Pamela Boyers, PhD, a medical educator who spearheaded UNMC’s efforts in interprofessional simulation education for more than a decade, died on Wednesday (Oct. 7).
Dr. Boyers began at UNMC in 2015 and quickly used her extensive knowledge and experience in simulation and education to build UNMC’s Interprofessional Experiential Center for Enduring Learning, or iEXCEL, initiative.
“Pam was a tremendously passionate educator and administrator who was a champion for improving patient outcomes through leading-edge training methods,” said UNMC Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD. “Her advocacy for new methods of teaching — both in-person and virtually — improved the lives of those living throughout Nebraska and beyond.
“More importantly, Pam was a delightful person and colleague whose presence elevated those around her. Our thoughts are with her husband, Dave, their family and all their loved ones.”
Dr. Davies said a memorial event on the UNMC Omaha campus will be held at a later date. A Celebration of Life also will be held on Jan. 9 in Delaware, Ohio.
Throughout her tenure at UNMC, Dr. Boyers served as associate vice chancellor for iEXCEL, which enables learners to develop and practice professional clinical skills using a wide variety of simulation modalities before encountering real-life situations.
UNMC’s advanced simulation initiative, housed in the Dr. Edwin G. & Dorothy Balbach Davis Global Center since the facility opened in 2020, fosters the practice of patient care in highly functioning and effective interprofessional teams.
“I have had the true pleasure to know and work with Pam for almost 20 years,” University of Nebraska System President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD said. “She was one of the hardest working and most visionary leaders I have ever known. Her quest for excellence in all areas and her bold dedication to interprofessional patient safety will undoubtedly be her enduring legacy.”
Among many external recognitions, the UNMC iEXCEL program was reaccredited in 2025 for five years as an American College of Surgeons Comprehensive Accredited Education Institute, reaffirming the program’s position as a national leader in interprofessional simulation-based education and training.
In 2021, Dr. Boyers was inducted into the National Center for Simulation’s Modeling and Simulation Hall of Fame.
Established in 2014, the National Center for Simulation’s Modeling and Simulation Hall of Fame honors industry pioneers whose passion, dedication and perseverance laid the foundation for the multi-billion-dollar modeling and simulation industry that now calls Central Florida home. The “Wall of Fame” is displayed in a permanent space in the South Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center in Florida.
Prior to joining UNMC, Dr. Boyers served as executive director of the University of Toledo Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center and assistant professor in the department of surgery. She also served as chief academic officer for the Center for Medical Education and Innovation at Riverside/OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio — one of the first interprofessional simulation centers, which opened in 2005.
Dr. Boyers vision and expertise has built iEXCEL into a treasured UNMC and national asset. Sincere condolences to the iEXCEL team, her family and friends.
A solid foundation for continued educational innovation at UNMC. Grateful for her vision and great work.
Very sorry to hear of this. Dr. Boyers was an outstanding advocate for innovation in education and a leader in this field.
Pam was a great influencer for the American Saddlebred industry…always charming and bright..Will miss her terribly
Dr. Pam Boyers was a tireless advocate and pioneer in interprofessional healthcare collaboration, establishing a benchmark model that integrated clinical simulation with the critical human dynamics of teamwork and communication. She was extraordinary, and it was an honor to work with her. I miss her already!
One of the nicest people I have known. What a tremendous asset she was to her profession and to the American Saddlebred industry.
Pam was the first person I called with my cancer diagnosis and we talked quite often. She always gave me great advice. Was going to call her last week since I had not heard from her but then Brent said he had just seen on Facebook that she had passed!
I will definitely miss our talks about medicine and American Saddkebreds.