UNMC’s impact ‘cannot be overstated’

Marty Fattig

This article is one in a series spotlighting UNMC’s economic impact throughout the state of Nebraska.

Marty Fattig, CEO of Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, Neb., has worked in health care, in many different capacities, all over the state. One constant he’s seen throughout his career has been the impact and assistance provided by UNMC.

“The value of having a research-based academic medical center in our state cannot be overstated,” he said.

Fattig was part of the team that worked with UNMC and Peru State College to bring the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP), which encourages rural residents to pursue careers in health care and practice in small communities throughout Nebraska, to that part of the state. Together, they are working to alleviate the shortage of health care workers.

This means more good jobs in small towns. People who move in and buy homes, who contribute to the community and its economy.

And, because they are health care workers, they help keep their friends and neighbors healthy and contributing to the economy, too. Healthier communities are … healthier communities.

UNMC knows this. With its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, the medical center impacts Nebraska’s economy by $4.2 billion every year.

Fattig sees UNMC as a statewide resource, but one made up of people. People he considers colleagues. People working for Nebraska. Whether it be for long-term solutions or short-term advice, UNMC, Fattig said, has always been there.