Richard Krugel, M.D., an assistant professor clinical educator in the Wayne State University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, has been appointed interim chair of the School of Medicine's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Oakwood).

His new position became effective Aug. 19, the day School of Medicine Dean Jack D. Sobel, M.D., announced the appointment.

Dr. Krugel replaces Jay Meythaler, M.D., J.D.

A board certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Krugel received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1967. He completed a fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in 1968 and a surgery residency at University Hospital, Ann Arbor, and Sinai Hospital, Detroit, in 1970. In 1971 he completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in New York, and subsequently a two-year orthopaedic surgery residency at Jewish Hospital and Medical Center, New York. Dr. Krugel then served as a practicing orthopaedic surgeon in the United States Air Force at its Regional Hospital, Maxwell Airforce Base in Alabama, from September 1973 to September 1975.

Dr. Krugel has a second appointment in Physical Medical and Rehabilitation for the School of Medicine.

He has mentored numerous students, residents and fellows since his appointment to the faculty in 1999.

He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Detroit Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, the Michigan Orthopaedic Society, the American Medical Association and the Clinical Orthopaedic Society.