Tom Hejkal, M.D., Ph.D., has been named the McGaw Memorial Chairman of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
The announcement was made by John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the College of Medicine. Since May, Dr. Hejkal has been serving as interim chairman of the department, replacing Carl Camras, M.D., who died on April 14 after serving as chairman of the department since 2000.
Dr. Gollan said Dr. Hejkal’s appointment was effective Dec. 1.
“Dr. Hejkal has done a great job as interim chairman, and he deserves the opportunity to lead the department and take it to the next level,” Dr. Gollan said. “We have developed a number of future goals for the department, with one of the key goals to continue the development of research through the recruitment of outstanding new faculty.
“I know Dr. Hejkal has the skills to get the job done, and I’m confident that he will lead the department with distinction.”
Dr. Hejkal joined UNMC in 1994 as an assistant professor. He was elevated to associate professor in 2000 and to professor in 2008. Since 1996, he has served as residency program director for the department. In 2007, he was appointed vice chairman for clinical operations.
In October, UNMC announced plans to construct the Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute at 40th and Leavenworth streets. The institute, which is expected to transform eye care in Nebraska, is named after Dr. Truhlsen, a legendary ophthalmologist with strong ties to UNMC.
“I appreciate Dr. Gollan giving me this wonderful opportunity,” Dr. Hejkal said. “With the new eye institute scheduled to open in 2012, the department is truly on a roll. I look forward to continuing the momentum.”
Dr. Hejkal earned his Ph.D. in oceanography from Florida State University in 1978 and his medical degree from UNMC in 1990. He did his internship, residency and fellowship at UNMC.
A member of the UNMC Faculty Senate for the past eight years, Dr. Hejkal has served as a board member for the Lions Eye Bank of Nebraska and as president of the Omaha Ophthalmological Society.
As the state’s only academic health science center, UNMC is on the leading edge of health care. Breakthroughs are possible because hard-working researchers, educators and clinicians are resolved to work together to fuel discovery. In 2009, UNMC’s extramural research support topped $100 million for the first time, resulting in the creation of 3,600 jobs in Nebraska. UNMC’s academic excellence is shown through its award-winning programs, and its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through its commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading health care centers. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 550 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.