New faculty spotlight: Melissa Teply, M.D.

Melissa Teply, M.D.

Melissa Teply, M.D., is a new faculty member at UNMC.

  • Name: Melissa Teply, M.D.
  • Hometown: Omaha
  • Title and department at UNMC: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine.

Research/professional interests:

  • General internal medicine
  • Palliative care
  • Preventive care
  • Weight management
  • Communication with patients and families
  • Advance care planning
  • Shared decision making
  • Medical education

How I fell in love with general internal medicine and palliative care:

In general medicine, I love partnering with patients and their families to improve their health as much as possible, especially through preventive care and education about a given person’s health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Similarly, with palliative care, forming a relationship and partnership with the patient and family is of the utmost importance so that I can better address distressing symptoms and provide an extra layer of support while a person and their family experience a serious illness like cancer.

No matter which specialty I am working in (general internal medicine or palliative care), I have always been drawn to supporting people while they face challenges to their health. I feel a great sense of privilege and responsibility in getting to know someone and growing a relationship that helps me understand that person’s hopes for and concerns about their health in order to work with them to make a plan that personally fits their needs.

Degrees:

  • M.D., UNMC
  • Residency, internal medicine, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
  • Fellowship, hospice and palliative medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.

Memberships:

  • American College of Physicians, FACP
  • American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Member

Three things people may not know about me:

  • I majored in film and media studies in college. I love movies of all kinds and would be hard pressed to choose a favorite.
  • I enjoy running and have run several half marathons.
  • My favorite place to visit is the Rocky Mountains, both in summer and winter.