Al Pheley
Al Pheley, PhD, earned his doctorate in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota, School of Public Health in 1990. He also holds a Master's in Clinical Psychology from North Dakota State University (1984).
During the 1990's Dr. Pheley directed the Clinical Epidemiology Program at the Hennepin County Medical Center and Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, serving as a research mentor to several health care professionals while working on his own health services research related to medically underserved populations.
From 1998 to 2002, Dr. Pheley was an Associate Professor at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Director for Clinical Research Development. While there he established the College's Center for Appalachian and Rural Health Research. Leading a multidisciplinary team of researchers, Dr. Pheley examined the challenges to quality health care access in Southeastern Ohio and its association with the population’s health status. The results of this work were used by state and federal policymakers to support the development of legislation and regional programs to address these issues. During this time he also served on the Sixth District Federal Healthcare Advisory Committee for then Congressman, now Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. While at OUCOM, Dr. Pheley was a member of the Osteopathic Heritage Health Policy Fellowship.
In July 2002, Dr. Pheley took on the responsibilities of Professor and Chair, Department of Community and Rural Medicine as a founding faculty member of the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, VA. In this role, he continued his research, policy, and service interests to underserved populations.
Dr. Pheley was selected as a member of the 2005-2006 class of the Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy / American Political Science Association Fellowship program. This highly competitive and prestigious program provides six to seven individuals the opportunity to experience the federal policy process as an insider. During his year on “The Hill,” Dr. Pheley worked in the office of Senator John D. “Jay” Rockefeller IV (West Virginia) on issues related to Medicare Part D, rural workforce distribution, Mine Safety, and a broad array of other projects. Dr. Pheley sits on the editorial boards of the Journal of Rural Health for which he is the chair, and the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
At Albion College since 2006, Al directed the Gerald R. Ford Institute for Public Policy and Service and the Institute for Health Professions. He worked with several organizations across Michigan and in Washington, D.C. to immerse students in practical, real-world training through classwork, internships, and professional development activities. Dr. Pheley is currently Associate Dean for Research of the proposed Minnesota College of Osteopathic Medicine, currently seeking accreditation.
