The physical proximity of UNMC and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, has long led to a perception that they are “one-and-the-same.”
In truth, the two are distinctly separate organizations, but closely aligned through clinical care, research and education.
That alignment became stronger Oct. 13, 2014, when the two announced that they would share a visual identifier – a shield featuring a subtle red “N” in the upper right corner. It was also on that day that Nebraska Medicine launched its new name, uniting three previously separate entities: UNMC Physicians, Bellevue Medical Center and The Nebraska Medical Center.
“This transition not only makes our organization stronger, but it also improves our patients’ experiences, through better coordination of care and more efficient access for our patients, among many other improvements,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., UNMC chancellor and chairman of the Nebraska Medicine Advisory Board.
“This integrated organization will gain increased national recognition as we transform lives to create a healthy future through extraordinary care, remarkable discovery and relevant learning.”
The newly integrated organization, which includes more than 6,100 employees, allows Nebraska Medicine to strengthen its services by expanding collaboration among its partners. It also provides patients with increased access to approximately 1,100 physicians and 678 licensed hospital beds as well as 39 ambulatory clinics in Omaha and the surrounding area.
Nebraska Medicine continues to serve as the primary clinical teaching partner for UNMC and its health sciences programs.
UNMC, with about 4,700 employees, remains a separate entity from Nebraska Medicine, but shares an emblem or logo.
The new name and logo is reflective of the organization’s more comprehensive level of services and leans on the legacy of the individual entities that comprise it.
“The integration represents the next stage of a strong Nebraska health care organization known for its excellence, innovation and quality patient care, as well as its cutting-edge internationally recognized medical research and its education of the majority of Nebraska health care providers,” said Bradley Britigan, M.D., dean of the UNMC College of Medicine and president of Nebraska Medicine.
UNMC retained its theme, “Breakthroughs for Life” and its brand personality, while Nebraska Medicine retained its brand promise of “Serious Medicine. Extraordinary Care.”
“This is an investment in the future of our organization that must be made considering our role as a leading academic medical center and the evolving health care market that exists in the region,” Dr. Gold said.
- Read more about the emblem’s unveiling ceremony.