Steve Hinrichs, M.D., professor and chair of the UNMC Department of Pathology and Microbiology, was one of two individuals to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Public Health Laboratories. The award recognizes individuals who have established a history of distinguished service to APHL, made significant contributions to the advancement of public health laboratory science or practice, exhibited leadership in the field of public health, and/or positively influenced public health policy on a national or global level. Dr. Hinrichs was honored at the 2014 APHL Annual Meeting & Eighth Government Environmental Laboratory Conference in Little Rock, Ark.
Two UNMC pediatricians, Ann Anderson Berry, M.D., division of neonatology, and Jessica Snowden, M.D., division of infectious diseases, received the Hobart E. Wiltse, M.D., Ph.D. Excellence in Medical Education Award at the Pediatric Residency Banquet last month. The award was established after Dr. Wiltse died in 2007. One of the outstanding educators on campus, Dr. Wiltse influenced many students to pursue pediatrics as a career. He retired in 2002 after 37 years on the faculty.
Carol Toris, Ph.D., professor and director of glaucoma research, ophthalmology and visual sciences, has been elected vice president of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). ARVO is the largest and most respected eye and vision research organization in the world. Its membership includes more than 12,750 researchers from more than 80 countries. The organization encourages and assists research, training, publication and knowledge-sharing in vision and ophthalmology. Dr. Toris has served as the chair and member of the ARVO Animals in Research Committee, on the Diversity Issues Committee and as a Physiology/Pharmacology member of the ARVO Annual Program Committee. She has been named an ARVO Gold Fellow in recognition of her service to the organization. She and her colleagues combine clinical studies and animal models to study effects of the glaucomatous disease process on fluid flow within the eye and how it can be treated with different glaucoma medications and drainage devices to lower the eye pressure.
Dennis Goeschel, M.D., vice chairperson and associate professor, family medicine, has been selected for the 2014 Omaha Award in the Radiology Physicians category. The Omaha Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Omaha area. Recognition is given to those companies which have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
Eight researchers received Internal Medicine Research Awards. They included:
- James Armitage, M.D., Lifetime Achievement Award;
- Thomas Porter, M.D., Career Excellence Award;
- Natalia Osna, M.D., Ph.D., Basic Science Research Award;
- Vijaya Bhatt, M.B.B.S., Fellowship Research Award;
- Tara Nordgren-Gries, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Award;
- Jun Ikari, M.D., Ph.D., Laureate Award for a Visiting Scientist;
- Subhankar Chakraborty, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., Resident Research Award;
- Irina Rozin, Medical Student Research Award.
Steve Bridges, a staff member of the McGoogan Library of Medicine, died May 25 following a heart attack. Bridges, 56, worked at the library for more than 30 years and was praised universally as a genuine, friendly and caring staff member.
Dmitry Oleynikov, M.D., and Nathan Bills, Ph.D., both of the Center for Advanced Surgery Technology (CAST), edited and contributed chapters to "Robotic Surgery for the General Surgeon," a new textbook that focuses on surgical applications of the DaVinci Surgical Robot.
Julie Vose, M.D., chief of UNMC's hematology/ oncology division, and Karen Linder, creator of the Karen Linder Distinguished Professorship for Women's Health in the School of Allied Health Professions, were recognized on June 10 by the Women's Center for Advancement as part of their 27th annual Tribute to Women. The event "honors exceptional women in the Omaha community who have worked, through action and deed to help women and their children stay safe.and grow strong," according to the WCA.
Monty Sellon, M.D., received the Marion D. and Theodore H. Koefoot, Jr., M.D., Outstanding Preceptor in Rural Family Medicine Award. Dr. Sellon is a UNMC volunteer faculty member and a family physician in Fremont at 23rd Family Medical. Michael Sitorius, M.D., chairman of the UNMC Department of Family Medicine, presented the award, which recognizes outstanding teaching and mentoring by a UNMC Family Medicine Volunteer Community Preceptor.