Star City 6: Dr. Paul Kampfe
Nebraska Surgical Specialists (www.NebraskaSurgical.com) is an independent, comprehensive general surgery practice dedicated to treating patients with a variety of medical conditions with the highest quality surgical care. Dr. Paul Kampfe recently took over ownership of Nebraska Surgical Specialists.
Tell us a little about your business. – We perform a wide range of surgical procedures, including Colon & Rectal Surgery, Thyroid/Parathyroid Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgery (Endoscopic and Laparoscopic), Hernia Surgery (Open and Laparoscopic), Breast Surgery, Cancer Surgery, and Pediatric Surgery. Nebraska Surgical Specialists was founded 13 years ago by Dr. Miles Tommerhaasen, and I had the privilege of joining the practice in 2012. Now I’m honored to continue Nebraska Surgical Specialists’ legacy of providing compassionate, personalized health care.
How did you get started in the business? – I always loved science, and working as an orderly in the OR clinched my future in medicine. Thirty years ago, I completed my general surgery residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and began my practice of general surgery. I have been Board Certified in general surgery for the past 28 years.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Challenges in health care are always present, but the biggest challenge is dealing with the death of a patient. I’m a professional and I’m human; I have to work through it. Keeping up with advanced healthcare practices and technology is an exciting kind of challenge.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – It occurs each time I make a diagnosis, operate on a patient, and see him/her through the recovery process and back to the best possible health.
Tell me a little about your family. – I am married to Jennifer, who is an ADHD coach here in Lincoln, and have five children and one grandchild. Of my five children, Sarah, Nathan, and Laura are grown and Carlton and Madelyn still live at home and are in 9th and 8th grade at Lincoln Christian School. We also have two “attack Yorkies” as we like to call them since they let us know of any noise inside or outside our home.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Returning home to the Midwest has definitely been a turning point in my life and career. Having been raised in Omaha and graduating from medical school through the University of Nebraska Medical Center, it is an honor to be in private practice here and serve Lincoln and its surrounding communities. Owning my own general surgery practice and launching the new brand for Nebraska Surgical Specialists has been the biggest turning point in my career thus far.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Besides spending time with the family, my favorite thing to do on my day off is singing with the Lincoln Continentals Barbershop Chorus. I like to wear a button that says “I Sing” on my doctor’s coat; it’s a great conversation piece. I also enjoy trying my hand at various woodworking projects, and tackling my “honey-do list.”
What are you the most proud of? – After my family and my faith, I am most proud of pushing and challenging myself in this new venture of owning my own surgery practice.
What is the most important thing you’d like to let patients know about surgery? – That they always have the right to request their surgeon of choice. A patient isn’t required to use an ER doctor or one recommended by the physician.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Readers can learn more about Nebraska Surgical Specialists by visiting our website at www.NebraskaSurgical.com. They may also contact our office at (402) 475-9090 or info@nebraskasurgical.com.
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