Nebraska Medicine

02/17/2026

Nebraska Medicine and University of Nebraska Medical Center are honoring the life of philanthropist and business leader Mike Yanney, who died Feb.14 at the age of 92.

Mike and his wife, Gail Walling Yanney, MD, made a leadership gift that led to the formation of the Healing Arts Program at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center-Nebraska Medical Center, which opened in 2017. Nebraska Medicine and UNMC named the facility’s Yanney Conference Room to honor the couple for their unwavering support of the project. He championed major capital projects at Nebraska Medicine and UNMC, including the Lauritzen Outpatient Center, the Durham Research Towers, College of Public Health building, Munroe-Meyer Institute and Davis Global Center, lending advice, engaging the community and participating in fundraising initiatives.

“Mike Yanney’s vision was matched only by his generosity and caring. Nebraska Medicine patients will feel his impact for years to come in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and Lauritzen Outpatient Center,” says Michael Ash, MD, CEO of Nebraska Medicine. “His commitment to making Nebraska better was unmatched. On behalf of Nebraska Medicine, I share our sympathy and condolences with the Yanney family.”

02/14/2026

Our Environmental Services colleagues are handing out some heart-shaped smiles! They had the pleasure of delivering valentines to patients at Nebraska Medical Center, designed by the children of UNMC Childcare Development Center. It’s a long-standing partnership between the childcare center and our EVS colleagues. Thanks to all for bringing some cheer to our patients! ❤️💝🌹

02/14/2026

Today is Valentine's Day, but did you know it's also National Donor Day?

It's a day dedicated to raising awareness for organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelet and marrow donation. 💕

Donors are life savers! You can learn about becoming a living organ donor here: https://bit.ly/4hSv2oY

02/13/2026

Dr. Eng does it again! Our Heart and Vascular team led by interventional cardiologist Marvin Eng, MD, is the first in the state to use an advanced technique called balloon-assisted BASILICA. Ronnie Hurley had a failing heart valve and repeated hospitalizations for heart failure, but she wasn’t a candidate for another open-heart surgery.

A standard valve replacement wasn’t safe because it could have blocked blood flow to her heart. Instead, our team used the balloon-assisted BASILICA to safely split part of the old valve and make room for a new one.

This approach allowed us to implant a new valve without surgery — giving her a safer path forward and a chance to heal.

02/12/2026

What makes working at Nebraska Medicine extraordinary?

Some of our colleagues share what they love in this video. 🎥

If you're looking for meaningful work that makes a real impact, find open positions at NebraskaMed.com/careers.

02/11/2026

Thinking about a career in cardiovascular sonography? Join us for a virtual event to meet our team and learn how to get started.

If you're unable to attend but are interested in learning more, you can let us know in the sign-up form and our team will be in touch!
Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4kqKBXe.

02/10/2026

When Destree Merrival traveled to Nebraska Medical Center from North Dakota, she knew she’d be leaving with a new liver. It turns out she also left the hospital with a new husband, Jesse, and new last name.

She’s now Destree BearRunner after a wedding that came together in just a few hours.

“We had discussed getting married from time to time,” says Destree. “But we decided to make it a reality as Jesse drove to Omaha the day of the transplant.”

Destree’s care team heard about the couple’s plans and quickly took action.

Two nurses ran to a hospital shop for a shawl and jewelry and helped Destree with her hair and makeup. Other team members decorated the hallway with lights and flowers.

“Once it was all in place and everything was signed and ready to go, she walked out looking so beautiful and happy,” says nurse Toni Boardman.

“In just a few minutes, our team transformed a hospital hallway into a celebration of marriage and a new liver,” says nurse manager Cassandra Smith. “Sometimes, the most meaningful moments in health care aren’t found in procedures or charts—but in the unexpected celebrations we help create.”

It wasn’t the wedding they imagined, but it’s an experience they will never forget.

“I remember looking at Destree with so much love in my heart and I will never forget the way she was smiling,” says Jesse.

“We had a very short period of time to get this done as Destree was going in for the transplant,” Toni remembers “In fact, once they said their vows and kissed the bride, we wheeled her off to surgery. So, we definitely were cutting it close!”

Destree is now five months post-transplant and enjoying married life.

“It's nice not having to make frequent trips to the hospitals. My life has changed because I have had to learn to live differently,” she explains.

Destree and Jesse say they are grateful for all the doctors, nurses and other care team members who gave Destree a second chance at life. And they have another important thank you to extend.

“We would like the opportunity to tell the family of the organ donor how much this means to us and how thankful we are.”

02/09/2026

Our pediatric patients deserve a gold medal for creativity! 🥇

The Child Life and Family Development team recently celebrated the Winter Olympics with our own Nebraska Medicine Pediatrics Olympics with the help of the UNMC Pediatric Interest Group and pediatric volunteers.

Kids made their own downhill skiers out of foil and tongue depressors and made a run at the foil slope. They did figure skating ice painting, designed and played hockey on an ice trays, completed in a bean bag biathlon and even made their own torches!

Thanks to everyone who took part!

02/09/2026

Join us for a Nursing Networking Event on Friday, Feb. 27th! Learn more and RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4klklgU.

02/08/2026

Could GLP-1 medications be helpful for your heart?

Our experts weigh in on the potential benefits and side effects of the popular weight loss medications.

If you’ve heard about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® or Mounjaro®, you probably know them as weight-loss drugs. But these medications are showing exciting promise for heart health, too.

02/06/2026

Interested in kickstarting a career in radiology? Learn what it means to be a non-invasive cardiology technologist. Find open positions here: https://nebraskamed.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NM/job/Omaha-NE/Heart-Monitoring-Unit-Internship_REQ-34100

02/06/2026

Are you wearing red today?

❤️ Today is National Wear Red Day!❤️ Show your support by wearing RED and help us fight the No. 1 killer of women—cardiovascular disease. Every heart matters, and together, we can make a difference!

More info here - http://spr.ly/6181CAzGU