OMAHA- Without fanfare, Stan Truhlsen, MD, changed the landscape of UNMC and the field of ophthalmology.
The legendary ophthalmologist and philanthropist died Dec. 23 at age 101 and long will be remembered for his kindness and positivity, generous spirit, and radiant smile.
"Stan was a giant on this campus," UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, 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 particulars of the high quality of education, research, and care that occurs every day. We are saddened by his passing and grateful for his generosity."
Dr. Truhlsen made contributions that helped position UNMC and Nebraska Medicine as medical research, education, and patient care leader.
His pride and joy — 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.
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.
Dr. Truhlsen was accomplished on the national stage. He was elected president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the nation's largest organization of physicians specializing in eye care. While president, he participated in the academy’s launch of the National Eye Care Program, which brought together 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists nationwide who provided, at no cost, care for the elderly in need.
Dr. Truhlsen's generosity also extended to the larger Omaha community. His gifts have provided funding for The Durham Museum's lecture hall, renovations, and an addition to Countryside Community Church, the Holland Performing Arts Center, the Salvation Army Kroc Center and the Joslyn Art Museum sculpture garden.
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