Vu Nguyen, M.D., MBA, has been named chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the School of Medicine.
Nguyen received his Bachelor of Science at Drake University and his Master of Business Administration from East Carolina University. His Doctorate of Medicine was achieved at Michigan State University. He began his training at Butterworth Hospital and Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to completing his residency, he was on active duty in the United States Air Force from 1994-1998 in the Medical Corps. After, he trained at Carolinas Medical Center and Atrium Health, where he was the chief resident in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency.
Nguyen joins UAB School of Medicine from Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center and Carolinas Rehabilitation, where he has been on staff as a faculty member since 2001. Carolinas Rehabilitation is among the largest rehabilitation service provider in the nation. From 2007-2013, Nguyen served as hospital medical director at Carolinas Rehabilitation, Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital. Similarly, he was medical director of Carolinas Rehabilitation Stroke Rehabilitation Program from 2001-2020. He served in other key system leadership roles including chief of PM&R at Carolinas Medical Center and the current vice president of the Medical Staff at Carolinas Rehabilitation.
He has also served as a leader on numerous professional societies throughout his career, including the Association of Academic Physiatrists, the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American Academy of PM&R, the International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine, and several others.
“I am excited for the chance to be a part of a complex, strong enterprise like UAB,” said Nguyen. “UAB is already a nationally recognized institution with progressive medically-oriented leadership.”
On working in the department, Nguyen stated, “This opportunity in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will allow me to align my leadership skills and my desire to advocate for disabled populations through national platforms. It will also permit me to provide superior, quality medical care while contributing to the research and development of novel innovations. I am looking forward to partnering with the visionary leadership of Dr. Selwyn Vickers.”
The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation enhances functional ability and restores quality of life to people with physical impairments or disabilities. The department has a nationally renowned reputation for high-quality patient care, innovative research discovery, and comprehensive education.
“Dr. Nguyen’s extensive experience in a large, integrated health care system will strengthen the already flourishing Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, dean of the School of Medicine. “I am confident his national leadership and academic leadership will align with our current values and mission at the School of Medicine—advancing innovation and excellence of rehabilitation at UAB.”
Pending provost approval, Nguyen will officially assume the role of chair on Jan. 1, 2022.