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Salus University president, Michael H. Mittelman, OD ‘80, MPH, MBA, FAAO, FACHE, Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.), has been named a Philadelphia Business Journal (PBJ) 2022 Veteran of Influence. 

This year’s Veterans of Influence honor recognizes fifteen individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces before making their mark on the Greater Philadelphia business community. PBJ also recognizes three “rising stars” and a lifetime service award recipient. Dr. Mittelman and fellow honorees were celebrated at the City Winery in Philadelphia on Thursday morning, November 10, 2022.

“What the Philadelphia Business Journal is doing is so important, recognizing key influencers in the military and organizations that are making that difference,” said Eric Stetson, regional director of Fourblock, a non-profit organization supporting transitioning Veterans. “When Veterans come out of the service they want to find purpose, meaningful work and continue to serve in their society, but they are coming back to their hometown which they left however many years ago and it's like they are coming back to a foreign land. They need a little bit of help figuring out what is corporate America, what is work back in the civilian world, what opportunities exist and where can they apply their natural strengths and experience with purpose back in the civilian world? They don't want a handout, they want a hand up in to being a professional in America and they bring amazing attributes with them.”

Before serving as the president of Salus University, Dr. Mittelman began as a Navy optometrist following his graduation from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) in 1980 and served with distinction for more than three decades in the U.S. Navy in a succession of increasingly responsible, mission-critical command positions. He also served as 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.

After transitioning from the Navy, Dr. Mittelman became the president of Salus, his alma mater, where he has stayed for the past nine years. “[My proudest civilian accomplishment is] leading the finest health science professional school in the country,” said Dr. Mittelman. “As a graduate of the institution, I was well-versed in its mission and programs. This was yet another way for me to ‘give back’ by helping to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

In addition to his work at Salus, Dr. Mittelman also serves as the chairman of the Armed Forces Council of the Union League in Philadelphia. “As chairman, I help support numerous events that directly support Veterans. I also strongly advocate for Veterans to receive financial and other types of assistance so they can attain professional and advocational goals through education.”

Dr. Mittelman emphasizes the leadership he took away from the Armed Forces that proved invaluable to his transition into the business world. “My biggest takeaway from serving in the Armed Forces is the importance of caring for all of those under your charge – servant leadership is by far the most effective way to influence.”

With gratitude, Salus University recognizes Dr. Mittelman’s service to not only the institution, but also the United States, this Veterans Day.