Legislative League visits campus

Judy Nelson wanted just a bit of one-on-one time with Charles Enke, M.D., after she and other members of the Nebraska Legislative League heard from the UNMC professor and chairman of oncology on Wednesday about advances in radiation treatment for cancer.









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Charles Enke, M.D., professor and chairman of radiation oncology, discusses new treatments for cancer with members of the Nebraska Legislative League.
“I don’t know if you remember but you treated my father,” Nelson said. “He talked about how he taught you the proper way to use the words ‘lay’ and ‘lie.'”

Nelson’s comments drew a hearty laugh from Dr. Enke.

Nelson is the wife of state Sen. John Nelson. She and 12 other members of the Legislative League — which is composed largely of spouses of Nebraska lawmakers — toured the UNMC campus on Wednesday.

Aside from the discussion with Dr. Enke, league members:

  • Learned about research into second-hand methamphetamine exposure from Sandra Wells, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of environmental, agricultural and occupational health in the College of Public Health; and
  • Were shown how patient simulators enhance medical education in a session in the Sorrell Center’s Clinical Skills Center with program manager Patti Carstens.

League members also met with campus leaders including UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs.

Aside from Nelson, other Legislative League members who toured the medical center on Wednesday included:

  • Julie Adams — wife of Sen. Greg Adams (District 24)
  • Ann Avery — wife of Sen. Bill Avery (District 28)
  • Margo Carlson — wife of Sen. Tom Carlson (District 38)
  • Carol Gale — wife of Secretary of State John Gale
  • Marilyn Hadley — wife of Sen. Galen Hadley (District 37)
  • Mary Lou Kopplin — wife for former Sen. Gail Kopplin (District 3)
  • Shauna McCoy — wife of Sen. Beau McCoy (District 39)
  • Vickie MacDonald — Former State Senator (District 41)
  • Lori Pankonin — wife of Sen. Dave Pankonin (District 2)
  • Ruth Smith — wife of Sen. Jim Smith (District 14)
  • Kathy Utter — wife of Sen. Dennis Utter (District 33)
  • Jan Wightman — wife of Sen. John Wightman (District 36)

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