The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Administrative Director Stephanie Walters, MS has been a steady, trusted presence in the department for over twenty years. Her impact spans across education, clinical care, and research support.
Walters has witnessed a lot of change and growth in her time with the department.
“When I first joined PM&R, I didn’t even know what a physiatrist was—but working closely with so many incredible residents, faculty, and staff over the years taught me just how vital rehabilitation medicine is in the broader field of healthcare,” Walters said.
Her Journey Over the Years
Walters’ path to success began in Graduate Medical Education, working directly with PM&R residents and medical students. This role allowed her to grow professionally, develop administrative skills, and connect with program coordinators across the country through national presentations and training sessions.
After more than a decade in that position, she transitioned into the Chair’s Office administrative team, taking on the HR role for the department. While her title has changed over the years, her focus has remained constant: to support and develop PM&R employees and help foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and opportunity.
“The department’s growth in recent years has been one of the most exciting changes I have witnessed. It has brought new opportunities for our staff and patients alike, highlighted most recently by the development of our state-of-the-art rehabilitation hospital. Under new leadership, we have continued to advance in so many areas,” Walters said. “I am proud to have built my career in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and look forward to many more years serving our department, employees, and patients.”
2025 Dean’s Excellence Award
From leading residency recruitment and coordinating medical student rotations to managing complex faculty HR processes and space planning, Stephanie is involved in nearly every operational function that keeps the department moving forward.
“I am truly honored to receive a Dean's Excellence Award for Staff. This recognition reflects not only my efforts but also the support, collaboration, and inspiration I have received from my incredible colleagues in the Department of PM&R and across the UAB enterprise. I am grateful to be part of a community that values dedication and service,” Walters added.
What sets Stephanie apart is how much she does beyond her formal responsibilities. She consistently goes the extra mile to foster a strong department culture. Whether it is organizing thoughtful going-away receptions, planning celebrations and department events, or making sure service milestones do not go unnoticed.
“Stephanie has a quiet but intentional way of making sure people are seen—whether it is a work anniversary, a farewell, or a milestone. That kind of recognition may seem small, but it builds a culture where people feel valued and want to stay. She reminds us that taking the time to acknowledge others really does matter,” said Department of PM&R Executive Administrator Jamie Elliott, MPA, PMP.
Stephanie’s commitment to our mission, her institutional knowledge, and her ability to support both people and systems make her a key reason our department runs as well as it does. She is a true advocate for the UAB community.