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Dr. Romberger named interim chair of internal medicine

Her appointment is effective July 1.

May 27, 2014

Debra Romberger, M.D.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology celebrates 100th anniversary

In 1914, a postage stamp cost 2 cents. The Panama Canal opened. And the UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (then known as medical chemistry) had its first three faculty members. A century later, a stamp is 49 cents. Upwards of 14,000 vessels annually use the canal. And the department has 22 primary and 34 courtesy faculty members, 40 graduate students, 19 research associates and post-docs, 16 staff members and four emeritus faculty.

May 27, 2014

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2013-14.

University of Nebraska’s proposed budget released

Regents will consider budget at May 30 meeting.

May 27, 2014

James Linder, M.D., interim president of the University of Nebraska.

Presentation will impact children’s mental health care

Christopher Kratochvil, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and pediatrics and associate vice chancellor for clinical research at UNMC, chaired the master course — “Update on Pediatric Psychopharmacology” — at the American Psychiatric Association’s 2014 annual meeting, held earlier this month in New York City. It was the fourth year Dr. Kratochvil has chaired the master course at the event.

May 27, 2014

Christopher Kratochvil, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and pediatrics and associate vice chancellor for clinical research at UNMC.

UNMC, SHARING Clinics to team with Girls Inc.

UNMC and Girls Incorporated of Omaha (Girls Inc.) have announced a partnership to offer health care services at Girls Inc.’s new $15 million health and wellness center at 2811 N. 45th St. A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 14 for the 55,000-square-foot addition. The newly expanded Girls Inc. center will be named in memory of Katherine Fletcher, a respected leader in the Omaha community and an exemplary educator with the Omaha Public Schools.

May 27, 2014

From left, Drew Dickson, co-president of UNMC SHARING Clinics, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Girls Inc. Executive Director Roberta Wilhelm and Brad Britigan, M.D., dean of the UNMC College of Medicine and president of the clinical enterprise, pose by a photo of Katherine Clark Fletcher at the groundbreaking.

News briefs

Kevin Garvin, M.D., orthopaedic surgery, has been named treasurer of The Hip Society. Earlier this year, Dr. Garvin served as program chair for the organization’s Specialty Day during its annual meeting in New Orleans. In addition, Dr. Garvin is currently serving as research committee chair on the executive board of The Knee Society and has been a member of the International Hip Society since 2012.

May 27, 2014

Dr. Romberger named interim chair of internal medicine

A veteran faculty member of 24 years, Debra Romberger, M.D., has been selected to serve as interim chair of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine. The appointment, which is effective July 1, was announced last week by Bradley Britigan, M.D., dean of the College of Medicine.

May 27, 2014

Debra Romberger, M.D.

Rural Futures grant fuels mentoring beacon

A mentor can make a huge difference in a student’s life. Even a virtual mentor. In a cutting-edge attempt to address the looming shortage of behavioral health professionals, the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) has created a “Virtual Mentorship Network” to pair promising young students with behavioral health professionals.

May 27, 2014

Howard Liu, M.D., and Heidi Keeler, Ph.D.

Grant helps Dr. Teoh-Fitzgerald target breast cancer

For years scientists have studied breast cancer cells to varying degrees to determine why and how they form, thrive and communicate with one another and in some cases resist treatment. Personalized medicine, targeted therapies and preventive measures have become the norm. And all the while, Melissa Teoh-Fitzgerald, Ph.D., has wondered about the tissue surrounding the cancer cells, also known as the stroma, or connective tissue, that supports the cancer cell.

May 27, 2014

Melissa Teoh-Fitzgerald, Ph.D.

Research Highlights

The following 19 grants representing more than $1.5 million in new funding were awarded to UNMC College of Medicine faculty during March.

May 27, 2014