Brad Willingham

About Dr. Willingham

“Research matters most when it transforms care and restores hope.”

Dr. Brad Willingham directs Shepherd Center’s Multiple Sclerosis Research Program, where he leads a multidisciplinary team focused on improving health, function, and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). His work spans neuromuscular physiology, neurorehabilitation, and digital health, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical practice.

Brad collaborates closely with clinicians and individuals with MS to design studies that generate practical, translation-ready solutions. His research integrates physiology, rehabilitation science, and technology to create strategies that can be adopted into real-world care.

Research specialties

• Neuromuscular physiology
• Neurorehabilitation
• Digital health

Education & training

• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuromuscular Physiology – National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2021
• Ph.D., Kinesiology – University of Georgia, 2017
• M.S., Kinesiology – University of Georgia, 2012
• B.S., Biology – University of Georgia, 2010

Why his work matters

Dr. Willingham’s journey with Shepherd Center began long before he became Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research Program. Growing up in Atlanta, Shepherd played a pivotal role in his family’s life during a difficult time — a connection that sparked his deep appreciation for the organization. He started as a volunteer and later joined the clinical team as an exercise physiologist, where he witnessed firsthand the resilience of patients and the transformative power of rehabilitation.

Those experiences inspired him to pursue advanced scientific training, earning his Ph.D. in kinesiology and completing a postdoctoral fellowship in neuromuscular physiology at the National Institutes of Health.

“My work at Shepherd is meaningful for the same reason it was over a decade ago when I first joined the clinical staff: our mission. Whether in clinical care or research, we all show up each day to help people rebuild their lives with hope, independence, and dignity.”

Beyond Shepherd

Outside of work, Dr. Willingham serves as adjunct faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy at Georgia State University and collaborates with national and international research initiatives focused on MS rehabilitation and wellness. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and their three young boys, exploring nature, and engaging in outdoor activities.

Awards and honors

• International Progressive MS Alliance’s Innovation in Wellbeing Award, 2024
• Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on research grants funded by the International Progressive MS Alliance, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)