Kyle Meyer named associate dean for UNMC School of Allied Health Professions

Kyle Meyer has been named associate dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, which is part of the College of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He succeeds Mary Haven, who retired last month after serving as associate dean of the SAHP for the past 11 years.

 

Meyer has served as assistant professor and director of clinical education in the UNMC Division of Physical Therapy Education since 1991 and has held academic appointments at UNMC for more than 25 years. He was a member of the UNMC Faculty Senate for seven years, serving as president in 2000-2001, and he has served as a UNMC ombudsperson since 1998.

 

Meyer’s service on campus and college committees has distinguished him as a leader, said John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. “Kyle’s dedication to allied health, this campus and his own personal development is commendable,” Dr. Gollan said. “We are pleased to welcome him to the ranks of administration at UNMC and the College of Medicine.”

 

“Following Mary Haven will be no small undertaking, but I am extremely excited for the opportunity,” Meyer said. “The faculty and staff in the SAHP are tremendously dedicated and talented individuals, the students are bright and energetic, and the campus leadership is very supportive of the school. I am looking forward to our continued successes.”

 

Meyer obtained his degree in physical therapy in 1979 from UNMC and began work in pediatric physical therapy at Meyer Children’s Rehabilitation Institute in Omaha.  In 1983 he became the first pediatric physical therapist at Children’s Hospital in Omaha and led the development of the hospital’s first physical therapy department.  He obtained his master of science degree in anatomy in 1985 from UNMC and his master of public administration degree in 1994 from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is currently a doctoral candidate in public administration at UNO.

 

Meyer is actively involved in clinical education at the national level. He has completed the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Clinical Instructor Education and Credentialing Program and is one of approximately 125 trainers nationally who is certified to provide the program. He was a member of the APTA Clinical Instructor Education Board from 1999-2001, serving as chairman of the committee in 2000-01. He is presently a member of the APTA Task Force on Advanced Clinical Teaching.

 

The SAHP offers 10 health profession education programs including: clinical laboratory science (formerly medical technology); clinical perfusion science; cytotechnology; diagnostic medical sonography; medical nutrition education/dietetic internship; nuclear medicine technology; physical therapy; physician assistant; radiography; and radiation therapy technology.

 

Allied health professionals are often called the “unsung heroes of health care,” as they provide critically important services, but often behind the scenes. It is estimated that allied health professionals make up 60 percent of the health care workforce in the United States. 

 

The SAHP has a current enrollment of 350 students. The SAHP has developed several initiatives since 1990 that have successfully increased the number of allied health practitioners in rural Nebraska. Additionally, 70 percent of all SAHP graduates remain in Nebraska to practice.

 

Meyer and his wife, Deb, a research coordinator in physical therapy education at UNMC, have four sons.