on by the residents and given annually to a faculty member that the residents feel best exemplifies the spirit of this award.
Recipient: Vu Nguyen, M.D.

C.T. Huang Award - This award is intended to go to the resident that the department feels best exemplifies high clinical excellence during their training.
Recipient: Ashley Steffens, MD

Outstanding PGY2 Award - This award is given to a deserving second year resident who consistently displays excellence in professionalism, patient care, accountability, integrity and leadership during his or her initial year of training at Spain Rehabilitation Center.
Recipient: Cynthia Francis, M.D.

Matthew T. Smith Humanism in Medicine Award - This award is given to a PM&R Faculty Member and a PM&R Resident who has excelled in service to others during his/her tenure with the Department of PM&R. It is intended to honor those who exemplify Dr. Smith’s qualities of compassionate caring, support for others, teamwork, involvement in community and UAB activities and upholding the highest standards of practice.
Resident Recipient: Brea Willeford, D.O.
Faculty Recipient: Cassandra Renfro, D.O.

Resident Research Award - This a newly developed award collaborated by the Research department and Residency Education Office. This award is given to a resident who has demonstrated exemplary overall research efforts. Recipient: Daniel McBride, M.D. PGY 4 Research Presentation Award – This a newly developed award collaborated by the Research department and Residency Education Office. This award is voted by attendees of Grand Rounds following the PGY4 poster presentations and is given to the senior resident with the most outstanding research poster.
Recipient: Lendrum Morrow, M.D.

Highest SAE Score Award Recipients
PGY2 – Darien McNeill, M.D.
PGY3 – Sarah Lopes, D.O.
PGY4 – Brea Willeford, D.O.

Johan Latorre, M.D. and Rachel Cowan, Ph.D., both faculty members in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, have been elected to represent Heersink School of Medicine on the 2023-2025 UAB Faculty Senate.

The Faculty Senate represents UAB’s faculty in matters of shared governance. The Senate is made up of faculty representatives from all of UAB’s academic units, as well as four officers elected at large by the faculty. Through participation in various councils and committees, the senators will convey the faculty’s views and concerns in matters that affect our University.

“I have been a part of multiple large organizations within institutions such as the Resident Physician Union at the University of Michigan that helped improve the lives of the residents. Now as faculty at UAB, I want to do the same. Being a Senator allows me to have a say in the direction UAB takes and not just the health system/medical school community but the campus as a whole,” Dr. Latorre said.

The incoming Chair of the Faculty Senate, Karen Cropsey, will assign every Senate member to serve as a member of a Faculty Senate Standing Committee. Some senate members may also be asked to serve on University-wide Committees. This two-year service term begins September 1, 2023, and ends August 31, 2025.

“I’m honored to serve as a faculty senator for UAB. It gives me the opportunity to learn more about university operations at a higher level outside my area of research. I’m glad I can be a voice for the concerns of researchers not heard outside Heersink School of Medicine.” Dr. Cowan stated.

Most people have no idea what microbiome is. Yet, it is one of the most important contributors to our health and wellness.

Simply put, microbiome is all of the microscopic microbes that live on and in our bodies. This includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes.

The UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has been at the forefront of the emerging research into the importance of microbiome on health and function after spinal cord injury (SCI). With its latest research, UAB aims to look specifically into the impact of gut microbiome on metabolic and bowel function during the first year after SCI.

“There’s typically slower intestinal movement of waste after SCI that leads to leakage of bile and harmful bacteria into the bloodstream,” says Jereme Wilroy, Ph.D., principal investigator and assistant professor in the Department. “Harmful bacteria in the blood can damage the body’s organs and lead to metabolic disorders and associated complications like obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, all conditions that people with chronic SCI are at an increased for developing.”

For the study, patients will be enrolled in the first few weeks after injury and followed for a year. During that time, periodic blood and stool samples will be collected along with surveys of their bowel function. Samples will be analyzed for microbiome changes. Finding changes may lead to the development of an inexpensive, non-invasive diet- or supplement-based treatment option for improving the health and quality of life for persons with SCI.

This study is the site-specific research project of the UAB Spinal Cord Injury Model System.

At the largest World Congress on Spina Bifida Research and Care (SBWC) in event history, representatives from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama made up 17% of the total platform presentations, with 23 oral and 13 poster presentations.

Dale Colorado, D.O., M.P.H. was selected to serve on the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) Technical Expert Panel for orthobiologic management of osteoarthritis of the knee. The panel will develop and author a clinical practice guidance statement to advance knowledge and promote standards of care and best practices based on the best available evidence.

"While the research on orthobiologics is ever-expanding, there is still a lot that we don't know. I am excited to help guide and inform healthcare providers regarding the use of orthobiologics for knee osteoarthritis," stated Colorado.

Dr. Colorado has been using orthobiologics in his clinical practice for approximately 10 years. He was Founder and Medical Director of the Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Program in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis. He has given numerous lectures/presentations on regenerative medicine.

Dr. Colorado is Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He serves as PM&R Residency Program Director and Medical Director of Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Dr. Colorado is also a team physician for UAB Athletics and a part of the UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine program.

Driving is one of the hallmarks of a person’s independence, but people who experience moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often have physical and cognitive deficits that limit their ability to return to driving. Such deficits might include response speed, maintenance of lane position, vehicle speed and stopping, response to distraction, attention to the roadway, identification of road hazards, and crash risk.

A new study launched by researchers at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation aims to look at the value of using a driving simulator to predict on-road driving performance after TBI.

“We know that most people who return to driving after a TBI do so safely, and it has an enormously positive impact on mental wellbeing, sense of independence, community reintegration along with health and function,” says Instructor Jenny Marwitz, project co-director and the department’s Director of TBI Research. “And we know that the most common driving assessments are typically not designed to identify specific safety concerns that a person with TBI might have. We want to see if a driving simulator built to identify deficits is a good option. Then, we can work with therapists to develop strategies to target deficits.”

The driving simulator chosen for the study is a compact and economical option for most rehabilitation centers to implement into clinical practice. It offers a series of driving scenarios designed as distinct modules to simulate a specific driving task, environment, or situation that increases in visual and strategic complexity of the environment and strategic control. Participants have a first-person point of view of the interior rearview mirror and dashboard, along with full left to right exterior field of view, with side mirrors.

“Another goal is the development of guidelines for clinicians to help people with TBI return to driving, and do it safely,” adds Marwitz. “We think the compact simulator can be a more accessible and affordable way to make that happen.”

This study is the site-specific research project of the UAB Traumatic Brain Injury Model System.

The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) selected Yuying Chen, M.D., Ph.D. to serve on the organization’s board of directors.

Professor Yuying Chen, M.D., Ph.D. is the Director of Research in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. Since 2005, she has served as Project Director of the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, which is within the department of PM&R. She has led a number of studies and published over 100 manuscripts and book chapters, most of which involved the use of the National SCI Database.

Chen is well-known for her commitment to advancing research in spinal cord injury research. Her exemplary leadership within the American Spinal Injury Association, overall contributions to the field, as well as being a well-respected thought leader, are among the reasons for her nomination.

As a member of the ASIA BOD, Chen will serve the organization in multiple capacities, including engaging as a board liaison to committee(s); contributing to organizational development and membership,; and promoting the vision of the organization.

The American Spinal Injury Association’s mission is to advance care, education, and research to improve the lives of persons affected by spinal cord injury. ASIA is governed by a Board of Directors, whose membership composition is reflective of the multidisciplinary nature of its members. There are 10 Directors, three of whom also serve as elected Officers. Board members may serve up to 3 two-year terms, for a total 6 years.

After a successful interview season and Match process, we are excited to welcome four new PGY1 residents to the Dept. of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the end of June. The incoming PGY1 PM&R residents are Victoria Christian (Campbell University Jerry M Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine), Charlotte DeRose (Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine), Katharyn Lindborg (Florida State University College of medicine), and Casey Pierce (UAB Heersink School of Medicine).

This incoming class will be the first group of residents to participate in a 4-year categorical residency program within UAB PM&R. Previously residents completed their intern year in a different program before joining UAB. This change to a 4-year program has been a priority for PM&R leadership.

This extensive process began over two years ago following the approval for funding of four additional resident positions. This allowed PM&R to apply to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for the addition of a PGY1 training year to our already accredited 3-year residency program.

Obtaining full ACGME approval was a 15-month project from start to finish. The design, planning, and project management for the PGY-1 year started under the leadership of Danielle Powell, M.D., Interim Chair & Associate Program Director and Conley Carr, M.D., Interim Residency Program Director, in January 2021. Lauren Hanhauser, Education Administrator, handled all documentation and submission organization for this project.

The Graduate Medical Education Office at UAB Hospital, the sponsoring institution, and the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine supported the program in this application and confirmed that there is adequate educational opportunities and funding for 4 PGY1 positions.

Dale Colorado, D.O., Vice Chair of Education and Residency Program Director, is excited about the direction and growth of the program, “Transitioning to a 4-year program allows our residency program to have oversight of all 48 months of training. Our leaders were able to create a PGY1 rotation schedule that incorporates training from many different departments within UAB.” He added, “Many applicants prefer to complete all of their residency training in one location. We are very excited to offer this comprehensive training within the UAB system starting from day one.”

The PM&R team is proud of the work everyone put into making this a success and to create this training pathway at UAB for future learners and trainees. The program will benefit from this opportunity and resources for training these additional residents from the following Divisions and Departments within UAB: Family & Community Medicine, Sports and Exercise Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Surgery and Trauma, Neurology, Immunology and Rheumatology, Critical Care Medicine, Gerontology, Palliative Care, and others.

The department looks forward to the growing opportunities in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and supporting the development of and maintenance of accreditation for the full 48-month PGY1-PGY4 PM&R residency program at UAB.

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine’s (ACRM) Spinal Cord Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group selected Yuying Chen, M.D., Ph.D. to receive the Margaret Nosek Award.

The Award is given each year as part of the Margaret Nosek Lecture series presented by ACRM SCI-ISIG. This Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates drive and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, developing standards of clinical practice, raising awareness, and advocating for appropriate health care and community support for women with disabilities.

Dr. Margaret Nosek was an internationally recognized authority on the health of women with disabilities and the Margaret Nosek Award recognizes her contributions through more than 30 years of sharing and disseminating knowledge as a researcher and advocate of disability rights.

“I am so very proud of Dr. Chen for having received this most prestigious award. Dr. Margaret Nosek was a strong champion of rehabilitation research, independent living, and the rights of women with disability. To be an awardee reflects on Dr. Chen’s national stature as a researcher and a leader,” states Vu Nguyen, M.D., chair of the UAB PM&R Department. “Dr. Chen is well recognized in the world of spinal cord Injury (SCI) research and has been the PI of our NIDILRR National SCI Statistical Center 5-year grant currently in its fourth cycle. As impressive as that fact is, it is even more incredible to recognize that UAB PM&R has been the sole holder of this national grant continuously since 1983! Dr. Chen has earned our thanks and will no doubt be recognized among the greatest rehabilitation researchers in our specialty. She is truly deserving of the Margaret Nosek Award.”

Dr. Chen will be recognized as the award winner at the upcoming ACRM Annual Conference in October in Atlanta, GA. This event is the premier interdisciplinary conference for rehabilitation research. Dr. Chen will give a lecture on her research and the future of Spinal Cord Injury rehabilitation.

“I am thrilled to be honored with this award of Dr. Nosek’s namesake. She was such a hero in advocating for the health and wellness of women with disability. I am certainly standing on the shoulder of many giants, including the former chair of the Department, Dr. Amie McLain. Dr. McLain built the first reproductive health clinic for women with disabilities at UAB and has inspired me in research to ensure equitable and quality health care for women with disability,” said Chen.

Professor Yuying Chen, M.D., Ph.D. is the Director of Research in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. Since 2005, she has served as Project Director of the National SCI Statistical Center, which is within the department of PM&R, and has led a number of studies and published over 100 manuscripts and book chapters, most of which involved the use of the National SCI Database.