For Russ Myer (BS ’79, MS ‘82), PT, PhD, the University of Pittsburgh is more than an alma mater—it’s the lifelong rhythm that continues to shape both his career and personal passions.
Throughout his career, Myer has carried the Pitt name with pride. Whether mentoring students, collaborating with colleagues or engaging with communities, he credits the University of Pittsburgh for opening doors and providing countless professional opportunities that have benefited many. As he often shares, simply mentioning Pitt Physical Therapy (PT) continues to create new connections and opportunities wherever he practices.
Myers offers words of wisdom to incoming students:
“Come prepared to enter into a community and learning environment committed to continual growth and transformation. Your learning will be seismic for you at the University of Pittsburgh’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program—it’s a very special place. Seize the moment, hour, day, semester and year with great humility and reverence for all you will be capable of accomplishing.”
Arriving at Pitt Physical Therapy
Myer’s journey to Pitt Physical Therapy was not an easy one. After being waitlisted three times, he finally earned admission—the last time as #1 on the list. He was also accepted at Northwestern University and New York University, but his choice was clear: Pitt’s outstanding faculty in orthopedics and manual therapy, combined with its national reputation, made it the obvious home for his professional training.
While a student, Myer sought every opportunity to deepen his learning. He worked closely with renowned Pitt Physical Therapy faculty—including Mildred Wood, Fran Geigle Benz and Rosemary Scully—participating in community physical therapy projects and independent studies that advanced his clinical knowledge in areas like knee, low back and shoulder care. These early experiences laid a strong foundation for what became a lifelong commitment to service and innovation.
At Pitt, Myer immersed himself in both academic and campus life. As a percussionist playing snare drum in the Pitt Band from 1977-78, he helped set the tempo for Panther pride on game days, pep rallies and parades. Decades later, he still plays the drums, keeping that passion alive and staying connected to the vibrant energy that defines the Pitt experience.
A Successful Career Helping Others
After completing his master’s degree in physical therapy and later earning a PhD, Myer built a successful career blending clinical practice, teaching and leadership. He has worked in private practices, industrial injury prevention consulting and in higher education, including Utica, Excelsior and Clarkson Universities in New York.
Today, he serves as executive director of the Capital Region Nordic Alliance in New York, where he combines his physical therapy expertise with his passion for adaptive outdoor sports. The Alliance promotes Nordic skiing and other recreational activities for individuals of all abilities, extending Myer’s professional mission to help others achieve their full potential through movement.
As the director of the global classification system for the World Trail Orienteering Championships, Myer has also traveled to Italy and Hungary.
“The classification system is intended to improve access and inclusion in trail orienteering for those with mobility, cardiovascular/cardiopulmonary and neurologic impairments,” says Myer. “It is one of the few sports in the world where those with disabilities compete equitably with the able-bodied population.”
His team at the Capital Region Nordic Alliance works with parks and recreation departments, the Invictus Games Foundation, the Department of Veterans Affairs and others to provide innovative technologies that relate to community engagement.
Russ Myer’s story is a testament to the enduring power of a Pitt education, where knowledge, service and personal passion intersect to make a difference both professionally and personally.
For Myer, the beat goes on—and it’s always playing the Pitt fight song. H2P!