On December 31, our UNMC ID Division Chief Dr. Mark Rupp will step down from this role and assume a new position as interim Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine. We celebrate his legacy in our ID Division and look forward to his continued leadership of the department during this interim period. Many Thanks to our outstanding Division Administrator Libby Morgan, for writing this heartfelt tribute message on behalf of the UNMC ID Division.
For the last 14 years, Dr. Mark Rupp has been dedicated to leading the UNMC Infectious Diseases Division with unwavering commitment, unparalleled expertise, and a compassionate heart. Dr. Rupp has not only been a brilliant physician and leader but also a mentor, a guide, and a true inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him
For over a decade and a half, Dr. Rupp has shaped the landscape of infectious disease care, and the culture of our entire team. Over the last 14 years, the Infectious Diseases division has grown, adapted, and thrived in the face of challenges, from local outbreaks to global pandemics. His steady hand, keen intellect, and profound dedication to both patient care and medical education have been the cornerstone of our success.
Dr. Rupp has a unique ability to make complex concepts clear, instill confidence in those around him, and bring out the best in everyone. Whether guiding a newly minted fellow through their first difficult case or offering wisdom to a seasoned colleague facing tough decisions, Dr. Rupp’s approach has always been one of patience, kindness, and unwavering support.
But it is not just his clinical expertise that sets Dr. Rupp apart. His unwavering compassion for patients, dedication to advancing research, and tireless work to improve public health outcomes makes him an irreplaceable force within our institution. Under his leadership, our division has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research, patient advocacy, and efforts to reduce health disparities, often in the most difficult and uncertain of times.
As we look back on 15 years of service, we are reminded of the countless lives touched by Dr. Rupp’s expertise and humanity. We are reminded of the long hours, the difficult cases, and the moments of triumph, both big and small, that have defined our shared journey. Dr. Rupp has been a steady source of inspiration for all of us, always pushing us to be better, to learn more, and to give our very best to our patients and to each other.
Thank you, Dr. Rupp, for your vision, your leadership, and your unwavering dedication to our division, our patients, and our profession. Your impact will be felt for many years to come, and we are privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside you. You have truly set a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire and guide us for generations.
At our final division meeting of 2024, we had the opportunity to surprise Dr. Rupp with a little tribute! As we usher in the new year with Dr. Rupp as our new interim chair, those of us in our ID Division feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him as the fearless leader of the Division of Infectious Diseases, and others may have witnessed his influence and leadership more directly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We look expectantly towards 2025 with admiration for the past, anticipation for the future, and most importantly, appreciation for the present. Thank you, Dr. Rupp!
