Michael Mehall
“Educational opportunities that result from professional training can change peoples’ lives, and is the reason that I teach. I want to provide a comprehensive education to every student so that they feel empowered encountering any situation as a respiratory therapist.”
Michael Mehall, founding director of the Respiratory Therapy program at WVU, brings to his current role a wealth of experience in both respiratory care and academic program development and leadership. Committed to student success, Mehall has been an educator for over 20 years and believes deeply that his role is to "comprehensively prepare students for all situations that they might encounter." He is passionate about teaching complex subject matter in a structured manner that enables students to grasp challenging concepts and empowers them to feel comfortable, master essential skills, and ultimately optimize the care of their patients.
After completing his BS in Respiratory Care at Wheeling Jesuit University, Mehall began his own career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at West Virginia University Hospital, now Ruby Memorial Hospital. He is now building on these close ties to the WVU Medicine system to create meaningful clinical and professional experiences for future students and alums of the program.
Mehall also earned an MEd degree with a specialization in Instructional and Curricular Design from American Intercontinental University, and holds certifications as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT), Neonatal and Pediatric Specialist (RRT-NPS), and Adult Critical Care Specialist (RRT-ACCS). Through these combined experiences, Mehall is building a comprehensive academic program that provides opportunities for students to specialize in providing care to specific populations and therapeutic areas.
To Mehall, one of the most exciting aspects of what he is building at WVU are the facilities available to help students succeed and develop competencies needed to excel as a professional. Through a brand new, state-of-the-art respiratory therapy lab that offers students one-to-one access to ventilators, Mehall and his faculty colleagues will work with students to supplement classroom instruction and develop and practice clinical skills.
A native of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, Mehall finds time to relax outside of the classroom with his boxer dog, Hotchy. He also enjoys skiing and hiking with his family and relaxes with an occasional bowl of mushroom soup at his favorite local restaurant.