We are pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Chief Residents in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. David Berry, D.O. will serve as the Administrative Chief Resident, and Ian Cummins, M.D. will serve as the Education Chief Resident effective July 1, 2025.

Dr. Berry earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his D.O. from Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. “I applied for this job with the intention of developing leadership skills, challenging myself, and helping my fellow residents pursue their passions in medicine. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in this role,” said Dr. Berry.

Dr. Cummins earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and his M.D. from UAB Heersink School of Medicine. “I am honored to be selected for this position. It is a great opportunity to grow my leadership abilities and to give back to a program that has invested so much in me over the years. Over the next year, I hope to assist in a smooth transition to our new hospital and build off my excellent predecessor’s work on developing resident education experiences.” said Dr. Cummins.

“Our Chief Residents serve as leaders, teachers, and role models for our program and department. Dr. Berry and Dr. Cummins will work with our current Chiefs over the next few months to allow for a smooth transition as they officially take over the responsibilities. A big thank you to our current Chiefs, Dr. Cynthia Francis and Dr. Darien McNeill, for all they have done this past year. We truly appreciate all their hard work, dedication, and leadership,” said Dr. Dale Colorado, PM&R Residency Program Director.

When not working with patients, both doctors enjoy various hobbies.

Dr. Berry enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, friends, and family, finding new ways to eat healthy, weightlifting, playing guitar, backpacking, pickleball, and disc golf. His career interests include general inpatient rehabilitation with a focus on patients with stroke pathology. He is also interested in spasticity management and electrodiagnostic medicine.

Dr. Cummins enjoys fitness, dog walks, fly fishing, visiting national parks, playing soccer, tennis, pickle ball, watching EPL soccer, watching films, and trying new restaurants. His career interests include sports medicine, interventional spine, and interventional ultrasound therapies.