Through world-class research and patient care, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. The Nebraska Medical Center is the teaching hospital for UNMC and is Nebraska’s largest health care facility.
Alissa Marr, MD is a Medical Oncologist who works in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at UNMC.
Tell me a little about your business. – In my role at UNMC, I specialize in the treatment of both lung cancer and malignant melanoma.
How did you get started in the business? – I completed my Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship here at UNMC, and then elected to stay on as a faculty member. I have been working as faculty for approximately three and a half years now.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – When you are taking care of oncology patients, you need to find a balance between being empathetic and being able to distance yourself from the situation at hand to allow you to make solid, objective treatment decisions.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I have been able to expand the melanoma portion of my practice since starting here at UNMC. I have also helped initiate and maintain an oncology clinic and infusion center at Bellevue Medical Center.
Tell me a little about your family. – I grew up in Hastings, NE and moved to Omaha after completing my college degree. I have two younger brothers who were graced with artistic talent, which I certainly am lacking.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I truly enjoy cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. During nice summer days, I enjoy working out in the garden.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Once while hiking in South Africa, I had an encounter with a very large baboon…he stole my purse! I will never forget the feeling of pure fear that I had. Fortunately, all turned out okay.
What are you the most proud of? – I am most proud of the relationship I develop with my patients and their families. Dealing with cancer can be such a stress and burden to people, and I strive every day to make that battle a little simpler by being honest and truly caring for each patient.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Only do things that make you sleep well at night, it’s the bad decisions that keep people awake.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I would love to be able to fly and get a ‘birds-eye’ view of the world. Of course, that would require me getting over my fear of heights.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I would go to culinary school and perhaps work as a personal chef.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – I would have another dinner with my great grandmother. I was graced with her presence until she was 101 years old. She was so full of wisdom and great advice, I’m certain I could gain more from another dinner with her.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached by phone at (402) 559-6210. To learn more about UNMC, visit www.unmc.edu or find us on social media.