UNMC achievements, Oct. 18, 2024

Neujahr named Social Worker of the Year

Maggie Neujahr, manager of care coordination at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, was named Social Worker of the Year by the Nebraska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Recipients of the award are recognized for transformative efforts, innovative achievements and careers defined by service, integrity, competence and social justice.

Neujahr, who has been in the social work field for nearly 20 years, was surprised by the honor. It was made more special, she said, when she learned that two of her coworkers were behind her nomination for the award.

“It means a lot to see other providers, people I’ve worked with, say, ‘Well received. Well deserved,’” Neujahr said. “Knowing the work I do is appreciated on such a large level is amazing. I truly feel appreciated, and that’s one of the best feelings you can have.”

-Kelsey Kirk, UNMC strategic communications

Dr. Hayes named to Central High Hall of Fame

Kristie Hayes, MD, associate professor emeritus of dermatology, has been named to the 25^th class of the Omaha Central High School Hall of Fame, the Central High School Foundation announced. Dr. Hayes, a 1973 alumnus of Omaha Central, earned the honor in large part to a distinguished career at the medical center and service to the community.

She is an alumnus of the UNMC College of Medicine. Dr. Hayes and nine others were inducted into the hall of fame in an Oct. 17 ceremony at Central High School.

At the med center, she was honored with the 2023 Unsung Hero award and was a longtime valued mentor to medical students in the years when she was one of the few faculty of color. She also served as the sole dermatologist at UNMC for several years before the establishment of the new department in 2019. She earned numerous honors and awards. Her official titles included distinguished chief of dermatology and assistant dean for students and multicultural affairs.

As a clinician, she lived the medical center’s mission to bring health care to all Nebraskans, specializing in ethnic skin care and establishing the ethnic skin clinic. Among her community service activities, Dr. Hayes was medical advisor for the Alopecia Areata Foundation in the Omaha-Lincoln area and a member of the Project Banneker Governance Board of the Omaha Public Schools.

-Kalani Simpson, UNMC strategic communications

Schwedhelm inducted into Nebraska Nurses Hall of Fame

Shelly Schwedhelm, the Global Center for Health Security’s associate director of emergency management and clinical operations, was inducted into the Nebraska Nurses Hall of Fame on Oct. 3. The Nebraska Nurses Association established The Nebraska Nursing Hall of Fame to honor nurses who through their work, scholarship and accomplishments have brought honor and fame to the profession of nursing and the state of Nebraska.

This award recognizes outstanding nursing leaders who have demonstrated excellence through sustained, lifelong contributions to the field of nursing and its impact on the health and social history of Nebraska.

Boex is a top 40 leader under 40

Aretha Boex, project manager for the UNMC Global Center for Health Security, has been recognized as one of the “2024 40 under 40” business leaders in the Omaha metro by Midlands Business Journal. This award honor local professionals under the age of 40 who have excelled in their careers and made an impact on the community. Judges select winners for their career achievements and their involvement in the Greater Omaha, Council Bluffs and Lincoln area. 

Musil is a top 40 under 40 in nursing

Lauren Musil, of the Global Center for Health Security and an infection preventionist with Nebraska Medicine, received one the Nebraska Nurses’ Association’s annual “40 Under 40” awards on Oct. 4. Each year, the association honors 40 recipients for their leadership within the nursing profession through clinical practice, education and teaching, administrative leadership, research, publishing, policy involvement and health care innovation.

-Stefanie Neumann, Global Center for Health Security