As director of innovation at The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Laura Jana is a pediatrician, award-winning author and health communicator specializing in a wide range of health topics – from early literacy, child care and development, to health and nutrition promotion, among others. With degrees from the University of Michigan and Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Jana focuses her efforts on pediatric and health-related issues extending well beyond the four walls of a pediatric office.
Dr. Jana co-founded the Dr. Spock Company – one of the first online health sites ever – in 1999, and also founded her own company, Practical Parenting Consulting, shortly after. Her passion for promoting a healthy lifestyle for children and has been recognized on a national level, as reflected by her role in the nationally-acclaimed “Learn the Signs. Act Early!” campaign, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of social, emotional and cognitive development in our nation’s youth.
As media spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Jana has also served on the National Executive Committee for Early Education and Child Care. Her professional efforts are increasingly dedicated to addressing the earliest and most pressing needs of children and families.
When she’s not giving speeches or traveling, Dr. Jana enjoys spending time with her husband and their three teenagers.
Best Night’s Sleep: Dr. Jana gets her best night’s sleep when she returns home from a trip and gets to sleep in her own king-sized bed with her blackout curtains drawn. The best nights – getting to wake up without having to set an alarm!
