John A. Aita, MD, PhD

Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1914, John A. Aita, MD, received his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, his medical degree from the University of Iowa in 1937, and his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1944. After graduation, Dr. Aita completed neurology training at the Mayo Clinic and psychiatry training at Yale before joining the U.S. Army to serve in the medical corps in World War II. During his service, he conducted groundbreaking work in rehabilitation for patients with brain injuries. He was awarded a commendation from the surgeon general for this work.

After the war, Dr. Aita returned to the Omaha-Council Bluffs area in search of a private psychiatry practice. He joined the Wigtons and Youngs in practice, creating the WAY Clinic. Dr. Aita also joined the Wigtons and Youngs on the faculty in the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry at UNMC. As a member of the department, Dr. Aita was active at the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute. He served UNMC and the Omaha community for over 30 years, becoming professor emeritus and retiring from practice in the 1980s. In 1995, Dr. Aita passed away at the age of 81. His legacy is visible in his children and grandchildren who continue his work in the medical field and serve their communities.

From the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Department of Psychiatry