Dwayne Zobell, DDS, has been connected to UNMC and Nebraska Medicine for over 40 years, from dental student to heart patient. He is now making a planned gift to support future dental students and transplant patients.

The Montana native, who practiced dentistry in Cheyenne, Wyo., for over 30 years, has arranged for his estate to support two causes close to his heart: historical exhibits at the UNMC College of Dentistry and the Nebraska Medicine transplant patient fund.

"UNMC is a treasure in terms of medical centers, both in what is available and how they treat people," Dr. Zobell says. His appreciation for UNMC began during his dental school years, when he had a unique opportunity to provide dental care to Cuban refugees. This experience sparked a passion for helping others that led to dozens of trips providing dental care in countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Peru and China.

But it was his own health journey that deepened his connection to UNMC and Nebraska Medicine. In 2015, Dr. Zobell underwent heart surgery at Nebraska Medical Center, followed by an unexpected stroke. Later, when he needed a heart transplant, Nebraska Medicine staff helped connect him with Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. Today, he receives his follow-up care at Nebraska Medical Center, where he appreciates having all his specialists under one roof.

"They take good care of you here," Dr. Zobell says. "My kidney doctor, heart doctor and skin doctor are all in the same place, and they communicate with each other multiple times a day."

Being a transplant patient opened his eyes to the problems many families face when they need special medical care. "When you have a big health problem, your whole life changes," Dr. Zobell says. "You have to find a place to stay, learn where to shop, and figure out how to get around. Some people from rural areas might even have to sell their farm to get treatment."

Dr. Zobell grew up in a rural family and cares deeply about helping people from small towns get good medical care. His gift will make it easier for future patients to get the care they need. It will also help support the College of Dentistry Dental Museum, a project his former teacher, Stanton Harn, PhD, advocated for and now curates.

Though health issues now keep him from traveling abroad to help others, Dr. Zobell still teaches at a local dental program. His gift to UNMC and Nebraska Medicine means he will keep helping people long into the future.

"Not everybody gets the opportunities I've had," he reflects. "When you receive something like this, you need to give back as much as you can."