Yuying Chen, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, is one of 10 named to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) 2024 Board of Directors. ASIA is one of the most influential associations in the creation, promotion, and dissemination of educational, clinical, and research standards in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) – all directly translating into the improved health and quality of life for people with SCI.

Since joining the department faculty in 2001, Chen has gained national and international recognition for her work involving SCI trends, mortality, and long-term outcomes. She is a board-certified physiatrist and epidemiologist with extensive experience in database management, research methodology, and statistical analysis in her role as the Director of the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.

In addition to making significant contribution in the field of SCI, nominations to the ASIA Board have demonstrated significant contributions to the association through committee service. Since becoming an ASIA member in 2002, Chen served as a member of the ASIA Research and Awards Committee from 2005 to 2018; she served as a member of the ASIA Prevention Committee from 2011 to 2017; and Chen served as a member of the ASIA Award Committee from 2018 to 2022.

Chen was first nominated to the Board by members of the Directors Nominating Committee, which includes the ASIA Immediate Past President and five others who are either current or past members of the Board. As a nominee selected for a Board appointment by the committee, Chen was appointed following a final vote by the current Board of Directors. This appointment is for three years.