UNMC for the record

Orthopaedics names Matthew Halanski, M.D., chief of pediatrics

The UNMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation has welcomed Matthew Halanski, M.D., as chief of pediatrics,

Dr. Halanski brings 11 years of experience as a surgeon, including seven years as a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

He received his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit (2001). He completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin, Madison (2006) and a pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellowship at Starship Children’s Health in Auckland, New Zealand (2007).

Dr. Halanski’s interests include basic, translation, and clinical research. Much of his basic science work has focused on the immature bone.

On the clinical side, Dr. Halanski’s research has focused much on the care of children with neuromuscular conditions, particularly those with spinal muscular atrophy. He has studied the early treatment of scoliosis in these patients and is poised to publish several manuscripts on this subject.

Dr. Halanski has studied the art of cast application and removal extensively. He has continued to publish on this topic over the last decade and has several ongoing projects studying this subject.

Orthopaedics names Beau Konigsberg, M.D., assistant dean of admissions

The UNMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation has named Beau Konigsberg, M.D., as assistant dean of admissions.

As part of his new responsibilities, Dr. Konigsberg travels to three Nebraska colleges — Chadron State College, Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska at Kearney — each year to oversee the selection of participants in the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) and the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP).

RHOP is designed to encourage rural residents to pursue careers in health care fields. Students selected are guaranteed admission to UNMC provided they meet all stated requirements and complete their pre-professional studies at Chadron State College, Wayne State College, or Peru State College.

KHOP is a cooperative program between the University of Nebraska at Kearney and UNMC. The purpose of the program is to recruit and educate students from rural Nebraska communities who are committed to returning to rural Nebraska to practice health care.

“I enjoy being involved with the med school and the enthusiasm that the applicants and students have for starting a career in medicine,” Dr. Konigsberg said.

In his new role, Dr. Konigsberg helps to organize and coordinate applicant interviews days. At these events, he presents a welcome address to students, explains the curriculum, and leads interviews.

Dr. Hetland to deliver keynote at Southeastern Wisconsin Nursing Research Conference

Breanna Hetland, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing Omaha Division, has been selected to be the keynote speaker for the 22nd Annual Southeastern Wisconsin Nursing Research Conference in Milwaukee this May. Dr. Hetland will give the opening and closing addresses, as well as participating in several research sessions throughout the day. Her talk, which will provide a forum to share and discuss the impact of research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement, is titled, “A Vision of Nursing’s Future.” Dr. Hetland has been exploring innovative ways to promote family engagement in symptom assessment and management in the pediatric ICU setting, as well as exploring the use of robotics during physical and occupational therapy.

Kansas State’s Swanson named AVP for facilities planning

Following a national search, the University of Nebraska system has named Ryan Swanson as its new associate vice president for facilities planning and capital programs.

Chris Kabourek, NU vice president for business and finance and chief financial officer, announced the appointment Monday. Swanson will begin his new role on March 16.

Brooke Hay, who has provided interim leadership during the search, will continue to provide system-wide leadership in capital planning as assistant vice president.

Swanson is currently the associate vice president for physical infrastructure and the university architect at Kansas State University, a role he has held since 2013. He previously served at Wake Forest University and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he was the campus architect and associate director of facilities from 2004 to 2008.

In 20-plus years of progressive leadership experience in master planning, capital project design and delivery, facilities operations and property management, Swanson has led more than $2.1 billion in capital construction. Major projects that he has delivered at Kansas State include a new College of Business, a new central chilled water plant, a new residence hall and dining complex, and renovation of the student union.

Dr. Gary Moore recognized by Continental Who’s Who

Gary Moore, M.D., professor, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, has been recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Achiever in the field of medicine as a doctor in neurotology. Dr. Moore, who has been on the UNMC faculty since 1983, also has expertise in otolaryngology, skull base surgery, balance, hearing loss and facial nerve function. He is a 1979 graduate of the UNMC College of Medicine.