Allyson Hascall, MD, associate professor in the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology, has been named chief of the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology.
“Dr. Hascall brings a wealth of experience, leadership and a commitment to excellence in patient care and education to this important role,” said Mohanad Shukry, MD, PhD, interim chair of the department. “I look forward to her leadership and contributions to the division and department.”
Dr. Hascall graduated from medical school and completed her anesthesiology residency training at UNMC before joining as faculty in 2009. Throughout her career at UNMC, she has demonstrated leadership qualities, serving in a leadership role for 12 of those years in various capacities, including as clinical director at UNMC and as the medical director of anesthesiology at Bellevue Medical Center.
In her role as medical director of ambulatory services, Hascall oversees each of the ambulatory sites, Bellevue Medical Center, Fritch Medical Center and Village Pointe Medical Center, fostering collaboration among interdisciplinary teams and ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and care.
Dr. Hascall said she is excited for the opportunity to lead the division. “I’ve always been in the operations side of leadership — I’m really excited about the opportunity to lead within the department and try flexing my leadership ‘brain’ muscles in a different capacity,” she said.
Drawing on her extensive team-building experience, Dr. Hascall plans to continue the work of founding division chief, Robert Lobato, MD. “Dr. Lobato has done a tremendous job of building the multispecialty division, and we’ve had a lot of good changes in the past couple years,” she said. “My goal is to build on the work that he’s done.”
Dr. Hascall said her long-term commitment to the department and the relationships she has built along the way will be a benefit as division chief. Another goal is to increase retention in the division.
“I’ve stayed with this department and at UNMC as long as I have because of the relationships and the camaraderie,” Dr. Hascall said. “As we’ve grown and spread out across many different sites, it’s been a little more difficult to keep those relationships. One of my first goals is to help redevelop some of that camaraderie and closeness that I’ve always enjoyed.”
Dr. Hascall said Dr. Lobato has been a tremendous example in the role of division chief. In addition, Ellen Roberts, MD, has been a source for her leadership as vice chair of operations.
“Dr. Hascall will play a pivotal role in guiding our department and faculty to new heights,” Dr. Shukry said. “I am confident she will bring fresh perspectives, strategic vision and a collaborative approach to this leadership position.”
Dr. Hascall’s clinical interests include acute pain medicine and outpatient surgery anesthesiology.
Dr. Hascall enjoys spending her free time attending activities with her four children and husband. “I have four kids, so we’re in lots of different sports and art classes, from elementary to high school,” she said. “I’m also rediscovering yoga. I did it years ago and I’ve really enjoyed getting back into that practice.”
As an expert multitasker, she often can be found with a crochet bag while on call at the hospital and always has two or three projects going.