Joseph Stothert, MD, PhD, died unexpectedly Friday. Dr. Stothert was a longtime faculty member in the UNMC Department of Surgery and part of Nebraska Medicine’s medical staff.
UNMC and Nebraska Medicine leadership released the following statement Friday.
“The entire Nebraska Medicine and UNMC community sends its deepest condolences to the Stothert family. He will be remembered as a talented surgeon who saved countless lives in his years of service to Omaha and the region. His legacy lives on through the medical students, residents and faculty colleagues he taught and mentored. Our thoughts and prayers are with the mayor and all of Dr. Stothert’s colleagues at the medical center.”
There are plans being made to honor Dr. Stothert with a campus memorial ceremony sometime in the coming weeks.
Med center leaders strongly encourage Dr. Stothert’s colleagues to seek support through UNMC’s and Nebraska Medicine’s counseling resources, including the Peers in Need of Support (PINS) program.
Other resources include:
Peer counseling for physicians
Resources for Family Members:
- UNMC Psychiatry Services: (402) 552-6002. Please let intake staff know that you are an employee.
- UNMC Psychology Services: (402) 559-5031. Please let intake staff know that you are an employee.
- Behavioral Health Connection: Help connecting with resources, such as psychiatrists, mental health therapists, substance use disorder recovery, etc. Free to anyone in the Omaha-metro area. Confidential. (402) 836-9292.
Resources for House Officers:
The UNMC House Officer Assistance Program
Resources for Students:
UNMC Student Counseling in Bennet Hall: Grief therapy. Crisis counseling. No payment necessary. Confidential. Sixth floor of Bennett Hall. (402) 559-7276.
24/7 Helplines:
- Crisis Assistance via Phone: 24/7 free, confidential support for anyone in distress. 1-800-273-TALK National Crisis Line
- Crisis Assistance via Text. 741741- Text “hello” for immediate crisis assistance.
Dr Stothert was my surgeon when I was diagnosed with a rare malignant tumor. I appreciated his calm demeanor and his friendliness. I will always think of him with respect and love. Praying for all of you as you grieve.
He was a fine surgeon and always supportive of the surgeons in rural settings in Nebraska. He will be missed by many medical students, surgery residents, and other professionals at UNMC, as well as Surgeons outside of Omaha. Prayers for Joe and his family. Kerrey Buser, MD, FACS
Dr. Stothert blessed so many people with his kindness and work. A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves for they are still alive in our hearts. Praying that his family, colleagues, friends, students find comfort in their beautiful memories of him.
You were such a special doctor who saved so many people. I'm so sorry I couldn't save you.