Lookin’ at U – Adria McCallie

Adria McCallie

Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.
This week, we learn more about:

• Name: Adria McCallie
• No. of years at UNMC: Four years

Tell us what you do here at UNMC.

When I got out of college, I started working for UNMC in the pathology/microbiology department for three years. I also was working for Nebraska Medicine in the psychology department, doing cognitive testing on geriatric adults. Through working in both a laboratory and clinical setting, I realized I had a passion for patient care and coordination.

When the Care Team Navigator (CTN) position for the Dementia Care Ecosystem in geriatric medicine became available, I jumped at the opportunity. The goal of the care ecosystem is to emphasize coordinated, continuous and personalized dementia care that aims to improve the health and satisfaction of patients and their caregivers. Some of the issues I help families address are: communication strategies, medication reconciliation, caregiver coping, advanced planning for the future, safety risks and behavioral interventions. Because Alzheimer’s disease and all forms of dementia are so unpredictable and constantly changing, it’s important that caregivers have a trusted person they can talk to when things are overwhelming.

Being a trusted resource is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed this value at UNMC.

Every department I have ever contacted, the person has always been very helpful and happy to talk to me. Today, I called the privacy and information security office and spoke to an employee about some HIPPA questions I had in regards to research. She was very helpful, and also referred me to another employee who could give me more information. I also think the Benefits office is a wonderful resource; I have contacted the people in that office multiple times with questions.

What is your favorite winter activity?
Every winter, my parents host a fondue night. We invite family and friends over to celebrate the season.

List three things people may not know about you.

• In high school and college I worked as a floral assistant then a vet assistant, so I am great with floral arrangements, and I’m the one everyone calls with any pet health or behavioral issues.
• I love to play video and computer games in my free time. I also love watching old movies: I’m a sucker for anything with Cary Grant.
• I am a cat fanatic. My roommate and I have three cats, and I am constantly collecting cat figurines.