NMA Physician of the Year is awarded to an actively practicing physician who consistently achieves high standards in the practice of medicine and is looked upon as a role model by his or her peers.
Reflections on My Career in Medicine
By Daniel Rosenquist, MD
As I approached my term as President of the NMA, I braced myself for countless drives between Columbus and Lincoln. What I didn’t expect was how those drives would become a sanctuary— an unexpected gift of reflection and renewal. Windshield time.
In the years leading up to my term, I had made that trip on many occasions, some of which were in the unpredictable Nebraska weather. I also knew that was going to increase exponentially before, during, and after the 90-day legislative session.
With Sirius XM channel 20 as my frequent companion, those 90-minute drives transformed into meditative rituals. They became my time to decompress, recalibrate, and prepare for whatever lay ahead—patients, policy, or personal life.
Like many others, I found myself concerned about the mental state of medical practitioners. Across the country, physicians are overwhelmed. Administrative burdens, lack of autonomy, and emotional fatigue are taking their toll. Work-Life imbalance.
None in this profession is immune to these stressors, so why do some not experience the same level as their peers? Many individuals recognize these emotions but struggle to address them and rediscover their purpose. Windshield time was the perfect opportunity for me. I could arrive back at my house, greet my wife with a smile, and relax before facing the next day.
We can’t do this alone. My wife and I took a leap of faith when we became part of Columbus Family Practice—a decision that has brought more growth and meaning than I ever imagined. It has been a great source of professional fulfillment and personal joy.
I’ve also been supported by incredible colleagues in Lincoln—Amy, Paul, and the staff at the NMA; Matt, Bill, and the team at Mueller Robak; and many others across the state and across all specialties—working together for physicians and for the health of all Nebraskans.
As I transition out of practice, I realize the true measure of a career isn’t just clinical outcomes—it’s connection, compassion, and continuity. I have found some of my greatest professional satisfaction in those who present the greatest obstacle. Someone who felt they were not treated with respect by a previous provider. The alcoholics who have relapsed over and over and over only to become sober. Those who have struggled with depression and other mental health diseases come to terms with life. Those who are now facing their third, fourth, and sometimes fifth cancers, many of whom are veterans. Loss of loved ones, those expected, and those who were not.
Medicine isn’t just science; it’s humanity. It’s listening, guiding, and sometimes simply being present.
Take time to reflect; it allows you to not only survive—but also thrive. Advocate for your profession and the health of your patients. Remember, your patients put their trust in you—earn it and preserve it. For this, we all share the honor of being named “Physician of the Year.”
Bio: Dr. Rosenquist is a life-long Nebraskan, born in York, moving to St Paul for elementary and high school, before obtaining his undergraduate degree from Hastings College. Upon completion of Medical School (1984) and Family Medicine Residency (1987) at UNMC, he joined Columbus Family Practice. Their independent group has grown to seven board certified family physicians, three PA-Cs, two APRNs, and a host of ancillary services.
He has served on the NMA Board of Directors and was President of the organization in 2022-23. He is currently an Alternate Delegate representing the NMA at the AMA. He has also served on the NE Coalition of Patient Safety BOD and continues on the Reporting Committee.
Now in his second stint as a member of the Columbus Community Hospital BOD, he is a past chair. He is also a Past-President of the Medical Staff and has served on multiple committees.
In addition to membership in the NMA and AMA, he is also a member of the NAFP and AAFP, where he has achieved the degree of Fellow. As an extension of his interests, he has been a Patient Safety and Risk Management Consultant to COPIC since 2010, a medical professional liability company headquartered in Denver but offering coverage in multiple states, including Nebraska. His family includes his wife Janice, daughter Megan Kelly, her husband Mark, their children Lyla and Louis, and his son Ryan. Hobbies include the outdoors, especially hiking and water sports. His newfound interest is grandparenting.
