Reflections and observations by UNMC Public Relations’ Tom O’Connor

Time out with T.O. – Getting along swimmingly

Dealing with cancer is a grueling physical and psychological battle. So is the annual 12 ½ mile marathon swim around Key West, Fla., that Hal Clarendon annually completed between 1999 and 2008.

Jan 11, 2011

Time out with T.O. – Special place, vital people

As part of my job, I give new hires an overview of UNMC at new employee orientation. I always tell them it’s a privilege to work here. Why? It’s the people.

Dec 9, 2010

Time out with T.O. – Winning the battle against cancer

Like most of us, Condoleezza Rice, Ph.D., has been touched by cancer.

Nov 4, 2010

Time out with T.O. – Roll up those sleeves

During the recent heat wave, dozens of scheduled blood donors in Omaha cancelled appointments every day because it was “too hot,” said April Oppliger. That’s weak. They could have at least used the old “my dog swallowed my appointment card” line.

Aug 31, 2010

Time out with T.O. – UNMC’s first lady

Passion. Energy. Commitment. The qualities describe to a T what Beverly Maurer means to UNMC.

Aug 10, 2010

Time out with T.O. – Dr. Potter makes her mark

You might call Jane Potter, M.D., a pioneer. Back in 1982, when she began her career at UNMC, she was the only trained geriatrician in Nebraska. Today, as she gets ready to open the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging, she is about to make another mark in Nebraska history.

Jul 20, 2010

Time out with T.O. – Murphy’s Law, Alex Flagg and Dead Timber

They call it Murphy’s Law — whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. Alex Flagg, associate director of Web communications in public relations, he knows all about good ol’ Murph.

Jun 29, 2010

Time out with T.O. – One fine dean

At the end of June, John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., will step down after more than seven years as dean of the College of Medicine. He’s loved every minute of it.

Jun 22, 2010

Time out with T.O. – The nightmare and a field of dreams

It’s a nightmare for any parent — you get the call in the middle of the night that something bad has happened to your child.

Jun 8, 2010

Time out with T.O. – UNMC’s Amazing Dr. Harman

He’s a living legend. Yet, most people at UNMC have no idea who he is. Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D., is now 94 years old. He still comes to work at least four days a week.

May 25, 2010