Explore UAB

Rehabilitation psychologists help patients with disabilities and chronic health conditions maximize their health and holistic well-being. Casey Azuero, Ph.D., explains these psychologists’ unique qualifications and how they function on interdisciplinary teams to address the full context of a patient’s recovery. This work includes helping patients navigate emotional challenges, improve coping strategies, and stay engaged in their social lives.

The risk of falling and having fall-related problems increases with age. To help reduce this risk, UAB Medicine’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Falls Clinic was created to help patients age 50 or older who are experiencing falls or balance problems.

UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine's Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and UAB Medicine's Spain Rehabilitation Center were well represented at the 27th Annual Rehabilitation Psychology Conference (American Psychological Association Division 22) in Louisville, Kentucky.

UAB’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation traveled the globe with their winning table display at the Heersink School of Medicine Cultural Connections Food Fair on February 6, 2025. During this event, the UAB North Pavilion Atrium was transformed into a global experience allowing guests to visit the 28 beautifully decorated tables, each highlighting a culture unique to their department.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is a distinguished medical specialty dedicated to enhancing and restoring functional capacity and quality of life for individuals affected by physical impairments or disabilities. This field is instrumental in addressing a wide spectrum of conditions, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, musculoskeletal disorders, and other neurological impairments.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) is excited to announce the creation of the North American Spine Society (NASS) recognized Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellowship, which will begin August 2025.  Berdale S. Colorado, D.O., MPH will serve as Program Director and Lisa Koplik Humphries, M.D. will serve as Associate Program Director.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, Danielle Powell, M.D., has been appointed to the Alabama Board of Home Medical Equipment by the Office of Governor Kay Ivey.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) results in fluctuating control of voluntary activities. PM&R Associate Professor Victor Mark, M.D. explains why FND has only recently begun to be acknowledged as a neurological rather than purely psychological disorder. He discusses conditions related to FND and effective rehabilitation coordinated between neurologists, psychologists, physical therapists, and others to moderate symptoms.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) has a long history in research led by our PM&R research faculty. Each one with a passion to contribute to the knowledge gained through research to improve the health, function, and quality of life of persons with disabilities.

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) honored the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of PM&R Associate Professor Berdale S. Colorado, D.O., MPH with this year’s Early PM&R Career Award for his impact on the future of PM&R through distinction in innovation, advocacy, leadership, service, and clinical practice. This award is presented to physiatrists within 10 or fewer years in practice.

The UAB Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (UAB-TBIMS) recently led a collaborative research study study to learn more about participants' return to driving over time, specifically in the two years post-injury. Other participating centers in this project were Southeastern Michigan TBIMS, Mayo Clinic TBIMS, University of Washington TBIMS, Rocky Mountain Regional TBIMS, Virginia TBIMS, and Moss TBIMS.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) welcomes Assistant Professor Emma Lucas, PhD, MSW, MPH effective December 1, 2024. Dr. Lucas joins the department as a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of brain injuries including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions. She also provides cognitive and emotional rehabilitation.

Berdale Colorado, D.O., MPH, 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) has been named by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) as a recipient of the 2025 Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) welcomes Assistant Professor Sarah Lopes, D.O. effective November 4, 2024. Dr. Lopes joins the department as a physiatrist specializing in stroke, amputee, EMG, and orthopedics.

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) recently held the largest annual conference in the world for interdisciplinary rehabilitation research. It brought together researchers, clinicians, administrators, and others to learn about innovative research and its translation into clinical practice. Faculty from the UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) were key contributors in making the 2024 conference a success.

Two staff members from the Department of PM&R, Residency Education Administrator Savannah Tinsley and Communications Specialist Natalie Garcia, were among 22 UAB employees who recently graduated from the Emerging Leaders Series (ELS) fall 2024 leadership development program. The program recognized its second cohort of graduates at a ceremony on Nov. 7.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) continues to build on its research portfolio. In addition to research funded through entities like the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Defense, and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, PM&R is partnering with industry to research potential solutions to healthcare needs.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Nurse Practitioner Karion Waites, DNP, MSN, BC-FNP, RN, CRRN was honored for her outstanding service as an Advanced Practice Provider (APP).