Endocrinologist James Lane, M.D., a former UNMC faculty member and the inaugural director of The Nebraska Medical Center Diabetes Center, died of glioblastoma Sept. 4 in Oklahoma City. He was 58.
Dr. Lane joined UNMC in 1998 and, during his time here, established the young adult diabetes clinic, served as director of the endocrinology fellowship and local principal investigator for several national trials for prevention of type 1 diabetes, and initiated many studies that explored the causes of diabetic complications. He was president of the Heartland Chapter of the American Diabetes Association Nebraska affiliate and was named director of The Nebraska Medical Center Diabetes Center in 2007.
“Jim was passionate about diabetes care,” said Jennifer Larsen, M.D., vice chancellor for research at UNMC. “During his time on faculty he served as the diabetes center director and the diabetes and endocrinology fellowship director. He was instrumental in developing many of our diabetes education programs and is still remembered fondly by his patients.”
“Dr. Lane was a true partner with the entire diabetes center team as we moved the UNMC/Nebraska Medical Center Diabetes Center inpatient accreditation to fruition,” said Beth Pfeffer, a registered nurse and former manager of the Diabetes Center.
In 2011, Dr. Lane became the director of adult clinical programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center’s Harold Hamm Diabetes Center. He was affiliated with multiple hospitals in the Oklahoma City area.
Said Lynn Mack, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine in UNMC’s Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Division: “He was an excellent role model with a passion for practicing the best medicine, while still committing and spending time with his family and having active hobbies like supporting his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.”
Vijay Shivaswamy, M.D., associate professor in the diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism division and former fellow, said: “Dr. Lane taught me to be an endocrinologist and almost turned me into a Cardinals fan.”
Dr. Lane received his medical degree in 1984 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, did his internal medicine residency and endocrinology and metabolism fellowship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, and an endocrinology and metabolism fellowship at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
He is survived by his wife, Pascale, a former UNMC pediatric nephrologist; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Alex Blevins; son, Tim; and parents, James and Patricia Lane.
The UNMC Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Division is establishing a new Dr. James Lane Lectureship. Donations may be made online to the Dr. James Lane Diabetes Education Fund or mailed to the University of Nebraska Foundation, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508, referencing the Dr. James Lane Diabetes Education Fund. Questions? Contact Meghan Perrin.
Having had the privilege of training under Dr. Lane, I witnessed the variety of ways he touched so many lives. His compassionate and personable approach to his patients, his tireless efforts to educate learners, and his dedication and devotion to the mission and staff of the Diabetes Center all spoke to Dr. Lane's values.
Dr. Lane was always willing to spread the word on diabetes through the media. He was a great guy. What a huge loss! My condolences to his family and friends.
Dr. Lane had a passion for research and conducted many cutting edge research studies in his quest to better understand and beat diabetes. We lost a valued colleague and a good friend. My heart felt condolences to his family.
Dr. Lane was the best doctor I’ve ever had. He was endocrine doctor but discovered that I had a disease other than my diabetes, he literally saved my life and he will be sorely missed. He and his family will be forever in my prayers.
My heart is so broken right now. I was dx'd @ age 12, and after many failed attempts by another large hospital in Omaha to get my diabetes under control, I got put in touch with Dr Lane, and he got me on my first pump as
soon ASAP. He literally saved my life and gave my family & I immense knowledge and training and answers to some of lifes scariest situations. He will be horribly missed by so many, as he touched so many lives. Cant say enough about him.
Dr Lane was a solid man of integrity, was passionate about clinical care, education, and research, and could be quite intense about the things he valued. Having worked alongside him as division administrator/fellowship coordinator, I learned to (mostly!) appreciate that passion. He treasured his family – and shared a devotion to the St Louis Cardinals with some of my family. Dr Lane, you made a difference & will be missed. Go Cards!!!