UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation leadership is proud to support and advance its faculty to the next level of development and growth. Congratulations to Drs. Azuero, Teranishi, and Twist on their new leadership roles within the department.

Casey Azuero, Ph.D. named Director of Rehabilitation Psychology
Casey Azuero, Ph.D.  is the fourth director appointed to lead the PM&R Division of Rehabilitation Psychology since its creation nearly 50 years ago. Dr. Azuero assumed the role of Interim Director after Dr. Amy Knight stepped down from the position in December 2022. Over the past 12 months, Dr. Azuero has found the role to be both rewarding and challenging. Her goal is to grow our services in order to improve access to neuropsychological and rehabilitation psychology needs.

Rachel Teranishi, M.D. named Consult Director
Rachel Teranishi, M.D.  named Consult Director at Spain Rehabilitation Center to oversee the robust consultation service represented at UAB as well as a number of other external sites. This position includes collaboration with several groups including PM&R faculty and residents, liaisons, administrators, and other specialists and acute care teams at UAB. Dr. Teranishi is replacing Dr. Cassie Renfro who graciously served as Interim Consult Director for the past year. This position will be instrumental in developing processes that help facilitate the appropriate patient selection for our new inpatient rehabilitation hospital opening in April of 2025. Teranishi is excited to take on this new leadership role.

Elizabeth Twist named Vice Chief of Staff
Elizabeth Twist, M.D. selected for a new physician leadership position for the Department of PM&R and Spain Rehabilitation Center. This position supports the department’s ongoing endeavor to educate, support, and promote our faculty and staff. The formation of this new role is designed to increase the development and mentoring of our physicians on hospital and health system management processes. This is a key position in the leadership of hospital quality, compliance, and operational function within the UAB healthcare system. Twist looks forward to further developing her leadership skills and medical system knowledge.

“We sincerely appreciate and thank Drs. Renfro and Azuero for their dedication to these divisions by serving as interim directors over the past year. Their leadership allowed us to maintain the highest level of care for our patients during the transition periods. We are excited to welcome and congratulate Drs. Azuero, Teranishi, and Twist to their new appointments! I am confident that their strong leadership will bring our department to the next level.” Dr. Vu Nguyen, UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation chairperson stated.