High honor for steady voice of the pandemic

Mark Rupp, MD, (left) was accompanied by CEO Jim Linder, MD, to learn the news of his award from the Nebraska Hospital Association.

Mark Rupp, MD, (left) was accompanied by CEO Jim Linder, MD, to learn the news of his award from the Nebraska Hospital Association.

It’s no secret to those working at Nebraska Medicine how valuable his insight has been throughout the pandemic. But now, Mark Rupp, MD, medical director of infection control and epidemiology at Nebraska Medicine and chief of the UNMC Division of Infectious Disease, has been recognized by others — receiving the Nebraska Hospital Association’s (NHA) highest honor. 

Dr. Rupp received the Excellence in Service Award from the NHA at a virtual awards ceremony. Nebraska Medicine CEO Jim Linder, MD, was on hand to present the award and affirm Dr. Rupp’s selection for the honor.

This award is presented to a hospital or health system administrator or senior executive who has demonstrated outstanding administrative skills, professional performance, health care organization involvement and significant leadership.

"Under his leadership during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Rupp served as a trusted expert and industry leader to our communities, his employees and medical professionals across the state and worldwide," says Laura J. Redoutey, NHA president. "He showed an unwavering commitment to sharing his expertise to educate and encourage behaviors to help squelch the virus. There is no doubt that his vast understanding of infectious diseases and his ability to translate complex topics for the public saved lives in Nebraska and across the country."

Dr. Rupp has spent countless hours educating our staff and the public on the latest findings regarding the COVID-19 virus. 

Said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD: "Dr. Rupp, in so many ways, has been the face – or one of the many faces – of the way our institution has communicated both internally to our faculty, students and staff. . . and externally to the local community, the nation and around the world."

"Mark provides trusted information and calm when there is uncertainty," Dr. Linder said. "When people understand what the situation is, their anxiety level is lowered. And during this pandemic, Dr. Rupp has been that source of calm and reliable information. He is truly an asset for the state of Nebraska, Nebraska Medicine and UNMC."

To hear more from Dr. Rupp’s colleagues about why he is so deserving, watch this video.

6 comments

  1. Bill O'Neill says:

    Such as deserved honor. Congratulations, Dr. Rupp!

  2. Peter Iwen says:

    Dr. Rupp,
    Congratulations! A well deserved honor!

  3. Lena Bolivar Johnson says:

    I sure appreciate your being here; it's been comforting to have you share your first-hand knowledge and information! What an appropriate and deserved honor. Congratulations, Mark!

  4. Jerrie Dayton says:

    Thank you Dr. Rupp for all the education you have provided as this pandemic rages. Your even temperament has helped bring Nebraska and UNMC to the forefront. I appreciate all you've done and all the hours you have put in to spreading the information about the Covid virus.

  5. Tom O'Connor says:

    Dr. Rupp is the master at explaining complicated things in a way that people can understand. There is nobody more deserving of this recognition. Way to go, Mark, and thanks for all you do.

  6. Chandra Are says:

    Mark,
    Your steady leadership, calm voice of unbiased reasoning during times of evolving fear and grave uncertainty is exactly what our campus and nation needed. You certainly rose to the occasion and beyond!
    Thank you for everything you did and continue to do.

    Chandra Are

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