The University of Nebraska Medical Center has hired one of its former students to run its Rural Health Education Network.

Dr. Patrik Johansson says he'll work to strengthen rural partnerships, including those with local health departments, health associations and government agencies.

Johansson spent part of his childhood in Gothenburg and Omaha. He received his medical degree from UNMC in 1997 and, later, a master's degree from Harvard University's School of Public Health.

He has been working as a professor at George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services.

The Rural Health Education Network works to recruit and retain health care providers in rural parts of Nebraska.