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Rubens Pamies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs, greets Sabina Dumba, a College of Nursing graduate studies student. |
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From left, Marcus Harris and Nikki Cooper-Morphew, both third year medical students, meet first-year medical student Joe Chiweshe and second-year pharmacy student Jose Guerrero. |
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From left, Renee Jackson and Kim Bernard, both third year pharmacy students, greet second year pharmacy student Ashley James and second year radiology student Dannette Kibuule. |
“It’s my first week on campus. This event helps me meet people I wouldn’t otherwise meet, like Dr. Pamies and other staff,” said Joe Chiweshe, a first year medical student who graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Ashley James, a graduate of Dillard University, is a second-year pharmacy student. She said she knows other minority students in her program, but doesn’t get the opportunity to meet students in other disciplines.
“It’s nice to bring various minority students together to meet and get to know each other, especially at a majority institution where you aren’t as likely to see a lot of faces like yours,” James said.
Rubens Pamies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs, recognized the need for an event that provides students an opportunity to network with staff and each other.
“Get to know the people in this room who have gone through the experience of a health care professional school,” he said to the students. “We can be a valuable resource for knowledge, understanding and support.”
Dr. Pamies also talked about the recent efforts in diversity.
UNMC has added several new staff, along with diversity specialists for the major colleges. It’s part of the chancellor’s strategic plan for a culturally competent organization.
He encouraged students to do their part by talking with the undergraduate advisers at their various institutions about the great programs at UNMC.
He also updated the students on the latest developments at UNMC. One of them is the new affiliation between UNMC and Children’s Hospital.
“It’s an additional piece that will allow us to move a world-class health institution,” Dr. Pamies said. “It’s an exciting opportunity for both places. It’ll enhance the recruitment of faculty and the clinical and research aspects of pediatrics.”
Dr. Pamies informed students on the new Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education, the research tower under construction, the College of Medicine’s top 10 ranking in the U.S.News and World Report, and the revolutionary work being done with robotics and nanotechnology.
“There’s a lot of exciting things going on at UNMC. I’m excited to be here and excited that you are part of the UNMC family,” Dr. Pamies said.