Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, inducted in July 2013 as the sixth president of Salus University (established by the Pennsylvania College of Optometry), brings a remarkably unique global perspective to Salus University, American professional medical education, and the rapidly changing landscape of research and healthcare delivery. Beginning as a Navy optometrist following his 1980 graduation from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Dr. Mittelman served with distinction for more than three decades in the U.S. Navy in a succession of increasingly responsible, mission-critical command positions. Prior to his appointment by the Salus University Board of Trustees, Dr. Mittelman was Deputy Surgeon General of the Navy and had achieved the rank of Rear Admiral (Upper Half). His exemplary career included posts around the world – covering land, sea and air responsibilities – as he became one of the most influential medical professionals to serve in the American military.
Dr. Mittelman, a New York native (City of Long Beach, Nassau County), earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Jacksonville University in 1975, a Master of Public Health degree (MPH) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1990, and most recently, a Master of Business Administration from the Fox School of Business at Temple University. He graduated from the Naval War College non-resident program in 1991. The father of three daughters, he and his wife now reside in Pennsylvania.