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Fred Paustian, M.D. |
The naming of the facilities for Dr. Paustian – who helped turn UNMC into a world leader in gastroenterology research and treatment – was facilitated by a gift from Omaha philanthropists, Ruth and Bill Scott.
Dr. Paustian’s name will be on a new amphitheater in the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education along with a series of laboratories in a 10-story research tower that will be built to mirror the Durham Research Center.
Another amphitheater in the Sorrell Center will be named after Dr. Paustian’s wife, Mary Ann “Maisie.”
At a news conference on Wednesday, Dr. Paustian’s work was lauded by the Scotts and several university officials, including Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the College of Medicine, legendary UNMC physician and administrator Michael F. Sorrell and University of Nebraska Regent Randy Ferlic, M.D.
Below are some comments about Dr. Paustian from some of those listed above as well as others in the UNMC community.
Dr. Maurer: “Dr. Paustian is a shining example of an academic physician. Whether in the classroom instructing students or in clinic, Dr. Paustian impacted the health of Nebraskans over the past five decades. He developed the section of gastroenterology at UNMC, an area in which UNMC now has tremendous strength. His unwavering focus on excellence set the table for UNMC’s gastroenterology program.”
Ruth Scott: “Our association with UNMC is a direct result of our friendship with Maisie and Fred Paustian. Lucky for us, and fortunate for UNMC, that we met Warren Buffett about that same time.”
Dr. Sorrell: “In large measure, much of what I’m doing or have done is due to Fred’s mentorship…I wanted to be an academic physician and Fred encouraged me, and I’m forever grateful.”
Dr. Ferlic: “Fred and I were very close colleagues. He was one of the first physicians to recognize the amalgamation of private practice and academic medicine. We shared many of the same desires for the university and wanted to help transition the medical center from a public indigent care hospital to one that cared for all patients. We spent many years and hours bringing together the first practice plan. Fred and I didn’t have a very high regard for the regents and now only one of us has. Maisie had the same supportive attributes as my wife. There were long absences (due to work). They had to do a solitary job of raising the children.”
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Omaha philanthropists Bill and Ruth Scott (back) donated money to UNMC so that Fred Paustian, M.D., and his wife, Mary Ann “Maisie,” (front) would have their names placed on several new facilities to be built on campus. |
“I consider Fred one of my most important teachers and a great friend who helped me in my career with advice and support. Fred was the first gastroenterologist in Nebraska and he brought high standards of clinical practice and scholarship to the field. He was an important bridge between the private practice of medicine and the university. He was an active contributor to both and kept communication open between the two. He greatly influenced training of gastroenterologists and internists in the state as a mentor and role model and also through his positions as program director of the internal medicine residency and as head of the section of gastroenterology. Fred was always a ready listener and problem solver. He always made time for others’ questions and problems and was invariably good humored. During his long and productive tenure, he occupied a very important position in the infrastructure of the College of Medicine. He was very decisive and had a great leadership style. He didn’t have the title, but he was the guy who knew everybody and could get things done.”
Mark Mailliard, M.D., chief of the section of gastroenterology and hepatology (GI) in UNMC’s Department of Internal Medicine: “Dr. Paustian has been a role model directly involved with the professional training of many of the gastroenterologists in Nebraska and has a legacy that serves as a standard for us to aspire. He is a man of remarkable energy, scholarship and superb clinical practice. He led by hands-on example and never asked anyone to do anything he couldn’t or wouldn’t do himself.”
John T. Ramsell, M.D., clinical associate professor of ophthalmology: “I have immense respect for Fred and Maisie Paustian and am fortunate to have them as friends. Dr. Paustian has made an enormous impact during his career as a physician, teacher and leader in medical organizations. His work ethic, dedication, knowledge and skills are exemplary. Fred’s success has been greatly aided by the support of his dear wife, Maisie. Fred thrives upon challenge and competition. He has approached golf, fishing, hunting and tennis with the same enthusiasm applied to his medical career. I have come to know Fred best during many enjoyable years of golf outings and dinners afterward with our foursome and spouses. Considering the level of golf skills we possess, every round has provided all the challenge we could want. An occasional small wager on the golf game has always been enough to ensure Fred’s concentration and intense effort.”
Roger Jernstrom, M.D., senior consultant for the department of obstetrics/gynecology: “Fred is the most competitive person I have known. Having a serious, non-curative illness (Parkinson’s disease) has not stopped him from participating in all activities to his full ability. The word quit is not in his vocabulary. He’s the most decorated physician in the state, but most people aren’t aware of it. He’s been honored by more societies than any physician in the state. It is very well deserved. He’s quite a guy.”
Jane Potter, M.D., professor and chief of the section of geriatrics & gerontology: “It is unlikely that there has ever been a more clever and high energy teacher and clinician to walk the halls of UNMC. When I studied under Dr. Paustian as a student, never mind that I was in my 20s, he wore me out. It is important to realize how much he has done for this university. He started gastroenterology and endoscopy, which led to the recruitment of Dr. Sorrell and the nationally important programs at UNMC and the VA. He has been a wonderful mentor to many of us as we sought to build our own programs.”
Rowen Zetterman, M.D., College of Medicine: “Dr. Paustian established the standards for the practice of gastroenterology in Nebraska such that all who followed needed to meet those standards of care and compassion to be successful.”