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Lloyd Holm. D.O. |
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William Thorell, M.D. |
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Ake Nystrom, M.D., Ph.D. |
The awards, announced during Thursday’s AOA/Faculty Honors Convocation, spotlight an obstetrician who has professionalized medical education and two surgeons who are offering new hope to patients with cerebrovascular disease and debilitating chronic pain.
“These individuals are among the reasons why UNMC stands apart from other fine medical centers,” said College of Medicine Dean John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D. “They clearly have excelled in their chosen fields and demonstrate clinical excellence on a daily basis. We are extremely grateful for their contributions.”
The dean’s clinical excellence awards were created last year to honor outstanding clinical faculty members who are dedicated to the education and training of medical students, provide compassionate and quality care to patients, and further advances in scientific knowledge through research.
The winners, and their award categories, are as follows:
Excellence in Clinical Education — Lloyd D. Holm, D.O., obstetrics and gynecology
Dr. Holm, who joined UNMC in 2003, has been an excellent role model for residents and medical students seeking obstetrics and gynecology. “Dr. Holm has always received high marks by medical students with whom he has been in contact,” his nominator said. Dr. Holm serves as student clerkship director, ICE facilitator and faculty adviser for the Luikart Society, which is composed of medical students in all years of training who have an interest in ob/gyn. “The formation of this society, with Dr. Holm serving as a role model and mentor, has truly professionalized medical education in the department,” his nominator said. Dr. Holm also has been instrumental in improving the popularity of the department’s clerkships.
Excellence in Clinical Practice — William Thorell, M.D., surgery
Dr. Thorell’s unique skill sets distinguish him from other physicians. The UNMC College of Medicine alumnus is one of approximately 55 neurological surgeons in the United States who are trained to perform endovascular therapies for cerebrovascular disease. Endovascular therapies have revolutionized the management of intracranial vascular disease such as aneurysms and stroke through the use of “minimally invasive” surgical procedures. Along with his expertise, his nominators praised his compassion and commitment to patients. “Dr. Thorell makes himself available nearly 24/7/365 because he is the only physician in the region who can provide these advanced therapies … the nearly endless ‘on call’ responsibilities and long hours can be taxing. However, Dr. Thorell treats every patient — and the patient’s family – thoughtfully, thoroughly and compassionately, as though that patient were Dr. Thorell’s only and most important patient.”
Innovation in Clinical Medicine — Nils Ake Nystrom, M.D., Ph.D., surgery and orthopedic surgery
Dr. Nystrom has established a unique clinical service that has provided help to patients with debilitating chronic pain and headaches from so-called whiplash trauma to the neck. In the past five years, Dr. Nystrom, in close collaboration with the department of anesthesia, has treated more than 300 patients from seven countries outside the United States. “His program alone represents more than half of all services provided to international patients at UNMC,” his nominators said. “Dr. Nystrom’s continued product control and long-term monitoring of the outcome of treatment have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of a program that we now routinely offer patients with a condition that traditionally has been considered untreatable,” his nominators said. Dr. Nystrom joined UNMC in 2001.