Mary Ellen Oesterle named new Director of Health Science Innovation

 

Idaho State University is excited to announce a new position within the Kasiska Division of Health Science - the first-ever Director of Health Science Innovation. Mary Ellen Oesterle was selected for the role.

 

Dr. Oesterle comes to ISU after serving most recently as interim chair for the Radford University/Carilion Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She previously held the role of department head for the University of North Georgia Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

 

With the ever changing landscape of healthcare and healthcare education, Oesterle will focus her efforts on the coordination of interprofessional education and research, continuing education, along with continuing goals to develop new programs, expand existing programs, international program development, and more.

 

“It’s very exciting,” Oesterle said about being selected for the new position. “Right now, I’m learning as much as I can about the division and its programs.”

 

Oesterle’s past work has taken her across the United States, as well as into international waters, including South Korea and Cuba. Oesterle also developed the first innovation curriculum for a physical therapy program in the country. This included collaboration with Georgia Tech departments, like engineering.

“We are thrilled to see the entrepreneurialism that Mary Ellen brings to the table,” Dr. Rex Force, vice president for health sciences said. “Her background and experience in this area are key for the development of innovative solutions that will change the way ISU students are trained. Improving the education of students, while they’re learning at ISU, helps improve the overall outlook for healthcare delivery in Idaho.”

“There’s so much potential for health programs to be creating things, products, innovative tools that enhance patient care, but a lot of times they need engineering or computer science to collaborate with them,” Oesterle said. “Any discipline can do entrepreneurial work, but they have to know how to take it through the process.”

Oesterle says collaboration with other departments is something she is excited about, especially when it comes to developing curriculum that takes core courses to the next level. “It can go in all sorts of directions,” Oesterle said. “It all depends on the interests of the people you’re working with, and Idaho State has a lot of opportunities to continue great work and programs.”