Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adults
Languages
- English
About Ray Watts
Biography
Dr. Watts completed a neurology residency, medical internship, and clinical fellowships at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, followed by a two-year medical staff fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. Thereafter he joined the faculty at Emory University in Atlanta, where he was part of a team that created an internationally renowned research and clinical center for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
Dr. Watts returned to UAB in 2003 as the John N. Whitaker Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology. There he led the development of an interdisciplinary research program aimed at promising new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
In 2010, Dr. Watts accepted the position of Sr. Vice President & Dean of the School of Medicine at UAB, and later was named to the James C. Lee Jr. Endowed Chair. As dean, Dr. Watts.
Dr. Watts was named president of UAB in February 2013. During his tenure, UAB has made tremendous strides in all areas of its mission.
Dr. Watts and his wife Nancy, who worked at UAB as a nurse before retiring, have five grown children.
Title
President of UAB
Faculty Appointment
Professor
Research Interests
Movement Disorders, Parkinson's disease
Awards & Recognition
Raymond D. Adams Lecture, Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital, March 11, 2004
University of Alabama Medical Alumni Association, 2014 Distinguished Service Award
“Best Doctor’s in America,” Woodward and White, 1994-present
A. Worley Brown Endowed Professor in Neurology, Emory University, 2000-2003
“America’s Top Doctor’s”, Castle and Connolly, 2000-present.
“Atlanta’s Best Doctors”, Atlanta Magazine, 2001-2003
John N. Whitaker Endowed Chair in Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2003-2010
“Birmingham’s Best Doctors”, Birmingham Magazine, 2003-present
UAB Distinguished Alumni Award, 2007
Memberships
American Neurological Association (Fellow), American Academy of Neurology (Fellow), American Medical Association. Alabama Academy of Neurology, Movement Disorder Society, Alpha Omega Alpha
Locations
- Neurology Clinic in Neurosciences Two at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital
- 2000 6th Avenue South, Floor 2, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Get Directions
- phone: 205-801-8986
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, 1986
- Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital, 1984
- Internship: Massachusetts General Hospital, 1981
- Medical School: Washington University School of Medicine, 1980
Board Certifications
- Neurology: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, 1985
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 of 5 stars
46 ratings, 22 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Attention to my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
They are always timely. Sensitive to your needs. We love TKC Neurology!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2026
Very compassionate and informative physicians
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2026
Little waiting to be seen by my doctor. My Doctor listens to me and cares.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2026
We ♥️ UAB and the whole patient (and caregiver) approach they provide! Amazing facility and staff!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2026
Empathetic Thorough Professional Trust Comfortable Compeden
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
GREAT DOCTORS AND STAFF, THEY CARE ABOUT YOU.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
The whole team made me feel like they really cared about me and my condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2025
Greatly appreciated the opportunity!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/15/2025
Expertise in the field of Parkinson’s disease. Professional personnel and doctors.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2025
amazing staff!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
Patient transport was subpar.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
Dr. Watts and Stephanie, as well as others who call us, listen to our concerns and address our needs in an encouraging and helpful manner. All the staff are both professional and personal.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
We'd like to see more research undertaken at UAB for Parkinson's. It seems that UAB is just in a holding pattern.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
Dr Watts, Stephanie and all of the staff are wonderful !
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2025
Extremely impressed with Dr. Watts and Dr. [ ] so happy to have them as my caretakers.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2025
No way at all. Friendly nurses. Dr. Ray Watts and nurse practitioner Stephanie [ ] are excellent providers. They listen to you and care. Excellent checkout.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2025
the check in desk personnel carrying on and laughing and one on phone when we stood waiting to check in.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Every part of the process was very professional and everyone was helpful and friendly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/19/2025
For one of the first times in my PD journey I felt seen and heard. Dr [ ] was the gentlest, kindest, most personable Dr I have seen in a long time. His professionalism was outstanding. Dr Watts was also very knowledgeable and kind. They made a great team!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/24/2025
Very appreciative for expertise and kindness shown
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2025
Everyone is professional but also very nice. I never have to wait long which is great - just well run!