Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, was joined by Kyle Meyer, PhD, Armstrong Family Distinguished Chair of Rural Healthcare Workforce Strategy, at the chancellor’s monthly all-campus forum Wednesday to talk about UNMC’s new Office of Health Workforce Initiatives.
Dr. Davies began the forum by welcoming everyone back to school and fondly recalled the annual rituals of orientation, UNMC’s fall BBQ and white coat ceremonies.
Dr. Davies also acknowledged the trauma and turmoil being felt across the country in the wake of multiple deadly incidents of gun violence.
“At this time, it is important to remember we are a healing organization,” Dr. Davies said. “I would like to thank all of you for your grace toward one another. Together, even in moments like these, we can be a source of strength and hope.”
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Dr. Meyer, who also serves as associate vice chancellor for health workforce initiatives and dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, told the in-person and online audience about the new office’s mission – which in many ways builds upon and expands the work of the Office of Rural Health Initiatives.
Further, the new office will align and integrate current workforce efforts and serve as a resource for external agencies and communities, Dr. Meyer said. Dr. Meyer lauded UNMC’s numerous pathway programs, outreach efforts and partnerships. “So many pieces across the campus,” Dr. Meyer said, “I won’t try to mention everyone,” for fear of leaving someone out.
“All are doing outstanding work, but not always knowing what the others are doing,” Dr. Meyer said.
The new office will get everyone on the same page and under a single umbrella – while also serving as a single point of contact for external partners. Other major emphases include increasing the number of and enhancing relationships with preceptors, and overseeing UNMC’s continued expansion of programs to its regional Kearney campus.
“We are the No. 1 producer of the health care workforce in Nebraska,” Dr. Davies said. “But there’s a lot of work to do to address the need across the state.”
Dr. Davies said one of his goals is to further integrate UNMC students and residents into communities across Nebraska, to better serve these communities.
“We are not telling community providers to train our students,” Dr. Davies said. “We are asking them what their needs are and then aligning that to who we send. We are sending residents (and trainees on clinical rotation) where they can hopefully become a part of that community.”
In other news from the forum, Dr. Davies:
- Congratulated Siddappa Byrareddy, PhD, for being selected UNMC’s 20th Scientist Laureate and Linda Cunningham for her permanent appointment as assistant vice chancellor and director of UNMC Human Resources.
- Said he expects feedback from UNMC’s 2025 Employee Engagement Survey to be shared very soon; HR is wrapping up preparation of dashboard resources in Bridge to help managers/leaders navigate the survey dashboard.
- Answered a question on health insurance costs, saying these are negotiated through the University of Nebraska System. “It’s an involved process; as soon as we have information it will be shared,” Dr. Davies said.
- Addressed university and UNMC budget concerns, saying, “We are laser-focused on stability. The key message here is we are not just cutting; we are also looking for ways to grow.” UNMC will continue to “invest” in itself, Dr. Davies said.
- Noted that while National Institutes of Health funding is down, UNMC research dollars held steady thanks to “the near doubling of our industry grants and contracts.”
- Expressed optimism that Congress will again support NIH funding, though indirect costs likely remain a sticking point. He urged investigators to emphasize how their work will address “chronic disease.”
- Said the legislative bills UNMC is monitoring include those addressing barriers to dental care and access to oral health. Dr. Davies lauded UNMC College of Dentistry Dean Gerard “Gerry” Kugel, DMD, PhD, for his leadership related to the care of veterans.
- Reported UNMC’s continued expansion and construction on its regional Kearney campus remain on budget and on time.
- Said COVID vaccines will be available to all employees at Nebraska Medicine’s drop-in vaccination clinics without prescription or restrictions; UNMC’s Operation Immunization clinics are flu shot-only.
- Explained leasing agreements in the EDGE District, Catalyst building and CORE Building. Dr. Davies urged UNMC faculty, students and staff to take advantage of these facilities and the opportunity to collaborate with entrepreneurs and fellow innovators. While major dividends are not yet visible, “over time this is going to be something that could be transformational for the university,” he said.
- Expressed excitement over student housing currently being built and reported an Oct. 8 ribbon cutting for a parking garage in the EDGE District. When will construction be completed on 42nd Street? Unfortunately, “Not for a long time,” Dr. Davies said.
