By Matthew Neal, MD, and Madison Pershing
In July 2021, Regina A. Kreisle, MD, PhD, associate dean and director of Indiana University School of Medicine-West Lafayette will retire from her position after 30 years of service. Although her initial career trajectory was as a researcher, her wisdom and dedication to teaching has impacted countless students and junior faculty members throughout the years.
Kreisle began her medical career after completing her bachelor’s degree in biology at Kalamazoo College. Upon graduating, Kreisle received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her medical degree and a PhD as a medical scientist. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin in the Department of Zoology and Medicine and an internship in internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.
Kreisle first realized she enjoyed teaching as a high school student, when she was asked to teach a middle school class and was subsequently recognized for her talent. However, Kreisle’s teachers and professors in college encouraged her to go into research.
Kreisle had every intention of being a researcher when she arrived at West Lafayette--not in the medical school--but at Purdue University’s veterinary school, in the Department of Pathobiology.
“I joined the IU School of Medicine-West Lafayette faculty in 1991 in the Department of Pathology but soon found I had a greater passion for teaching than I did for research,” said Kreisle. “By the mid-1990s, I stopped most of my research scholarship to focus on full-time education, and I have never regretted that decision.”
Kreisle’s excellence in teaching has led to countless awards throughout the years, including five Indiana University Trustees’ Teaching Awards and seven Outstanding Basic Science Professor Awards at IU School of Medicine-West Lafayette. She also served as the statewide competency director for medical knowledge. In 2015, she was named associate dean and director of IU School of Medicine-West Lafayette.
“Dr. Kreisle is a devoted IU School of Medicine leader who cares deeply about our students and their journey toward becoming physicians,” said Paul Wallach, MD, executive associate dean for Educational Affairs and Institutional Improvement.
Kreisle’s contributions to the educational mission of the school are immeasurable, and she intends to remain involved in the training and development of students as a part-time faculty member.
“Dr. Kreisle recognized the invaluable contributions of adjunct faculty in training learners at the West Lafayette campus,” said IU School of Medicine Dean Jay L. Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA. “The deep connections she’s formed with our clinical partners will ensure our learners have the best clinical experiences for many years to come.”
---
Regina Kreisle, MD, PhD, will be featured in the 2021 Stepping Stones of Women in Leadership series on Tuesday, March 16, from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. During this session, Kreisle will be interviewed about the stepping stones which have led to her career success. This leadership series is open to all faculty, staff and students; both men and women are encouraged to attend. Click here to register.
