Debra Romberger, MD, was recognized Jan. 29 by the Metro Omaha Medical Society with its Distinguished Service to Medicine Award.
Dr. Romberger stepped away from her role as chair of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, which she had held since 2015, on Jan. 1 to move to the UNMC College of Medicine dean’s office in a special advisory role.
The Distinguished Service to Medicine Award is presented in recognition for distinguished service to patients, the Metro Omaha Medical Society and the people of the Metro Omaha area as well as their significant contribution to the practice of medicine and care of patients. Recipients must be a member of the Metro Omaha Medical Society and is nominated either by a fellow member physician or the Metro Omaha Medical Society board of directors.
“The board wanted to recognize Dr. Romberger’s dedication to medicine in leading a department that has had tremendous impact on patient care and the training of generations of physicians,” said MOMS executive director Carol Wang. “Just as important, her ascension as a pioneer, being one of the first female chairs of a clinical department at UNMC. And furthermore, her dedication to MOMS — where she currently serves on the MOMS Foundation Board — and her service to the community in various community roles.
“She has paved the way for others and mentored physicians and been an important leader and voice in medicine and we wanted to honor her contributions,” Wang said.
Mark Rupp, MD, the interim chair of internal medicine, said Dr. Romberger was well-deserving of the award.
“As the first woman chairperson of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, she has served as an inspirational leader,” Dr. Rupp said. “Under her capable oversight, the department has thrived – growing in size and scope while achieving the mission to educate the next generation of medical professionals, provide excellent clinical care and push back knowledge barriers through research discoveries.
“Not only has Dr. Romberger tirelessly served UNMC, but she has also worked to improve the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Nebraska as documented by being the recipient of the Nebraska Humanitarian Award and the UNMC Community Service Award. As the interim chair of the department, it is not lost upon me that I have very big shoes to fill and a rich legacy to uphold.”
UNMC College of Medicine Dean Bradley Britigan, MD, congratulated Dr. Romberger on “a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to the Omaha community over the course of her outstanding career.
“Thanks as well to the leadership of MOMS for their recognition and support of the efforts of physicians as they commit both their professional and personal time to improve the health of all who live here,” Dr. Britigan said.