Media contact: Brianna Hoge
Vu Nguyen, M.D., MBA, will be the new chair for UAB’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, effective Jan. 1, 2022.
(Photography: Atrium Health)Vu Nguyen, M.D., MBA, has been named chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Medicine.
Nguyen joins UAB from Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center and Carolinas Rehabilitation, where he has been on staff as a faculty member since 2001. Carolinas Rehabilitation is among the largest rehabilitation service providers in the nation.
“I am excited for the chance to be a part of a complex, strong enterprise like UAB,” Nguyen said. “UAB is already a nationally recognized institution with progressive medically oriented leadership.”
He has been a leader on numerous professional societies throughout his career, including the Association of Academic Physiatrists, the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American Academy of PM&R, the International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine, and several others.
“Dr. Nguyen’s extensive experience in a large, integrated health care system will strengthen the already flourishing Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, dean of the UAB School of Medicine. “I am confident his national leadership and academic leadership will align with our current values and mission at the School of Medicine — advancing innovation and excellence of rehabilitation at UAB.”
The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation enhances functional ability and restores quality of life to people with physical impairments or disabilities. The department has a nationally renowned reputation for high-quality patient care, innovative research discovery and comprehensive education.
“This opportunity will allow me to align my leadership skills and my desire to advocate for disabled populations through national platforms,” Nguyen said. “It will also permit me to provide superior-quality medical care while contributing to the research and development of novel innovations. I am looking forward to partnering with the visionary leadership of Dr. Selwyn Vickers.”
Pending provost approval, Nguyen will officially assume the role of chair Jan. 1, 2022.