With the loss of our cherished leader, the department mourns the death of Debra Romberger who served as the Interim Chair from 2004 to 2005 and the Chair of the Department from 2014 to 2024. Dr. Romberger was many things to many people and she will be missed for a long time.
Dr. Romberger was the first woman to serve as Chair of the Department and was an inspirational leader and mentor for numerous people, including many women and underrepresented groups. Deb was also a physician scientist with an interest in agricultural occupational lung disease. She contributed to nearly 200 peer-reviewed articles and numerous textbook chapters, and her work was funded by the VA, NIH, NIOSH, and the American Lung Association. She was recognized with the Departmental Research Career Award and the UNMC Distinguished Scientist Award. Others saw Dr. Romberger personifying the servant leader – working to achieve a higher goal without need for accolades or acclaim. She listened, she cared, she was committed to her people, she was a wise steward of resources, and she led by example. Dr. Romberger was also known as a humanitarian. She worked diligently, often behind the scenes, to improve the health of the citizens of Omaha and Nebraska. Dr. Romberger volunteered at One World Community Health Center, and the Sienna Francis House to deliver medical care to the undeserved, and she was a leader for Hospice House, Omaha Together One Community, and the Institute for Public Leadership. She was awarded the Nebraska Humanitarian Award and the UNMC Community Service Award. Others saw a stoic side of Deb. Right to the end of her life, she practiced the virtues of stoicism – never complaining, making the best of a difficult situation, contributing to the common good for as long as she could despite her health struggles. Although a very private person, Deb cared deeply and was a trusted friend for many.
Debra Romberger had a large and lasting positive influence on the Department of Internal Medicine. Indeed, she was many things to many people: she was an inspirational servant-leader, a physician-scientist, a trusted mentor and advisor, a humanitarian, and she will long be missed.
During this difficult time, please recognize that grieving takes different forms for different people. Please show one another a bit more latitude and grace as we all adjust and cope.
Despite our loss, there are many things to recognize and celebrate. Building on Dr. Romberger’s legacy, we acknowledge our terrific students, residents, and fellows who are graduating and moving onto the next steps on their career ladders. In a few weeks, new house staff arrive – eager to prove themselves. This week we celebrate an unprecedented event – two brothers, Drs. Jim and Dave O’Dell, who have made tremendous contributions to the department and UNMC, will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards in Research and Education, respectively. Dr. Romberger would be proud. Bravo!