Nebraska Medicine names new vice president of education

Nebraska Medicine has a new vice president of education.  

Amy Duhachek-Stapelman, MD, began her new role on Oct. 7. After earning her undergraduate biology degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. Duhachek-Stapelman studied medicine at UNMC and joined the UNMC faculty and Nebraska Medicine medical staff as a cardiac anesthesiologist in 2006. Last year, she also earned a Master of Education in the Health Professions from Johns Hopkins University.

“Nebraska Medicine provides an exceptional learning environment where students and trainees in all facets of health care have the opportunity to work and learn together,” Dr. Duhachek-Stapelman said. “Enhancing relationships between all members of the care team not only helps provide extraordinary patient care, but also leads to opportunities for trainees to learn from one another and work more efficiently together.“

She added: “A collaborative and innovative approach to education is essential to educate more health care providers to address the need for increased access to care in both urban and rural areas. This is something I am very passionate about as a lifelong Nebraskan from a small farming community, an alumnus of UNMC and graduate of clinical training completed at Nebraska Medicine. I am excited to be a part of this mission.”

Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine, congratulated Dr. Duhacek-Stapelman on her appointment.

“This role is intended to enhance the experience of all health profession students who do clinical rotations at Nebraska Medicine,” Dr. Britigan said. “So it impacts with students from almost all UNMC colleges. Her colleagues at the college of medicine are excited to see her take on this new role, and we look forward to her strong leadership and positive impact on our educational mission.”

UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, said: “Dr. Duhachek-Stapelman is an exceptional choice for this role. Her dedication to educating and guiding the next generation of health care professionals is evident in all her endeavors. I have no doubt that her expertise and leadership will significantly enhance the training and development of our students within the clinical environment.”

Dr. Duhachek-Stapelman previously served as vice chair of education in the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology. She will continue as professor in the department and in her clinical practice caring for patients as a cardiac anesthesiologist. 

A native of Newman Grove, Nebraska, she graduated from medical school at UNMC in 2002. Dr. Duhachek-Stapelman went on to complete an internship, anesthesiology residency and a fellowship in advanced perioperative transesophageal echocardiography, all at UNMC.

“Leadership in education has never been more important,” said Steven Lisco, MD, Nebraska Medicine chief academic officer. “Dr. Duhachek-Stapelman has the right mix of skills, expertise and personality to take our educational partnerships and internal educational development to new levels.” 

As vice president of education for the health system, Dr. Duhachek-Stapelman leads the educational mission within the clinical environment, maintaining a focus on continuous learning, optimizing the experience for learners and building on the Nebraska Medicine priority of “harnessing our academic power.”

The role was established 10 years ago to support the health system’s newly integrated structure. Kelly Caverzagie, MD, held the position from 2014 to 2024, until his recent move to take an academic leadership position at Oregon Health and Sciences University.