The UNMC Department of Anesthesiology will host former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, MD, for a discussion on August 11, 2025, at the UNMC Omaha campus. The event, scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., will take place in the College of Nursing, Room 1010. Dr. Adams, who served as the nation’s top doctor from 2017 to 2021, is expected to share insights based on his experience addressing major public health challenges.
A Conversation on Public Health
Dr. Adams’s visit to UNMC offers an opportunity for the campus community to engage with a prominent figure in public health. During his tenure as surgeon general, Dr. Adams played a critical role in navigating complex health crises. These included the opioid epidemic, which had a devastating impact on communities across the United States, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused unprecedented global disruption. His experiences during these times provided him with unique perspectives on the challenges of disease prevention and public health communication. His ability to address and communicate about such crucial topics made him a central figure in these national health concerns.
From State Commissioner to National Role
Before his appointment as the nation’s surgeon general, Dr. Adams served as the Indiana State Health Commissioner. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of the public health challenges at a state level, preparing him for the complexities of his national role. The transition from state to federal service is often marked by shifts in scope and responsibility, requiring leaders to adapt their strategies to address broader issues.
A Broader Perspective
Cale Kassel, MD, associate professor at the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology, expressed the department’s anticipation for Dr. Adams’s visit. He believes that inviting Dr. Adams provides a valuable, broader perspective for the campus. His hope is that the event will inspire attendees to think beyond their day-to-day clinical focus. This perspective is especially important in a clinical setting where healthcare providers are focused on treatments, patient care, and other immediate considerations. By bringing in experts from other areas, healthcare providers gain insights into the broader landscape of healthcare.
Current Role at Purdue University
Dr. Adams currently serves as a presidential fellow and executive director of the Center for Community Health Enhancement and Learning (HEAL) at Purdue University. This position demonstrates his continued commitment to public health and health education. The HEAL center focuses on improving community health and learning, indicating his sustained focus on addressing health issues. His work at Purdue reinforces his commitment to community health.
Implications for UNMC
The presence of Dr. Adams at UNMC will likely be a significant event. His discussion on public health may provide valuable insights to a diverse audience, including students, faculty, and staff, and provide perspective to healthcare professionals. The focus on the opioid epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic will likely resonate with healthcare professionals and students. Furthermore, Dr. Adams’s insights will offer a valuable opportunity for UNMC to reflect on its contributions to public health. The event is anticipated to encourage attendees to consider the broader implications of their work and to promote a deeper understanding of public health challenges.
