Student spotlight – Joe Menousek

Education is one of the four pillars of UNMC’s mission and our students are the lifeblood of that aspect of campus life.

In UNMC Today’s Student Spotlight, we get to know some of these students, who will become tomorrow’s health care professionals.
Today we meet:

• Name: Joe Menousek
• Hometown: Gretna, Neb.
• Program/Year: College of Medicine, fourth year

  List three songs on your playlist:

  • “Believer,” Major Lazer
  • “Firestone,” Kygo
  • “The Ocean,” Mike Perry

  What sparked your interest in medicine?
  My interest in medicine was cultivated from a young age by the influence of my family members who all work in health professions. My father is a school psychologist, my sister is a physician assistant in cardiology, and I have a few aunts and uncles who are physicians. I also knew that I wanted a career where I could apply my knowledge of the sciences to assist people in need. Through medical school I have decided to pursue a residency in neurological surgery where I can help people with neurologic deficits due to organic causes by removing a mass or a bleed in someone’s head or spinal cord and reap the satisfying benefits of seeing my patients regaining neurologic function as a result.

  Your favorite study snack is:
  Probably a cheesy gordita crunch from Taco Bell, or two.

  Your favorite app is:
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  Three things people may not know about you:

  • I am scuba certified. The most amazing thing I have ever seen underwater was in Belize 70 feet below the ocean surface surrounded by the world’s second largest barrier reef.
  • Playing piano is my ultimate stress relief. I have played since age 7 and enjoy playing classical music with Chopin being my favorite composer.
  • I like to pretend that I am a foodie by exploring the restaurants in Omaha and around the world. The best thing I have ever eaten is Pad Thai from a small restaurant in downtown Bangkok.