CHS alum earns national AHEC honor for mentorship and service

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

Michael Muscarella’s career in physical therapy has always extended well beyond the clinic.

Muscarella, PT, DPT, LDE, a College of Health Sciences alumnus and longtime healthcare leader in western Kentucky, was named recipient of the 2025 National Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Organization Alumni-Advocate of the Year Award. The annual honor recognizes individuals whose sustained leadership and service advance AHEC’s mission of strengthening healthcare education and workforce development.

Muscarella, a Paducah native, was one of three recipients selected nationally from a competitive pool of nominees representing multiple states.

“For more than two decades, Mike has been a dedicated mentor and partner, helping students discover healthcare careers and building strong training pathways that support the western Kentucky workforce,” said Anne Hess, health career coordinator at Purchase Area Health Education Center. “He has played a key role in the success of health professions programs at our local institutions and serves as an ambassador for our community, consistently seeking opportunities to inspire the next generation.”

A physical therapist by training, Muscarella has worked with Kentucky AHEC since 1982, when he first served as a preceptor for a physical therapy student. Since then, he has mentored hundreds of students interested in careers including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health and health administration.

His mentorship has included résumé reviews, mock interviews and early career guidance that helped students secure internships and launch careers with Baptist Health and other regional healthcare organizations. He has also helped create hands-on learning opportunities through health camps, school-based programs and community health fairs.

Muscarella currently serves as chair of the Purchase AHEC advisory board housed at Murray State University and as chair of the Kentucky AHEC state advisory board. Throughout his career, he has supported the development of academic programs across the region, including the physical therapy program at Western Kentucky University and the occupational therapy program at Murray State University. He has also served on the Council on Postsecondary Education’s Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund, which provides scholarship support for students from underserved and shortage areas.

Winning the national award, Muscarella said, came as a surprise.

“Winning this award was a complete surprise because of the many friends I work with in AHEC who have devoted so much energy to the health career pipeline,” he said. “It was very encouraging to be recognized for a national award. It is very humbling.”

Muscarella earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Kentucky in 2009 after completing his undergraduate physical therapy education at Old Dominion University. He said UK’s College of Health Sciences played a formative role throughout his career.

“I have worked with the University of Kentucky’s College of Health Sciences for over 40 years — precepting students, serving on advisory boards, chairing the college’s philanthropy council and assisting with teaching,” Muscarella said. “When UK offered a transitional doctorate in physical therapy, I jumped at the chance because of the college’s strong reputation and the quality of its programs.”

According to Muscarella, his experience with the College of Health Sciences helped shape both his clinical practice and his leadership philosophy.

“The College of Health Sciences has been an influence on my career since I began practicing in 1981,” he said. “Working with faculty, students and alumni strengthened my practice and my network. The education, mentoring and modeling from my colleagues helped shape my effectiveness as a clinician and as a leader.”

Muscarella recently retired after 34 years as an executive director at Baptist Health Paducah but said retirement has not slowed his commitment to education and workforce development. He plans to continue serving AHEC, the Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund and advisory boards at Western Kentucky University and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science.

For Muscarella, the national AHEC honor reflects a career defined by service — and a belief that investing in students ultimately strengthens communities.

“Each of these entities helps our youth and those interested in health careers realize their dreams,” he said.