Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Robert B. Nickerson, M.D.

Dr. Nickerson obtained a B.S. in biology from Presbyterian College (Clinton, South Carolina) and an M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Kentucky. He is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and electrodiagnostic medicine. Nickerson joined the UK faculty in 1993 and has served the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as health system reform coordinator for Kentucky in its grassroots campaign on health system reform since that time. He serves as the Residency Program Director, Director of Consult Services and Director of the Electrodiagnostic Lab. 

CLINICAL
Dr. Nickerson serves as Director of Consult Services and Director of the Electrodiagnostic Lab, and previously served as Medical Director of stroke rehabilitation module II at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital as well as the Director of the Outpatient Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation clinics at the University of Kentucky. He also has developed electrodiagnostic clinics as part of the department's outreach efforts into Eastern Kentucky.

RESEARCH
Dr. Nickerson serves as a research mentor for residents and is interested in pulsed electromagnetic fields as a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and the cognitive/behavioral approach to treatment in patients with fibromyalgia. His publications include Hiccups Associated With Lateral Medullary Syndrome (American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, March/April 1995, 75:176), Use of a University-based Student Health Clinic to promote and eductae PM&R students (Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, September 1994, 75:1037), and Alcohol abuse and its association with a second or recurrent traumatic brain injury (American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, August 1993, 72:238). He previously served on the department's research committee.

EDUCATION
Dr. Nickerson serves as co-chair of the department's Education Committee and supervises residents in the UK clinic and in electrodiagnostic clinics in Eastern Kentucky. He also has served as a mentor for medical students who rotate through the outpatient clinic. He received the department's Teacher of the Year award in 1994.