Dr Chila graduated in osteopathy in 1965. After 11 years in general practice he embarked on an academic career teaching first at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and latterly at Ohio University, where he was Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine for 10 years. Dr Chila has been active as office holder in the American Osteopathic Association and other national groups, and was recognized as Educator of the Year by the American Osteopathic Foundation in 2013. His many writing and editorial activities include the executive editorship of the third edition of the standard textbook Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine.