Mihai Oltean

I signed up for Twitter Blue so I could post this, as if there’s anyone who deserves more than 280 characters, it’s Jon S. Thompson. Dr. Thompson teaches us better than anyone that not all surgical giants fit the stereotype. In his 42 years of practice here at UNMC, he created a culture of respect, excellence, and congeniality. He provided expert clinical care to countless patients over the years, and he led by example in always placing the patient first. He simultaneously provided a top-notch surgical education to countless residents and medical students. There’s a reason that he has a teaching award named after him, and it’s because his talent and dedication as a teacher are unparalleled. Beyond this, he has also been an exceptional mentor. He always leads by example, conducting himself in the most professional and compassionate manner. He always leaves his office door open and makes time to listen no matter how busy. He always focuses on pushing others up rather than furthering his own success. He has been the single largest contributor to my own professional success, and I am one of many surgeons whose success can be tied to his tutelage. Dr Thompson is not on social media, but I wanted those outside of UNMC to know what an incredible gift he is to the world of surgery.