Kirby Mayer joins College of Human Medicine, Corewell Health and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation
August 7, 2026
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is delighted to announce the appointment of Kirby Mayer, PhD, as associate professor with tenure and as research director of critical illness recovery in the Department of Medicine. He will hold the same title at the Corewell Health Frederik Meijer Heart and Vascular Institute. He will also serve as the associate director of restorative health research at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation.
Dr. Mayer comes to West Michigan from the University of Kentucky, where he has worked as a rehabilitation scientist and physical therapist. His research has focused on understanding and improving physical function in survivors of critical illness. In his role as associate vice chair for clinical research in the Department of Internal Medicine, Mayer led initiatives to reduce regulatory barriers, promote cross-disciplinary studies, and expand access to research for physicians and advanced practice providers.
His leadership in that role has deepened his commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. Mayer cites one of his goals as “working to build diverse, data-savvy translational teams capable of bridging cellular biology, clinical science, and computational analytics.”
Using a translational approach that spans basic muscle biology, clinical trials, and population studies, his research connects cellular mechanisms to patient-centered outcomes like mobility, independence, returning to work, and driving. His findings reveal that survivors experience significant muscle fiber-type shifts, persistent mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered gene expression suggestive of accelerated aging, alongside neuroimaging evidence of cerebral atrophy and disrupted brain networks. Moving forward, Dr. Mayer aims to expand multi-site studies, utilize machine learning for predictive modeling, test targeted mitochondrial and lifestyle interventions, and leverage health-system partnerships to build personalized recovery pathways.
Mayer holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in human nutrition, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences, all from the University of Kentucky.
At Corewell Health Frederik Meijer Heart and Vascular Institute, Dr. Mayer will serve as the inaugural research director of critical illness recovery, bringing a wealth of clinical and research experience to help the most vulnerable patients recovering from life-threatening illnesses. Dr. Mayer’s expertise will enhance ongoing research and collaborate with Corewell Health pulmonary and critical care experts to launch innovative new clinical trials and therapies.
At Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation, Dr. Mayer will serve as associate director of restorative health research, where he will lead research designed to help people regain mobility and independence after illness and injury. As a physical therapist, he brings a unique understanding of both the patient experience and the science behind recovery. Working with clinical and academic partners, Dr. Mayer will help transform research into milestones for patients.