Herman native, ophthalmology icon, philanthropist passes away at 101
A medical icon who changed the landscape of UNMC and the field of ophthalmology has died.
By News Channel NebraskaOMAHA, Neb. -- A medical icon who changed the landscape of UNMC and the field of ophthalmology has died.
Dr. Stan Truhlsen, MD died last week at age 101.
"Stan was a giant on this campus," UNMC Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold said. "He continued to be active and interested in UNMC and was instrumental in elevating UNMC to where it is today. Stan and Dottie were among the very first to welcome me to Nebraska and have not only been strong supporters of UNMC but very good friends. He was so very proud of the eye institute that bears his name and particularly of the high quality of education, research and care that occurs every day. We are saddened by his passing and grateful for his generosity."
A native of Herman, Nebraska (population 265), Dr. Truhlsen learned early on the importance of giving back to the community. He went on to become nationally recognized in the field of ophthalmology but remembered his dad saying, "Repay your town for what they've done for you."
Dr. Truhlsen did so time and again.
Dr. Truhlsen made contributions that helped position UNMC and Nebraska Medicine as a medical research, education and patient care leader.
The Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute opened in 2013 at 40th and Leavenworth Streets. Five years later, he funded the skywalk connection between the Truhlsen Eye Institute and the Lauritzen Outpatient Center & Fritch Surgery Center.
At the time, he said: "As a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the College of Medicine, it has been satisfying for me to give back to the institution in this way. I owe a great deal to the University of Nebraska."
Dr. Truhlsen also provided support for the Truhlsen Eye Research Laboratories at the Durham Research Center, the Dr. Stanley M. and Dorothy Truhlsen Campus Events Center at the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education, the Dr. Edwin G. & Dorothy Balbach Davis Global Center, which is home to the Interprofessional Experiential Center for Enduring Learning (iEXCEL), and the Wigton Heritage Center.
Dr. Truhlsen graduated from UNL in 1941 and UNMC in 1944. He completed residencies at Albany Hospital in New York and Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. A private practice physician, he joined UNMC’s ophthalmology department in 1951. He was appointed emeritus clinical professor of ophthalmology in 1993. He was interim chairman of the department of ophthalmology in 1989-90. He received UNMC’s Distinguished Service to Medicine Award in 2003.