 |
Dr. Richard Raymond visits with Tyler Ptacek of O’Neill. Ptacek is a RHOP student at Wayne State College. |
Today, Dr. Raymond serves as chief medical officer for the Nebraska Health and Human Services System. In addition, Gov. Mike Johanns recently appointed him interim director of the agency.
“There’s a world of opportunities out there, especially in family practice,” Dr. Raymond told students at this week’s UNMC Winter Workshop. “Remember, it really doesn’t matter where you come from.”
Dr. Raymond told students to “care less” about what academic institution the person sitting next to them is from because everyone is capable of success. He also reminded them of how small the world is when it comes to forming relationships and networking.
|
|
“Family practice is the least limiting specialty,” he said, noting that family practice physicians understand the spectrum of medicine and can practice anywhere. In addition, they can decide whether they want to teach, do research, impact health policy, delivery babies or be involved in public health, he said.
Success, he said, is based on three factors: stepping up to the plate or helping out when asked, integrity and hard work. “Don’t be afraid of a challenge,” Dr. Raymond said. “It’s OK to champion causes that benefit you if it also benefits the common good.”
Prior to assuming his position with the Nebraska Health and Human Services System, Dr. Raymond served as director for the Omaha Clarkson Hospital family practice residency from 1990 to 1998. He also was on the active staff at Clarkson Hospital and Omaha’s Children’s Hospital and served as a clinical instructor at UNMC. Dr. Raymond was in private practice in O’Neill, Neb., from 1974 to 1990, and before that for a year in Lynch, Neb.
As the state’s chief medical officer since 1999, Dr. Raymond is a decision maker in contested cases involving health professionals and occupational and facility licenses. He also serves as a member of the HHS System Policy Cabinet and oversees all health issues.
UNMC’s weeklong Winter Workshop focuses on agro-medicine and rural health issues. The program is offered to undergraduate pre-physician, pre-physician assistant, and pre-nursing students from across Nebraska. This year, 22 participants will spend a day shadowing professionals in clinics/hospitals in small rural communities, and another day at The Nebraska Medical Center and UNMC, shadowing physicians who are practicing in their special interest areas. The rest of the time is spent learning about rural health issues from top experts.