New faculty spotlight: Laura Jana, M.D.

Laura Jana, M.D.

Laura Jana, M.D., is a new faculty member at UNMC. Here’s a brief rundown of her background and the expertise she brings to campus.

• Name: Laura Jana, M.D.
• Hometown: Born in Madison, Wis.
• New title and department at UNMC: Director of Innovation, Epidemiology, College of Public Health

Research/Professional Interests:
Very broad interests around children, parenting, data and technology, health and health communication, education and innovation. Current focus on early childhood, building a culture of health, data, and global health and technology innovation.

How I fell in love with children and working “at the intersect”:
I have always loved children ever since I can remember, but quickly realized that improving the lives of children involved far more than just the pediatric aspects.

Degrees:

• B.S., cellular molecular biology, University of Michigan
• M.D., (CWRU), Pediatrics, UCSF and Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital

Memberships:

• American Academy of Pediatrics

Three things people may not know about me:

• I first got involved in parenting communication nationally when I had the opportunity to meet and work with Dr. Spock as a first-year medical student.
• I have an identical twin sister who has been referred to as “the most connected woman in Silicon Valley.”
• In addition to practicing pediatrics, I spent nearly 10 years as the owner of a 200-student educational child care center.