Tuesday, June 29, marks the dedication/opening of the Wigton Heritage Center and the accompanying exhibits related to the history of UNMC and medical and dental care in Nebraska.
The facility itself is spectacular, with bright open inviting space that has replaced the dingy, unappealing hallway between Wittson Hall and University Tower. The prominence of the renovated columns and facade of the historic entrance to University Hospital adds much to the attractiveness of the space and provides an important link to the history of UNMC. We are all very appreciative of Dr. Bob Wigton’s vision for and support of this wonderful addition to the campus. I also want to recognize and thank College of Medicine alumnus William Northwall, MD, for his support of the garden space and fantastic sculpture created by New York designer and professor Jenny Sabin, titled “Convergence, which is located on the north side of the Wigton Center. That space was dedicated in mid-June, with Dr. Northwell, his family and the artist all in attendance.
The many exhibits related to the history of UNMC are the result of the hard work of the faculty and staff of McGoogan Library. They did a wonderful job and will be updating those rotating exhibits on a regular basis. The College of Medicine helped provide financial support for the gallery on the third floor — look for the plaques recognizing our support the next time you walk through that area. I had the opportunity to preview the exhibits recently, particularly those related to the history of the College of Medicine and the practice of medicine in Nebraska.
For those of you who viewed the hooding ceremony for our graduating medical students in May, you will recall that the invited speaker was Joseph Starita, PhD, professor of journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He provided a wonderful overview and tribute to Susan La Flesche Picotte, MD, a Nebraskan who was the first Native American woman physician in United States. She graduated from medical school in Philadelphia in 1889 and then returned to Nebraska, where she practiced medicine until her death in 1915. Among the Wigton Heritage Center exhibits is one devoted to Dr. La Flesche Picotte.
There are several other exhibits highlighting the underappreciated contributions of pioneering women and physicians of color to the practice of medicine in Nebraska over the past two centuries. In addition, there are opportunities to explore the more than 100-year history of the college as it transitioned from the Omaha Medical College to the UNMC College of Medicine. When you have the time, take a few minutes to wander through this wonderful new addition to UNMC.
History is something that is never stagnant, and that is certainly true of the College of Medicine. This time of year marks the arrival of our newest groups of residents and fellows, numbering close to 200. They now add to the tradition of outstanding trainees in the college. We welcome them to the UNMC community and thank them in advance for all they will be doing to enhance the care of our patients, while advancing their own clinical skills.
Finally, as I have done for the last several years at this time, I offer a reminder and encouragement to take some time away from work for yourself. The pandemic obviously has limited opportunities to travel and spend time with friends and family. In July, I will be joining my wife for some time in Pennsylvania to visit her parents and siblings, who we have not seen for close to two years. I am thankful that science has provided the opportunity to do so safely. I hope that each of you will take advantage of the lull in the pandemic and the protection provided by the vaccine you have received to reconnect with others and reenergize yourself. You, and we, will be better for it.