Russell Buzalko, PhD, will be the recipient of the Excellence in Educational Service Award at the Impact in Education Awards March 14. The award recognizes a UNMC volunteer, emeritus or adjunct faculty member who exemplifies the spirit of outstanding teaching and whose contributions are significant and lasting to the advancement of health care learners, health care education or health care professions.
- Name: Russell Buzalko, PhD
- Title: Director, academics and continuing education at Children’s Nebraska, and adjunct associate professor of pediatrics for UNMC
- Joined UNMC: Regular faculty, June 2014. Adjunct faculty, June 2017
- Hometown: Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania
You are the recipient of the Excellence in Educational Service Award. Why is “service to our learners” important in health care education?
Prior to joining UNMC, I had a 20-year career in the U.S. military. A few years later, I was fortunate enough to see there were more similarities than differences in teaching in the military compared to teaching in health care. It is of the utmost importance to train the highest quality of health care professionals for our future. After all, they will be taking care of us, our families and our friends. The service goes full circle.
Describe your proudest moment as an educator.
My proudest moment happens every time I see a learner implement something I taught them or when I play even the smallest role in assisting them reach their certification, graduation or career goal. I’m proudest when I see others achieve their goals.
What do you want others to know about your teaching experience?
I don’t believe that I have achieved the highest level of anything in education. However, if we work together, we can achieve anything.
Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy on teaching?
In teaching or life in general, my philosophy is, “If someone has done something before, then you can do it. If no one has done if before, then you can be the first.” Give it a try when you have a doubt.
Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement, Russ!
Congratulations Dr. Buzalko!! Much deserved.
Congratulations Buzzi!! I can think of no one more deserving than you, my friend. ~KitKat
Congratulations! Most deserving of the award!
Congratulations Russ!! You are such an amazing asset for the UNMC Dept. of Pediatrics & Children’s Nebraska. I appreciate your knowledge, dedication, and camaraderie.
Congrats Russ! We appreciate you in the echo lab at Children’s Nebraska for paving the way for our students. We are truly grateful for you.
Congrats! This is very much a reflection of your strong expertise and deep passion for education. The future is brighter thanks to all your work!
Congratulations Russ! Very deserving!!!!! Thank you for your service to our country and to UNMC and Children’s!