Kristie Hayes, MD, an associate professor and director of diversity for the UNMC Department of Dermatology, was named the 2023 Unsung Hero on Jan. 16 during UNMC and Nebraska Medicine’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day event.
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes a Nebraska Medicine or UNMC employee who demonstrates a positive attitude and professionalism at work; supports the community through volunteerism, service, outreach or encouragement; champions diversity personally and professionally; and displays ITEACH values.
“I am surprised, honored and thrilled,” Dr. Hayes said.
It was the second year for the award.
“This is important because we are recognizing the work that historically has been done behind-the-scenes, but now we are trying to highlight the people on campus who are making it a more inclusive environment,” said Sheritta Strong, MD, UNMC’s assistant vice chancellor of inclusion. “There have been many people over the years doing this work, and this is an opportunity to acknowledge the work being done.”
Dr. Strong pointed to Dr. Hayes as someone who had been a mentor to her and others when Dr. Strong was a medical student.
“Seeing her get this is really a full circle moment,” Dr. Strong said.
Those who nominated Dr. Hayes for the award described her as exemplifying the ITEACH values and as someone who selflessly mentors students, physicians and many others.
“Dr. Hayes volunteers for several organizations, leads many diversity initiatives on campus and is committed to mentoring the next generation,” Jacqueline Hankins Berry said upon presenting Dr. Hayes with the award. Hankins Berry, a community engagement administrative associate at the Munroe-Meyer Institute and co-chair of the institute’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, received the award in 2022.
Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor of academic affairs, called Dr. Hayes “an outstanding advocate, mentor and role model to generations of minority students and faculty at UNMC and the greater Omaha community, who also has dedicated a large part of her professional career in dermatology toward caring for ethnic skin and promoting wellness in minority communities.”
Said Dr. Hayes, “Thank you so much for this amazing award. I have been on this journey for a bit longer than some others, who are creating a world committed to health justice and equity. It’s a pleasure to sow those seeds in the next generation of health leaders.”
Monday’s event also featured keynote speaker Kenny McMorris, a veteran health care executive, innovator, influencer and strategist who has served since 2014 as chief executive officer of Charles Drew Health Center. (See sidebar.)
UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, who attended the event, said it was important for the university to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
“This event, during which we heard from Mr. McMorris and honored Dr. Hayes, is an opportunity not only to reflect on the work of Dr. King but on the challenges and opportunities still ahead,” he said. “Inclusiveness, diversity – these are important parts of UNMC’s mission to improve the lives of our fellow Nebraskans and the world.”
Here is the video from Monday’s event, including the Unsung Hero Award presentation at the 45:30 mark.
Kristie Hayes compassion, dedication and kindness in her care is exemplary. So glad she has been honored with this award.
Congratulations
Congrats Dr. Hayes! You are a great role model for us all.
Dr. Hayes has always been a strong, much needed advocate for students like me. She was our lifeline. Thank you so much for being there for us.
I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. Dr. Hayes is phenomenal!
CONGRATULATIONS!, Dr. Hayes. This is very well deserved recognition for your outstanding contributions to UNMC mission.
Dr. Hayes is the reason I am a physician today and has mentored me for over 20 years since my high school days at Omaha Central! Her positive impact on students and patients over the years will spread for generations to come. I am thankful she made her way back to the med center to continue her legacy!
So excited for Dr Hayes’ recognition!
She was ALWAYS a tireless consultant for the burn team patients – even when in ‘private’ practice. Thank you Dr Hayes…
As a medical student 30 years, ago my sister rotated with Dr. Hayes and was thoroughly impressed. 6-7 years later, while I was a resident and we’d had our first daughter that was born with some skin and limb issues and was being recommended a plethora of tests by multiple physicians weighing in, my sister suggested we take her to Dr. Hayes. Kristie listened to us and diagnosed our daughter without drama or tests and calmly reassured us. No surgery. No more tests. Our daughter’s a 26 year old in the finance industry in Seattle now. We are grateful and Dr. Hayes immediately became our hero so many years ago…and our dermatologist.
Congratulations Dr. Hayes on the receipt of this well deserved honor! You are and always have been an inspirational member of our community!
Congratulations, Dr. Hayes!
So happy Dr. Hayes came back to UNMC – she is a valuable asset and amazing physician!
Dr. Hayes!!!! This award description is exactly who you are. I truly enjoy working with you.
Congratulations, Dr. Hayes, on the receipt of this well-deserved honor. Thank you for your outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in addressing and raising awareness about issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion both across campus and in our community.
Congratulations Dr Hayes!
A wonderful person, superior physician and reliable and trusted referral source. I relied on her expertise a lot. Personally, I think it was her year of training in our pediatric residency program that did the trick!
John Walburn MD, FAAP
Professor Emeritus, Pediatrics
This award could not go to a more deserving person. Dr. Hayes, you are one in a million! Congratulations
Congratulations, Dr. Hayes. You absolutely deserve this honor and I am so pleased for you. You have been a shining star since first you came to UNMC.
Congratulations Dr. Hayes an honor well deserved!
Wonderful! Hard to think of many people more deserving for this. Your dedication to the community, UNMC, and teaching are tireless. Omaha, and indeed the whole state, have benefitted from your talent, advocacy, and expertise for many years. I appreciate all you have done for our patients, students and community over the years!
Way to go, Kristie! They couldn’t have picked a better person for this prestigious award.
Agree with all of the above! Dr. Hayes absolutely demonstrates all aspects of this award tirelessly and we are so lucky to have her in Nebraska and specifically UNMC! Grateful for the countless ripples her impact has made. Thank you for all you do Dr. Hayes!
Congratulations Dr. Hayes. Well deserved.
Congrats Dr. Hayes! You are so deserving of this award! You are an amazing mentor and have touched so many lives- mine included!
Congratulations Kristie on this well deserved recognition.