Author: Derek Sullivan

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SPOTLIGHT: Heidi Wesely, BSN

Nurse, PES Heidi Wesely, BSN, is originally from the Gretna/Elkhorn area. She grew up on an acreage near the Elkhorn River. After graduating from Gretna High School, she attended to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study pre-health and nursing. After graduating with her BSN, she worked for Bryan Hospital in Lincoln for two years on […]

Nov 5, 2025

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Dr. Hwang reflects on his time during Anna O. Stake Professorship

Soonjo Hwang, MD, has transitioned from the Anna O. Stake Professorship in Child Psychiatry to Director of Global Research in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Hwang was named Anna O. Stake Professor in 2020. He was honored to hold the role, which was previously held by fellow Department of Psychiatry Research Director William Burke, MD, […]

Nov 5, 2025

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Dr. Leah Jesse hits the ground running

Leah Jesse, MD, has been very active in her first month in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Jesse, a 2018 graduate of UNMC College of Medicine, joined the faculty on October 1, 2025. Along with her duties as a child and adolescent psychiatrist and assistant professor, Dr. Jesse appeared on an ASK UNMC segment, a […]

Nov 5, 2025

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PES Celebrates Five Years of Service

The Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) unit nears 10,000 patients seen as it celebrates five years of quality service. In October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PES received its first patient seeking emergent mental health care. Since then, more than 9,000 visits have occurred, allowing individuals to receive psychiatric care in a unique space designed […]

Oct 30, 2025

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Guest speaker will discuss how plastics can harm brain health

Elizabeth Ryznar, MD, MSc, will discuss how the plastic life cycle can lead to environmental pollution and associated mental health issues. Dr. Ryznar will speak from 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 in room 3001 in the Michael F. Sorrell Center at UNMC. The title of the discussion is “Shrinkwrapped: How Plastics Harm Brain […]

Oct 1, 2025

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UNMC Faculty members lead meaningful discussions at national academic conference

A large contingent of UNMC Department of Psychiatry members and trainees took over the Association of Academic Psychiatry (AAP) conference last month in Milwaukee. Faculty, staff, residents, and students discussed essential issues in residency training and medical education. The AAP focuses on education in psychiatry at every level, from the beginning of medical school through […]

Oct 1, 2025

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Dr. Sharma and Dr. Givens honored by Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Society

Two members of the UNMC Department of Psychiatry have been honored by Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) National Honor Society. Ashish Sharma, MD, Professor and Inpatient Division Director, was elected as a faculty member in the AOA National Honor Society. Department of Psychiatry Chief Resident Jake Givens, MD, was elected as a House Officer Member of […]

Sep 29, 2025

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Dr. Zoucha receives community award

Ken Zoucha, MD, Addiction Medicine Division Director, has received the Education Rights Counsel’s Aequitas Awards: Community Champion Award. The Community Champion Award is given to community members or public servants dedicated to systemic change in education. The Omaha-based Education Rights Counsel has a mission to improve education for students and their families, to ensure that all students stay […]

Sep 29, 2025

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Barton accepts Clinical Therapist Supervisor role.

Raelyn Barton, LIMHP, has been named Clinical Therapist Supervisor in the Department of Psychiatry. Barton replaces Meagan Kankovsky, LIMHP, who was promoted to Psychiatry Clinic Manager. Kankovsky knew Barton would be a great successor. “With prior leadership experience, strong organizational skills, a go-getter attitude, and the increase in supervisory responsibilities Raelyn has assumed over the last year, she […]

Sep 29, 2025

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HICSA nurse wins Positive Image in Nursing award

Lori Davitt, RN, was honored by her peers with the Positive Image in Nursing Award. Davitt received the award during a “Celebrate Nursing” event on May 3, 2025, at the Scott Conference Center in Omaha. “I was really surprised I got the award because I just come to work and do my job,” Davitt said. […]

Jul 17, 2025

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