Lincoln Orthopaedic Center (LOC) is dedicated to providing expert orthopaedic, sports medicine, workers care and spine care for individuals and athletes of all ages. Their team of physicians offer corresponding board certified specialties and serve areas in and around Lincoln. LOC physicians also provide care for 14 outreach clinics in the following communities: Auburn, Beatrice, Central City, Columbus, Crete, David City, Hastings, Henderson, Marysville, KS, Nebraska City, Seward, Tecumseh, Wahoo, and York. LOC’s clinic and outpatient surgery center is located at 6900 A Street. Linda Tegler, RN is the Surgery Center Manager for Lincoln Orthopaedic Center.
How did you get started in the business? – Actually, I considered being a veterinarian but in high school I became allergic to a variety of furry and feathered creatures. I’ve always enjoyed people and their ‘stories’, so I shifted gears a bit while remaining in the medical field. My background is in nursing, mainly in a hospital setting with a focus on several different areas and roles regarding utilization and care management. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with many talented people whom I’ve learned a lot from and who encouraged me to stretch myself and try new things.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – That would have to be the constant changes in health care. The changes in technology in medicine over the years has been tremendous and exciting, but the bigger challenge recently has been in responding to the ever-changing rules and regulations by the government and insurance companies…and helping patients and families to understand how that impacts their care.
Tell me a little about your family. – I have two kids: Mikayla works at UNL as an Admin Tech in one of the advising centers and David attends Concordia University in Seward. I grew up in Seward–my parents and some of my extended family still live there.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Becoming a parent.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Getting together with family or friends, or being outdoors. Pretty much anything to avoid housework! I also enjoy listening to local music, vineyards, and travel. In the past year I’ve visited Red Rocks amphitheater in Colorado for a concert which was amazing, and have tackled ice skating, snow skiing (sort of) and zip-lining.
Which talent would you most like to have? – To play the guitar and golf proficiently!
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily life? – I’m not sure it’s a ‘talent’ of mine, but I definitely enjoy art. I can also fix almost anything with duct tape—my dad taught me that and I get a new roll almost every Christmas!
What are you the most proud of? – My kids and my parents. They’ve all taught me so much along the way and I admire their character and integrity.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – To be yourself and stay true to what’s important to you. The rest will fall into place.
What is your favorite TV show? – Some of my favorites are Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, West Wing, CSI, and Big Bang Theory.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Probably Lazlo’s, but there are several that I enjoy. I’m always up for trying something new!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Tom Hanks.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By phone at (402) 436-2018, by email at ltegler@ortholinc.com, visit www.ortholinc.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ortholinc.