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From left: Denise Leonard, a staff member for Sen. Dave Pankonin of Lincoln, and Nanette Hessee, an aide for Sen. Tom Carlson, sport the white coats they received during their visit to UNMC on Tuesday. |
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UNMC postdoctoral researcher Rebecca Slager, Ph.D., who works in the laboratory of Joe Sisson, M.D., discusses her work with legislative staff members on Tuesday. |
The tour was designed to give staff members a real taste of what goes on everyday at UNMC, said Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs.
Bartee kicked off the tours by telling staff members they were about to get a first hand look at a thriving institution.
“Throughout history, there are periods where certain organizations experience dramatic rises,” Bartee said. “I really believe UNMC is in one of those periods right now. You’re going to see what I mean during your visit today.”
With cutting-edge research such as the work by Joe Sisson, M.D., on studying the affects of alcohol on the lungs, construction of state-of-the-art facilities such as the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Sciences Education, and world-class programs such the new autism and feeding disorders programs at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, UNMC is establishing itself among the nation’s leaders in health care and education, Bartee said.
Along with their tours, the staff members also received honorary white coats to commemorate their visit. The coat symbolizes professionalism, Bartee said a trait that is stressed upon UNMC students upon their arrival to the campus.
“We begin ingraining that in them once they get here,” Bartee said.
Educating quality health care professionals is a vital part of UNMC’s mission and Bartee said he was grateful for the Legislative support the medical center receives.
Margaret Kohl, an aide to Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island, said the tour of UNMC was impressive and she was particularly intrigued with Dr. Sisson’s research.
Tyanne Hoyt, an aide to Sen. Kent Rogert of Tekamah, said the tour provided information that may prove useful in the upcoming legislative session.
“I’m glad we were able to take this tour,” Hoyt said. “It was really helpful in that it let us see what’s going on here. I can see that UNMC is a good resource for the state.”
Click on the images below to see video of the visit by the legislative staff members.
UNMC Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Bob Bartee welcomes the staff members to campus.
Legislative staff members don their white coats.
Legislative staff experience simulated learning with the help of Karen Schrader of the UNMC College of Nursing.
Researcher Rebecca Slager, Ph.D., (seated) explains her research on the effects of agricultural dust and pesticide exposure on lung health.
Stephanie Simons, an aide for Sen. DiAnna Schimek, shares her experience following the visit to UNMC.
Denise Leonard, an aide for Sen. Dave Pankonin, shares her experience following the visit to UNMC.