In 2014, the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures founded the Chancellor Emeritus Harold M. Maurer, M.D. and Beverly Maurer Scientific Achievement award. The award recognizes the accomplishments of University of Nebraska scientists or clinicians that demonstrates promise in research topics that improve lives of Nebraskans and people around the world.
David F. Mercer, M.D., Ph.D. was selected for his extraordinary work as a surgical innovator and the director of the Intestinal Rehabilitation program. Through Dr. Mercer’s efforts, his nomination read, “he now has arguably the world’s largest and most successful experience in a variety of innovative surgical techniques such as the Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP).”
The work of Dr. Mercer and his multidisciplinary team recently culminated in the publication of groundbreaking work demonstrating successful treatment of children with ultrashort length of bowel. Again, quoting his letter of recommendation, “This work is transformative in the field.”
Partial funding for this award comes from a grant from Ellie Batt in memory of her brother, Larry, a long-time supporter of the efforts of medical research.