The W. Jeff Terry Award is presented to a physician member of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama in recognition of a medical career that has encompassed not only high ethical and professional standards but has also outstanding leadership and advocacy.

The award, established in 2016, honors the memory of W. Jeff Terry M.D., a tireless opponent of policy and regulatory intrusions into the patient-physician relationship, who was a former Medical Association President and Chairman of Alabama’s AMA Delegation at the time of his death in 2015. The 2024 W. Jeff Terry Award recipient is Danielle Powell, M.D. of Birmingham.

Dr. Powell completed medical school at the University of South Alabama, and her residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where she served as chief resident during her training. Dr. Powell’s primary interests include Cancer Rehabilitation, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, and Musculoskeletal Medicine.

She is Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Medical Director of the UAB Adult Multidisciplinary Spina Bifida Clinic, and Director of the PM&R Cancer Rehabilitation program. She is involved in medical education and serves as one of 11 Learning Community Lead Mentors for the UAB School of Medicine. She is the co-chair of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine African American/Black Faculty Association. She serves the student interest group advisor for Student National Medical Association and Disability Advocacy Group.

Dr. Powell has received many accolades in her career. Awards include the Professional Excellence Award, UAB Heersink School of Medicine, Matthew T. Smith Humanism in Medicine Award, UAB Department of PM&R; Laura B. Kezar, M.D. Award for Dedication and Commitment to the Residency Program, UAB Department of PM&R; Program for Academic Leadership Scholar, Association of Academic Physiatrists; MHRC Charles Barkley Excellence in Mentoring Award, UAB Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center; and Samuel L. Stover, M.D. Excellence in Teaching Award, UAB Department of PM&R. Dr. Powell is also a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Executive board for the African American Member Community. She served as a Board of Trustee for the Association of Academic Physiatrists from 2021-222 and currently is a member of the Public Policy Committee.

“I am especially honored to receive this award because it represents not only recognition for my efforts and accomplishments but also a validation of the dedication and passion I have poured into my work. This recognition serves as a reminder of the impact we can have when we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to our endeavors. ”Powell said.

This award will be presented during the president’s reception at the Medical Association of the State of Alabama’s Annual Session to be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, in Montgomery, Alabama.