Inside IM
News from the Department of Internal Medicine - November 2021
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Debra Romberger, MD, Chair of Internal Medicine, shares a department message with important updates for all faculty and staff.
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Joe Sisson, MD, is not your average Joe.
He’s the perfect example of someone who makes the medical center tick. Quietly, without fanfare, he has gone about his business for the past 34 years, leaving a mark on everyone who encountered him.
After 24 years as chief of the UNMC Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sisson stepped down on May 1st to make way for Ruxana Sadikot, MD. At the end of the year, he plans to retire while maintaining emeritus status.
"It’s been a wonderful rocket ride," he said. Read more
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Dr. Jennifer Parker now acting division chief of general internal medicine |
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Jennifer Parker, MD, has been named acting division chief of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine-Division of General Internal Medicine while a national search is conducted. Former division chief, Tom Tape, MD, recently retired.
Deb Romberger, MD, Henry J. Lehnhoff Professor and chair of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, said she is pleased and grateful that Dr. Parker is willing to take on the leadership role.
"Her clinical and education leadership experience will bring valuable insights to the division and department," Dr. Romberger said. Read more
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High honor for steady voice of the pandemic |
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It’s no secret to those working at Nebraska Medicine how valuable his insight has been throughout the pandemic. But now, Mark Rupp, MD, medical director of infection control and epidemiology at Nebraska Medicine and chief of the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases, has been recognized by others -- receiving the Nebraska Hospital Association’s (NHA) highest honor. Read more
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Study confirms UNMC's findings on benefits of baricitinib |
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A new study in the prestigious British journal The Lancet showed significant survival benefits of the drug baricitinib in patients hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The study confirms the recent findings of the National Institutes of Health-sponsored trial, ACTT-2, led by Andre Kalil, MD, of UNMC.
Combined, these studies found that baricitinib provides faster clinical recovery and a significant reduction in the progression to mechanical ventilation and death in COVID patients, said Dr. Kalil, professor in UNMC’s Department of Internal Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases. Read more
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Grant funds study on negating lung injury from biohazards |
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Researchers (including Jill Poole, MD, primary investigator) at UNMC have received a $1.7 million grant to study ways to repair lung disease caused by exposure to biohazards, particularly agricultural dust.
The four-year grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) aims to define the lung repair, recovery and remodeling processes following acute and repetitive exposure to biohazards -- such as endotoxins -- particularly in food processing and meat packing plants. The funding is a continuation of work supported by the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the UNMC College of Public Health. Read more
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Study explores airborne hazards' effects on military, veterans |
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Researchers at UNMC received a $3 million, four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to assess the impact of airborne biohazards in the development of lung disease and associated autoimmunity in military personnel, first responders and veterans.
The research team will explore the relationship of airborne hazards in developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and rheumatoid arthritis-lung disease to better understand the condition. A major goal is to develop biomarkers to identify those at risk for rheumatoid arthritis-lung disease and explore targets for new therapeutic approaches. Read more
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The DEM division had a successful Diabetes Update Symposium in October |
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Vonnetta Byington, Division Administrator, shared there were fantastic speakers that shared information on numerous topics:
Social determinates of Health in Diabetes Care, Medications updates, Insulin updates,
Diet approaches with Standard of Care for the Patient and Insulin Pumps and CGM technology updates.
Topics next year will vary, but the Committee will ensure all topics are relevant and important for Diabetes patient care.
Did you miss this year? Save the date for next year: September 30th, 2022
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Study: Severity of rheumatoid arthritis may affect driving |
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A UNMC study funded by the Rheumatology Research Foundation found an association between driving and arthritis severity.
Internal medicine faculty members, Ted Mikuls, MD, and Kaleb Michaud, PhD, were co-principal investigators of the two-year study. Matthew Rizzo, MD, Frances & Edgar Reynolds Chair & Professor, UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences, is senior author of the paper. Read more
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Dr. Thuy Koll receives k23 funding |
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Congratulations to Dr. Thuy Koll for receiving funding from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) for her study "Promoting Physical Activity to Improve Cognitive Function in Older Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT)" A summary of her k23: The number of older adults who are 60 years and older undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation as part of cancer treatment has more than doubled in the past decade. Older adults undergoing these transplants are at high risk of experiencing a decline in cognitive function afterwards that can affect day-to-day function and quality of life. Our project seeks to develop and test an exercise-based intervention to preserve cognitive function and improve quality of life among transplant recipients. The project started on September 30th. |
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UNMC study shows decrease in lung cancer deaths, citing earlier diagnosis, better treatments |
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A lung cancer expert at the University of Nebraska Medical Center says a large, yearlong study underscores the need for increased - and regular - screenings for lung cancer.
Study results, which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Oncology journal in October 2021, update the incidence of lung cancer in the U.S. and emphasize the importance of earlier detection and newer treatments in improving survival from lung cancer.
Apar Ganti, MD, said the results were significant and suggest that as lung cancer is diagnosed at earlier stages, survival increases. First author on the study, Dr. Ganti is a lung cancer expert in UNMC’s Division of Oncology-Hematology and sees patients at Nebraska Medicine and the VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System. Read more
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Dr. Bennett receives funding |
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Congratulations to Robert Bennett, MD, for having his VA Merit Review funded. Dr. Bennett's merit award details: In obesity and diabetes, the adipose tissue develops fibrosis, an accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. The fibrosis contributes to the dysfunction of the adipose tissue, resulting in insulin resistance and fat accumulation in the liver. This project is focused on the role of the hormone relaxin on the development of fibrosis in the adipose tissue. We found that adipose tissue that is unable to respond to relaxin develops fibrosis more quickly and to a greater extent. We will determine the mechanisms by which relaxin protects against fibrosis, and how it regulates the adipose tissue secretome. Finally, we will develop new nanoformulations to selectively deliver relaxin and other antifibrotic drugs to the adipose tissue. Together, these studies may identify new avenues for treatment of obesity and diabetes-related adipose tissue dysfunction.
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Research highlights from COM - Internal Medicine Spotlight |
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Congratulations to the following for receiving funding:
Jill Poole, MD, internal medicine-allergy/immunology, received a grant of $545,912 from DHHS/CDC/NIOSH for a study on resolving occupational exposure-induced lung disease.
Industry-sponsored grants and contracts:
The following industry-sponsored contracts and foundation grants were received.
Avyakta Kallam, MBBS, internal medicine-oncology/hematology, received funding for an open-label extension study evaluating the long-term safety and efficacy of orali of GB002 for the treatment of WHO Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Tammy Wichman, MD, internal medicine-pulmonary, received funding for a phase 2/3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive design study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MK-5475 in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension and for a phase 3 study to compare the efficacy and safety of Sotatercept vs. placebo when added to background pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy.
Daniel Hershberger, MD, internal medicine-pulmonary, received funding for a Phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRM-151 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Apar Ganti, MD, internal medicine-oncology/hematology, received funding for a Phase 1/2 trial of MRTX849 in patients with advanced solid tumors with KRAS G12C mutation.
Alissa Marr, MD, internal medicine-oncology/hematology, received funding for a study to compare adjuvant immunotherapy of Bempegaldesleukin combined with nivolumab vs. nivolumab after complete resection of melanoma in patients at high risk for recurrence.
Ronald Zolty, MD, PhD, internal medicine-cardiovascular, received funding for the Riociguat Users Registry.
Richard Starlin, MD, internal medicine-infectious diseases, received funding for a study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an amikacin liposome inhalation suspension-based regimen.
Muhamed Baljevic, MD, internal medicine-oncology/hematology, received funding for an expanded access protocol for subjects receiving Idecabtagene Vicleucel that is nonconforming for commercial release.
Andrew Goldsweig, MD, internal medicine-cardiovasular, received funding for a study of paravalvular leak closure with the Amplatzer Valvular Plus Occluder for interventional transcatheter closure for PVL with surgical biological and mechanical heart valve.
Julie Vose, MD, Internal medicine-oncology/hematology, received funding for a phase 1B/3 double-blind, randomized, active-controlled, 3-stage, biomarker adaptive study of Tazemetostat or placebo in combination with Lenalidomide plus Rituximab in subjects with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma.
Kelsey Klute, MD, internal medicine-oncology/hematology, received funding for a SOW#2 analysis cohort or main protocol.
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Trainee Awards at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) November Meeting |
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Congratulations to the following trainees for their awards during the November American College of Rheumatology meeting. |
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Tate Johnson, MD, a rheumatology 2nd year fellow, received the 2021 Marshall J. Schiff research award from the Rheumatology Research Foundation. The award recognizes top fellows nationally for their efforts in research. Dr. Johnson's mentors are Drs. Bryant England and Ted Mikuls. Congratulations Dr. Johnson!
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The Rheumatology Research Foundation awarded a Medical Student Achievement Awards to Rebecca Brooks (left, working with Dr. Bryant England) and Andrew Gerber (not pictured).
The Graduate Student Achievement Award was given to Nozima Aripova (right, working with Dr. Geoffrey Thiele). Congratulations to all of them! The awards are based on abstracts submitted and accepted for the 2021 American College of Rheumatology meeting in November.
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During the 2021 Annual ACR Convergence, Dr. Gulsen Ozen, a third year Internal Medicine resident, gave one of the Plenary talks on her research on cardiovascular disease, mortality, and diabetes outcomes with statin use in rheumatoid arthritis. As less than 1% of submitted abstracts are chosen for plenary and this is Dr. Ozen’s second, this is truly a rare feat! Dr. Ozen also received the Resident Research Preceptorship award from the Rheumatology Research Foundation which funded three months of research this year. The purpose of the Resident Research Preceptorship is to introduce residents to the specialty of rheumatology by supporting a full-time research experience, with the goal of attracting promising physician scientists to the field of rheumatology. Dr. Kaleb Michaud is her mentor.
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Publication of the Quarter - Q3 2021 |
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Please email Shannon Thomsen to request the list used from SCOPUS and ADIS. Visit the research page to see additional research publications from our outstanding faculty.
You can also view the latest Internal Medicine faculty publications (in descending order by publication year and title) on Research Nebraska [r20.rs6.net].
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Dr. Vijaya Bhatt contributes to new NIH clinical trial guidelines |
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Vijaya Raj Bhatt, MBBS, was a part of a team that created new National Institutes of Health (NIH) Chronic Graft-Versus-Host-Disease (GVHD) clinical trial criteria, focused on setting research priorities and direction in the treatment of chronic GVHD guidelines.
Chronic GVHD is a common complication that occurs in one- to two-thirds of patients who undergo allogeneic stem cell transplant (transplant using donor stem cells). Serious forms of chronic GVHD can increase the risk of significant morbidity and mortality. Read more
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Dr. Peter Mannon participated in the inaugural UNL ag and health summit |
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Peter Mannon, MD, chief of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, moderated a panel at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Agriculture & Health Summit, that ran from Oct. 11-13.
The inaugural conference was focused on "food for health" through the gut microbiome, and Dr. Mannon led a panel on "Cautionary Tales: Diet-microbiome interactions contributing to disease." The summit was a three-day virtual event that brought together researchers, industry leaders and thought leaders from the biomedical and agricultural sectors for conversations about the future of human health. Experts in diverse areas discussed opportunities and challenges in mitigating disease risk via the gut microbiome and strategized about working toward solutions in nutrition and medicine.
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Dr. Chatzizisis honored by European Bifurcation Club |
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Yiannis Chatzizisis, MD, PhD, received the "Bifurcation Person of the Year" award during the annual international conference of the European Bifurcation Club. The annual meeting, which took place in Brussels, Belgium, is a think tank that brings together experts and opinion leaders in interventional cardiology from all around the world. Read more
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UNMC Alumni Association announces annual award recipients |
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The UNMC Alumni Association (UNMCAA) and its alumni councils have announced the 2021 award recipients. Congratulations to Dr. Gerald Moore for receiving the Dedication to Student Excellence Award!
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NE American College of Physician (ACP) Chapter Meeting Awards |
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Congratulations to the following faculty members who received awards during the Nebraska ACP Chapter Meeting on October 30th. More details on their, and other awards, can be found here:
Jennifer Brown, MD – Volunteerism and Community Service Award
Isaac Berg, MD, FACP – Volunteerism and Community Service Award
Ryan Mullane, DO – LeeRoy Meyer Dedicated Teaching Award
Tabatha Matthias, DO, FACP – Hospitalist Award
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New e-learning teams awarded for 2021-22 |
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Each year through a competitive application process, the UNMC Office of E-Learning awards faculty and student teams for the creation of online, interactive modules. The 18 teams selected for 2020-21 were recognized at the E-Learning Awards Meeting on Nov. 3. The projects will receive funding provided by the senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. Read more
Congrats to Michelene Hearth-Holmes, MD, FACP, in the Division of Rheumatology and Arthur Kornitsky, DO, in the Division of General Internal Medicine.
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Erin Maxwell-Snow Receives Catalyst for Education Award from IAE |
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Erin Maxwell Snow, education programs administrator in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, received the Catalyst for Education Award during the UNMC 2021 Premiere Education Event, hosted by the Interprofessional Academy of Educators and the Office of Faculty Development in August.
The IAE Catalyst for Education Award recognizes an individual in an educational support role whose contributions are integral to furthering UNMC’s educational mission. Read more
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Interprofessional Academy of Educators inducts 38 |
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Twenty-four faculty and staff were inducted into UNMC's Interprofessional Academy of Educators (IAE) in the sixth annual ceremony, held on September 30th. In addition, eight learners were inducted as associate members, five University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) faculty were inducted as affiliate members, and one retired faculty was inducted as an emeritus member.
Congratulations to the following:
Dr. Jana Wardian
Dr. Rowen Zetterman - Emeritus
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Congratulations to all of our 2021 Department of Internal Medicine (internal medicine AND medicine-pediatrics) grads!! They are in the ABIM system as board certified! 100% pass rate again! |
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Midtown Clinic is collecting donations for adopted families again this year! The clinic has identified about 30 families they would like to support this year. Families identified are typically significantly below the poverty line and have entrusted their care to our internal medicine residents for many years.
If you’d like to donate electronically, you can Venmo donations to @jenluedders AND send an email to Dr. Jen Luedders and Barry Sloter when you submit the donation via Venmo ([email protected] and [email protected]).
More information coming! If your division typically collects cash, she can collect from you at the deadline. The deadline for donations will be November 30th this year.
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Each quarter the junior (M3) students get an opportunity to choose which of the residents were the best teachers and mentors during the recent quarter. The following were chosen by the students for:
Best Intern Resident Teacher and Mentor - Drs. Steven Schutte and Brett Begley
Best Supervisory Resident Teacher and Mentor - Dr. Hannah Artz
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion |
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As Pandemic Continues, Dia de los Muertos can help Omaha Grieve. Día de los Muertos originates from traditions of indigenous Aztec people. Garcia and Garcia-Perez co-founded the Mexican American Historical Society in Omaha and have worked to raise awareness about this important cultural holiday, which is particularly important given the loss that we have all experienced in the Covid-19 pandemic. On October 23rd, the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) worked with Douglas County Health Department to help staff the Día de los Muertos Vaccine Clinic in South Omaha. Below is an image depicting a blessing circle and cultural dance adapted from Aztec/Mayan culture.
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On October 2nd Nebraska medicine sponsored the Power of Prevention, an educational Q&A session aimed to address concerns about Covid-19 Vaccines in North Omaha. This event vaccinated 24 people and included two panel Q&A sessions for community members to ask docs questions (Mocha Docs of Omaha, led by Dr. Jasmine Marcelin and other Black women docs in Omaha). The group also helped coordinate a popup vaccine clinic and another Q&A Panel at the local Trunk or Treat event on October 30th and nine vaccines were administered including some first doses! Dr. Marcelin said, “every shot counts, and we can end this pandemic together.”
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National DEI Initiatives in Medicine:
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One of the most complex and nuanced scenarios for a medical educator is when a learner isn’t advancing or is struggling in a clinical learning environment. Knowing how to recognize, understand why they aren’t advancing (context), and knowing the best way to support these learners isn’t always straightforward. This month Zach Slocum collaborated with Drs. Bill Lyons, Cory Rohlfsen, Kelly Caverzagie, and Trek Langenhan to highlight a framework that supports you and the learners in these unique learning environments. In the deeper look sections, we further explore this framework and apply it to a few examples.
Remember login information is simply your UNMC credentials.
Link to the Working with Struggling Learners module:
Lastly, Check out the other modules and resources on our faculty intranet:
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New Faces, Promotions or
Committee Involvement
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New faculty - UNMC Today Spotlight |
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UNMC Today does a great job on the spotlight features for our new faculty. Check out the latest!
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Welcome to the following new faculty |
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Chengfeng Bi, MD, PhD, Division of Oncology & Hematology
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Welcome to the department!! |
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Amy McGarry
Carlos Quintero Febres Eileen Griess
Mackenzie Dehmer Precious Davis
Tabbatha Somers
Kristin Delman
Jackson Ferris
Nathan Muhn
Tyler Patterson
Jennifer Conner
Dawn Gunzenhauser
Lauren Sustaita
Joel Frandsen
Tonja Baker
Elizabeth Staab
Katrina Schneider
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Gastroenterology
Geriatrics
FPBCC
Education
Infectious Diseases
Gastroenterology
General IM
Infectious Diseases
CV CRO
CV CRO
FPBCC
CV CRO
Hospital Medicine
Pulmonary, CC & Sleep
Infectious Diseases Pulmonary, CC & Sleep
Cardiovascular Medicine
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8.18.2021
8.23.2021
8.30.2021
8.30.2021
9.01.2021
9.10.2021
9.17.2021
9.20.2021
10.01.2021
10.01.2021
10.04.2021
10.05.2021
10.11.2021
10.11.2021
10.18.2021
10.19.2021
10.25.2021
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Dr. Sarah Richards and Dr. Leslie Eiland take on new roles at Nebraska Medicine
It’s okay not to be okay. It’s something we keep reminding one another, as research shows those who work in health care continue to experience a high rate of burnout, anxiety and depression.
"It’s okay to get help," said Sarah Richards, MD, (pictured right) internal medicine and now senior medical director of clinician experience. "It’s a simple message, but it’s still a struggle for people to get help." Read more
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Dr. Brian Boer - Achieves certification and is inducted into AOA |
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Dr. Brian Boer was selected for faculty induction into AOA (Alpha Omega Alpha). Medical students and a select number of house officers will also be inducted then.
Dr. Boer has earned a certificate of advanced qualification in interventional pulmonology via the AABIP (American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology). Dr. Boer is one of about only 15 other people in the US that have earned this certification since it was started in 2019. Dr. Boer passed both a written and skills test to earn the certification.
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Dr. Swindells named to federal AIDS advisory board
Susan Swindells, MBBS, has been appointed to serve on the scientific advisory board of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for two years. In the role, she will provide advice and guidance to Angeli Achrekar, DrPH, acting global AIDS coordinator. Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government has invested more than $85 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history. According to PEPFAR, it has saved more than 20 million lives, preventing millions of HIV infections, and accelerating progress toward controlling the global HIV/AIDS epidemic in more than 50 countries.
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Dr. James Lawler appointed to the Woody and Paula Varner Professorship |
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Congratulations to James Lawler, MD, Division of Infectious Diseases for his appointment to the Woody and Paula Varner Professorship. Dr. Lawler will serve in this role through June 2026.
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Dr. Craig Piquette to serve on the AAIM Competencies Task Force |
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Congratulations to Dr. Craig Piquette for his new role on the AAIM FY 2022 UME-GME transition task force, starting on November 1st, for the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine (AAIM). The taskforce will prepare a recommendation for the AAIM Board of Directors for an 18 to 36 month plan to identify a set of internal medicine competencies that will be followed across the educational continuum from student through residency and fellowship.
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Congratulations to Jill McIntosh-Carnes who was chosen to receive the Chancellor’s Council Silver ‘U” Award for November 2021. This award recognizes UNMC’s top performers whose daily contributions or special achievements help meet UNMC’s mission.
Erin Maxwell shared the following comments from her nomination letters:
“She is amazingly organized and particular and strives for excellence in everything that she does. On our end of clerkship feedback sessions, students continually rave about how organized our clerkship is.”
“She is a proven leader in problem solving, creativity and innovation.”
“She is eager to support a student even if it means the day-to-day work gets pushed back to evenings.”
“Whether it’s homemade cupcakes at an event, a unique graphic design on a student roster, or a listening ear, Jill raises the bar for community and encourages a learner-centered culture wherever she goes.”
Congratulations Jill – well deserved!! We are lucky to have you in IM Education!
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Congratulations to Bhavina Sharma, MD and her husband on the arrival of their baby girl.
Name: Aanya Sharma
Birthday: September 9th
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Congratulations to Dr. Vijaya Bhatt and wife on the birth of their baby boy.
Sarvin Raj Bhatt
Birthday: September 1st
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Congratulations to Mridula Krishnan, MD and her husband on the arrival of their baby boy on March 25th.
Name: Ovin Nikhil Jagen
Weight: 6lbs 2oz
Length: 18 inches
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Congratulations to Jessica Rydberg and Glenn Fletcher on their nuptials on October 9th in Mesa, AZ. |
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Congratulations to Dr. Josh and Mrs. Joanna Allwardt on their wedding which occurred on August 28th. |
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Shaun Capurro, who worked for UNMC for more than 20 years, passed away on Oct. 23 at the age of 66.
Philip Bierman, MD, professor emeritus in internal medicine-oncology/hematology, said Capurro was an important part of the department throughout her tenure there.
"She was coordinator during a time of tremendous changes in internal medicine specialty programs, where the amount of paperwork and documentation she had to handle increased several-fold," Dr. Bierman said.
Bierman said Capurro was integral to the department’s hematology/oncology fellowship program. Read more
The Department of Internal Medicine would like to convey our sympathies and prayers to Vivian Capurro, Research Accountant, and her family at this time as Shaun was her mother-in-law.
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Notable Furbaby of the Newsletter |
Meet Cali, a happy puppy loved by Vivian Capurro (and family), Research Accountant for the Department of Internal Medicine.
Send your furbaby pictures to [email protected] if you would like yours to be considered for the next Newsletter's furbaby spotlight no later than December 31st.
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UNMC Department of Internal Medicine
983332 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-3332
402-559-6315 (phone)
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