UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Associate Professor, Danielle Powell, M.D., has been elected Vice-Chair of Clinical Operations.

Dr. Danielle Powell is Associate Professor and Former Interim Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She joined the department in 2011 after completing her internship and residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she served as chief resident during her training.

Dr. Powell is the Director of the Adult Multidisciplinary Spina Bifida Clinic, which is a joint effort with Neurosurgery, Urology, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is also the Director of the PM&R Cancer Rehabilitation program.

She is involved in medical education and serves as the Associate Program Director of the PM&R Residency program and is one of eleven Learning Community Lead Mentors for the UAB School of Medicine. She is also clerkship director for PM&R medical student electives and selective rotations and resident continuity clinic director.

She has received several honors which include the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center Excellence in Mentoring Award, Samuel L. Stover, MD Excellence in Teaching Award, Laura B. Kezar, MD Award for Dedication and Commitment to the Residency, and Matthew T. Smith MD Humanism in Medicine Award. 

Dr. Powell has an active outpatient practice in both clinical interests in the outpatient clinic located within Spain Rehabilitation Center.  In addition to education and teaching, her research interests include interventions to improve the quality of life in adults with spina bifida and functional outcomes after a cancer diagnosis. 

She currently serves as the co-director of the Center for Engagement in Disability Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

The department is thrilled to welcome her as our vice-chair for clinical operations! 

"Dr. Powell is the ideal Clinical Operations leader. In my short time here, I have come to appreciate her high level of passion. She has a strong desire to create a safe, high-quality clinical environment for our patients.” It is her tenacious drive for effective physiatric care that will benefit all Alabamians, regardless of functional ability." says  Professor and Chairman, Vu Nguyen.