Melissa Teply, M.D., is a new faculty member at UNMC.
- Name: Melissa Teply, M.D.
- Hometown: Omaha
- Title and department at UNMC: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine.
Research/professional interests:
- General internal medicine
- Palliative care
- Preventive care
- Weight management
- Communication with patients and families
- Advance care planning
- Shared decision making
- Medical education
How I fell in love with general internal medicine and palliative care:
In general medicine, I love partnering with patients and their families to improve their health as much as possible, especially through preventive care and education about a given person’s health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Similarly, with palliative care, forming a relationship and partnership with the patient and family is of the utmost importance so that I can better address distressing symptoms and provide an extra layer of support while a person and their family experience a serious illness like cancer.
No matter which specialty I am working in (general internal medicine or palliative care), I have always been drawn to supporting people while they face challenges to their health. I feel a great sense of privilege and responsibility in getting to know someone and growing a relationship that helps me understand that person’s hopes for and concerns about their health in order to work with them to make a plan that personally fits their needs.
Degrees:
- M.D., UNMC
- Residency, internal medicine, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Fellowship, hospice and palliative medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.
Memberships:
- American College of Physicians, FACP
- American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Member
Three things people may not know about me:
- I majored in film and media studies in college. I love movies of all kinds and would be hard pressed to choose a favorite.
- I enjoy running and have run several half marathons.
- My favorite place to visit is the Rocky Mountains, both in summer and winter.