![paper planes](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2024/04/n21247600/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1714504945774.jpg)
From flight nurse aspirations to health care innovation: Meet Nick Dobrzelecki, BSN '97
We can thank flight nurses for alumnus Nick Dobrzelecki’s interest in nursing.
“I worked as an EMT volunteer and knew I wanted to get into health care. I started off as a pre-med major but have always been intrigued by flight nurses, so I switched to nursing with no idea of what I was getting myself into,” Dobrzelecki, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, ’97, says.
More than 30 years since making that decision, Dobrzelecki has not yet flown as a nurse, but has impacted the health care industry on many fronts.
An ROTC student at UC, Dobrzelecki was stationed in Bosnia two years after graduation. His deployment brought the opportunity of leading medical training for his NATO division and gave him international exposure to people and hospitals. Twenty years later, Dobrzelecki’s path led to finding solutions to the international crises he witnessed back then.
“After leaving the Army, I worked as a home healthcare nurse. Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t a goal, but I foresaw an opportunity to develop a large-scale remote coding service when regulatory changes took place in the industry,” Dobrzelecki says. “The holistic perspective nurses employ when treating patients is what can make them successful in health care innovation so, although I had no business background, the critical thinking I learned in nursing school helped me grow the company and become a key player in the home healthcare market.”
Nick Dobrzelecki/photo provided.
In 2021, Dobrzelecki was ready for new challenges, so he sold his first company and partnered with a like-minded physician to investigate and design new businesses. Together, they built The Learnery, a microlearning platform for health care workers, which just signed a multi-year partnership with United Hatzalah of Israel, and Titan Health Corporation, a company that offers strategic executive oversight and operational support for health care startups. Titan Health Staffing, a division of Titan Health Corporation, was recently awarded a critical staffing contract by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Innovation doesn’t need to be about the next gadget, it can be about employing a systems view to create new processes that prevent deficiencies from occurring,” Dobrzelecki says. “Having learned to solve health care problems holistically, I know to account for future potential issues when making decisions to grow my businesses.”
Dobrzelecki has recently joined the college’s Alumni Council and the Innovation Certificate program advisory committee.
“I’m excited to support our students’ evolution of critical thinking to innovation thinking and to get nurses confident so they can push forward and influence change. Having an innovation mindset in whatever environment they work will foster small changes that lead to bigger changes,” he says.
Related Stories
Huff Post: The best workouts to do if you had COVID-19
April 16, 2021
UC Health orthopedic surgeon Brian Grawe, MD, advises on when it's safe to exercise if you catch COVID-19.
Village Life partners with UC International to support Global Scholars
April 14, 2021
Two students from Tanzania receive Global Opportunity Scholarships and get a big Bearcat welcome!
NBC News: Silk masks are good for skin, staying safe
April 12, 2021
UC biologist Patrick Guerra talks to NBC News about why silk is a good material for face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
First cohort accepted for Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist pilot program
April 21, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Program gives students fast-track path to becomming an RDN while giving them exceptional internship experiences.
Student educator to serve on national COVID committee
April 26, 2021
Claire Keum selected to participate in ACHA's CoVAC Initiative.
Over 100 Mental Health Champions graduated this spring
April 28, 2021
On April 15, 2021, over 100 faculty and staff across the University of Cincinnati graduated to become official Mental Health Champions, a now Healthy UC initiative. These dedicated colleagues successfully completed three trainings focused on creating connections and community, supporting students and co-workers with resources, and investing in their own personal wellness. Trainings were hosted by fellow colleagues who became facilitators in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Be Well UC employee wellness program. All Mental Health Champions actively demonstrate their commitment to building the culture of positive well-being at the University.
UC neurosurgery department awarded exclusive grant
June 2, 2021
The Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation awarded UC's Department of Neurosurgery with a prestigious grant.
Fox 47 News: Millions granted for childhood brain cancer research
June 7, 2021
Millions granted for pedatric brain tumor reserach. UC's Timothy Phoenix among those who receive financial supprt to futher research.
UC Blue Ash event focuses on transgender inclusivity in health care
March 31, 2021
As health care providers take steps to provide an inclusive environment for all patients, it’s important to consider the needs of transgender and nonbinary people.