News briefs

Richard Azizkhan, M.D.

Dr. Azizkhan receives Walter Reed Distinguished Achievement Award from Virginia

Richard Azizkhan, M.D., professor of surgery and pediatrics in the UNMC College of Medicine, has been named a co-recipient of the 2018 Walter Reed Distinguished Achievement Award from the University of Virginia Medical Alumni Association.  The award recognizes professional accomplishments, outstanding innovation, and exemplary leadership in the field of medicine.

Dr. Azizkhan, who also is president and CEO of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, was presented the award at an April 28 event in Charlottesville, Va. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, he came to the University of Virginia in 1976 to do his general surgery residency and served as chief resident during his time there.

A prodigious researcher, Dr. Azizkhan has published extensively and authored more than 200 papers and chapters, and five books.  His experience and innovations in the management of complex mediastinal airway disorders, surgical oncology, neonatal anomalies, chest wall deformities, vascular malformations, epidermolysis bullosa, esophageal disorders and pediatric trauma have led to international recognition and numerous awards.

The past president of the World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgeons, Dr. Azizkhan has served in leadership roles in numerous national and international surgical organizations.

"Dr. Azizkhan is arguably one of the most successful and influential graduates of our General Surgery Residency Program," said R. Scott Jones, M.D., professor emeritus at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, who was one of the people who nominated Dr Azizkhan for the award.

Dr. Langenfeld recognized for his editorial excellence

Sean Langenfeld, M.D., assistant professor, surgery-general surgery, has been chosen as the 2018 recipient of the Victor W. Fazio, M.D., M.S., Award for Editorial Excellence by the Diseases of the Colon & Rectum (DC&R). The award is given to a reviewer who has demonstrated exceptional editorial work during the past year. The award recipient is chosen annually at the conclusion of the year by the DC&R editor-in-chief. The award is given to an editorial board member who has gone above and beyond.

The award was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, which was held May 19-23 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. 

Dr. Fazio was chairman of colorectal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic for 33 years. He was considered one of the highest-regarded colorectal surgeons in the world, and he put together a team of surgeons that annually does more than 5,000 surgeries. Dr. Fazio died in 2015.

Department of Family Medicine textbook among top downloads

"Family Medicine: Principles and Practice," one of two reference textbooks for family medicine, was among the top 25 percent of digital downloads for publisher Springer in 2017.

The textbook was edited by two family medicine physicians at UNMC, Audrey Paulman, M.D. and Paul Paulman, M.D., along with colleagues Laeth Nasir, M.D., and Robert Taylor, M.D.

The textbook also is available as an Apple iBook download.

Orthopaedic surgery department hosts staff appreciation event

More than 100 UNMC and Nebraska Medicine Orthopaedic Surgery faculty, residents and staff gathered April 27 for a team meeting and appreciation reception. The event recognized nurses, physician assistants, medical assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, operating room personnel, and clinic and academic staff. Faculty also shared their growth plans for each subspecialty with the group.

"It was a long overdue thank you to everyone who plays a part in the department’s success," said Kevin Garvin, M.D., professor and chair of the UNMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation. "Bringing together staff from all the areas that support orthopaedic surgery was a great team-building event we hope to continue."