Magda Peck, Sc.D., has championed women’s and children’s health for much of her professional life.
On Thursday (Dec. 9), UNMC’s professor of pediatrics was nationally recognized for her work when she was named an “Outstanding Leader” by the Coalition for Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology.
The award is reserved for the best and brightest in maternal/child health.
Dr Peck is “a true jewel,” said Dr. Bill Sappenfield, Ph.D., medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. “Any university would be blessed to have her skills and abilities.”
Dr. Sappenfield worked with Dr. Peck several years ago when he was a visiting professor of pediatrics at UNMC. “She helped fill the vacuum that was present in meeting the needs of women and children with public health,” he said.
Currently on sabbatical, Dr. Peck also is CEO and founder of CityMatCH, a national public health organization based at UNMC.
CityMatCH is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women, children and families in America’s cities.
With CityMatCH, Dr. Peck brought together urban public health leaders to address the needs of women and children, and connected them with leading researchers and practice guidelines.
“What she recognized early on is that Omaha has more in common with Denver and Kansas City than it does with the rest of Nebraska,” Dr Sappenfield said.
“Magda is a work in progress,” said Bruce Buehler, M.D., professor and chairman of pediatrics and director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute. “She continually takes on new challenges and explores new ideas. It’s that courage that led to this award.”