The UNMC Department of Pathology and Microbiology held a retirement celebration in May for Steven Hinrichs, MD, professor and former chair in the department.
Dr. Hinrichs, lauded as a “doctor’s doctor” when he first announced plans to step down as department chair in 2021, is scheduled to retire in July.
“Dr. Hinrichs’ leadership as department chair exemplified dedication, vision, professionalism, and genuine care,” said Joseph Khoury, MD, chair of the department. “Care for the department, care for the institution, care for the community, and care for our nation. Simply put, care to make a difference. As someone entrusted with the honor to succeed Steve as department chair, I am fortunate to build on his legacy and the solid foundation he leaves us with.
“We will miss Dr. Hinrichs, but we know that he will continue to make an impact on our academic mission as emeritus professor,” Dr. Khoury said.
“It has been a great pleasure to work with Dr. Hinrichs in his role as chair of pathology and microbiology over the course of my time as dean,” said Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. “Over 30 years as a faculty member and almost 15 years as chair, Dr. Hinrichs utilized his exceptional medical knowledge, understanding of UNMC culture and history, visionary leadership and business skills, creativity, problem solving tenacity and pragmatism to lead his department to national prominence.
“His knowledge and expertise in infectious disease diagnostics were critical to the creation of the biopreparedness program, and we would not have been able to respond to the COVID pandemic as successfully without the leadership of Dr. Hinrichs. UNMC, the state and country and benefited greatly from his steadying presence.”
The event, which also celebrated faculty achievements in the department, was attended by UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, Dr. Britigan and many well-wishers from across UNMC, including faculty and emeritus faculty from the pathology and microbiology department. Dr. Hinrichs’ wife, Deb, and son, Andrew, also attended.