Sima A. Desai, MD
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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“As a physiatrist, I have the opportunity to treat patients with a variety of injuries, and this allows me to tailor my care to each individual. The best part of being a physiatrist is seeing my patients achieve their goals and being part of their journey.”
Dr. Desai is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and brain injury medicine. She has clinical interests in traumatic brain injuries, disorders of consciousness, strokes, neurorehabilitation and spasticity management.
She was drawn to physical medicine and rehabilitation because she can help people with neurological injuries improve their quality of life and function. She values building long-term relationships with patients and their families.
Dr. Desai is the program director of the Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship program at Atrium Health. She has received the James T. McDeavitt Teaching Award and an Excellence in Medical Student Teaching Award from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
In her research, she is the principal investigator for the TBI Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center (TBINDSC).
Dr. Desai received her bachelor’s degree at Emory University, her master’s degree at Tulane University and her medical degree at Ross University School of Medicine. She completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Tufts University, followed by a fellowship in brain injury medicine at The University of Texas.
Outside of work, she enjoys baking, traveling the world, and trying new foods and restaurants with her husband, family and friends.