After medical school, Dr. Steven Dunder’s plan was to complete an internal medicine residency and then come back to a mid-sized Nebraska town to be a primary care physician. However, in his final year of residency, he did a rotation with an oncologist and he soon realized his passion was to take his life down a slightly different path. After a year of research work at a VA Hospital, a three-year fellowship and a job with an oncology group in the Carolinas, he and his family decided to return to Nebraska to raise their family. He then joined Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center, a community-based outpatient cancer center.
Tell us about your family. – I have an amazing wife, Becky, who has been my biggest supporter for the past twelve years. We have a son who will be starting kindergarten next month, a three-year old daughter, and a seven-month old puppy just to keep things interesting. I am so fortunate to have them, as I get daily reminders of the joys and wonders of life and love.
What do you see as the biggest turning point in your life? – After graduation from a small high school in western Nebraska, I enrolled at the University of Nebraska. Somewhat in awe and lacking in great academic confidence, I stated my major was “general studies”. About halfway through my Biology 101 class, Professor Janovy listed a half dozen or so names of students to stay after class. As a knee-shaking freshman, I stayed after to hear him say that he just wanted to meet the students at the top of the class. He wanted to say that we could likely do anything we wanted. Not long after, I set forth on my pre-med college path. I regret not yet tracking down Dr. Janovy to thank him.
What is your favorite thing to do when you have some time off? – I dabble at playing guitar and find that it’s a great escape. Time with the kids is such a luxury and it’s so fun to hear what comes out of their mouths. I’ve discovered that I’m a willing and pretty good Lego-builder, too.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – I think that’s a tie between: “Never ask anyone to do something that you’re not willing to do yourself” and “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself…. and clowns.”
What is the one goal you’d most like to accomplish? – A goal I’ve told few people (until now) is that I’d love to write a novel.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Last Lecture by the late Randy Pausch should bring inspiration and thoughtfulness to any reader.
What is your favorite movie? – Christmas Vacation
What is your favorite TV show? – My wife and I don’t miss an episode of Modern Family. It’s great to look forward to a good laugh.
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – Definitely The Oven. Becky and I met at an Indian food restaurant, so there may be some sentimental value there, too.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – An unimaginable night would be sitting down with Warren Buffett and Eddie Van Halen – enjoying some take-out food from The Oven.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – www.leadingcancercare.com Our phone number at Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center is (402) 420-7000.