Meet Spirit of Community Service awardee Debra Romberger, M.D.

Debra Romberger. M.D.

Debra Romberger. M.D.

Debra Romberger, M.D., will receive the Spirit of Community Service Award at the April 24 annual faculty meeting.

  • Name: Debra Romberger, M.D.
  • Title: Professor and vice chair, research for the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, and assistant chief of staff for research at Omaha’s VA medical center.
  • Joined UNMC: 1990
  • Hometown: near Abilene, Kan.












Chancellor to speak at event



UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., will give his annual address to the faculty at 4 p.m. on April 24 in the Durham Research Center Auditorium as part of the annual faculty meeting. Following the address and the award presentations, Dr. Gold will host a reception in the center’s foyer.




How did you start in your community service activities?
I started volunteering as an M.D. at One World (before it was called One World) around 1995. I had experienced a death in my family and it became clear to me that I needed to start giving back to the community, because that was a core value for me and I had been putting it off during the days of training and the beginning of my career. My involvement in my faith community (First United Methodist) also gives me lots of opportunities to be involved in the community that does not depend on my medical background.

Why do you feel community service is important?
I grew up in a farming community with parents who imparted to me the concept that volunteering in the community is central to having a vibrant space for all of us. I am trying to do my small part to contribute to the common good by being involved with community service.

List three things few people know about you.

  • I was in 4-H in my youth and had sheep, sewing and photography projects.
  • I am horrible at driving a stick shift.
  • I like cross-country skiing and bicycling, but don’t get much of it done.

3 comments

  1. Ellen Duysen says:

    Deb is a brilliant example of how we can work together in service and outreach to make a difference in the lives of those in our community. Congratulations Deb!

  2. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations to Dr. Romberger on behalf of the Department of Internal Medicine! Deb is an extremely accomplished person and the fact that she also makes it a priority to give back to the community like she does, demonstrates one of many reasons that she is a role model for everyone on campus.

  3. John A Benson, Jr. says:

    Congratulations, Debra. Well deserved. Hope you're well and thriving as the hierarchy shifts.
    John Benson

Comments are closed.