Dr. Michael Callihan, PhD, RN, CEN, NRP

Dr. Michael Callihan’s enduring and substantial contributions to emergency nursing are in research. As one of the only nurses in the world formally trained in biomechanics, Callihan’s research explores ways to prepare emergency nurses both physically and mentally to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, particularly back injuries. He continued his biomechanics work by partnering with a team of electrical engineers to develop and patent a shoe-based sensor system that can detect the angles of the joints in the lower extremities and thereby possibly predict risk for microtrauma related to poor body mechanics. Callihan has published biomechanics-related work seven times in the last three years which have been cited 54 times to date, further establishing his goal to keep nurses safer through biomechanical advancements. He is currently an assistant professor at the University of Alabama and continues his emergency nursing bedside practice at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.