As we reflect on 2020, I know this has been a year unlike any we've ever experienced. Despite the challenges, you each have found ways to adapt, to demonstrate resilience, and to stay engaged in the work to support and advance the UNMC Department of Pediatrics.
I'm so proud of how each of you has successfully responded to the pandemic, including navigating the telehealth expansion and myriad adaptations to improve safety in the clinical environment, shifting to educating our trainees in a virtual classroom, and continuing to grow our research programs, including through responding to COVID-19, with new scientific approaches to improve child health and outcomes.
Some notable highlights include:
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Expanded our CHRI portfolio of research from $8M in FY19 to $8.3M in FY20
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Recruited 27 new faculty to join our department—and already recruited 10 more who have a signed contract with a start date in 2021
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Welcomed a new leadership team for the Pediatric Residency with co-directors, Dr. Sieczkowski and Dr. Goodrich
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Initiated a department antiracism committee to make visible our actions and commitments to a just and anti-racist workplace and community
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Put forward a record number of faculty members for rank advancement in the UNMC Promotion and Tenure process
Through it all, we’ve kept our mission at the forefront and our focus on the future. We developed a new Children’s enterprise strategic plan, with substantial input from physicians, and are finalizing our Pediatric Department and division plans to ensure we have a trajectory that continues our momentum and growth and galvanizes our work efforts over the next five years to expand clinical programs, advocacy for children, research, and educational programs.
Your efforts are truly mission critical for our success, and our future couldn't be brighter. I'm so thankful for all that you do.
Warmest wishes for a safe and healthy holiday season!
Kari
