UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Robert B. Kyle Endowed Professor and Chair Vu Nguyen, M.D., MBA, has been elected vice president of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM), a global organization dedicated to advancing rehabilitation medicine, education, research and advocacy for people with disabilities.
ISPRM serves as the global voice for physical and rehabilitation medicine, representing rehabilitation physicians and professionals from more than 100 countries. The organization works to improve health, function, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities through international collaboration, scientific exchange, education, and policy development.
Nguyen's election places him among the organization's senior leaders responsible for advancing ISPRM's strategic priorities and strengthening rehabilitation medicine worldwide. He is slated to serve as ISPRM president from 2030 to 2032.
“Dr. Nguyen’s election as vice president of ISPRM reflects his exceptional leadership, commitment to education, and deep understanding of the global rehabilitation community. With his extensive experience in medical and postgraduate medical education, he is uniquely positioned to advance ISPRM’s mission of delivering meaningful training opportunities to physiatrists across diverse practice environments,” said Gerard E. Francisco, M.D., immediate past president of ISPRM. “As only the fifth American slated to lead this prestigious international organization, Dr. Nguyen brings not only professional excellence but also a personal story marked by resilience and a strong appreciation for the challenges faced by individuals and communities around the world. These qualities will serve him well as he helps guide ISPRM’s efforts to advance rehabilitation medicine and improve the lives of people with disabilities globally.”
Nguyen earned his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, an MBA from East Carolina University and a bachelor's degree from Drake University. He completed residency training at Carolinas Rehabilitation/Carolinas Medical Center and is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Medical Corps. Clinically, he specializes in neurorehabilitation and stroke rehabilitation, with a longstanding focus on helping patients maximize functional recovery and independence. Prior to joining UAB in 2022, he served as medical director of one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive stroke rehabilitation programs.
Nguyen brings extensive leadership experience to the role. He serves as a director on the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, where he chairs the Part I Examination Committee, and as a reviewer for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education PM&R Review Committee. He is also a member of the Physiatry Foundation Advisory Bureau and serves on the Lakeshore Foundation Board of Directors. Previously, he served as president of the Residency and Fellowship Directors Council for the Association of Academic Physiatrists, where he also served on its Board of Trustees and chaired both the Education Committee and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education Committee. Prior to being elected vice president of ISPRM, Nguyen served as the organization's North American representative on the Executive Council and as the United States representative to the Assembly of Delegates.
A nationally and internationally recognized leader in rehabilitation medicine, Nguyen has dedicated his career to advancing patient care, medical education, and physician leadership. His vision for ISPRM centers on strengthening global partnerships, fostering collaboration among rehabilitation professionals, expanding educational opportunities, and developing future leaders in the specialty. He has consistently advocated for sharing knowledge and best practices across borders to improve access to high-quality rehabilitation care worldwide.
Reflecting on his election, Nguyen said, “I am honored by the trust ISPRM members have placed in me, and I remain committed to advancing the organization's mission. As vice president, I will help guide international efforts to improve function, independence, and quality of life for individuals living with disabilities around the world.” Nguyen's election further elevates UAB's presence within the global rehabilitation community and highlights the department's growing influence in shaping the future of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Through his leadership, ISPRM will continue to bring together clinicians, researchers, and educators from around the world to advance care for patients with disabilities and improve rehabilitation outcomes globally.