With Veterans Day upon us, on behalf of the College of Medicine, I would like to express our gratitude to each of our students, faculty, and staff who have or are currently serving in the U.S. military. Thank you for your service!
As described in more detail below, congratulations to each of the college’s faculty who were recognized last month as recipients of this year’s UNMC Distinguished Scientist Awards, most notably this year’s Scientist Laureate, Dr. Ted Mikuls, as well as Dr. Paul Sorgen, who received a Research Leadership Award.
UNMC College of Medicine research accomplishments also were highlighted at the college’s annual Research Retreat, which took place Oct. 8 at the Catalyst Building. A highlight of the event was the presentation by keynote speaker Monica Bertagnolli, MD, president of the National Academy of Medicine and prior director of the NIH and NCI. Thanks to Dr. Babu Guda and members of the College of Medicine R&D Committee, who organized the event. Congratulations to all whose research efforts were recognized at this event. It is critical that we continue to recognize and support all manners of research across the college’s 22 departments.
I’d also like to congratulate this year’s winners of the Interprofessional Academy of Educators’ Distinguished Educator Award, Drs. Abbey Fingeret and T.J. Welniak, both of the UNMC College of Medicine. The IAE calls this award its highest honor, and there is no doubt they both are deserving of this recognition.
For those of you who may be wondering, the process for selecting my successor as dean is underway, although not yet highly visible. The search committee, chaired by Dr. Jim Armitage, has been convened and a search firm has been engaged to carry out a national search for the position. A formal position description soon will be created, which sets the stage to identify potential candidates over the next several months. An initial round of interviews by the search committee likely will take place after the first of the calendar year.
Let me close by wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving and hoping you have quality time with friends and family.