Dr. Romberger honored by ACP for VA work

Debra Romberger, M.D.

Three Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Omaha Medical Center physicians, including UNMC’s Debra Romberger, M.D., were recognized recently with outstanding achievement awards by the Nebraska Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP).

Dr. Romberger, vice chairwoman of research in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine and associate chief of staff for research and development at the Omaha division of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, received Walter O’Donahue, Jr. M.D. Award.

Dr. Romberger’s award honors a physician who embodies the example set by the late Dr. O’Donahue. The award recognizes Dr. Romberger’s passion and leadership in research as well as her clinical and teaching skills. She has authored more than 200 scientific articles, abstracts and book chapters.

Dr. Romberger has an ongoing Merit Review grant research in environmental exposure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). She is a leader in her profession, serving in myriad societies including the American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, American Federation of Medical Research and Central Society for Clinical Research.

The Walter J. O’ Donahue, Jr., M.D. Award was established by the Nebraska Chapter of the American College of Physicians after Dr. Donahue’s death in 2002.

Dr. O’Donahue was professor and chairman of medicine at Creighton University as well as the associate dean for graduate medical education. He was an active member of the Nebraska ACP chapter’s Governor’s Advisory Council for 17 years.

Others who received awards were:

• Scott Menolascino, M.D., director of the Omaha VA Medical Center (VAMC) Emergency Department, who received the Outstanding Teacher Award;
  
• Marvin Bittner, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at the Omaha VAMC since 2004, received the Chapter Volunteerism and Community Service Award.