Volunteer faculty members honored for service

The following are highlights from the UNMC College of Medicine Volunteer Faculty Awards program for the second half of 2006. The program recognizes outstanding volunteer faculty members for their contributions to campus, classroom and clinical settings.

John Patrick O’Gara, M.D.

John Patrick O’Gara, M.D., has been a volunteer faculty member for 34 years, impacting generations of residents and medical students. He joined the staff of Methodist Hospital in 1971, where he remained for the duration of his medical career. Throughout his career, he has maintained strong ties with UNMC and the department of anesthesiology. Now retired, Dr. O’Gara continues to influence young physicians at UNMC by attending and hosting Anesthesia Journal Clubs.

“Countless medical students enjoyed month-long rotations with him at Methodist Hospital, where his patience, understanding, and commitment to excellence set enviable standards for their medical careers,” his nominator said.

Bruce Kuhn, M.D.

Bruce Kuhn, M.D., associate professor, UNMC Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, has been a faculty volunteer since 1990. He is president of Oral Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgeons in Omaha.

“He provides the residency program a fresh perspective from the private practice community that would not be possible without his volunteer support,” his nominator said.
“Dr. Kuhn has had additional training in facial esthetic surgery, and therefore, he can provide this additional scope and breathe of surgical knowledge and expertise to the OMS residency program. His contributions.are immeasurable.”

Carol Swarts, M.D.

Carol Swarts, M.D., of Crestview Hills, Ky., has been a volunteer faculty member in UNMC’s Department of Radiation Oncology since 1999. She also has been associated with UNMC’s Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Swarts has provided the radiation oncology department with relief services (locum tenens) and continues to maintain her professional expertise in the area of radiation oncology.

“Dr. Swarts dedication to working with the medical students is admirable and commendable. It amazes me to see someone like Dr. Swarts continue to practice and to return services to the medical school where she has trained,” her nominator said. “She is an asset and ambassador for the University of Nebraska Medical Center.”

Amy Longo, J.D.

Amy Longo, J.D., an attorney with Ellick, Jones, Buelt, Blazek & Longo in Omaha, has been a volunteer faculty member since 1987. Longo, who has dual training in law and nursing, serves as an adjunct faculty member in the UNMC Department of Preventive and Societal Medicine’s Section on Humanities and Law. She presents faculty development seminars, grand rounds and class lectures. She also participates in a fourth-year selective course for medical students on current issues in law and medicine.

“I can always count on Amy for a calm, prudent and lucid response to potential legal dilemmas in the clinic or classroom,” her nominator said. “As a teacher, she frames questions clearly and proposes practical solutions without resorting to jargon. Amy’s dignity, graciousness and professionalism are inspiring.”

Nick Steinauer, M.D., has been a volunteer faculty member in UNMC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for about 10 years. Dr. Steinauer enhances the experiences of UNMC ob/gyn residents by involving them in the care of his private patients at Omaha OBGYN Associates PC.

“Dr. Steinauer cheerfully and willingly involves the ob/gyn department residents,” his nominator said. “His dedication is much appreciated when considering he takes time out of his busy private practice to do so.”

Erik Otterberg, M.D., who specializes in hip and knee replacement at GIKK Orthopaedic Surgery in Omaha, has been a volunteer faculty member since 2000. Dr. Otterberg staffs clinics and cases at the VA Medical Center, gives lectures for grand rounds at least two times per year, participates in weekly conferences and regularly participates in Journal Club. Orthopedic residents voted him “Outstanding Instructor” for 2005-2006.

“Dr. Otterberg is a valuable asset in our mission to educate orthopedic residents,” his nominator said. “He unselfishly gives of his time and surgical expertise to teach residents. His patience and understanding make him a valued educator.”