April 7, 2026 — Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Cumming has named Aiwane Iboaya, D.O., as its new medical director. A brain injury specialist with more than six years of experience, she is driven by a deep passion for helping patients reclaim their independence. She brings a strong commitment to teamwork and patient-centered inpatient rehabilitation to the role.
“After the untimely passing of a family member, I felt called to support others during vulnerable moments and chose a career in medicine,” Iboaya said. “While in medical school, I explored several specialties before shadowing a physiatrist who specialized in brain injury medicine. Seeing him expertly treat patient’s unseen complaints beyond their physical injury, while dramatically improving their quality of life, inspired me to pursue a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency.”
She is also shaped by her background as a NCAA Division I volleyball player, where she learned the value of communication, collaboration and trust. Iboaya uses those lessons to guide her as she works alongside therapists, nurses, case managers and hospital leaders to deliver coordinated, high-quality rehabilitation.
“Teamwork is paramount for a volleyball team to succeed, and the same is needed in inpatient rehabilitation," Iboaya said. "A multidisciplinary team must equally come together to improve outcomes for their diverse and medically complex patients. My athletic background also aided in the development of my leadership skills and my ability to quickly deduce a situation and make decisive decisions.”
At Encompass Health Cumming, she plans to strengthen the hospital’s interdisciplinary model, emphasizing individualized care plans that integrate medical management, functional improvement and patient and family education. Iboaya said the team-based structure is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes.
“I am grateful to Encompass Health for allowing me to bring my expertise in neurorehabilitation to Encompass Health Cumming to strengthen the ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered services with a collegial spirit,” Iboaya said. “I also plan to collaborate with hospital leadership to support the ongoing improvements in clinical excellence, regulatory adherence and continued strategic growth.”
With her blend of clinical expertise, personal passion and team-driven leadership, Iboaya is eager to help guide the hospital’s next chapter of clinical excellence.
Dr. Iboaya is an independent private practice physician.