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Sen. Tom Brewer meets with students during UNMC tour

The remoteness of western Nebraska certainly limits access to health care, Nebraska State Sen. Tom Brewer said.

But after witnessing a telehealth demonstration on Dec. 3 between a UNMC geriatric psychiatrist in Omaha and a nursing home provider in Gordon, Neb., Sen. Brewer said, “Technology can definitely help bridge that gap.

“If you can see a patient face-to-face, even if just on a screen and with support from a nurse practitioner or other health care professional on the other end, you can complete the cycle of care.”

Sitting at a desk in UNMC’s Home Instead Center for Successful Aging, Sen. Brewer spoke with registered nurse Pam McDonald, director of nursing at Oglala Lakota Sioux Nursing on the outskirts of Whiteclay, Neb., and learned more about the services Tom Magnuson, M.D., is able to provide through the telehealth network.

McDonald said she has witnessed dramatic improvements in the nearly two years since Dr. Magnuson began providing service to the 35 residents there.

“I had one patient who hadn’t spoken for a year because the medication she was on left her lethargic, but once Dr. Magnuson adjusted it, she’s now talking and holding conversations again,” McDonald said.

“Wow, that’s impressive,” Sen. Brewer said.

The telehealth demonstration was just one stop on Sen. Brewer’s visit to UNMC. He toured the Home Instead Center learning about the other services offered there, and then spoke to medical students representing the Student Association of Rural Health (SARH), Family Medicine Interest Group, Primary Care Program, and several student delegates.

A retired U.S. Army colonel with more than 37 years of service, including multiple combat tours of duty in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Sen. Brewer shared his story of surviving multiple, nearly fatal injuries and his years-long journey through the medical system, including being treated for leukemia.

“The Student Association of Rural Health was honored to host Sen. Brewer. His decorated service as a veteran, personal experiences navigating the health care system, and his sincere interest in addressing health care access in his rural district, provided important insight and information for the student attendees who intend to return to rural communities across Nebraska to practice health care,” said Sam Woodruff, AHEC program associate and advisor for SARH.

Sen. Brewer received two Bronze Star medals and two Purple Heart medals while serving in Afghanistan. He was elected in 2016 to represent the 43rd District to the Nebraska Legislature and is the first state senator of Native American descent to serve in Nebraska’s Unicameral.