Resident Physician
University of Washington Department of Rehabilitation
Levi Bale, MD, is a physiatrist whose academic work integrates traumatic brain injurycare with a population-level, public health perspective on pain and disability. Raised in a rural, working-class community, Dr. Bale’s early exposure to physical labor and injury shaped his commitment to patient-centered care and to addressing the broader systems that influence recovery and function.
Research Interests: Dr. Bale’s research focuses on health services and outcomes research, with particular attention to disparities in pain treatment and functional recovery. His work has been informed through collaboration with Dr. Jeanne Hoffman, PhD, and the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, where he developed a foundation in rigorous, systems-based approaches to evaluating healthcare delivery, utilization, and outcomes. His research has been presented at national meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Clinical Interests: Clinically, Dr. Bale specializes in the evaluation and treatment of spine-related pain and dysfunction using image-guided interventions within a comprehensive rehabilitative framework. He approaches spine care with a public health mindset—emphasizing appropriate patient selection, procedural discernment, and integration of education, behavioral strategies, and social context—to help patients return to meaningful activity while preserving dignity and autonomy.
Through his clinical and scholarly work, Dr. Bale aims to advance equitable, evidence-informed spine care.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM AST
