Diane W. Braza

Diane W. Braza, MD is Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She also serves as Residency Director for the PM&R program and Clinical Director of MCW and FMLH SpineCare. Dr. Braza holds secondary appointments in the Department of Neurosurgery and is an active member of the Cardiovascular Research Center, Neuroscience Research Center, and Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS).

Dr. Braza completed her medical education at the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by dual residencies in Internal Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Her academic career at MCW began in 1992, progressing from Assistant Clinical Professor to her current position as Professor and Department Chair since 2012. She has held numerous leadership roles including Interim Chair (2011-2012) and Associate Program Director of the PM&R Residency (2007-2008).

Her research focuses on physical medicine and rehabilitation with special emphasis on spine care, musculoskeletal disorders, pain management, and adaptive sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Braza's work spans clinical research, biomechanical studies of the spine using upright MRI techniques, development of clinical guidelines, and community-based initiatives to increase physical activity among people with disabilities. Her recent publications (2023-2025) highlight ongoing contributions to pain medicine guidelines, physician wellness strategies, and advanced rehabilitation techniques for spinal conditions.

Dr. Braza has received numerous honors including Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society membership, the Millman Award, the Houghton Award from the Wisconsin State Medical Society, multiple 'Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital top outpatient clinic physician' awards, being named 'Top Doctor' by Milwaukee Magazine, and election to the Medical College of Wisconsin Society of Teaching Scholars.

As Residency Director, Dr. Braza oversees the PM&R residency program and has developed numerous educational initiatives including serving as Course Director for M2 Introduction to Clinical Examination and Rotation Director for M3 'Spine and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation' and M4 'Pain and Musculoskeletal Medicine.' Her work on faculty development tools like the 'Individual Development Plan' demonstrates her commitment to medical education excellence.

Dr. Braza leads the SpineCare program at MCW, which represents a comprehensive integrated transdisciplinary spine care approach. She was instrumental in establishing the first CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) certification for the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, setting standards of care policies and ensuring the unit's financial stability. Her community partnerships, particularly in adaptive sports and recreation, extend her impact beyond the clinical setting into broader community health initiatives.