FarmHouse - University of Nebraska

FARMHOUSE FRATERNITY 2 E ver since he was in the sixth grade, Dr. Lane Handke '80 knew he wanted to be a doctor. He was inspired to follow in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Leon Handke, who was the only physician in Lane's hometown of Pierce, Nebraska, for 25 years—before Lane started his practice in the northeast Nebraska town of 1,800 about 10 years ago. While it was not an easy road to becoming a doctor, Lane had the FarmHouse brotherhood behind him every step of the way, encouraging and motivating him to pursue his professional goals. "FarmHouse was important to me and in developing me as a man, living with intelligent men, who were driven by high standards, seeking excellence, and were goal-oriented leaders" Lane shared. "I wouldn't be the same person I am now had I not had that experience." Had Lane lived in a dorm at UNL as originally planned, he would not have had the same encouragement and expectations, not only of himself, but from other men around him. There were many benefits of being in FarmHouse, but one of the most impactful experiences was creating his 10-year plan. "I still remember when I presented my 10-year plan to 12 of my brothers, which really opened my eyes. They asked me questions like, 'How are you going to feel when a patient dies? How will you handle various situations?' I hadn't thought about some of those personal issues," he said. "It was a very insightful experience to consider and open up about these questions with people who cared about me and who were trying to mold my thoughts and prepare me for those realities. That was such a memorable evening." Although Lane felt like he fumbled a bit through his 10-year plan presentation, he went on to achieve his medical professional goals thanks to his life-shaping FarmHouse experience. Through Nebraska Chapter, Lane learned social and leadership skills and was afforded encouragement to excel academically, which have all served him well in his career. Lane practiced in Omaha for eight years after his residency, followed by 12 years in Lincoln, where he met his second wife, Cathleen. By then, he had established friends, church, and organizations, and he and Cathleen wanted to find a place for a fresh start together. After attending Lane's 30-year high school reunion in Pierce, Cathleen asked, "Why not Pierce?" "Pierce didn't have a doctor anymore since my dad [had been] retired 15 years by that time, and I picked up where he left off. My dad was a family physician in Pierce in a different era when small town medical practice was much different than today," Lane stated. "My dad delivered 300 babies a year and saw 50-70 patients a day in the office.. There were no E.R. doctors and no hospitalists, so if someone came to the E.R. at 2 in the morning, he had to drive 15 miles to the hospital in Norfolk.. He told me he only slept through the night seven times in more than 25 years of practice. I don't know how he did it; he was constantly busy. I'm not worthy to put on my dad's stethoscope. He was such a fine, caring, and dedicated physician, and I'm proud he's my dad. I'm truly not even worthy to put on his stethoscope." Although Lane never imagined he'd move back to Pierce, he and his wife enjoy small-town life and are happy to be there. He's honored to carry on after his father as the only physician in Pierce and has built a good practice and is respected in the medical profession, just like his dad. "That's my personal gratification—to care for people and their families that I grew up with and to truly feel appreciated," he shared. Lane is also chief of staff at the hospital in Norfolk, Nebraska, where he's changing the climate and creating a more positive atmosphere. You can connect with Lane at lhch1008@gmail.com. Built by the FarmHouse Brotherhood Dr. Lane Handke '80 Reflects on Life-Shaping Nebraska Chapter Experience What has been a silver lining for you during the COVID-19 pandemic? "You learn to appreciate things you took for granted—all the various resources that are available when people put all their efforts together, at the hospital especially. People came together as a team and stepped outside their comfort zone to help others. Those things were wonderful to see. You also realize how much you appreciate teachers when you have to homeschool your kids." Will You Be a FarmHouse Mentor? (Continued from page 1) entrepreneurial options. In today's technological world, we have Zoom, FaceTime, phone, and email to communicate, so in-person visits aren't the only option for mentoring to be effective. The program will start soon with an active chapter digital survey to locate those actives interested and what areas of expertise are most needed. Once the demand is determined, the brotherhood committee will set priorities for the mentorship program and work to recruit potential FarmHouse alumni mentors to fill the roles. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please email Steve England '66 at sengland@ ipexneb.com or Sid Pinney '81 at sidpinney@ gmail.com.

• Cover