Rafael Arsky Lombardi, MD, is no stranger to cultural change, having resided in the Amazon rainforest for one year, providing care to native Brazilians, before moving to Augusta, Georgia to continue his studies in anesthesiology.
Dr. Lombardi lived in São Félix do Araguaia, a small town in the Amazon rainforest with a population of approximately 6,000. Dr. Lombardi said his most memorable case during that time was providing anesthesia for the local chief undergoing an appendectomy.
“He was so grateful he wasn’t hurting anymore that when he was discharged, he came to me with fresh fish as a present,” Dr. Lombardi said.
Dr. Lombardi recently joined the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology as an assistant professor in the acute pain service division after completing a regional anesthesiology fellowship in the department. A native of Indaial, Brazil, Dr. Lombardi said he and his family are excited to call Omaha home.
“I’ve had a burning passion for academia forever, and it’s one of the driving forces behind my decision to come to the U.S.,” Dr. Lombardi said. “At UNMC, we’re blessed with an incredible range of complex cases and talented residents. This vibrant environment is a constant source of inspiration for my ongoing pursuit of knowledge.”
Dr. Lombardi said he is excited to serve as a clinician in addition to his responsibilities as a faculty member and is looking forward to continuing his research projects.
“It may present some challenges, but they only make us stronger and more resilient,” Dr. Lombardi said. “I’m fortunate to have the invaluable assistance and collaboration of my colleagues and the residents, and with their help, we can overcome any obstacles that arise along the way.”
Although Dr. Lombardi and his family will miss exploring the shores of the Araguaia River, they appreciate the opportunities for family fun in Omaha and look forward to creating many more memories in the area.
“My family is my foundation, and the excitement of my supportive wife and enthusiastic daughter matches my own,” Dr. Lombardi said. “Together, we embrace this new opportunity with open hearts.”
Hometown: Indaial – Brazil
Title and department at UNMC:
Assistant professor of anesthesiology
What drew me to anesthesiology:
The opportunity to associate medical knowledge and procedures with a good work-life balance.
Education & Professional Experience:
- MD, Universidade de Sao Paulo, 2002
- Anesthesiology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, 2007
- Anesthesiologist in Brazil from 2007 to 2017
- Anesthesiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 2022
- Regional Anesthesia Fellowship, UNMC, 2023
Professional Memberships:
- American Society of Anesthesiology
- American Society of Regional Anesthesia
- Nebraska Society of Anesthesiologists
Three things people may not know about me:
- I lived in the Amazon rainforest for almost one year, providing care to native Brazilians. Our OR was made of wood!
- I am board certified in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
- I am a karate brown belt and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt. I quit martial arts after a neck fracture.
What are your favorite activities/hobbies/ways to spend time off?
- Everybody who worked with me knows that I love to grill and barbecue.
- Every day when I get home, I spend some time reading a good book, outside of medicine.
- I love sci-fi, historical novels and Mafia books.