Remembering: James Edney, MD

James Edney, MD

James Edney, MD, professor emeritus in the UNMC Department of Surgery, died on Aug. 7.

Dr. Edney was killed in the crash of a small plane in Minnesota, according to a report by the Star Tribune.

"Dr. Edney was a consummate clinician and educator, recognized as one of the top breast cancer specialists in the region," said Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. " Our sympathies go out to Dr. Edney's wife and family."

David W. Mercer, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Surgery, said Dr. Edney was a colleague and a friend.

"Jim was in large part responsible for my coming to UNMC in 2009," Dr. Mercer said. "He called me personally and said 'David, you need to look at this job now!' I did, and I have always been thankful to him for his confidence in me.

"Later that fall, I was alone for Thanksgiving, so I invited my mom, dad, and three children to Omaha. Jim and Debbie, always the generous hosts, let me have the use of their beautiful home so that we could have a proper Thanksgiving. Debbie even set the table with her good china for all of us before they left to visit relatives.

"That's the kind of friend Jim was. I will miss him and will always be indebted to him for encouraging me to come to UNMC. He impacted me, as he did so many others, with his caring and kindness – to say nothing of the many patients he helped throughout his medical career."

Dr. Mercer noted that, with Dr. Edney's death, the department has suffered the loss of three faculty members since March of 2021. He encouraged members of the UNMC community to reach out for support if needed.

UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, said: "The UNMC community mourns the loss of Dr. Edney, a respected and caring physician and educator. He was recognized by both his students, colleagues and his patients for his caring and commitment. We send our condolences to the Edney family, as well as our gratitude for the lives he touched and the people he helped at the university and throughout the community and region."

Dr. Edney earned his bachelor's degree from Creighton University in 1971 and his medical degree from UNMC in 1975. From 1975 to 1980, he did a residency in general surgery at UNMC followed by a one-year fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Colorado in Denver before returning to UNMC in 1981. He was a professor emeritus in the UNMC Department of Surgery and a former division chief of surgical oncology.

Dr. Edney formerly served as president of the Southwestern Surgical Congress and the Western Trauma Association and was a member on the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Among his numerous awards is a Golden Apple Teaching Award he received in 1995 from UNMC surgery resident physicians.

Information on memorial services will be shared with the UNMC community when available.

Resources for Nebraska Medicine Faculty or Staff  

PiNS (Peers in Need of Support) program: Colleagues are matched with a behavioral health responder. This is not formal evaluation or treatment, but a supportive peer to listen, offer suggestions, share resources and make referrals when needed. It is confidential.  Information is available on the Nebraska Medicine intranet.

A Nebraska Medicine chaplain is available for spiritual counsel, emotional support and/or prayer. M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., (402) 552-3219. After hours, (531) 557-4559. 

Metro Omaha Medical Society anonymous online screening for physicians

Resources for UNMC Faculty or Staff 

Employee Assistance Program: Arbor Family Counseling – Grief therapy. At UNMC or offsite. Five free sessions. Available 24/7 by phone. 402-330-0960  

Metro Omaha Medical Society anonymous online screening for physicians

Resources for Family Members:   

UNMC Psychiatry Services: (402) 552-6002. Please let intake staff know that you are an employee.   

Nebraska Medicine Psychology Services: (402) 559-5031. Please let intake staff know that you are an employee.   

Behavioral Health Connection: Help connecting with resources, such as psychiatrists, mental health therapists, substance use disorder recovery, etc. Free to anyone in the Omaha-metro area. Confidential. (402) 836-9292. 

Resources for House Officers:

The House Officer Assistance Program

Resources for Students:  

UNMC  Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Grief therapy. Crisis counseling. No payment necessary. Confidential. Located in the Student Life Center. (402) 559-7276  

24/7 Helplines:    

Crisis Assistance via Phone: 24/7 free, confidential support for anyone in distress 

1-800-273-TALK National Crisis Line  

Crisis Assistance via Text 

741741- Text "hello" for immediate crisis assistance.