UNMC for the record

Below is a list of achievements, activities and happenings involving UNMC staff, faculty and students.

New nursing dean Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., recently was honored by her alma mater, the University of Kentucky College of Nursing.

Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, recently was inducted into the University of Kentucky College of Nursing Hall of Fame in May. The ceremony and banquet were held in conjunction with the college’s 50th anniversary celebration. This highest honor of the college identifies distinguished graduates and their extraordinary contributions to nursing.

James O’Dell, M.D., chief of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine’s and Omaha VA division of rheumatology and immunology, will present results of a study from the Treatment of Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial on Monday in Chicago at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual scientific meeting. The study showed a significant amount of patients with rheumatoid arthritis — at least 28 percent — were treated successfully with methotrexate as an initial therapy. The study, which is about defining the strategy for treatment of patients with early onset rheumatoid arthritis, has important economic and safety considerations for patients.

Wayne Houston, community outreach specialist in the College of Public Health, recently received the NAACP Freedom Fund Community Service Award. Houston received the award on behalf of the Black Family Health & Wellness Association (BFHWA). He founded BFHWA in 1998 and serves as president of the organization. Each year during Black History Month, BFHWA holds the largest annual health fair in north Omaha, which provides free health screenings and information to about 700 people.