Prof A.H. Ismail

Prof A. H. Ismail  

Born in Alexandria Egypt 2/17/23, Prof. Ismail was always athletic.  He studied Physical Education at King Fuad I University (now Cairo University). Prof. Ismail was a member of the Egyptian National Basketball team from 1946-1955 and played on the 1948 and 1952 Egyptian Olympic basketball teams as well as the ’47, ’49 and ’53 European Championship teams and the 1950 World Championship basketball teams.  His teaching career started in 1945, teaching physical education in Egypt.  Coming to the US in 1955, Dr. Ismail received a master’s in physical education and doctorate in health education from Indiana University in 1958 and came to Purdue University soon afterwards.  Dr. Ismail taught and conducted research, becoming a full professor in 1965. Over the years he had several graduate students who went on to be leaders in the field in the US and internationally.   Dr. Ismail, through sabbaticals from Purdue, also helped organize research in other countries.  His research covered a wide range of topics and was multidisciplinary, ranging from the effects of exercise in childhood development and learning to the impact of exercise on health, physical and psychological wellbeing.   His research was presented at seminars and conferences in the US and internationally.  One of his mantra’s was “Exercise is nature’s medicine”.  His Adult Fitness Program at Purdue University improved many lives by engaging members in regular exercise and encouraging a healthier lifestyle.   

He was a fellow of the American Academy of Physical Education. He was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the International Society of Sports Psychology. 

The A. H. Ismail Center for Preventative and Lifestyle Medicine carries on Dr. Ismail’s passion for improving lives through physical activity and research, continuing to demonstrate that “Exercise is nature’s medicine”