New resident spotlight: Luke Polenz, MD

Luke Polenz, MD is a new resident physician with the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology.

Why did you choose the medical field?

Growing up, I liked science, I loved helping people, and I had many positive experiences around physicians growing up and a supportive family that encouraged me along the way. 

What made you choose anesthesiology?

I appreciate the procedural work, the opportunity to solve problems fast and the culture and teamwork that I experienced during my anesthesia rotations.

List three accomplishments you are proud of:

  • Staying close to family and friends by matching at UNMC.
  • I married my high school sweetheart.
  • I recently read the entire Harry Potter series in under a month. 

Three things about you that others may not know:

  • I grew up outside of town, so I am a little bit of a country boy at heart and enjoy most pastimes that involve the outdoors.
  • Despite varied recent success, I am a big Nebraska Cornhusker sports fan. GBR!
  • My wife, Raelyn, is a dietitian at Nebraska Medicine who works in the pediatrics unit and with the intestinal rehab program.