Category: Uncategorized

Dr. David Taylor set to replace Dr. Lauren Edwards as PSQ Lead

On July 1, 2024, David Taylor, MD, will take over as Patient Safety and Quality Lead in the Department of Psychiatry. The lead will, among other things, analyze service quality, implement QI projects, and seek opportunities to improve patient safety. Lauren Edwards, MD, is the first and current lead for Patient Safety and Quality. She […]

Mar 4, 2024

Dr. Soonjo Hwang has article published in leading psychiatry journal

Soonjo Hwang, MD, the Director of Research for the Department of Psychiatry, will publish his clinical study results of intranasal oxytocin for youth with irritability in the April issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP).  The article, “Neural Responses to Intranasal Oxytocin in Youths With Severe Irritability,” will also appear on the publication’s website […]

Mar 4, 2024

Davenport takes over as Chair of DEI Committee

Caroline Davenport has been named the new Chair of the Department of Psychiatry’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. She started her new role on January 29, 2024.  The DEI Committee started in the fall of 2020 with a mission to ask questions, to listen, to reflect, and to engage team members and community partners to create […]

Mar 4, 2024

Whitaker hired as Ambulatory Supervisor

Kerri Whitaker, an ASCP-certified phlebotomist, was hired as an Ambulatory Supervisor on Oct. 9, 2023, to oversee the Psychiatry Clinic care staff. Whitaker came to psychiatry after working in a similar role in the Nebraska Medicine Immediate Care Clinic. In her new role, she will, among other things, coordinate the schedules of the care staff, […]

Feb 13, 2024

Becker’s Hospital Review gives high marks to Psychiatry Clinic

Becker’s Hospital Review named the Nebraska Medicine Department of Psychiatry as one of the top 36 psychiatry and mental health programs in the United States.  Becker’s Hospital Review is a leading hospital magazine for business news and healthcare system analysis. According to its website, the magazine’s editors recognized the Nebraska Medicine Department of Psychiatry and […]

Feb 13, 2024

Dr. Balasanova receives Leonard Tow Humanism Award

Alëna Balasanova, MD, associate professor in the department of psychiatry, received the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award on January 27, 2024. The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award presented by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation recognizes graduating medical students and faculty members who are exemplars of humanism in the care of patients. Dr. Balasanova […]

Feb 13, 2024

New resident leaders chosen for 24-25 academic year

On February 12, 2024, Director of Education in the UNMC Department of Psychiatry Daniel Gih, MD, announced two changes starting on April 1. Max Lydiatt, MD, will take over as lead chief resident and Olivia Ochuba, MD, will be the program’s first associate chief resident. Drs. Lydiatt and Ochuba will replace outgoing resident Matthew Kelly, […]

Feb 13, 2024

Two honored for collaboration with PES and Psychiatry Department

On January 26, the Department of Psychiatry handed out its Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) Partnership Award. The PES Outstanding Partnership Award recognizes one psychiatry faculty member and one clinical staff member who goes above and beyond in their collaboration with the UNMC/NM Department of Emergency Medicine. This year’s recipient are Kristen Baus, MD, and Alexis […]

Jan 30, 2024

Department celebrates community partnerships

Every year, the Department of Psychiatry hands out Outstanding Partnership awards to individuals, teams or institutions which demonstrate inspiring collaboration in service of the department’s mission and community. On January 26, the department honored these important partners: Columbus Community Hospital Dr. Venkata Kolli has been incredibly gracious while building this partnership and prioritizing residency education. […]

Jan 30, 2024

Five earn citizenship award

On January 26, the Department of Psychiatry handed out five William H. Roccaforte Citizenship awards. The award is nicknamed “The Rock” and was presented to faculty, staff or trainees who exemplify a spirit of service, extraordinary teamwork, and the passion to go above and beyond each day in service of our mission. This year’s recipients […]

Jan 30, 2024