Interview with Dr. Timothy Malloy

Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Omaha, baptized in St Cecilia's Cathedral, and grew up in the Holy Name area of northeast Omaha. My parents are Joe and Margaret Ann Malloy.

Would you like to tell us about your family?
I am the fourth of seven children and have been married 25 years. My wife and I have three children, John (18), Emily (15), Joey (11), and our 8-week-old boxer, Lucy.

When did you decide you wanted a career in healthcare?
From as early as I can remember I wanted a career in healthcare. My grandfather, Charles Murphy, M.D., greatly influenced me. He was such a decent man and a dedicated physician, and exemplified the noble, generous virtues of the profession. My uncle, William Murphy, M.D., who recently passed away, also influenced me. He was a good man and had a great heart for helping poor people.

Where did you receive your education?
I was educated entirely in Omaha. I graduated from UNO in 1981, UNMC in 1986, UNMC Family Medicine in 1989, and UNMC Geriatrics in 1991.

What do you enjoy most about being a physician?
The thing I enjoy most about being a physician is the unique opportunity that exists when you can help someone (the patient and family), teach someone (the doctor, nurse or pharmacist in-training), and learn something, all simultaneously. When this happens, I feel so fortunate to be in this academic position. That really energizes me.

What facilities list you as their medical director?
I provide medical directorship for several long-term care facilities including Hillcrest Health and Rehabilitation Center, Brighton Gardens, Montclair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, House of Hope Alzheimer's Disease facility, and the Omaha Nursing Home. I also serve as the Medical Director for Visiting Nurse Association.

Do you have any uncompleted career goals?
I know that I have plenty of room for improvement as both a clinical physician and educator. I would like to improve in both of these areas to a level of very high proficiency.

What activities do you enjoy on your time off?
I enjoy spending time with my family and especially attending my children's sporting events.

Do you have a favorite food, style of music, television program, or book?
My favorite food is a rib-eye steak. I like most kinds of music except gangsta rap and punk rock. I can't stand most modern TV programs, and like to read about American history and any John Grisham novel.

What trends do you see for home healthcare?
The increased need to be automated and data-driven, using such technology as telemedicine.

Why is the VNA your agency of choice?
The VNA is my agency of choice because it has been serving folks in need for over 100 years -- long before homecare became popular or profitable -- and has never forgotten its mission.

Do you have any advice for someone who might be considering a career in medicine?
Go for it. It is still a great profession, which serves people in need, and gives great satisfaction to the provider. Other than the clergy, I can think of no better profession.