Jessica Goeller, DO, reflects on leadership at national level
Jessica Goeller, DO, vice chair and chief of pediatric anesthesiology in the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology, has been appointed president of the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists.
Dr. Goeller, who has served in leadership roles on the Board of Governors with AOCA since 2020, officially assumed the presidency at the organization’s annual meeting in September. She will serve a one-year term through October 2026.
“I’m proud to represent the anesthesia profession on the national stage,” Dr. Goeller said. “As the first board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist and full professor at UNMC who is an osteopathic physician, it’s an honor to serve in a role that reflects both my professional roots and the strength of our department’s national presence.”
AOCA was founded in 1952 to support osteopathic anesthesiologists through education, advocacy and community-building. While it was founded within the osteopathic tradition, Dr. Goeller notes that its meetings and membership are inclusive of both MDs and DOs.
As president, Dr. Goeller said her priorities center on advancing education, mentorship and technology within the field of anesthesiology.
“Our future depends on investing in the next generation of anesthesiologists,” she said. “Medical students, residents and early-career physicians deserve meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and contribute. AOCA is creating dedicated interest groups and forums for them, places to engage, ask questions and shape their careers.”
-Sarah Hankin, UNMC strategic communications
Dr. Mammen leads national effort on SurgeonsPAC Board
Joshua Mammen, MD, PhD, chief of surgical oncology at UNMC and physician-in-chief of the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, is nearing the end of his first year as chair of the American College of Surgeons Professional Association’s SurgeonsPAC Board.
The American College of Surgeons plays a vital role in today’s health care landscape, improving surgical care and safeguarding ethical standards. Its political action committee, ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC, serves as the advocacy arm.
In his three-year leadership role, Dr. Mammen champions issues critical to surgical care, ensuring they remain at the forefront of health care policy discussions as federal laws are developed.
Dr. Mammen is reshaping the SurgeonsPAC leadership by bringing advocacy conversations to the state and local levels, expanding participation and empowering more surgeons to have a voice in health care policy.
“We want to help surgeons share the stories of the challenges that their patients face,” he said.
Dr. Mammen said he will continue to focus on adequate access for all patients to necessary surgical and medical care, particularly cancer surgeries, and on sustained funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute for groundbreaking research that leads to dramatic improvements in cancer mortality.
“These collaborative efforts help ensure patients in Nebraska and across the country can access the surgical care they need,” Dr. Mammen said, “regardless of where they live.”
–Audrey Smith, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
Lauren Garcia recognized as rising leader in public health
Lauren Garcia, a community outreach and engagement specialist with the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, has been recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 in Public Health by the de Beaumont Foundation.
The foundation recognized Garcia for her decade-plus of experience in clinical care, research, community engagement and public health programming. Garcia holds a Master of Public Health and is pursuing a DrPH in women’s and reproductive health.
“The absolute best part of my job is getting to work hand-in-hand with the community and partners I love with absolutely all my heart,” she said. “There’s nothing more fulfilling than teaming up with people who care deeply to spark real change and break down barriers to care.”
“The 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 is a high-achieving, passionate group of professionals whose accomplishments and experience showcase the very best of the public health field,” said Brian Castrucci, DrPH, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation. “I look forward to working with them to advance health outcomes in communities across the nation.”
-UNMC strategic communications
Dr. Quiros-Tejeira elected to American Pediatric Society
Ruben Quiros-Tejeira, MD, a professor of pediatrics and surgery, chief of the UNMC Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and medical director of pediatric liver and intestinal transplantation at Nebraska Medicine, has been elected to the American Pediatric Society.
APS members are recognized child health leaders of extraordinary achievement who work together to strengthen academic pediatrics by expanding the workforce, nurturing leaders, and developing innovative approaches to address child and adolescent health challenges.
“Each year, we welcome new members to the American Pediatric Society, and it is always an exciting moment,” said Stephen Daniels, MD, PhD, APS president. “Our new members represent the future of our society – bringing fresh perspectives, energy, and expertise. This year’s cohort is especially distinguished and diverse, with national and international leaders in education, advocacy, research and clinical care.”
-John Keenan, UNMC strategic communications
UNMC hosts chief medical officers
On Oct. 20, health care leaders from across the Omaha Federal Coordinating Center region convened to support development of a Chief Medical Officer Plan — a critical step in strengthening regional medical surge readiness under the National Disaster Medical System Omaha Pilot Program.
The executive meeting brought together 21 participants representing 16 organizations, including hospitals and health systems spanning Omaha, Council Bluffs, Bellevue, Lincoln, Norfolk and Columbus. The session served as a collaborative forum to align on strategy, share perspectives and identify opportunities to enhance coordination and response capability across the region’s health care network.
The NDMS is a federally coordinated system that augments the nation’s medical response capabilities during major domestic and international emergencies and military contingencies. The U.S. Department of Defense launched the pilot program to improve medical surge capacity and interoperability in the event of an overseas military conflict with casualties. Omaha is one of only eight sites nationwide selected for this initiative.
-Global Center for Health Security