UNMC Department of Internal Medicine personnel and other colleagues gathered at the Field Club of Omaha on Feb. 4 to celebrate James O’Dell, MD, for his more than 40 years of service. His time at UNMC includes 35 years as the chief of the UNMC Division of Rheumatology and 35 years as the internal medicine residency program director.
Dr. O’Dell stepped down as division chief on Jan. 1 and continues to serve as a professor of internal medicine.
Mark Rupp, MD, interim chair of internal medicine, said Dr. O’Dell is “a truly remarkable man.”
“For the past 40-plus years, Dr. O’Dell has made incredible contributions to the success of UNMC,” he said, calling him an excellent teacher, skilled clinician, accomplished physician-scientist and inspiring leader.
During Dr. O’Dell’s tenure, the division of rheumatology ascended to a position of prominence in education and produced the kind of translational research that has had an enormous impact on patient care. The division also grew from a total of three faculty members, including Dr. O’Dell, to now more than 20 – many of whom are recognized as national leaders in the field.
Bryant England, MD, PhD, interim chief of the division of rheumatology, praised Dr. O’Dell’s leadership and steadfastness as division chief.
“Through Jim’s deeply held values and living those values during his 35 years as chief, he built a culture in our division that changed the people who were lucky enough to be part of it,” Dr. England said. “His influence on people and his culture will always be a part of the UNMC Division of Rheumatology.”
At the event, Dr. Rupp mentioned Dr. O’Dell’s numerous awards, including the department’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Research and designation as a platinum top teacher, which is given to faculty members who have 25 years or more as a top teacher in the department.
Other speakers at the event, which was attended by more than 80 people, included Bradley Britigan, MD, dean of the UNMC College of Medicine; Ted Mikuls, MD, and Amy Cannella, MD, who were among Dr. O’Dell’s first internal medicine residents and are now both professors of rheumatology; and Lynell Klassen, MD, professor emeritus and one of Dr. O’Dell’s mentors.
“Dr. O’Dell is also a dedicated mentor,” Dr. Rupp said. “The proof of this is not in a plaque, a trophy, a certificate or an award. The obvious proof of this is all around us this evening – the numerous people who have benefited from their time with Jim.”