Program Overview

Health Design Thinking

Medical students will apply design thinking methodology to innovate and improve the health field, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and collaboration, which are essential for addressing complex healthcare challenges.

By applying this human-centered approach, they can empathize with patients and stakeholders, identify unmet needs, and generate creative solutions.

Design Sprints

Intensive, one-day events where student health teams are tasked with solving pressing health-related challenges in collaboration with INMC and Nebraska Medicine. These sprints are fast-paced and demand a deep engagement with design thinking principles. Through brainstorming, rapid prototyping, and iterative feedback, scholars develop practical and impactful solutions that address immediate needs of the healthcare community. The Design Sprints hone students’ problem-solving abilities and cultivate their capacity for teamwork and quick, effective decision-making in a high-pressure environment.

Community-Based Projects

Rooted in a commitment to social responsibility, the Scott Scholars will actively participate in community-based projects to address health disparities. In collaboration with the Community Wellness Collaborative – a space dedicated to engaging individuals and groups and connecting them with essential health resources – teams of Scott Scholars will take on the challenge of improving access to this collaborative. Thet will focus on finding innovative ways to better connect the community with the necessary health support and recourses. By utilizing design thinking, these teams will work to create sustainable solutions that enhance the Collaborative’s vision of providing education, training, and building career pathways for underserved populations.

Global Immersion Program

The Health Design Thinking curriculum is further enriched by international health and global immersion experiences. These opportunities allow scholars to confront global health challenges firsthand, applying patient-centered solutions in diverse cultural and healthcare settings. By engaging with healthcare professionals and communities worldwide, students gain a broader perspective on healthcare delivery and the unique challenges different populations face. These experiences are invaluable in shaping scholars into globally minded healthcare leaders prepared to innovate and lead in any context.

March 2025 trip

Anáhuac University Partnership

Vision Screening and Medical Service Project-March 2025

The Scott Scholars Program, in collaboration with UNMC and Anáhuac University, facilitated a week-long vision screening and medical service initiative in Veracruz and Córdoba, Mexico. This program provides students with hands-on experience in healthcare delivery, focusing on vision screening, preventive health, and chronic disease management in local communities.

Program Highlights:

• Community Engagement: Vision screenings and preventive health education were conducted in underserved communities.
• Clinical Rotations: Students participated in rotations at various local hospitals and health centers, gaining invaluable practical experience.
• Cultural Immersion: The program featured cultural activities and tours, enriching the overall learning experience.
• Collaborative Learning: The partnership with Anáhuac University enables cross-cultural exchange and professional development.

Proposed Agenda:

June 2024

In collaboration with Anáhuac University, Leigh Jahnke traveled to Cordoba and Xalapa, Mexico. Through this immersive experience, Leigh participated in clinical shadowing, enhanced her proficiency in Spanish, and played a proactive role in patient care during a local health fair, underscoring the program’s commitment to fostering global perspectives in medical education. 

Research

Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP)

The MSSRP provides rising second-year UNMC medical students with the opportunity to deepen their research expertise. This eight-week program encourages students to develop research skills, engage full time, and present their findings. Students develop their research skills by working closely with faculty mentors to create and execute a research project, earning information, analyzing data, and applying solutions to defined problems. They engage in full time work as participants are expected to dedicate themselves fully to their research projects, enduring a comprehensive learning experience. Finally, upon completion, students are encouraged to present their research at the Midwest Student Biomedical Research Forum (MSBRF), further honing their communication skills and contributing to the scientific community.

Research spotlight - Joshua Oarhe

Project Title: Context Matters: Overcoming Surgical Safety Concerns of Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy through Comparative Analysis

Student: Joshua Oarhe

Mentor: Jason Foster MD, FACS, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery

Research Overview: Peritoneal metastasis of various abdominal cancers carries a poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) performed in conjunction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has improved survival but was initially associated with high morbidity and mortality. With better patient selection and training, the risk of this procedure now approaches that of other complex oncologic procedure. This study compares the surgical safety of CRS/HIPEC to CRS alone and other complex operations using the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program’s (NSQIP) variables.

Methods: This study employs a retrospective cohort design, analyzing CRS cases with and without HIPEC performed at UNMC from 2020 – 2025 using case logs, EMRs, and the “Surgical Outcomes for Cytoreductive Surgery” (SOCS) database. Demographics, surgical profile, operative details, preoperative risk factors, and postoperative outcomes were all abstracted. Complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo system.

Objectives:

1. To evaluate the quality data fidelity collected from Jan 2022-2024 and ensure all events have been identified and captured accurately
2. To retrospectively collect the historic data between January 2020-December 2021 to expand the database to include all variables for the entire time period.
3. To use NSQIP variables which are collected as part of the SOCS database to perform a comparative surgical safety analysis of CRS/HIPEC versus other oncologic procedures.

Results: When comparing CRS/HIPEC to other oncologic procedures, such as esophagectomy, hepatectomy, and pancreatectomy, superficial/deep SSI rates were similar as were 30-day readmission rates. CRS/HIPEC had significantly lower organ/space SSI, RTOR, and 30-day mortality. Overall, this analysis demonstrates that CRS/HIPEC had lower mortality and fewer serious complications than similar risk GI oncologic procedures. 

Student Involvement: Joshua was involved with data abstraction and collection, analysis, and interpretation of research findings. He utilized UNMC’s EMR to collect information, such as demographics, pre-operative risk factors, and post-operative outcomes, and perform preliminary data analysis to identify important trends. He also attended multiple cases of CRS with HIPEC to gain a real-world understanding of its diagnostic process, operative technique, and clinical management.

Significance: This research hopes to challenge the misconception of the surgical toxicity of CRS/HIPEC. By revealing similar risk profiles, the team anticipates a change in the perception of the procedure and an improvement in the presentation of surgical safety and support to the level comparable to other oncologic procedures of similar risk profiles. Josh plans to further develop the study to isolate specific perioperative factors that contribute to successful CRS/HIPEC to help standardize management techniques and improve outcomes across other institutions.

Scott Scholars Summer Research Program

The Scott Scholars Research Program builds on the foundation laid by the Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP) by offering even broader and more diverse research opportunities tailored to the ambition student eager to make significant contributions to global medical research. The program features national research mentorship, access to UNMC research cores, certification and badging system, and career pathway exposure. Unlike the MSSRP, which limits mentors within UNMC, Scott Scholars Summer Research Program encourages students to seek out research mentors from any national or global research university, diversifying the educational experience and enhancing the breadth and depth of research opportunities available to our students. Students also have access to UNMC research core facilities which provide hands-on training in state-of-the-art research techniques. Upon completing these research technique courses, students earn badges that certify their proficiency in these advanced technologies. Additionally, the program is designed to build skills and expose students to various career paths within the scientific community.

Research Spotlight - Heather Richard

Project Title: Palliative Care Intervention (POISE) in Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Student: Heather Richard

Mentor: Dr. Petrillo, Massachusetts General Hospital

Project Overview: This project focused on a clinical trial designed to enhance the quality of life for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer through a targeted palliative care intervention. Heather was tasked with analyzing qualitative data from the trial's early stages, specifically examining patient feedback and outcomes.

Research Activities: Data Analysis: Heather reviewed and analyzed interviews and questionnaires from the stakeholder and pilot phases to identify themes and evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness.

Manuscript Preparation: Heather contributed to a manuscript that outlined the analytical findings, aiming for publication.

Timeline and Location: Duration: June 1 - August 16

Setting: Virtual and in-person work mid-project at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

Purpose and Importance: Educational Enhancement: Integrated Heather’s interests in oncology and medical humanities, offering insights into palliative care’s role in patient management.

Professional Development: Provided valuable learning experience at prestigious institutions, supplemented by shadowing and seminar participation.

Career Aspiration: Supported Heather’s residency ambitions in Boston, with the ultimate goal of enhancing healthcare in Nebraska.

Ongoing Research Projects: Involvement in genetics, public health, and gastrointestinal research, enriching her research portfolio and medical knowledge.

Experiential Learning

Aspen Ideas Festival

Coined, “Not Your Average Health Conference” by the Aspen Institute, Aspen Ideas: Health brings together a diverse group of experts from healthcare, public health, policy, climate, technology, business, and the arts to tackle pressing health challenges and opportunities. The goal is to inspire and accelerate innovative solutions for better health for all, shaping the future of health, medicine, and science. All first-year UNMC Scott Scholars traveled to the Aspen Institute’s scenic Colorado campus for the 2024 experience, where they were immersed in deep conversation and had a front row seat as the latest innovations were unveiled. Highlights included sessions on artificial intelligence, climate change, the intersection of science and faith, and dismantling racism in healthcare.

Scott Supper Series

The Scott Supper Series is a student-led, informal learning experience where Scott Scholars at UNMC gather over a shared meal to explore current and meaningful topics in healthcare. Students pair up to lead mini-seminars on issues they are passionate about—ranging from emerging medical technologies to health equity, policy reform, genetic information and patient privacy—creating space for thoughtful dialogue and peer learning. These sessions encourage students to engage deeply with complex challenges facing future physicians while building communication and leadership skills in a relaxed, collaborative environment.

This initiative reflects the experiential learning focus of the Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program, which aims to develop innovative, empathetic physician leaders. By empowering students to teach and learn from one another, the Supper Series reinforces the program’s mission to cultivate critical thinking, design-minded problem solving, and community-centered leadership. It’s a meaningful way to connect the “why” of the program—advancing healthcare in Nebraska—with the lived experiences and passions of its future providers. 

Summer Bridge Program

Details coming soon

Living and Learning Community

The Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program emphasizes the importance of a shared living and learning environment, recognizing its profound impact on high-achieving students’ academic and personal growth. Evidence from similar undergraduate programs has shown that students living together in a collaborative environment tend to achieve better academic results and build stronger community connections. The Scott Scholars Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) continues this tradition, providing an enriched living experience designed to foster educational and personal development.

Current

Scott Scholars live at The Cosgrove; a modern apartment community located just one block from UNMC in Omaha’s lively Blackstone/Midtown district. Scholars enjoy fully furnished studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments featuring upscale finishes like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit laundry.

The Cosgrove also offers shared amenities designed for wellness and connection, including a fitness center with Peloton bikes, outdoor movie spaces, and inviting gathering areas that foster collaboration and community among residents.

Future

In addition to the accommodations at The Cosgrove, the UNMC is expanding student housing with a new six-story development just steps from campus. One entire floor will be dedicated to Scott Scholars, offering a tailored living experience with collaborative workspaces, study areas, and community lounges. Designed to support both academic success and connection, this space helps scholars thrive while building strong professional and personal networks.