Psychiatry

Spotlight: Cynthia Bogacz

Certified Nursing Assistant Cynthia grew up in Avoca, Iowa and Council Bluffs, Iowa. She has always had a love for animals, and eventually got her own adopted pets. For seven years, Cynthia previously worked with people with disabilities. She helped by giving medication, scheduling appointments, making meals, and doing fun activities. What are your roles/job […]

Jul 18, 2023

After successful Match Day, program grows to 18 residents

On March 17, the UNMC Department of Psychiatry welcomed five new residents, bring the program’s total to 18 starting in July. Two current PGY-3 residents will leave the program to participate in the “fast track” child and adolescent fellowship. Keisha England, MD; Monica Nava Frenier, MD; Christian Pollema, MD; Charlotte Ritchie, MD and Claire Stavenga, […]

Mar 31, 2023

Dr. Matthew Kelly named Chief Resident

Third-year resident Matthew Kelly, MD, has been named the first Chief Resident since the UNMC Department of Psychiatry restarted its psychiatry residency program in 2020. Dr. Kelly will begin his term on April 1. Daniel Gih, Department of Psychiatry Education Director, said Dr. Kelly was nominated by his peers, faculty and staff in the department. […]

Mar 31, 2023

Department hands out awards celebrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Last month, the Department of Psychiatry handed out the DEI Legacy awards. The award is presented to faculty, staff, or trainees who exemplify a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in service, teaching, and/or advocacy for a long-lasting legacy. This year, the awards were handed out to Alëna A. Balasanova, MD, FAPA; Dom Gliko, […]

Feb 7, 2023

Department honors five community partners for their work in behavioral health

The Outstanding Partnership Award is presented to an individual, team or institution which demonstrates inspiring collaboration in service of our mission and our community. It began in 2019, and each year, the Department of Psychiatry leadership picks five local people or organizations for the award. This year’s recipients are Nathalie Khoury, MD, and Marco Olivera-Martinez, […]

Feb 7, 2023

Five receive Citizenship Award

On Jan. 27, 2023, the Department of Psychiatry honored five employees with the William H. Roccaforte Citizenship Award. The award was named after the longtime UNMC Professor William Roccaforte, MD, who Chair Howard Liu said embodied both humility and daily service. The Citizenship Award goes to a faculty member, staff, or trainee who exemplifies a […]

Feb 7, 2023

Five leaders receive award named after the late Reba Benschoter

Five Department of Psychiatry employees were honored with the Reba Benschoter Inspirational Leadership Award on January 27, 2023. The award, which was first handed out in 2020, is presented to faculty, staff, or trainees who exemplify a spirit of leadership, innovation, and integrity that inspires others. Meagan Kankovsky, LICSW; Riley Machal, MD; Maggie Milner, BSN, […]

Feb 7, 2023

Department adds new award to showcase patient safety

This year a new award was added: The Escape Fire Patient Safety Award. The recipients are faculty, trainees, or staff members who went above and beyond to keep everyone safe in 2022. Alëna A. Balasanova, MD, FAPA; Susan Crowder, RN, MSN; Riley Machal, MD; Claudia Moore, MD; and the Department of Psychiatry clinical therapists were […]

Feb 7, 2023

UNMC departments collaborate on research project dealing with CBD and PTSD

The UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences (DONS) and the UNMC Department of Psychiatry are collaborating on a research project to see if an investigational form of cannabidiol (CBD) can help people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  The clinical trial will enroll adults with PTSD to understand if cannabidiol (CBD) is safe and effective for PTSD […]

Dec 9, 2022

Spotlight: Emilee Kendall

Clinical Research Assistant My name is Emilee Kendall. I’m from Springfield, Missouri. I have my bachelor’s in psychology from Truman State University, and I am applying to earn my Master’s Degree in Developmental Psychology. I previously worked as a Clinical Research Technician at the pharmaceutical research company QPS Bio-Kinetic in Springfield, before moving to Omaha […]

Dec 9, 2022