Kari Neemann, MD, associate professor in the UNMC Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, has been named medical director of employee health at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center.
Dr. Neemann is responsible for overseeing the area’s clinical practice and providing leadership to develop and update occupational health policies and procedures consistent with applicable legal mandates and best practice guidelines. She will help ensure timely and clear communication of important health and safety information to hospital leadership and team members.
“I am excited to be taking on the role of medical director of employee health at Children’s,” Dr. Neemann said. “As an adult and pediatric infectious disease physician, I fully recognize that we can only provide excellent patient care when we are responsive and supportive of the health care needs of our team members.
“One positive outcome of the pandemic has been a better understanding of the need to be gracious with each other and an acceptance of our inherent limitations and need for recovery. We are not superheroes, even if we strive to be. I hope that I might assist in creating an environment in which our colleagues are inspired and empowered to enact changes that positively impact their daily lives.”
In addition, Suzanne Haney, MD, division chief of the division of child abuse pediatrics and interim division chief of pediatric palliative care, has been named medical director of wellbeing at Children’s. Dr. Haney will help foster team collaboration to provide and champion wellbeing support.
Dr. Haney, already a Naval medical officer, a pediatrician and child abuse specialist, recently added ethics and palliative care to her responsibilities.
“I have learned about the effects of trauma and the importance of resilience. I have also learned that the world is not just about right and wrong, but rather about inclusivity and support,” Dr. Haney said.
“Wellbeing should be at the heart of everything we do in medicine. For the past three years, I have been the vice chair of faculty affairs with the department of pediatrics, supporting the pediatric faculty. Now I am looking forward to being able to broaden this work with all of our physicians, providers and hospital teams.
“My vision is to ensure that the wellbeing of our people is embedded in all the work we do.”
Congratulations, Kari and Suzanne!! We are fortunate to have you and your considerable wisdom, kindness and thoughtfulness as leaders within Children’s.
Congratulations Kari & Suzanne! Best wishes on your new roles.