Biography

Benjamin N. Nguyen, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

neurological rehabilitation specialist, Dr. Nguyen is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with additional ACGME certification in brain injury medicine.

Dr. Nguyen’s research focuses on the outcomes of traumatic brain injuries. He has published scholarly articles, co-authored book chapters, and delivered scores of lectures and presentations related to neurological injury and rehabilitation.

Active in community health events, Dr. Nguyen also co-facilitates UT Southwestern’s stroke and brain injury support groups.

He joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2008.

Dr. Nguyen earned his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine, where he also completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He then held the Martha Lyles Wilson Fellowship in Brain Injury Rehabilitation at Mississippi’s Methodist Rehabilitation Center.

His honors include being named a 2015 Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Healthcare Hero (Best Hospital Employee in North Texas) and earning Baylor College of Medicine’s 1999 Teaching Excellence Award, 1996 Lewis Leavitt, M.D. Memorial Award, and 1993 Toney Dixon Memorial Award for Outstanding Courage and Perseverance in the Pursuit of Medicine.

Dr. Nguyen is a member of professional organizations that include the American Medical Association, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, North American Neuromodulation Society, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Neurotoxin Association.

Meet Dr. Nguyen

Neuro-rehabilitation Specialist in Dallas

Benjamin N. Nguyen, M.D., can empathize with patients working to recover from injuries and illnesses. Once a rehabilitation patient himself, he was drawn to the specialty largely because of his personal experience with physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians and the positive impact they can have on people’s lives.

Dr. Nguyen specializes in neurological rehabilitation. His patients include people with brain and spinal cord injuries – including strokes, concussion, and post-concussion syndrome – and those suffering from the late effects of neuromuscular, neurodegenerative, and movement disorders such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multi-system atrophy.

He has special expertise in managing spasticity, the muscle stiffness that can result from injuries to and diseases of the central nervous system.

“Having experienced physical medicine and rehabilitation as both a patient and a caregiver, I can identify with, and appreciate some of the challenges my patients and their families go through,” Dr. Nguyen says. “I’m extremely fortunate to be able to make a difference in people’s lives, and being able to relate to patients on that level brings a lot of satisfaction.”

Holistic Approach

Dr. Nguyen delivers comprehensive, whole-person care, which includes a strong focus on patient and family education.

“We take a holistic approach to treatment in rehabilitation medicine. Rather than treating only patients’ primary conditions, we address how their disabilities impact their ability to function in their daily lives as well as their quality of life,” he says.

“This often includes talking with them about activities to avoid, the risks of overexertion, and the importance of adequate sleep and frequent breaks. We also provide guidelines and suggestions for them to return to work, return to play, and return to school – all of the factors that may be beneficial for their reintegration.”

Dr. Nguyen also strives to engage loved ones in the rehabilitation process.

“Having been there myself, I understand that the conditions and injuries our patients have affect both them and their families. There’s often a need to manage expectations and explain limitations to the patients and their families” he says.

“With dedication, perseverance, and our experienced team to point them in the right direction, rehabilitation patients can overcome many of the challenges they face and move on to the next phases of their lives.”

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Education & Training
  • Medical School - Baylor College of Medicine (1989-1996)
  • Fellowship - Mississippi Hosp. and Rehab. Ctr. (2000-2001), Brain Injury Rehabilitation
  • Residency - Baylor College of Medicine (1997-2000), Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Internship - Baylor College of Medicine (1996-1997), Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Professional Associations & Affiliations
  • Vietnamese American Health Professional Association of North Texas
  • Texas Medical Association
  • North American Neuromodulation Society
  • International Neurotoxin Association
  • Association of Academic Physiatrists
  • American Medical Association
  • American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Honors & Awards
  • Keynote Speaker 1996, Twelfth Annual Multicultural Honors Banquet
  • Martha Wilson Brain Injury Fellowship 2001, Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center
  • Teaching Excellence Award 1999, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Toney Dixon Memorial Award for Outstanding Courage and Perseverance in the Pursuit of Medicine 1993, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Lewis Leavitt, M.D. Memorial Award 1996, Baylor College of Medicine
Books & Publications
Research
  • Traumatic brain injury outcomes

Clinical Focus

  • Stroke
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Non-Surgical Treatment Options
  • Spasticity Management
  • Movement Disorders
  • Neuro-Rehabilitation
  • Concussion
  • Spinal Cord Injury

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Q&A by Dr. Nguyen