A leadership team from the University of Nebraska Medical Center headed by Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., will visit Lexington and Gothenburg on Wednesday, June 28, and North Platte and Valentine on Thursday, June 29.
“These trips are always very informative in helping us to better understand the challenges these communities face and ways we can partner to better serve their needs,” Dr. Gold said.
Joining Dr. Gold on the trip are:
- Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing;
- Michael Sitorius, M.D., chairman of family medicine in the UNMC College of Medicine;
- Howard Liu, M.D., director of the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN);
- Bob Bartee, vice chancellor of external affairs at UNMC; and
- Erin Owen, executive director of university communications at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
At all of their stops during the trip, the leaders will provide an update on activities taking place at UNO, UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. Some of the topics that will be discussed include:
- Efforts to address the nursing workforce shortage and the new Center for Chronic Care Management at the UNMC College of Nursing;
- Dr. Gold’s new role as chancellor at UNO;
- The new SIM-NE trucks and their impact on rural health and emergency medical training;
- UNO's online bachelor of general studies, a top 25 ranked program in the nation with 50 concentrations including one in emergency management;
- The opening of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at UNMC and its impact on the state;
- The partnership between UNO and community colleges around the state, including Mid-Plains in North Platte;
- The NU Board of Regents approval of the Global Center for Health Security, which builds upon existing infectious disease and biodefense research programs at UNMC;
- The Nebraska Business Development Center housed at Mammel Hall in the College of Business Administration at UNO, which has a service center in North Platte;
- BHECN initiatives around the state including the new Ambassadors program to promote behavioral health careers among youth; and
- The UNO Dreamer’s Pathway Scholarship program.
On the first leg of their trip, the group will stop in Lexington to meet with health professionals before moving on to Gothenburg where they will tour the hospital and take part in a community reception being held at the NSG Banquet Room. The reception is hosted by Susan and Matt Williams. Susan is a member of the UNMC Board of Counselors, and Matt is a state senator.
A Simulation-in-Motion Nebraska (SIM-NE) truck will be parked across the street at the Gothenburg Fire Station and open for tours from 6 to 6:30 p.m. on June 28. The truck is one of four 44-foot long, dual-axle customized trucks, that will be used to provide free training to rural emergency medical service agencies and rural critical access hospitals. Trainers will travel in the trucks to provide the training.
On June 28, the leadership team will meet with officials from Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, before departing for Valentine where they will attend a Rotary Club luncheon at the Peppermill Restaurant.
After the Rotary luncheon, Drs. Sebastian, Liu and Sitorius will travel to Bassett, Neb., to tour Rock County Hospital and meet with health professionals there.
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