Hemant Roy, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, has announced leadership changes for three divisions in the department.
- Bryant England, MD, PhD, now is chief of the UNMC Division of Rheumatology and Immunology.
- Nicole Shonka, MD, now is chief of the UNMC Division of Medical Oncology.
- Matthew Lunning, DO, now is chief of the UNMC Division of Hematology.
The appointments are effective immediately.
All three appointees have held interim chief roles for their respective divisions previously. In November, the oncology and hematology division split into two units, with Drs. Lunning and Shonka serving as the interim division chiefs. Dr. England has been interim chief of the rheumatology and immunology division since Jan. 1, after James O’Dell, MD, stepped down from his leadership post after 35 years.
“All three are outstanding clinicians, educators and researchers,” Dr. Roy said. “As interim division chiefs, they have demonstrated remarkable proficiency in leadership.”
Dr. Lunning, who also is a member of the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, said he is honored to serve as the inaugural chief of the hematology division and plans to build on a rich legacy in the field while pursuing new opportunities to improve outcomes for their patients.
“This appointment reflects not only a personal milestone, but also the extraordinary growth of our faculty, advanced practice providers, researchers and trainees who have built a nationally recognized program dedicated to advancing patient care, research and education,” he said. “Looking ahead, my vision is to further strengthen our culture of collaboration and innovation. We will champion expanding access to cutting-edge clinical trials and gene and cellular therapies and continue developing the next generation of hematology leaders.”
Dr. Shonka, who also is a member of the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, said she also plans to uphold the standard of excellence in her division while looking to the future.
“I am truly excited and deeply honored to be named division chief of medical oncology,” she said. “The legacy before me sets a high bar, and I’m ready to rise to the challenge with energy and purpose.”
Dr. England said the appointment is especially meaningful as he follows Dr. O’Dell, a mentor who “profoundly shaped my career.”
“Under Dr. O’Dell’s remarkable 35 years of leadership, the rheumatology and immunology division has grown into an internationally recognized center of excellence,” he said. “It has expanded to more than 20 faculty members, developed a strong cadre of funded investigators, earned a reputation for outstanding education and mentorship, and built a thriving clinical enterprise that serves patients across multiple sites. With this foundation and incredible faculty and staff, I am excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Dr. Roy said he is confident about the future direction of these divisions.
“I am extraordinarily grateful for the willingness of Nicole, Matt and Bryant to serve in these important positions,” Dr. Roy said. “Oncology, hematology and rheumatology are very strong, and I am confident that, under their leadership, these divisions will experience an exceptional upward trajectory in all facets of our tripartite mission of research, education and clinical care.”
The department will host a celebration for the new leaders in September.