Dr. Richard Jackson: Ralston schools Foundation 2024 Distinguished Alumni
We are honored to recognize Dr. Rick Jackson, a 2024 RHS Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, for his remarkable dedication to serving Pawnee City, Nebraska, as a family practice doctor for over 50 years.
Dr. Jackson's commitment to his community is evident in his tireless efforts to provide around-the-clock care, keeping the hospital operational and saving countless lives. His thoughtfulness, caring, and sense of humor are reflected in the story of how he personally funded the purchase of a new ambulance for the hospital, surprising the administrator with a check and a toy remote-controlled ambulance. Throughout his career, Dr. Jackson has received numerous accolades, including the 2021 Marion D. and Theodore H. Koefoot Jr. Outstanding Preceptor in Rural Family Medicine Award and the 2003 Supervisor Physician of the Year award. He was also one of the first Nebraska physicians certified in Family Medicine and became a Fellow in 1982. |
Dr. Jack Lionberger, a former medical student of Dr. Jackson's, shares his admiration for Dr. Jackson's exceptional skills and dedication to his profession. "In fourth year medical school, I chose to go to Pawnee City for family practice training. I watched Dr. Jackson move flawlessly from task to task. Rick was called to this profession. By whatever mechanism you believe in: fate, God, luck, need. Personally, and professionally, I thank God that he was called, and that I had a chance to meet him. My career, abilities, and life are all much better for the Pawnee City experience in general and Dr. Jackson specifically."
Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Jackson and his wife Barbara organized an annual 5K/1-mile fitness run, promoting health and fitness in the community. He also competed in numerous races, including the Boston Marathon, and the local walking/running trail is named in his honor. Dr. Jackson was instrumental in establishing a physical therapy center and acquiring critical medical equipment for the local hospital, significantly contributing to the local Rotary Club.
As Dr. Jackson himself once said, "A good family doctor knows the patient has a dog... a great family doctor knows the dog's name!" His display of love and care for patients, trainees, colleagues, and community is evident in all he accomplished. Beloved by his family and revered by his patients and colleagues, Dr. Jackson embodies the spirit of Ralston High School, demonstrating how passion and perseverance can lead to incredible success.
Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Jackson and his wife Barbara organized an annual 5K/1-mile fitness run, promoting health and fitness in the community. He also competed in numerous races, including the Boston Marathon, and the local walking/running trail is named in his honor. Dr. Jackson was instrumental in establishing a physical therapy center and acquiring critical medical equipment for the local hospital, significantly contributing to the local Rotary Club.
As Dr. Jackson himself once said, "A good family doctor knows the patient has a dog... a great family doctor knows the dog's name!" His display of love and care for patients, trainees, colleagues, and community is evident in all he accomplished. Beloved by his family and revered by his patients and colleagues, Dr. Jackson embodies the spirit of Ralston High School, demonstrating how passion and perseverance can lead to incredible success.