Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.
This week, we learn more about:
- Name: Justin Watson
- Hometown: North Platte
- No. of years at UNMC: Four
Tell us about what you do at UNMC:
As Cities Readiness Initiative coordinator, biosecurity & biopreparedness, in the College of Public Health, I coordinate a federally funded program designed to enhance biopreparedness in the nation’s largest cities. I work with the local health departments (LHDs) around the Omaha area on their mass dispensing plans with the goal of being able to dispense antibiotics to 100 percent of the population within 48 hours. I assess current plans and resources, provide technical assistance to LHDs, and act as a liaison between LHDs and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I also ensure all Cities Readiness Initiative-related grant requirements are completed.
Being a leader is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group act as a leader at UNMC:
I have had the privilege of working with the staff from the Center for Preparedness Education for more than eight years. These people have repeatedly shown leadership in the area of emergency preparedness. They help improve Nebraska’s response capabilities by providing quality training and education to hospitals, health departments and other responders. A great example is the annual Preparedness Symposia.
What’s your favorite winter activity?
Playing games with the wife and kids on snowy nights when it is too cold out. My kids are hilarious and entertaining.
List three things people may not know about you.
- I’ve traveled to more than 20 countries on various family trips and from my time in the U.S. Navy. My wife is from Brazil, and it is nice to be able to go there every now and then.
- I’m a movie nut. I love everything about them, and I especially enjoy going to the theater. I even read trivia on movies.
- I was one of the sailors who greeted the returning injured sailors from the U.S.S. Cole after its bombing in October 2000. We were bused to the runway; hundreds of sailors from different ships located in Norfolk, Va. I also attended the memorial at Naval Station Norfolk where President Clinton spoke. Like myself, most people remember where they were on Sept. 11 — I also remember where I was when I heard about the U.S.S Cole (as I myself had just returned from an overseas deployment).