Seward resident Dr. Van Vahle recently received the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Vahle graduated from UNMC in 1970 and studied OB/GYN for an additional year before moving to Seward, his wife Becky's hometown, to join a family practice.
Vahle was honored by UNMC for his strong bond with the Seward community and dedication to medicine.
“His career stands out due to his generosity in opening his practice to countless UNMC medical students and residents as part of their education, and at times he would even welcome these students to stay at his home while they were in Seward,” a UNMC release said.
Vahle retired from full-time practice in 2012 after 41 years in Seward.
“Receiving this award is very humbling and surprising to me,” he said. “I love what I have done for 50 years and never looked to be recognized for it. I truly appreciate all my patients through the years putting their trust in me and letting me become part of their families.
“I still miss them. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to work and learn side by side with great people.”
In 2009 he was recognized as Nebraska Family Physician of the Year. The following year he was named Outstanding Rural Physician of the Year in Nebraska. In 2011 he received the Theodore H. Koefoot Jr. MD Award for UNMC's most outstanding preceptor in rural family medicine. The Koefoot Award recognizes the above-and-beyond service of volunteer faculty who are beloved by their students and consistently provide an outstanding educational experience.
In retirement Vahle continues to serve several hours each week as medical director at Concordia University. He's also shared his medical abilities with humanitarian efforts.
“(I) went to Haiti six times and try to help out where needed,” he said. “Maybe in the years to come I will go fishing. We hope to be able to get back to traveling and seeing our children sometime soon.
“I will try to continue to do the right thing.”
