UNMC’s Armando De Alba, MD, assistant dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion student programs in the College of Medicine, was selected by the Omaha Jaycees as one of this year’s “10 Outstanding Young Omahans.” The award, now in its 87th year, honors individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 who show exemplary commitment to improving the community through selfless acts of kindness while excelling in their professional careers.
Dr. De Alba said the nomination, which came from a community member who follows him on social media, came as a surprise.
In a two-step vetting process, including submitting a written essay and having an in-person interview, Dr. De Alba discussed with the Jaycees his accomplishments in medicine and public health, and in particular his outreach efforts to the Latinx community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, Dr. De Alba has been among those leading efforts, both with the Latinx community in Omaha and nationally, to increase education about COVID-19 and help improve access to vaccinations.
Dr. De Alba was honored, along with his nine fellow award recipients, at a public ceremony in Turner Park on June 3.
Dr. DeAlba said the recognition shows the importance of what he called his main goal as a health professional and educator.
“My goal is to build bridges between health care services and underserved communities, in our own community and across the country,” he said.
He added that he saw the award as a testament to his many teammates and collaborators as much as himself.
“This award isn’t individual,” he said. “It represents a collective effort. I’m deeply thankful.”