Nebraska Medicine is announcing a transformative milestone: the creation of a new executive leadership role, chief transformation and digital officer.
Michael Hasselberg, PhD, a nationally recognized leader, will bring a wealth of experience at the intersection of clinical care, digital innovation and academic research to Nebraska Medicine starting Sept. 1.
Dr. Hasselberg has spent his career at the University of Rochester Medicine in New York. He began as a nursing assistant before working as an inpatient nurse as he pursued a degree as a nurse practitioner and then a PhD in health practice research. His most recent roles centered on research and innovation.
That experience will allow him to lead efforts to modernize and elevate Nebraska Medicine’s health care delivery through technology, process improvement and clinical innovation. He and his team will serve as a vital bridge between clinical operations, IT, administration and the academic and research missions, driving the strategic use of digital tools to enhance patient care, clinician experience, research and institutional performance.
When he begins his role with Nebraska Medicine, he also will hold appointments with the UNMC Colleges of Medicine and Nursing.
He’s most excited about joining a team that’s proven to be extraordinary.
“I’ve spent a lot of time traveling this country and seeing lots of different health systems, different industries and organizations. What you have at Nebraska Medicine is absolutely special,” Dr. Hasselberg said. “The people, the mission, Project Health – the innovative approach of that alone is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the academic health care of the future. I am humbled to be asked to join you all.”
“Dr. Hasselberg is a nationally recognized, innovative thought leader with a proven track record in advancing AI, rural health, behavioral science, entrepreneurship and clinical research,” said Michael Ash, MD, Nebraska Medicine CEO. “His collaborative approach and visionary leadership are a perfect match for our mission. Dr. Hasselberg has expressed his deep respect and enthusiasm for working with Nebraska Medicine and UNMC leadership to advance initiatives like the Innovation Design Unit, iEXCEL, clinical research and Project Health, and we are excited for the transformational impact his expertise will bring.”
Dr. Hasselberg will partner with senior leaders to shape and drive strategy and technology direction. Ryan Kenney, Nebraska Medicine’s vice president of strategy enablement, and Nicole Becker, interim vice president of IT for UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, will report directly to him.
He currently serves as chief digital health officer at the University of Rochester Medicine, where he also co-directs the UR Health Lab, the system’s digital innovation incubator. A professor of psychiatry, clinical nursing and data science, he has been recognized by Rock Health as one of the “Top 50 in Digital Health” for his work advancing health equity through technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His leadership has shaped national conversations on digital health, serving as an advisor to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the New York State Department of Health, and as a committee member for the National Academies Standing Committee on Primary Care.
Welcome Dr. Hasselberg. We are thrilled to have you join us