Anthony Stephenson, MD, is the 2023 recipient of the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology’s Brad Paulson, MD, Memorial Award. Brittany Brown, MD, cited Dr. Stephenson’s intelligence, leadership skills and work ethic as reasons he is deserving of the award.
The department presents the award annually to an outstanding senior medical student who exemplifies the qualities that made Dr. Brad Paulson a superior anesthesiologist and his untimely death a loss to the specialty.
Dr. Paulson exemplified dedication to learning, technical skill, genuine caring and rapport with his patients, and a high level of personal integrity. He earned the respect, admiration and affection of his colleagues. The fund, now supported by the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology, was created in 1989.
Dr. Stephenson, a recent UNMC graduate, begins an anesthesiology residency at the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, Minnesota. Newly married, Dr. Stephenson said he and his wife, Kaylen, are excited for this next chapter in their lives.
Dr. Brown said Dr. Stephenson took ownership of the Anesthesia Interest Group as the president this year, organizing and executing monthly meetings and the annual skills workshop. She also said he was engaged, helpful and integrated seamlessly into the anesthesiology team’s operating room workflow.
“We are so proud of Anthony and all of his accomplishments. He is a standout student and will continue to excel throughout his career,” Dr. Brown said. “While we would love to keep him here for residency, we are proud that he will be representing UNMC and our anesthesiology department. We are excited to see all the wonderful things he will bring to our profession.”
Prior to medical school, Dr. Stephenson was a student athlete at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned multiple Big Ten titles, NCAA awards and a USA Gymnastics national championship.
Dr. Stephenson said competing at the highest level of gymnastics taught him discipline, focus and never to compromise his well-being.
“It’s an honor to be recognized among so many other successful medical students,” Dr. Stephenson said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship that led me to this field and the amazing faculty and staff that have supported me to get to this moment.”