UNMC Expands Nebraska Footprint: New Pharmacy and Medical Programs Set too Launch
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The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is making important strides in expanding its presence across central and western nebraska. This expansion includes the launch of new programs in both pharmacy and medicine, designed to address critical healthcare workforce shortages in the state’s rural communities. UNMC Interim Chancellor H.Dele Davies,MD,recently concluded a strategic trip to the region,meeting with key hospital and health system leaders to solidify partnerships and lay the groundwork for these vital expansions. The initiative underscores UNMC’s commitment to bolstering healthcare education and ensuring that Nebraskans in all corners of the state have access to quality medical care.
Dr. Davies’ trip, which took place at the end of February, was a crucial step in fostering collaboration between UNMC and healthcare providers in the region. He engaged in productive discussions with leaders at several prominent healthcare institutions, including CHI Health St. Francis – grand Island, Grand Island Regional Medical Center, Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings, Grate Plains Health in North Platte, and both Kearney Regional Medical Center and CHI Health Good Samaritan hospital in Kearney. These meetings focused on expanding medical preceptorship opportunities, ensuring that students have adequate support during their clinical rotations in these areas.
The expansion encompasses ongoing enrollment in the colleges of allied health and nursing,reflecting a comprehensive approach to healthcare education.The first cohort of pharmacy students is scheduled to begin their studies in the fall 2025 semester, marking a significant milestone for UNMC and the state. Following closely behind, the inaugural class of medical students is slated to begin in 2026. This growth necessitates a corresponding increase in preceptorships, where experienced healthcare professionals guide and train students during their clinical rotations, providing invaluable real-world experience.
Currently, UNMC has between 40 and 50 medicine preceptors in central and western Nebraska, individuals who dedicate their time and expertise to mentoring the next generation of healthcare providers. Recognizing the importance of these mentors, UNMC leaders hope to increase that number by as many as 50 more before the UNMC College of Medicine at Kearney welcomes its first class. The team also assessed the ability of each community to provide safe and high-quality housing and transportation for students, ensuring a supportive learning surroundings.
Dr. Davies emphasized the crucial role of preceptors in shaping the future healthcare workforce,highlighting their direct impact on students’ development.
Preceptors are professionals within a community that help train students when they are on clinical rotations within communities throughout Nebraska and beyond.
H. Dele Davies, MD, UNMC Interim Chancellor
He further elaborated on UNMC’s commitment to supporting these mentors.
UNMC wants to increase the number of health care professionals who serve as preceptors,especially as we begin to offer programs in medicine and pharmacy and expand our other health care profession education programs in Kearney.
H. Dele Davies, MD, UNMC Interim Chancellor
Dr. Davies also noted the long-term benefits of investing in local mentorship, emphasizing the connection between training and future practice.
The students who are mentored in every community are most likely to become the future health care providers for those communities. We also wanted to express our commitment to supporting every preceptor we enroll in training our students through our Center for Community-Based Education and Preceptor Excellence.
H. Dele Davies, MD, UNMC Interim Chancellor
Dr. Davies was accompanied on the trip by several key UNMC leaders, demonstrating the institution’s unified commitment to this expansion. The team included kyle Meyer, PhD, interim assistant vice chancellor for health care workforce education and relations and dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions; Rob Messbarger, MD, associate dean for the UNMC College of Medicine’s regional medical school campus; Faye Haggar, EdD, manager, Center for Community-based Education & Preceptor Excellence; and Chandra are, MBBS, associate dean for graduate medical education, UNMC College of Medicine.
Dr. Messbarger highlighted the need to expand the pool of preceptors to alleviate the workload on existing mentors, ensuring a sustainable and supportive environment for both students and preceptors.
We have a core group of talented and committed preceptors in central and western Nebraska, But we want to broaden that group so that our current preceptors have less of a workload as the number of medicine students increase.
Rob Messbarger, MD, Associate Dean, UNMC College of Medicine
The expansion of medicine preceptorships also creates opportunities for interprofessional experience among UNMC health care students in central and western Nebraska, fostering collaboration and teamwork. Dr. Davies stated that the student population at Kearney will approximately double after full implementation of the expansion initiative,reaching around 700 students.
We want each student’s clinical experiences in rural Nebraska communities, to be rewarding and lead to a desire for some to want to return to practice in these communities.
H. Dele Davies, MD, UNMC Interim chancellor
A key objective of the Kearney expansion is to enhance interprofessional education, preparing students to work effectively in collaborative healthcare settings.
Part of the goal of UNMC’s Kearney expansion is to increase interprofessional education. As we work to keep students in or near their home communities, we want to work with our preceptors on how to precept interprofessional teams of students to work in rural areas, to better realize these improved outcomes.
H. Dele Davies, MD, UNMC Interim Chancellor
The meetings also addressed the potential for expanding existing and adding new rural rotations for medicine residents in central and western Nebraska, exposing them to the unique challenges and rewards of rural practice. This initiative aims to encourage residents to establish their careers in these underserved areas,addressing the critical need for physicians in rural communities.
Dr. Are emphasized the critical need for physicians in rural Nebraska and the potential impact of rural rotations on addressing this shortage.
We learned more about the hospital systems’ and regions’ interest and needs for residents to rotate in rural Nebraska and provide care within their organizations and communities. it is indeed well known that there is a severe shortage of physicians across rural Nebraska and America. Exposing residents to rural rotations during their training will likely increase the chances for them to locate their practice in those settings and help to alleviate the physician workforce shortage. As a state institution, addressing physician workforce shortages is one of our key responsibilities.
Chandra Are, MBBS, Associate dean, UNMC College of Medicine
Dr. Davies expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of the meetings, noting the strong interest from every health system in providing preceptors and welcoming more students and residents.
This work is ongoing. I look forward to continuing to strengthen partnerships with UNMC’s clinical partners across Nebraska.
H. Dele Davies, MD, UNMC Interim Chancellor
UNMC’s Nebraska Expansion: A Bold Step Towards Addressing Rural Healthcare Shortages
Is the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s (UNMC) expansion into central and western Nebraska a game-changer for rural healthcare access, or simply a necessary step in addressing a long-standing crisis? The answer, according to Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading expert in rural healthcare workforce advancement, is far more nuanced than anticipated.
Q: Dr.Reed, UNMC’s initiative focuses heavily on increasing the number of medical and pharmacy preceptors in the region. Why is this such a crucial element of their strategy?
A: The success of UNMC’s expansion hinges on robust preceptorship programs. Preceptors—experienced healthcare professionals who mentor students during clinical rotations—provide invaluable, hands-on training that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in real-world healthcare settings.These mentors are essential for cultivating the next generation of rural healthcare providers, particularly in communities facing workforce shortages. By significantly increasing the number of preceptors, UNMC ensures a positive learning experience for students and a enduring mentorship model. This direct, intensive approach is far more effective than simply increasing the number of students without the adequate faculty support.
Q: The article highlights the importance of creating a supportive learning environment,including housing and transportation. How critical are these logistical factors to attracting and retaining students in rural areas?
A: absolutely critical. Rural environments frequently enough present unique challenges, including limited housing options and less readily available transportation. Addressing these practical needs is vital for ensuring a pleasant and productive learning experience for students. Students who feel supported and well-cared for are more likely to establish long-term connections with the community and, critically, to consider establishing their careers there after graduation. Ignoring these practical necessities woudl undermine the entire healthcare workforce expansion project.
Q: UNMC aims to foster interprofessional collaboration among students. Why is this type of education so beneficial in a rural healthcare context?
A: Interprofessional education (IPE) is transformative for students and the communities they serve. In rural settings, healthcare teams often consist of a small number of individuals, and effective collaboration is essential for providing high-quality care. IPE programs equip students with the skills to work effectively across different healthcare disciplines, fostering teamwork, communication, and patient-centered care. This isn’t just about teaching students to work together, it’s about ensuring they can navigate the complexities and dynamism of a rural healthcare system.
Q: The expansion focuses on both medical and pharmacy programs. Is this a deliberate, strategic approach to addressing the multifaceted rural healthcare crisis?
A: This is a remarkably smart strategic move.The shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas is not just about physicians.Addressing shortages across a variety of healthcare roles—pharmacists, nurses, allied health professionals, and others—is crucial for creating functional, resilient healthcare systems. By expanding both medical and pharmacy programs in tandem, UNMC is proactively addressing the systemic nature of this crisis. This coordinated approach is far more likely to result in long-term sustainability in rural healthcare. Pharmacy professionals, such as, frequently enough play a critical role in managing chronic conditions prevalent in rural populations and providing accessible medication management services.
Q: How successful do you think this comprehensive expansion will be in the long term? What are the key components to its sustained success?
A: The long-term success of UNMC’s initiative depends on several key factors.The availability of high-quality, sustainable medical and pharmacy educational programs is critical. This includes the continued recruitment and retention of talented faculty and preceptors. Equally crucial is a focused engagement with rural communities, ensuring collaboration and alignment with their unique healthcare needs and long-term infrastructure. Strong partnerships between UNMC, healthcare providers, and local communities will be fundamental to this ongoing success. Maintaining consistent funding and program assessment will also play a significant role in ensuring this model’s long-term viabilty.
Key Takeaways:
Robust preceptorship programs are essential for training future rural healthcare providers.
Creating a supportive learning environment encompasses housing, transportation, and community engagement.
Interprofessional education (IPE) is vital for effective teamwork in rural healthcare settings.
Addressing multiple healthcare professional shortages is key to creating sustainable systems.
* long-term success hinges on strong community partnerships, consistent funding, and program evaluation.
What are your thoughts on UNMC’s approach to tackling rural healthcare shortages? share your insights in the comments below!