Pediatric News
The Latest from the Department of Pediatrics
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Letter from the Chair:
Kari Simonsen, MD, MBA
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As we prepare to flip the calendar page to December, I am excited to share with you the 2022-23 Department of Pediatrics Annual Report. This year’s report is formatted differently than last year's, and I am hopeful you will enjoy the stories that emerged from each of our divisions and that highlight all areas of the mission. Rather than reporting stats and numbers this year, we celebrate our accomplishments and successes from a broad array of stories of impact. The report is virtual this year, in an effort to facilitate the distribution to a broader audience and to remain environmentally and fiscally responsible. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the development of this year’s annual report and to all of you whose efforts are outlined within.
The newsletter this month also highlights the recent Health Sciences Career Nights at Girls, Inc. These incredible events help young girls see the opportunities available in careers in science and would not be possible without the Community Engagement team and many faculty and staff volunteers from the department and CHRI and the tremendous leadership of Dr. Ann Anderson Berry, who serves as a member of the Girls, Inc. board of directors, The events are also a lot of fun, and I would encourage others to join in future events coming next year!
Thank you again for all you do in caring for patients, teaching our trainees, conducting cutting edge research and advocating for and championing the needs and wellbeing of children in our communities.
With gratitude,
Kari
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2022-23 Annual Report Released |
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The Department of Pediatrics has released the annual report for 2022-23 to internal audiences for review. The report changes received from members of the department have been submitted to the graphic designer, but the changes have not been made yet.
Annual Reports FAQs
What range of dates is the annual report meant to cover?
The report is meant to span the 2022-23 academic year: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
How did you determine which faculty and staff would be included in the report?
The report includes those employed by the department as of Jan. 1, 2023, with a few exceptions due to the need to feature stories for each division. The date of Jan. 1 was determined in consultation with Kari Simonsen, MD, and Lisa Runco.
Why isn't my degree listed with my name?
For fear of missing someone's degree, only MD, DO and PhD degrees are listed.
Can I get a PDF copy?
Once the report has been finalized and released externally, a PDF will be made available to members of the department.
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Drs. Kari Simonsen and Ann Anderson Berry
Selected for American Pediatric Society
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Kari Simonsen, MD, chair, Department of Pediatrics, and Ann Anderson-Berry, MD, PhD, Dr. John and Patti Sparks Chair of Pediatric Research, and have been named as new members of the American Pediatric Society (APS).
Founded in 1888, the APS is North America's first and most prestigious academic pediatric organization. Drs. Simonsen and Anderson Berry will be recognized during the APS Presidential Plenary at the APS 2024 Meeting, which will be held in May 2024 in Toronto.
APS members are recognized child health leaders of extraordinary achievement who work together to shape the future of academic pediatrics.
“It is an honor to be recognized with Dr. Simonsen and other members of the 2024 class of the American Pediatric Society,” Dr. Anderson Berry said. “It is my hope that the work I have done in child health research and advocacy has had an impact on the care and wellbeing of children here in Nebraska and beyond. This recognition is a direct result of the increased investment of time and resources in academic pediatrics at Children's Nebraska and UNMC,” she said. “Being part of APS recognizes that the work done at our institutions has national impact and value and will allow us to have continued influence in recruitment, grant funding and program development over the coming years.”
Dr. Simonsen added, "Recognition through APS membership increases the national visibility for the UNMC Department of Pediatrics and Children's Nebraska. As a membership organization, it also provides future opportunities to sponsor and nominate others who have achieved meaningful accomplishments in the field of pediatrics.”
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Community Engagement News: |
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Drs. Skar, Simonsen, Neemann and Sato present at the Girls, Inc. Health Sciences Career Event |
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CHRI and Department of Pediatrics Host
Health Sciences Career Event at Girls, Inc.
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Employees of the Child Health Research Institute (CHRI), the Department of Pediatrics and Children's Nebraska volunteered their time and talent for the Health Sciences Career Event at Girls, Inc. The goal of the two-night event was to introduce girls to a variety of health care careers in health sciences. Topics were chosen to encourage curiosity, spark interest in science and health care careers and introduce health care careers and health sciences to participants in a fun, casual and interactive setting.
Presenters at the event were:
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Courtney McLean, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Neonatology - Taking Care of Tiny Babies
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Teri Mauch, MD, PhD, Chief, Division of Nephrology - Taking Blood Pressure
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Melissa Thoene, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Neonatology - Infant Nutrition
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Kathleen Gottschalk and Megan McChesney, Research Nurse Coordinators, CHRI - Pediatric Research Office
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Gwenn Skar, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases; Kari Neemann, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases: Alice Sato, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases; Kari Simonsen, MD, MBS, Chair, Department of Pediatrics - Microbiology Lab
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Ling Li, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology - Discover the Amazing Heart
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Taija Hahka, PhD student, UNMC - "I only have eyes for you"…. The Physiology of the Eye
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Winnie Dupree, Respiratory Therapist Outpatient Pulmonology Lab, Children's Nebraska - Respiratory Therapy – Learn about Spirometry and FENO
The agenda was planned jointly with Girls, Inc., CHRI executive director Ann Anderson Berry, MD, PhD, Community Engagement Committee leader Amy Rezac-Elgohary, and the Community Engagement Steering Committee members. The event originated in 2017 when Dr. Anderson Berry was first asked to present to Girls, Inc. participants on careers in health science.
Thank you to all the additional volunteers that made the two-night event a success:
Anum Akbar, MBBS, PhD Candidate, UNMC
Shamaere Ashby, Finances & Grants Coordinator, UNMC
Greta Carlson, Clinical Study Coordinator, CHRI
Amy Cobbs, Manager, Academic Programs, Children's Nebraska
Rebekah Rapoza, MD/PhD Candidate, UNMC
Haleigh Tanaka, Clinical Study Coordinator, UNMC
Catherine Napolitano, Visiting Medical Student, Brown University
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New Toys Needed for Children in Shelters |
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Through our partnership with CompletelyKIDS, the Department of Pediatrics and the Child Health Research Institute are collecting new toys to be given to children at homeless shelters this holiday season. Please bring an unwrapped toy to our collection boxes by Dec 13:
- UNMC CAMPUS: Department Pediatrics offices in University Tower on the fifth floor in the south wing near mailroom (badge required to access)
- CHILDREN’S NEBRASKA CAMPUS: Fifth floor of Indian Hills West – in the new entryway to the CHRI/Pediatric Research Office, which is accessed by turning right off the elevator on the east side of the floor.
If you are in the mood for hot chocolate and cookies and to celebrate the season of giving, make plans to donate on Dec. 5, between noon and 1 p.m., at UNMC drop-off location or on Dec. 8 between noon and 1 p.m. at Children's (locations above).
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- Walkie Talkies
- Pokemon cards
- Beyblade toys
- Fidget toys
- Art supplies
- Remote control cars
- Soccerball
- Squishmallow
- Kitchen toys
- Hot wheels
- Barbie dolls
- Slime kit
- Tech Deck skateboard toy
- Lol Dolls
- Legos kits
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- Sequin Pillow
- Drawing Kit
- Nail polish
- Hair ties
- Doll clothes
- Nerf gun
- 10 pack of Strawberry Prime drink
- Bracelet maker
- Hair bows
- Nail Kit
- Gaming mouse
- Barbie car
- Takis snacks
- Water bottle
- Hair supplies
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Dr. JJ Micka Selected as October House Officer of the Month |
Congratulations to JJ Micka, MD - HO II for being named House Officer of the Month. The following quote is from his nomination form:
“JJ does a wonderful job listening to nursing concerns and is quick to take action when needed. He is also very present at the bedside to help alleviate concerns and/or put actions into place when a patient is deteriorating.”
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This month we feature Sharissa Bohlken, CHRI data coordinator II. |
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What brought you to your given specialty/role?
I worked in the organ/tissue recovery and transplantation world for about five years. I enjoyed the medical aspect and constant learning environment but wanted out of the operating room. I also wanted a chance to help people before they had passed. I’ve always enjoyed research and topics like cancer epigenetics. I also like working to help kiddos, so it was a great fit for me here as part of the Children’s Nebraska Oncology team with UNMC.
What’s your favorite place in the world?
Walt Disney World on my birthday. Nothing is better than being immersed in magic all the while being told “Happy Birthday, Princess” by every cast member. (Yes, I have a tiara from the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.)
What are you a fan of or very interested in?
I love puppies (all dogs are puppies), doing escape rooms and puzzles, everything Halloween related, going to as many concerts as possible, going on vacation and spending time with my family and friends.
Is there any book, music or TV series or movie that you admire and would recommend to others, particularly if it relates to the medical world?
Bones. There’s plenty of science that’s fairly accurate. A large portion of the show is the evolving ability of Temperance to relate to others in a non-scientific manner. She also learns to include Seely’s non-medical perspective to achieve the discovery and solution. It’s important to possess the skills to communicate your knowledge and work as a team.
What was the most important lesson taught to you during your career training?
I was hired at UNMC a few weeks before COVID-19 shut the world down. The majority of my training came from zoom calls and figuring things out on my own. I had to ask a lot of questions and take the initiative to search for answers. It’s important to be self-driven and to have a desire to succeed without needing others to tell you.
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Staff Milestones:
Recent Service Anniversaries
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Congratulations to those celebrating recent work anniversaries! We wish you all the best for continued success! |
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University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics
982155 Nebraska Medicine
Omaha, NE 68198-2155
402-955-3933
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