ATSU-SHM appoints program chair

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – A.T. Still University’s School of Health Management (ATSU-SHM) has appointed Erin Breitenbach, Ph.D., to its Health Education program chair position, effective August 1.

Dr. Breitenbach has served as an instructor for SHM since the beginning of 2008. Educated at the University of Texas at Austin, she received her B.A. in kinesiology in 1991 before achieving her master’s, and then doctorate degrees in health education, completing the latter in 1998. Putting her education into practice, she conducted academic research on health education, using it to coordinate health education outreach programs for a managed care program. Her experience also includes clinical cancer research for a National Cancer Institute-designed comprehensive cancer center, as well as for a private oncology clinical research center.

“Dr. Breitenbach brings a wealth of knowledge about health education and a clear plan to take the health education program to the next level,” said SHM Dean Kimberly O’Reilly, D.H.Ed., M.S.W. “She shares the University’s goal of improving the healthcare industry through compassion, education, and research.”

As the program chair, Dr. Breitenbach will manage both SHM’s master’s and doctorate health education programs. Specifically, she will manage program associations, health education curriculum, students, and faculty, as well as the dissertation process for doctorate students. The School of Health Management is the University’s online school and offers degrees in health education, geriatric health, health administration, and public health, providing flexibility for future healthcare professionals.