Funeral services for Jud Gurney, M.D., longtime professor of radiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 1920 N. 102nd St.
Dr. Gurney, 55, died Thursday at The Nebraska Medical Center after a battle with stomach cancer.
Dr. Gurney, who grew up in Riverton, Neb., specialized in chest radiology. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976 and his medical degree from UNMC in 1980.
Prior to joining UNMC, he held faculty appointments at Creighton University and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Gurney joined UNMC’s radiology faculty in 1989 as an assistant professor and was elevated to associate professor in 1991. He was named an alumni member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in 1993.
Dr. Gurney served on the faculty of the Mayo Clinic from 2000 to 2002 before returning to UNMC in 2002 when he was named to his current position as the Charles A. Dobry Professor of Diagnostic Radiology.
Less than two months ago, he received the prestigious Silver Medal Award from the Nebraska Radiological Society. The Silver Medal Award is the highest honor given by the NRS and recognizes individuals for exceptional quality and service in both their professional and personal lives. It was first given in 1982 and has only been awarded a total of nine times in the past 28 years.
“Jud was recognized nationally and internationally as an expert in his field,” said Craig Walker, M.D., professor and chairman of the UNMC Department of Radiology. “The university has lost an outstanding physician and teacher. Dr. Gurney was without exception admired by our residents for his expertise and commitment to their education. His enthusiasm and wit were infectious. We are all deeply saddened by the lost of our esteemed colleague and trusted friend.”
Dr. Gurney is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Antonia (Annie); son, Ian; sister, Rajaena Appleby and her husband Larry; nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday at the West Center Chapel of Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann Dworak & Cutler, 7805 W. Center Rd. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church with a vigil service to follow at 7 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the Jud W. Gurney, M.D. Professorship in Radiology at the University of Nebraska Foundation, St. Pius X/St. Leo School, Marian High School and Creighton Prep.
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.