{"id":129608,"date":"2026-02-04T16:32:57","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T22:32:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=129608"},"modified":"2026-02-04T16:32:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T22:32:59","slug":"message-from-the-interim-chair-of-the-department-of-internal-medicine-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2026\/02\/04\/message-from-the-interim-chair-of-the-department-of-internal-medicine-7\/","title":{"rendered":"Message from the Interim Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

As my time as the interim chair of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine comes to a close, I am struck by two emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, I have feelings of gratitude. I am thankful that our department is so full of talented, dedicated, thoughtful and really nice people who made this year easier. With help from the administrative staff who kept the wheels on the cart, the division chiefs and department leaders who provided inspiration and vision, and the medical providers, house staff and researchers who did the heavy lifting, everyone \u2013 through acts large and small \u2013 maintained forward momentum through some very challenging times. The personnel of the department of internal medicine proved resilient and persevered through some very dark and troubling times, including a lengthy government shutdown, funding cuts, organized campaigns directed against science, higher education and public health and, most recently, changes in the organizational governance structure. I am thankful that I was in a position in my career where I could “give back” to the department and for my wife and family for supporting me while doing so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, despite ongoing challenges, I am very optimistic. After an extensive national search with an incredible list of talented candidates, Hemant Roy, MD, was named as the next permanent chair of the department and he will start formally in March. Dr. Roy\u2019s intent is to “hit the ground running,” and he is already very active in learning about all aspects of the department and meeting with numerous people at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine. I am very confident that Dr. Roy will bring new ideas and energetic leadership to the department and I look forward to working with him. I know he will enjoy the same warm welcome and spirit of collaboration I experienced as interim chair, ensuring continued departmental success. I am very optimistic for the future of the department because of the people and programs already in place. Even in a transition year with significant challenges and distractions, the department has continued to grow, plan, hire and flourish. I am very excited to be part of a new era of growth and development for the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With warm regards and best wishes for the future!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As my time as the interim chair of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine comes to a close, I am struck by two emotions. First, I have feelings of gratitude. I am thankful that our department is so full of talented, dedicated, thoughtful and really nice people who made this year easier. 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