Nebraska Medicine

11/12/2025

Dr. Joann Sweasy, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and new President of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), spoke in a recent interview with KETV about her national initiative to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality in rural communities in the United States.

Across the U.S., about 1 in 6 residents live in rural areas, making this work especially critical. Since most NCI-designated Cancer Centers claim rurality as part of their catchment areas, this initiative will not only expand access to cancer prevention, treatment, and research but also educate and guide member institutions on addressing rural cancer health effectively.

Key initiatives include:
• Mapping cancer service access and outcomes nationwide to identify care gaps
• Creating a national profile of rural cancer burden to understand who is most affected
• Analyzing social determinants of health to tackle the root causes of disparities
• Hosting a 2027 Rural Cancer Summit to share best practices with health leaders
• Establishing a permanent oversight committee to give rural communities a voice in shaping care

Ensuring that no community is left behind in the fight against cancer.

11/12/2025

Fresh off a visit to a galaxy far, far away, Nebraska Medicine internist Lydia Kang, MD, has released a new young adult novel that’s already making waves.

"K-Jane," which launched in October, is a heartfelt exploration of Korean-American identity, generational culture shifts and the power of belonging. It's her first book since "Cataclysm," a Star Wars story published in November 2022.

Set in Omaha, Dr. Kang's 13th book follows Jane Choi, a third-generation Korean-American teen navigating the complexities of heritage and identity in a world increasingly fascinated by K-pop and Korean culture. With humor and emotional depth, Jane embarks on a journey to connect more deeply with her roots. Sometimes hilariously, sometimes painfully.

"The idea for the book was brewing for many years," Dr. Kang says. "I've always noted, with some sadness and regret, that Korean culture has gotten watered down with every generation. As a second-generation Korean American, and with the tidal wave of K-Pop and Korean culture flooding American culture, it seemed a perfect subject to write about that hit close to home."

"K-Jane" earned Dr. Kang her first starred review from Kirkus Reviews, which is a highly respected publication that provides professional reviews of books before they are published.

Signed copies of "K-Jane" are available at The Bookworm in Omaha, and Dr. Kang welcomes invitations to school events and book clubs.

11/11/2025

Nebraska Medicine is proud to be one of the community partners in a city-wide effort that raised more than $600,000 and 41,000 pounds of food (equivalent to nearly 35,000 meals) for the Food Bank for the Heartland and other local pantries.

Members of our team joined Omaha Mayor John Ewing, Jr. as he announced those results last week.

We will continue to collect donations throughout the season as the large community needs continue. Thank you to all of our colleagues who are taking part in the effort!

11/11/2025

On Veterans Day, we honor and thank all the men and women who have served our nation. At UNMC, we are proud to educate, train and work alongside veterans who continue their service through education, research and health care.

11/10/2025

Congratulations Nikki Quarrie, a certified nursing assistant in in the medical-surgical unit at Bellevue Medical Center, for being the winner of a Sunshine Award!

The Sunshine Award is presented quarterly to a medical assistant, nursing assistant, patient attendant or any member of the support team who consistently displays Nebraska Medicine’s ITEACH values, demonstrates a positive attitude and professionalism and provides the best patient experience possible to our patients and visitors.

11/07/2025

Proud to support such an worthwhile cause with Methodist Health System!

Proud to support Food Bank for the Heartland last week alongside colleagues from Methodist Health System and Nebraska Medicine. Together, we helped package food for families in need. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community as one team!

11/07/2025

Mark Maeder is a huge Nebraska Medicine fan. How huge? He has the tattoo to prove it. Mark just celebrated the 20-year anniversary of his heart transplant by passing out Starbucks gift cards to staff members. While doing that he showed us this photo. It's real and it's spectacular. Thanks, Mark for having the ink to prove you're one of our biggest fans!

11/06/2025

Congratulations Deb Andresen, an LPN in Allergy and Immunology Clinic at Village Pointe Health Center, for being the winner of a DAISY Award!

Nebraska Medicine is among health care organizations that recognize its nurses with the DAISY Award. Honorees personify Nebraska Medicine values and consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care. They are recognized as outstanding role models in our nursing community.

11/05/2025

11/05/2025

Halloween didn't go as expected for a little girl from Glenwood, Iowa. But it still ended with treats!

Indigo Timm wound up in the emergency room at Nebraska Medical Center after accidentally cutting four of her fingertips on the night of October 31st.

While she was receiving treatment, her ER doc, Dalton Nelsen, MD, passed out candy to several staff members.

Once Indigo was all bandaged and ready to go home, she was still able to trick or treat all around the emergency department!

Thank you to all the Nebraska Medicine colleagues who helped save her Halloween! 🎃

11/04/2025

When Oncology Case Management Nurse Margee Langer reflects on her nearly four decades with Nebraska Medicine, she doesn’t talk about accolades or achievements.

She talks about people: the patients who showed incredible strength, the colleagues who became lifelong friends, and the mentors who inspired her to lead with heart.

“I’ve met some of the strongest people I’ve ever known,” she says. “Whether it’s adults or children, just seeing what they’re going through and wanting to help them get through it as easily as possible—that’s what kept me going.”

Langer retires Friday, Nov. 7, after 39 years of service.

Her nursing journey began with a deeply personal motivation. Growing up in Omaha, she watched both of her parents face serious health challenges—her mother with multiple sclerosis and her father with heart issues.

That desire to understand and help led her to Clarkson College and later to earn her bachelor’s degree in Nursing at UNMC. In 1986, she joined Nebraska Medicine and never looked back.

Over the years, Margee transitioned to outpatient chemotherapy and eventually to oncology case management, where she spent the last 15 years helping patients navigate complex care journeys.

Her manager, Nikki Rosenow, says Margee's presence has been a steadying force for the team.

"Margee is the steadfast, compassionate heart of our team," Rosenow says. "She has an incredible ability to see the good in everyone and approaches her work with unwavering care and dedication. I always pair new case managers with her, knowing they'll be guided by her calm, composed demeanor and learn not only the technical skills of the job but also how to truly care for patients with empathy and excellence."

As she prepares for retirement, Margee looks forward to traveling and spending time with her three children and eight grandchildren.

Thank you, Margee, for decades of extraordinary care!

11/04/2025

Join us tomorrow for a little holiday cheer in support of Nebraska Medicine Guild!