NISOD winner Bob Mele reflects on his long career with Macomb
Friday, December 20, 2024 12:00 AM
Robert "Bob" Mele’s nearly three-decade-long career at Macomb is a testament to his passion for physical therapy and education.
A physical therapist and educator, Mele, 71, is a faculty member in Macomb’s physical therapy assistant program. He was one of four Macomb faculty members who recently received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) award. NISOD celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their students and colleagues, enhancing the overall educational experience.
“I am very honored to have received the award,” he said. “I love the award, but what I really love is working with students.”
From physical therapist to educator
Mele graduated in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Wayne State University. While initially pursuing a pre-med curriculum at Wayne, he discovered his true calling through volunteer work at the Rehab Institute of Michigan. This experience opened his eyes to the diverse fields within health care, ultimately leading him to physical therapy.
Throughout his career, Mele has worked in various settings, including hospitals, long term care facilities and outpatient clinics. His experience with clinical interns revealed his passion for teaching. In 1987, he earned a master's in health services administration from Central Michigan University, blending his clinical expertise with health care management.
His career in physical therapy began in 1992 when he started working clinically. By 1994, he had transitioned to a faculty position in Macomb's Physical Therapy Assistant program. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his outpatient clinic, a venture that, despite its challenges, enriched his professional experience.
In 1998, fate intervened when Mele received a call inviting him back to Macomb. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Mele said, “I’m a firm believer that sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time. The universe put me in the right spot when I received that call.”
Why teach physical therapy at Macomb?
Mele's decision to teach at Macomb is rooted in his belief in the power of community colleges. Initially skeptical, he quickly realized the immense value Macomb offers.
"If you can get somebody through a two-year program with a reasonable amount of spending and get a fairly good job, that's the direction to go," he said.
Reaching out beyond the classroom
Mele's teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of practical experience. Although he has many anecdotal stories to share about his years in clinical practice, he believes the best way for students to learn is to get involved both inside and outside the classroom.
Mele is active with the American Physical Therapy Association, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), and Capstone (a comprehensive final-year project) and encourages his students to participate as well. “I tell students that they not only need to be clinicians, but they also have to go out into the community and get involved,” he said.
Outside of the classroom, Mele, of Rochester, is active with St. Andrew Catholic Church. He’s also an avid reader and proud grandfather of four.
Next year, Mele will mark 50 years in the physical therapy field. Although he has thought about retirement, he does not have plans to give up teaching any time soon.
“I just love teaching, and the kids keep me young,” he said. “When I do retire, I do not know what I will replace teaching with, but I know I’ll stay connected in some way. Whether it’s tutoring or helping, I will also stay connected to Macomb. But I’m not ready to give up physical therapy just yet.”
Learn more about the physical therapy assistant program at Macomb by visiting our physical therapy assistant webpage.
A physical therapist and educator, Mele, 71, is a faculty member in Macomb’s physical therapy assistant program. He was one of four Macomb faculty members who recently received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) award. NISOD celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their students and colleagues, enhancing the overall educational experience.
“I am very honored to have received the award,” he said. “I love the award, but what I really love is working with students.”
From physical therapist to educator
Mele graduated in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Wayne State University. While initially pursuing a pre-med curriculum at Wayne, he discovered his true calling through volunteer work at the Rehab Institute of Michigan. This experience opened his eyes to the diverse fields within health care, ultimately leading him to physical therapy.
Throughout his career, Mele has worked in various settings, including hospitals, long term care facilities and outpatient clinics. His experience with clinical interns revealed his passion for teaching. In 1987, he earned a master's in health services administration from Central Michigan University, blending his clinical expertise with health care management.
His career in physical therapy began in 1992 when he started working clinically. By 1994, he had transitioned to a faculty position in Macomb's Physical Therapy Assistant program. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his outpatient clinic, a venture that, despite its challenges, enriched his professional experience.
In 1998, fate intervened when Mele received a call inviting him back to Macomb. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Mele said, “I’m a firm believer that sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time. The universe put me in the right spot when I received that call.”
Why teach physical therapy at Macomb?
Mele's decision to teach at Macomb is rooted in his belief in the power of community colleges. Initially skeptical, he quickly realized the immense value Macomb offers.
"If you can get somebody through a two-year program with a reasonable amount of spending and get a fairly good job, that's the direction to go," he said.
Reaching out beyond the classroom
Mele's teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of practical experience. Although he has many anecdotal stories to share about his years in clinical practice, he believes the best way for students to learn is to get involved both inside and outside the classroom.
Mele is active with the American Physical Therapy Association, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), and Capstone (a comprehensive final-year project) and encourages his students to participate as well. “I tell students that they not only need to be clinicians, but they also have to go out into the community and get involved,” he said.
Outside of the classroom, Mele, of Rochester, is active with St. Andrew Catholic Church. He’s also an avid reader and proud grandfather of four.
Next year, Mele will mark 50 years in the physical therapy field. Although he has thought about retirement, he does not have plans to give up teaching any time soon.
“I just love teaching, and the kids keep me young,” he said. “When I do retire, I do not know what I will replace teaching with, but I know I’ll stay connected in some way. Whether it’s tutoring or helping, I will also stay connected to Macomb. But I’m not ready to give up physical therapy just yet.”
Learn more about the physical therapy assistant program at Macomb by visiting our physical therapy assistant webpage.