John Sparks, M.D., professor of pediatrics, is good-natured about his retirement tea having been, as he puts it, “rained out.”
Instead of an on-campus celebration of his career, Dr. Sparks quietly spent the last few days as a UNMC employee working from home, as so many others are, during the current COVID-19 public health emergency. He officially retired March 31.
Dr. Sparks hopes that tea will happen at some future date. “We’ll work something out,” he said.
There will be a lot to celebrate when that day comes. Dr. Sparks was chair of pediatrics for more than 10 years and served as pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. Dr. Sparks was the first holder of the Carol Remmers Angle, M.D., Presidential Chair of Pediatrics at UNMC.
“I’m a pediatrician and I take care of sick babies,” Dr. Sparks said. “It’s been an honor to take care of babies at UNMC and at Children’s. It’s been a real privilege to be able to care for babies and their families, and to teach students and residents.”
Dr. Sparks also treasures the memory of helping Children’s and UNMC implement an institutional affiliation to improve the care of children in the region.
“It has really blossomed into a relationship that enhanced education, took care of a lot of kids and brought new specialists to Omaha,” he said.
The partnership also supported pediatric research, Dr. Sparks said.
That includes the creation of the Child Health Research Institute (CHRI), which was launched in 2018. Dr. Sparks was its founding executive director.
When Dr. Sparks announced his intention to step down as chair of pediatrics in 2017, UNMC College of Medicine Dean Bradley Britigan, M.D., said, “It’s not a stretch to say that John was instrumental in transforming pediatric care for our region. The partnership with Children’s has been successful beyond our wildest dreams, and this was due in large part to the outstanding leadership and direction provided by Dr. Sparks. He came in 2008 and was a driving force in growing the department on all fronts — research, education and patient care.”
Dr. Sparks has worked all over the country, but he and his wife will continue to live in Omaha.
“We really like it here,” he said.
He hopes, in retirement, to continue some teaching and limited research projects at UNMC.
He also hopes that everyone is safe, and he will see you at a rescheduled retirement tea at a not-too-distant date.
John, Congratulation on your august career at UNMC. I hope you remain active in our community. We've all benefitted from your presence.
Dr. Sparks has been instrumental in strengthening the relationship with Children's Hospital & Medical Center, growing the pediatric department, and establishing a legacy with the founding of the Child Health Research Institute. We salute him for his extraordinary vision and service.
Congrats to Dr. Sparks! John was truly a transformational figure in pediatric care in our region. So well respected. Enjoy the next chapter!
Congratulations on a distinguished career here at UNMC. Your leadership will continue to influence the Department for years go come.
Thanks John for your leadership and friendship. Enjoy your retirement. Best. Wayne
John,
Thanks for your leadership and your friendship.
Carl
John,
All the best to you and Patty.
Hope to see you soon.
Thanks,
Carl
John has been instrumental for our Pediatrics Program at UNMC and Children's. Congratulations on his outstanding achievement. We are very fortunate to have him staying active in Omaha.
Congratulations on your retirement, Dr. Sparks!
Congratulations, John! It has been a pleasure to work with you over the years.
John, congratulations on your retirement! You have served UNMC and Children's in an exceptional manner. We look forward to that day in the future when we can share tea with you and Patty.
The Birds – Ken and Annie
Congratulations John! It was a pleasure to work with you at both UNMC and Children's. Enjoy your retirement!
Thank you for your support over the years. See you at the Tea, hopefully in the near future.
Wow! What a beautiful legacy and am I privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know Dr. Sparks!
John, it has been such a privilege to work with you – both clinically and administratively! I wish you all the best and lots of fun!