David D. Rice, Ph.D.
Professor, Health Studies Department
Throughout his very long career, David has combined administrative and educational skills in a variety of health-related jobs. He began his professional career as a Medical Service Corps Officer in the United States Navy where he taught Aviation Physiology to flight students. After a post-doctoral fellowship at the Office of Medical Education Research and Development (OMERAD) at Michigan State University, he moved to Kalamazoo Valley Community College where he was Assistant Dean of Instruction with responsibility for health and science programs. When his wife finished her graduate studies and was offered an outstanding professional opportunity in Chicago, it was his turn to follow even though this involved an uncertain career detour. He was employed at The University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics as a Respiratory Therapy Trainee and completed the accelerated training program in record time. In addition to clinical duties, he taught in the department's educational programs. After passing the Certification and Registry Examinations, he was promoted to Asst. Director and subsequently Director of Education for the department. This job included direction of the oldest and largest accredited non-traditional respiratory care educational program. When the hospital decided to discontinue its sponsorship of allied health educational programs, he was given support for a two year transitional period to find a college or university sponsor for the program. He moved with the program to National-Louis University (then National College of Education) where he restructured the curriculum to a more traditional baccalaureate degree program. While continuing to teach in Respiratory Care and Health Care Leadership courses, he served as Assistant Dean of the Health & Human Services Division. After 10 years in this role, he returned to full time teaching. Partnering with Dr. Doug Wuggazer from the College of Management and Business, they developed and successfully implemented the Master of Health Services Administration (MHA) Program.
He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Chemistry at GreenvilleCollege, and a Master of Science in Biology at Wayne State University.After leaving the Navy he went to The Florida State University where he completedthe Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration/EducationalManagement Systems with a specialization in institutional research. He latercompleted the advanced program in respiratory therapy at The University of ChicagoHospitals and Clinics.
David's primary scholarly interest is patient education and the continuing education of health professionals particularly in relation to preparation for leadership roles. This inquiry focuses on the interface between the applied behavioral science fields of management and education. He has written instructional materials in the fields of aviation physiology, respiratory care, health education and administration. In 1991 the American Association recognized him for Respiratory Care as the Education Specialty Practitioner of the Year. He authored the chapter on "Patient, Community, and Staff Education" in the book ComprehensiveRespiratory Care, edited by Dantzker, MacIntyre and Bakow.
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