The Nebraska Medical Association installed Lincoln family physician Brandon Webb, MD, as its 2026–2027 president and recognized five Nebraskan physicians for outstanding leadership, advocacy, and service during its Inauguration and Awards Banquet Thursday evening at the Country Club of Lincoln.

Dr. Webb is chief medical officer of OneHealth Nebraska and a practicing partner at Primary Care Partners in Lincoln. During his 27 years as a family physician, he has remained committed to independent medicine while helping physician practices navigate value-based care. He succeeds Robert Wergin, MD, as NMA president.

The NMA also presented its 2026 awards:

  • COPIC Nebraska Humanitarian Award: Rebecca Steinke, MD, Grand Island. Dr. Steinke is a family physician with Family Practice of Grand Island. The award honors a physician for volunteer medical service and contributions to the community.
  • Friend of Medicine Award: State Sen. Mike Jacobson, North Platte. Sen. Jacobson was recognized for his leadership on issues affecting physicians and patients, including the Medicaid Access and Quality Act, which enabled Nebraska to access nearly $130 million in additional Medicaid funding and increase reimbursement rates.
  • Student Advocate of the Year: Amber Gowen, Omaha. As a fourth-year medical student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Gowen was honored for engaging fellow students in organized medicine, mentoring future physician advocates, and contributing to advocacy efforts through the American Medical Association.
  • Young Physician of the Year: Daniel Pierce, MD, Omaha. Dr. Pierce, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, was recognized for his clinical leadership, commitment to patients with disabilities, advocacy for access to rehabilitation services, and mentorship of medical students.
  • Physician of the Year: Robert Messbarger, MD, Kearney. Dr. Messbarger was honored for more than three decades of service to Nebraska families, independent medicine and rural medical education. He is a longtime physician with Family Practice Associates and associate dean of the UNMC College of Medicine Regional Campus in Kearney.

The banquet brought together physicians and health care leaders from across Nebraska to celebrate service to patients, the profession, and Nebraska communities.

OneHealth Nebraska sponsored the dinner and program, the American Board of Medical Specialties sponsored the reception, and Clarkson Institute sponsored the awards presentation.

About the Nebraska Medical Association

Founded in 1868, the Nebraska Medical Association represents nearly 3,000 active and retired physicians, residents, and medical students across Nebraska. Its mission is to serve physician members by advocating for the medical profession, patients, and the health of all Nebraskans.

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