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Press Releases

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    • Wednesday, Mar 06, 2024

    Research Shows Genetic Approaches to Breast Cancer Screenings Yield More Accurate Results

    Clinical researchers with the Healthy Nevada Project co-author research paper with findings that emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 39 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment and detection. In Nevada there are an estimated 2,310 new breast cancer cases a year, and genetic mutations such as in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 remain a top risk factor for this prevalent disease. Recognizing the urgency for progress in breast cancer research, a collaborative effort between physicians, advanced practice providers and scientists from the Healthy Nevada Project® (HNP) and Helix have unveiled groundbreaking research. This study explores how genetic screenings are a necessary supplement to traditional testing methods, together offering more accurate insights into a patient's likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. HNP is operated by Renown Genomic Medicine and the Institute for Health Innovation and is one of the largest community-based population health studies in the country. Their team works in collaboration with Helix, a leader in precision health that delivers comprehensive genomic solutions. Together, this dynamic partnership aims to understand breast cancer risk factors and pave the way for more effective preventative measures. The combined research team studied 25,591 female HNP participants to evaluate the performance of different genetic screening approaches to identify women at high risk of breast cancer. The results of this research suggest that a combined monogenic, or single-gene, and polygenic, or multi-gene, approach to breast cancer screenings helped produce more accurate results and more closely identify study participants who have a high genetic risk of developing the disease. "Based on this research, we are advocating a shift in approach which would improve breast cancer risk assessment through a combination of effective family history ascertainment and genetic screening,” said Joseph Grzymski, PhD, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project, research professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “This tailored approach, founded on the assessment of individual genetic risk, not only intends to elevate patient well-being but also will improve efficiency and equity in healthcare." Complementing the team’s research on leveraging genetics to identify women at low genetic risk of breast cancer that could safely defer mammogram screenings by five to 10 years that was released in late 2023 in JAMA Oncology, the study suggests that incorporating genetic information can assist in personalizing breast cancer screenings and optimizing the use of screening resources. "Existing disparities persist across various facets of breast cancer screening and treatment; however, genetic screening is clearly a powerful tool to help facilitate early intervention for those at higher risk,” said Jamie Schnell Blitstein, APRN, a primary care nurse practitioner at Renown Health and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “By placing a heightened focus on risk, we underscore the pivotal role of preventative breast cancer screening.” Despite the availability of effective methods for early screening, co-authors of this research found that 78 percent of women with a family history of breast cancer had their risk ascertained only after a breast cancer diagnosis. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  “These findings that can profoundly impact how healthcare is delivered were only made possible by all the participants who were willing to consent to research,” said Alex Bolze, PhD from Helix and co-author of the publication. “Broad-scale collaboration projects like these between Renown Health and UNR that engage large populations where participants share both their genetic information as well as electronic health records drive advancements in preventative medicine, as well as fundamental biological research.”   The research paper was officially accepted on Jan. 29, 2024, and will be published by Elsevier, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The contents of the paper will appear in the international journal Genetics in Medicine Open. Read the full article by visiting sciencedirect.com. The Healthy Nevada Project is currently recruiting new study participants. Free to all Nevadans with a saliva sample or blood draw, participants and their referring providers receive access to whole-exome sequencing and clinical grade results that help provide insight into their unique genetic risks tied to heart disease and certain cancers. If you are interested in enrolling in the study, schedule a Virtual Consent Appointment through MyChart or contact the Renown Institute for Health Innovation at RenownIHI@renown.org or (775) 982-6914 to be connected to a Genomic Representative. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers. About Helix Helix is the leading population genomics and viral surveillance company operating at the intersection of clinical care, research, and data analytics. Helix enables health systems, life sciences companies, payers, and government partners to accelerate the integration of genomic data into patient care and public health decision-making. Learn more at helix.com.

    Read More About Research Shows Genetic Approaches to Breast Cancer Screenings Yield More Accurate Results

    • Monday, Jan 29, 2024

    Exceptional Talent Joins William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown; Dr. Kate Ward Brings Expertise and Vision as Vice President of Oncology Division

    Renown Health is pleased to announce that Kate A. Ward, Pharm.D., BCPS, has been promoted to serve as Vice President, Oncology for Renown Regional Medical Center.    Dr. Ward has over fourteen years of service to the organization, most recently as Director of Clinical Pharmacy responsible for the oversight of all clinical pharmacy activities at Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown South Meadows Medical Center, and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Ward is the Residency Director of the Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy Practice Residency at Renown. Over the last decade at Renown, Dr. Ward has served as Pharmacy Clinical Manager, Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator and Clinical Pharmacist.   Dr. Ward will bring her pharmacy clinical service experience (including ICU, Outpatient Infusion, Pediatrics, Oncology and Emergency Services), Inpatient Care, Clinical Research, and Hospital Formulary Management, Electronic Medical Record Integration and Optimization to this important new role.   As a dyad partner with Max J. Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Director of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown, she will bring her clinical, operational, regulatory, and administrative experience to lead the oncology division. Dr. Ward, Dr. Coppes and the dedicated team will advance Renown’s mission to expand care, prevention, screening, research, and education with the goal of establishing the first National Institutes of Health, NCI designated Cancer Center for our State.   “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ward as our new Vice President of Oncology. She brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advancing patient care. Dr. Ward will play a pivotal role in sharing the future our oncology division and furthering our commitment to providing exceptional care,” said Chris Nicholas, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center.    As a licensed pharmacist, Dr. Ward holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Colorado, Health Sciences Center. The Pharm.D. is a professional degree like a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). As a doctorate, it represents the increasing responsibility pharmacists have in healthcare systems and the high trust Americans have in pharmacists.    Dr. Ward completed her residency at Stanford Hospital and Clinics. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with her bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences. Dr. Ward is active in several professional associations and currently serves as a Pharmacy Board member for HealthTrust; Vice Chair of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists® Council on Therapeutics; and Vice Chair for the Silver State Scripts Board for the State of Nevada. Dr. Ward was the 2022 recipient of the Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists (NVSHP) President’s Award. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers.

    Read More About Exceptional Talent Joins William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown; Dr. Kate Ward Brings Expertise and Vision as Vice President of Oncology Division

    • Friday, Dec 01, 2023

    Samuel Austin Lee, M.D., Ph.D., Appointed Chair of Internal Medicine

    Samuel Austin Lee, M.D., Ph.D., FIDSA has joined the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health as Department Chair of Internal Medicine. Dr. Lee comes to Nevada from New England, where he served as Chief of Medicine for the White River Junction (VT) Veteran’s Administration Medical Center and Professor of Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.  Dr. Lee previously served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and a member of the San Antonio Center for Medical Mycology.  He next served on the faculty for University of New Mexico, as Section Chief, Infectious Diseases at the VA Albuquerque Medical Center, and as Medical Director of the HIV clinic at the VA Albuquerque.  Dr. Lee will serve as the joint academic and administrative leader defining clinical operations to expand care; enhancing teaching and training programs vital to ambulatory and acute care medicine in northern Nevada, and fostering clinical and translational research and diversity missions. Dr. Lee will also serve as the liaison to the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, expanding the 30-year academic partnership to enhance general internal medicine and specialty services critical to the community. “We are delighted to have Dr. Lee join us,” said Paul J. Hauptman, MD, Dean of UNR Med and Chief Academic Officer for Renown Health. “He has a strong background in academic medicine, demonstrated excellence in clinical care, medical education and research, and is universally respected as a compassionate physician leader. Dr. Lee will do much to advance the mission of UNR Medicine’s Internal Medicine Residency program and expand related Graduate Medical Education opportunities, thereby helping to train the next generation of physicians.”  “Dr. Lee is a collaborative physician, researcher and mentor who cares deeply about improving the health of our community,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “This is an exceptionally exciting time for him to help craft our vision to offer more efficient and affordable care, elevate the patient experience, and advance health equity across northern Nevada. He will further elevate our mission of outstanding care, exceptional training, innovative research, impactful advocacy, and innovative community partnerships. We are fortunate to have him joining our team and community.” Dr. Lee will oversee the Division Chiefs of Acute Hospital Services at Renown Regional Medical Center, numerous subspecialists across Renown Medical Group, and the Healthy Nevada Project®. He will serve as an active internist and infectious disease subspecialist.  Dr. Lee is a graduate of the seven-year Combined BA/MD Program at Boston University. He completed his internship and residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He then trained in a three-year research track fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Yale University School of Medicine and continued at Yale as a Staff Physician at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. He obtained his Ph.D. in Investigative Medicine in Yale University’s Graduate School. Dr. Lee’s research explores fungal pathogenesis, secretion, virulence, biofilm formation and antifungal drug discovery. His laboratory work, which has been supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and Department of Veterans Affairs Merit awards, involves research on fungal pathogenesis, novel antifungal therapies and treatment approaches against biofilm formation in Candida species, including drug repurposing, high-throughput screening of small molecule compound libraries, and studies of antifungal lock therapies for prevention of catheter-associated infections.  Dr. Lee is recognized for his passion for high-quality patient care and supports future practitioners through rigorous and culturally informed undergraduate and graduate medical education, research, and community collaboration. He maintains active involvement in national committees and editorial boards including Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Plos ONE, Mycopathologia, Virulence, and The Journal of Mycology and is a member of the Peer Review Board for the Journal of Visualized Experiments. Dr. Lee was awarded the New Mexico School of Medicine Regents’ Lecturer Award in recognition of his contributions to clinical medicine, research and education. In 2020, he received special recognition from the Department of Veterans Affairs for his team’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. About the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada’s first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. For more information, visit renown.org.

    Read More About Samuel Austin Lee, M.D., Ph.D., Appointed Chair of Internal Medicine

    • Tuesday, Nov 07, 2023

    Celebrating More Than 150 Years of Nursing, First Nevada Hospital and Nursing School Award First Jerry Smith Student Tuition Support

    Donors, Orvis School of Nursing at University of Nevada, Reno and Renown Health create history by awarding tuition assistance to 29 nursing students and creating a future academic and career pipeline. The University of Nevada, Reno has officially begun its yearlong sesquicentennial celebration (October 2023 and through October 2024). Today, a celebration was held as donors, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing awarded 29 nursing students with tuition support as part of the Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership established with the Renown Health Foundation. The Practice Partnership is named in honor of the late Jerry Smith of the Nell J. Redfield Foundation and supported by a generous lead gift from the Redfield Foundation and Stephanie Kruse, owner of KPS3 and chair of the Renown Health Foundation Board as they work to create a sustainable nursing workforce in northern Nevada for years to come. Kruse made a generous planned gift to the Renown Health Foundation and the Renown Nursing Excellence Endowment Fund. This was the lead gift for the endowment, after a significant cash gift to the Nursing Education Fund last summer. Kruse of Reno was recently awarded the prestigious 2023 Trustee of the Year Award from the Nevada Hospital Association for her exceptional leadership; professional excellence; outstanding achievements; innovative accomplishments and extraordinary compassion in caring for the community. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership recipients receive funding for tuition, books, and nursing fees, along with a guaranteed career in nursing with Renown Health following graduation and license obtainment. Eligible University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing students, Nevada residents and those committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation who are interested in applying for the tuition support can find the application in Canvas, University of Nevada’s learning management system. “Despite steady growth in the number of new nursing graduates from Nevada nursing programs and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, our state is in need of additional registered nurses simply to meet the increased population growth and demand,” noted Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “The daughter of a nurse and a former nurse herself, Stephanie understands the importance of attracting and retaining nurses within our healthcare systems. Stephanie has made a significant and lasting contribution by helping to train and grow the next generation of nurses and we so appreciate her service, and her many contributions to Renown and our community.” "Since our University first welcomed students to classes in 1874, the institution has been a place where dreams can be realized for the good of all. We are incredibly grateful for the Gerald ‘Jerry’ Smith Nursing Academic-Practice Partnership,” Brian Sandoval, President, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) said. “The tuition support not only impact the lives and dreams of the nursing students being honored today, but positively influences the overall health of our community by ensuring that excellent healthcare professionals stay right here in northern Nevada.” “Jerry Smith had a strong belief in community collaboration, and we are beyond proud that this partnership is named in his memory. He would be thrilled to see the impact these gifts are having on these nursing students today,” said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer for Renown Health Foundation. “Stepanie Kruse works tirelessly to improve access to better health and human services, and she is now encouraging others to join the fight by donating to the Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership fund at Renown to help fund additional tuition assistance and support nurse education for our state. Her goal is to be able to provide full support to each of the 192 students in the Orvis School of Nursing program each year.” According to a white paper published by the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center (the Center) in December 2022, analysis by the Center revealed persistent, widespread health professional shortages in Nevada. Despite steady growth in the number of new nursing graduates from Nevada nursing programs and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, the Center estimated that Nevada currently needs over four thousand additional registered nurses simply to meet the national population-to-RN average. The partnership allows the Orvis School of Nursing to expand its graduating classes by 8 additional students a year. “At Renown, we take pride in placing an emphasis on education and career development. Partnering with the Orvis School of Nursing to create an academic pipeline is imperative for addressing the nursing shortage in Nevada,” said Melodie Osborn, Chief Nurse Executive at Renown Health. “Renown Health and the Orvis School of Nursing’s collaboration has been longstanding, and accomplishing this milestone reaffirms our partnership and our long legacy that both organizations have to nursing and education.” In addition to announcing the Practice Partnership, the Orvis School of Nursing has merged the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This merger has expanded the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from 72 students to 96 students admitted twice per year. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program now admits a total of 192 students in the program each year. “We are excited to be accepting our first class of Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership nursing students and to be increasing the number of nursing students who can enroll in the Orvis School of Nursing’s BSN program,” said Cameron G. Duncan, Interim Dean of the Orvis School of Nursing. “It’s integral for nursing students to get hands-on experience in an environment that places an emphasis on quality and excellence, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with Renown Health. We are so appreciative of Stephanie and the generous donors who will make education possible for students who might otherwise not be able to pursue a career in nursing.” Founded in 1864, Washoe County Hospital (which later became Renown Health) was the first hospital to open after Nevada became a state and is now the state’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organization and #1 hospital in Nevada (US News & World Report). Founded in 1956, the Orvis School of Nursing (OSN) is the oldest school of nursing in the state and committed to serving the healthcare needs of the people of Nevada through excellence in teaching, research, and service. In 2021, Renown Health affiliated with the University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine creating the state’s first integrated health system. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 associates, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently hiring great physicians, nurses and associates for careers in service; apply at renown.org/careers and volunteers to assist patients and their families at renown.org/about/volunteers. About University of Nevada, Reno The University of Nevada, Reno, is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit unr.edu.

    Read More About Celebrating More Than 150 Years of Nursing, First Nevada Hospital and Nursing School Award First Jerry Smith Student Tuition Support

    • Monday, Aug 07, 2023

    Dr. William 'Bill' Plauth, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health; Also Appointed Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs for UNR Med

    William ‘Bill’ Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health, has also been appointed Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), effective August 15, 2023. As Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Dr. Plauth joins UNR Med in a pivotal role to advance the academic and research integration established under the 2021 affiliation between UNR Med and Renown Health to create Nevada’s first fully integrated health system. Dr. Plauth will provide strategic consultation with UNR Med's Office of Academic Affairs and Office of Medical Research to foster clinical settings that promote and enhance medical education and clinical research within the affiliation. His role is also integral to UNR Med's accreditation and strategic planning processes. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Plauth on board with us”, said Paul J. Hauptman, MD, Dean of UNR Med, and Chief Academic Officer for Renown Health. “Over the last several months, we have worked side-by-side on several important initiatives pertaining to the learning environment. Bill is a strong advocate for our students and residents, and we are confident that this new relationship will be a major step forward in the UNR Med and Renown Health affiliation. We welcome Dr. Plauth to the Wolf Pack family!” “Dr. Plauth is an energetic, collaborative physician and mentor who cares deeply about fostering the next generation of exceptional physicians and physician assistants,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “I know his talent, experience and leadership will do much to advance our shared academic and research mission and further elevate the outstanding care, exceptional training, innovative research, and innovative community partnerships for both UNR and Renown Health.”  As Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health, Dr. Plauth is responsible for resource management, continuous quality improvement, assessment of clinical programs, daily operations, patient safety, and compliance monitoring.   With his additional responsibilities at UNR Med, Dr. Plauth will work with leadership to ensure that medical and physician assistant (PA) students, residents and faculty thrive in a positive clinical learning environment which emphasizes professionalism, teamwork, and clinical quality. Dr. Plauth brings over 30 years of experience in multiple leadership roles, including as Chief Medical Officer at Mercy Regional Medical Center and Centura Penrose & St. Francis Hospitals, all in Colorado. Previously, Dr. Plauth served for fourteen years with CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, NM, first as a hospitalist and then as Chief of Staff, Medical Director of Clinical Informatics, Medical Director of Palliative Care, and Acting Chief Medical Officer for Quality and Medical Staff Affairs. He has also served as a medical director of a long-term care and skilled nursing center. Dr. Plauth received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and his M.D. degree from Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of California San Francisco, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Plauth is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Internal Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Care.  The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada’s first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a Healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu. Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. For more information, visit renown.org.

    Read More About Dr. William 'Bill' Plauth, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health; Also Appointed Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs for UNR Med

    • Monday, May 15, 2023

    Samuel K. Weller Appointed CEO for Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital

    Renown Health is pleased to announce that Samuel K. Weller, MHPA, will serve as Chief Executive Officer for Renown South Meadows Medical Center, a 118-bed acute care community hospital and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, a 62-bed physical rehabilitation hospital in Reno, Nev. The position was formerly held by Chris Nicholas, FACHE, who was promoted in March 2022 to serve as CEO of 808-bed Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno. Renown Health is the largest and only locally owned not-for-profit, charitable healthcare network in Reno, serving over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles between Salt Lake City and Sacramento. As CEO, Mr. Weller will work with the South Meadows and Rehabilitation leadership, medical staff, and team to achieve patient care, efficiency, and operational goals.  “We are excited to have Sam join the Renown Health senior leadership team at this pivotal moment in our history,” said Dr. Brian Erling, Renown’s president and CEO. “Sam is a dyamic health care executive with a solid record of advancing acute and ambulatory operations while collaborating with physicians and clinicians to expand services, enhance clinical quality, and exceed customer service expectations. Sam leads with integrity and a people-first approach which are essential to deliver on our mission to improve the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve.” Mr. Weller comes to Renown from Centura Health where he served as Group Vice President of Physician Enterprise for Greater Colorado and Kansas, overseeing physician services across a Level 1 Trauma hospital, eight Level III Trauma hospitals, two Critical Access/Trauma IV hospitals and numerous primary care and specialty practices. He previously served as Director of Strategy and Ambulatory Practices for St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Summit County, CO overseeing hospital and ambulatory operations for the Rocky Mountain region; and Group Manager Business Development in Denver. Mr. Weller is a graduate of Washington State University with a master’s degree in health policy and administration (MHPA) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance from Brigham Young University-Idaho. “I love health care because it is about people helping people,” says Sam Weller. “Renown is the most valued and trusted system of health for northern Nevadans, and working together, I am excited to help transform care for our community and improve the quality of life for generations to come.”  South Reno continues to grow, and consumer demand continues to increase for Renown medical providers and facilities. The South Meadows campus, which opened more than 15 years ago in February 2004, is currently improving existing facilities, and expanding service offerings to meet expressed needs of the community. Renown South Meadows Medical Center features private patient rooms for hospital stays, and will add additional private rooms, bringing the total to 73 private rooms when work is done this September.  Weller will assume his new duties on June 26.  Renown South Meadows Medical Center has been nationally recognized for providing the highest quality care and service.  In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows was listed #1 in the State of Nevada (tied with Carson Tahoe Medical Center) for 2020. Renown South Meadows was rated High Performing for Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement and COPD. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety, and volumes. Hospitals earning a High Performing rating were significantly better than the national average. Renown Regional Medical Center was listed #1 for the State of Nevada in U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital listing for 2021 and 2022.  Sam and the team at Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital are hiring great physicians, nurses and associates for careers in service; apply online at renown.org/careers, and volunteers to assist patients and their families at renown.org/About/Volunteers. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 associates, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently hiring great physicians, nurses and associates for careers in service; apply online at renown.org/careers and volunteers to assist patients and their families at renown.org/About/Volunteers.

    Read More About Samuel K. Weller Appointed CEO for Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital

    • Thursday, May 11, 2023

    Renown Health Appoints First 'Chief People Officer' to Leadership Team

    Renown Health has added a new face to its executive leadership team. The area’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit, charitable healthcare network in Reno has named Sandeep Randhawa, MS, as the first Chief People Officer for the organization. Mr. Randhawa joins Renown after nearly a decade with Dignity Health/CommonSpirit Health. As the Chief People Officer, Mr. Randhawa will lead the Human Resources function and continue to develop the purpose-driven culture that supports the personal needs and well-being of Renown’s more than 7,000 exceptional physicians and associates. He will oversee best-in-class talent management programs focused on hiring, training, and managing the performance of the workforce, ensuring that Renown’s values are reinforced with every strategic objective.  “We are excited to welcome Sandeep to Renown and to our community,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, Renown’s President and CEO. “As we enter a new era, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine how we promote and grow talent through inclusion and mentorship, how we lead and manage people in a new working environment, and how to use innovative technology to simplify processes and unify our organization. Sandeep leads with integrity and brings a wealth of experience and a people-first approach which are essential to deliver on our mission of improving the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve.”  Mr. Randhawa comes to Renown Health from CommonSpirit Health where he served both as System Vice President for Human Resources Transformation and Integration, and as Southwest Division Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to that, he served as Vice President, Human Resources for Dignity Health in northern California. Much of his leadership career has been dedicated to serving healthcare organizations ranging from hospitals and ambulatory clinics to post-acute care sites and medical group enterprises throughout Arizona, California, Nevada, and southern Utah. “I am excited to honor and celebrate every one of Renown’s physicians, nurses and associates at Renown Health, and to be an active participant in the northern Nevada community,” says Sandeep Randhawa. “I enjoy fostering a culture of positive impact through people, culture, and respect, and connecting people to our mission through service.”  Mr. Randhawa will report directly to the President and CEO of the system, serve as a member of the President’s Council, and will assume his new duties on July 10. Suzanne Oetjen, Director, HR Business Partners who has served as interim Chief HR Officer will work with Mr. Randhawa to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. Named one of “America’s Best Employers by State” by Forbes, and the only health system in Nevada to make the list, Renown Health was cited for providing fair pay, safe working conditions, inclusive culture, remote work benefits and diversity initiatives.  Also selected for Ragan’s “Top Places to Work for 2022,” Renown Health fosters a caring culture of values that include caring, integrity, collaboration, and excellence. Renown was awarded for championing the workforce and providing guidance, initiatives and resources that promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, offering ample room for professional growth and providing effective communication that keeps employees engaged and informed. Renown Health is seeking great employees for careers, apply online at renown.org/careers and for volunteers to assist patients and their families at renown.org/About/Volunteers. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.

    Read More About Renown Health Appoints First 'Chief People Officer' to Leadership Team

    • Monday, Mar 13, 2023

    William 'Bill' Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE Appointed Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health

    Today, Renown Health announced the appointment of William “Bill” Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE as Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health, effective April 3, 2023. “I am excited to have Dr. Plauth join our team," said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “Dr. Plauth is a distinguished physician with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Plauth’s extensive commitment to service is in alignment with our mission, vision, and values. He is a goal-oriented, collaborative executive who brings a depth of experience to Renown Health and to our community. He inspires others with his intelligence and proven abilities to engage others in advancing clinical quality and performance. I look forward to the strides our health system will make in helping people live better and healthier lives under his leadership.” In his role as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Plauth will be responsible for continuous quality improvement, effective clinical resource management and serve as a liaison for organized medical staff activities. He will partner with nursing leadership to actively support performance improvement, risk management, and efficient resource utilization linked to evidence-based medicine. He will listen and foster a close relationship between and among physicians, management, and clinical staff. As CMO, Dr. Plauth will provide expertise, coordination, and leadership in support of elected medical staff leaders and partner with UNR Med leadership to ensure a positive training environment across Renown Health. “As a physician, I have always been humbled by the trust our patients and their families invest in all of us as a healthcare team,” says Bill Plauth, MD. “Over the years, to fulfill that trust, I have enjoyed engaging with my colleagues across clinical teams to adopt innovative approaches that respect those who do the work and to promote ease of practice. Such collaboration makes it possible for us to provide top-notch, compassionate care that addresses our patients' unique challenges and to improve their health and quality of life. At the end of the day, it is the people that make the difference.” Dr. Plauth adds, “I am delighted to join Renown Health, which as a not-for-profit, charitable health care organization has a long history of compassionate service. I look forward to working with my new medical, nursing, and administrative colleagues as we fulfill our mission of making a genuine difference in the health and wellbeing of the people and communities we serve.” Renown Health has more than 7,200 employees and serves Northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and Northeast California. The system includes Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown South Meadows Medical Center, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital and Renown Children’s Hospital. Renown also has over 50 medical group, urgent care, and outpatient imaging practices. Hometown Health is the insurance division of Renown Health and is northern Nevada’s largest local, not-for- profit health insurance company that provides wide-ranging medical coverage. Since 2014, Dr. Plauth has provided clinical leadership at Centura Health (CO), first serving as Chief Medical Officer at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, CO, and then for the last four years as Chief Medical Officer for Centura Penrose & St. Francis Hospitals in Colorado Springs. He was responsible for clinical quality, high reliability patient safety initiatives, process improvement, pharmacy, care management, infection control and medical staff services. Formerly, Dr. Plauth served for fourteen years with CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, NM, first as a hospitalist and then with concurrent roles that included Chief of Staff; Medical Director, Clinical Informatics; Medical Director, Palliative Care and Acting Chief Medical Officer for Quality and Medical Staff Affairs. Board certified in both Internal Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Care, Dr. Plauth is a leader in quality improvement, patient safety and clinical informatics. He has also served as a medical director of a Long-Term Care and Skilled Nursing Center. Dr. Plauth received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and his Medical Doctorate from Emory University in Atlanta with a sub-internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He completed his internship and residency at University of California San Francisco, where he also served as Chief Resident. In the most recent U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center is named #1 in the State of Nevada. No other hospital in Nevada earned recognition from U.S. News. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. To join the Renown Health team, visit www.renown.org/careers.

    Read More About William 'Bill' Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE Appointed Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health

    • Friday, Nov 11, 2022

    Tummy Trouble? Renown Children’s Hospital Adds Another New Specialty, Pediatric Gastroenterology

    Two pediatric gastroenterologists bring life-saving care to kids and make Renown their new home The Renown Children’s Hospital team and our community is celebrating the addition of a new life-saving pediatric specialty to its practice serving children and families in northern Nevada. Parents and guardians will now be able to seek professional pediatric gastroenterologist care with the addition of Drs. Juan Gregory and Kathleen Holland to Renown Medical Group. “Recognizing the importance of diagnosing and caring for children who have conditions that affect the organs in the digestive system, including the stomach, liver and bowel, while also helping children who have issues feeding and eating, is critically important to us at Renown,” said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP, Chair of Pediatrics, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital. “Both Drs. Gregory and Holland are superb clinicians, we are excited to have them join Renown Children’s Hospital to offer pediatric gastroenterology services, including a wide range of complex and vital procedures and screenings, endoscopies and colonoscopies.” Juan Carlos Gregory, MD, has 18 years of experience caring for children in northern Nevada. He is a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at UNR Med with a special interest in celiac disease, abdominal pain, and gastroesophageal reflux in children. Gregory earned his undergraduate degree at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX before completing his medical training, including a residency in pediatrics at the University of San Diego in Pediatrics and fellowships in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at both Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, and at the National Institutes of Health, Digestive Disease Section in Bethesda, MD. He is board-certified in Pediatric Gastroenterology and speaks Spanish. Kathleen Holland, MD, MPH brings a global health perspective to her work caring for children. A graduate of the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) with her medical doctorate and her master’s in public health with a social and behavioral health emphasis, she has donated her skills to providing international medical relief for children in Uganda and Nicaragua. Holland earned her undergraduate degree at University of Nevada Reno in Biology, Health Ecology and Healthcare Ethics before completing her medical training and residency in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN. Her research and scientific interests include vaccination rates and family barriers among children with inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s and colitis, pediatric autoimmune pancreatitis, and cystic fibrosis. How Pediatric Gastroenterologists Help Children and Families The Pediatric Gastroenterology Program at Renown Children’s cares for children experiencing common GI-related problems of childhood; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, reflux, colic, milk protein allergy, poor growth and feeding difficulties, and sees patients from infancy to 18 years old. “As specialists in the care of children with gastrointestinal and liver problems, we focus on the diagnosis and treatment of these issues,” said Larry Duncan, MD, Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery & Administrator of Renown Children’s & Women’s Services. “Our physicians play an active role in teaching and research. We have several areas of expertise including prevention, diagnosis and treating disease of the digestive tract including the esophagus, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, colon, small intestine and liver disease.” Special expertise includes: Pediatric feeding and growing disorders Aerodigestive disorders Food and hypersensitivity disorders Inflammatory bowel disease Celiac disease Liver diseases Children requiring parenteral and enteral nutrition Renown Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in northern Nevada, offering programs and services for families from a 100,000 square mile area, from Sacramento, CA to Salt Lake City, Utah. Renown Children’s provides the area’s only Children’s Emergency Room, Pediatric ICU (PICU), children’s imaging center and the largest neonatal ICU (NICU), a level III intensive care unit. Specialty Children’s Care at Renown Today, over 90% of families in northern Nevada seek care from the experts at Renown Children’s Hospital. “We are so grateful to the William N. Pennington Foundation for its support in establishing the William N. Pennington Fund for Advance Pediatric Care in 2016, which allowed us to hire our first 15 pediatric specialists,” said Dr. Deeter. “Today we have over 40 pediatric physician specialists at Renown Children’s Hospital who provide care in adolescent medicine, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatric pulmonology, pediatric neurology, pediatric nephrology, pediatric infectious diseases, pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric orthopedic surgery, pediatric cleft and craniofacial surgery, pediatric urology, pediatric dentistry, pediatric emergency medicine, and now, pediatric gastroenterology. Our clinicians provide 30,000 patient visits annually, offering an exceptional level of care. The Pennington gift is truly a gift that keeps giving to the families in our area.” Now Being Constructed: Expanded Inpatient Care at Renown Children’s Hospital New construction of an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with increased capacity to 49 bassinets, an expanded Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with increased capacity to 16 private patient and family rooms, and a new Renown Children's Hospital inpatient floor with increased capacity for 38 private patient and family rooms for a total capacity of 58 pediatric beds are currently being constructed on Tahoe Tower, Level 5 of Renown Regional Medical Center. It is expected that the new units will open to patients and families in April 2023. In the most recent US News & World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was named as the number one hospital in Nevada. No other hospitals in the state met their stringent standards for the 2021 rankings. Renown Health is High Performing, its highest rating possible, in eight procedures and conditions including Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety, and volumes. Hospitals earning a High Performing rating were significantly better than the national average. Renown Medical Group is an in-network provider for Hometown Health and other health plans. Drs. Gregory and Holland are pleased to see new patients at their location at the Renown Children’s Subspecialty Clinic inside Renown Regional Medical Center at 75 Pringle Way, Suite 505, Reno, Nev. Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a medical specialist when further evaluation of a particular issue is necessary. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.  About UNR Med The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada’s first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents, and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu.

    Read More About Tummy Trouble? Renown Children’s Hospital Adds Another New Specialty, Pediatric Gastroenterology

    • Wednesday, Aug 31, 2022

    Hometown Health CEO David Hansen Announces Retirement, Bethany Sexton Named Successor

    Renown Health announced today that David Hansen, CEO will retire on October 7, 2022 from Hometown Health, Nevada’s largest not-for-profit insurance company. Over the last two years that Hansen has overseen Renown’s health plan, he has contributed significantly to ensuring wide-ranging medical coverage and excellent customer service for more than 100,000 members across Nevada. Bethany Sexton, MBA, will assume the role of CEO of Hometown Health effective September 12, 2022 as part of a smooth transition and succession plan. Ms. Sexton currently serves as Chief Transformation Officer for Renown Health, responsible for value-based care delivery including insurance and managed care contracting, the Renown Direct Contracting Entity (DCE), Renown Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and Western Clinical Alliance, a clinically integrated network of physicians. Mr. Hansen led a number of significant accomplishments for Hometown Health including the addition of 82 new provider groups for northern Nevada health plan subscribers and a Medicare network in southern Nevada. Hansen, the Hometown Health team introduced a Transitional Care Navigator program resulting in reduced hospital readmission rates, added Renown-branded insurance products on Nevada Health Link, Nevada’s Health Insurance Exchange and helped to grow Senior Care Plus, Hometown Health’s Medicare Advantage Plan membership during the 2022 Annual Election Period. Hansen and the Hometown Health team implemented a number of Total Cost of Care initiatives in partnership with Renown Medical Group to make premiums and health care costs more affordable, including health outreach efforts and medical screenings to improve health care for members over age 65. "Leading Hometown Health for the past two years, and through the pandemic, has been a great honor. I am incredibly thankful to our members, my fellow employees, our broker and employer partners, and our leadership team for giving me the privilege to serve," said Hansen. “Hometown Health and Renown are community-focused organizations and it has been a privilege to be part of a team that gives back to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. I have spent hours working collaboratively with Bethany over the last few years and know she is perfect person to lead our health plan into a new era.” As CEO, Hansen worked closely with Renown senior leadership to put a thoughtful leadership transition plan in place, culminating with the promotion of Bethany Sexton to the position of CEO. Consistent with the plan, Hansen will continue to offer guidance and perspective as he and Sexton complete the transition over the next few weeks. "David’s vision of excellence, his drive and experience has transformed Hometown Health to be both member and customer-focused,” said Dr. Thomas Graf, CEO of Renown Health. “David has done much to modernize and build a first-rate health plan. We thank David for all his accomplishments and wish him a wonderfully satisfying retirement.” As CEO of Hometown Health, Ms. Sexton will be responsible for driving growth across the organization, including the development and execution of strategic plans; introduction of new programs and services; membership growth; operational, financial and customer service excellence; and continued improvements in clinical quality with a focus on lowering the cost of care for members in northern Nevada. Ms. Sexton has served in a number of key leadership roles for Renown Health over the past eight years, including Vice President of Operations & Development, VP/Administrator for the Department of Medicine, VP Strategic Planning and Performance Improvement, and VP of Revenue Cycle in Finance. With 20 years of health care experience, in both clinical and administrative settings, and more than 9 years at Renown, she has developed collaborative partnerships and created innovative new solutions to meet rapidly changing employee and customer expectations. "I believe one of the most important duties of a leader is preparing the next generation of leadership to succeed," added Dr. Graf. "There is no question that Bethany Sexton is the right person to lead Hometown Health into its next chapter. She has integrity, business acumen, energy, leadership skills and deep knowledge of value based care to ensure Hometown Health delights its membership and she will help Renown Health achieve our strategy of being both a Care Leader and a Health Partner for providers and patients in our community.” Bethany Sexton earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nevada, Reno and her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Business Administration and Management from Western Washington University. She is passionate about community service, most recently serving as Chair, Board of Directors for Immunize Nevada, and as a former Board Member for Nevada Women's Fund, Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and the American Red Cross. Ms. Sexton and her family make their home in Reno, NV.     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

    Read More About Hometown Health CEO David Hansen Announces Retirement, Bethany Sexton Named Successor

    • Friday, Jul 22, 2022

    Adnan Akbar, MD, Appointed Chief Medical Officer for Renown Acute Care

    Experienced leader to support physicians at Renown Regional and Renown South Meadows Medical Centers Renown Health is pleased to announce that Adnan “Eddy” Akbar, MD, will serve as Chief Medical Officer for Renown Acute Care, overseeing physicians at Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center. Renown Health is the region's only Level II Trauma Center, serving more than 1 million people and a 100,000 square mile reach – across Nevada, Lake Tahoe and eastern California. Dr. Akbar begins his new role on July 25, succeeding former Chief Medical Officer for Acute Care, Dr. Susan Lee, who was promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Renown South Meadows Medical Center on March 7, 2022. Thomas Graf, MD, CEO for Renown Health, announced Dr. Akbar’s internal promotion today by writing, “Embracing our vision to improve the health of our community, we are empowering leaders to play a greater role in improving physician, employee and patient experiences; growing services to our community; providing Reliable and Exact Care® and meeting rigorous standards for operational excellence and efficiency.” Dr. Graf noted that he was excited as, “Dr. Akbar expands his role, promotes a spirit of unity across the enterprise, and continues to make progress on achieving goals central to Renown’s success.” In his new role as Chief Medical Officer for Acute Care, Dr. Akbar will join Dr. Rahul Mediwala, Chief Medical Officer for Health Services, to lead physicians and clinicians across the Renown enterprise. Dr. Akbar will report directly to Chris Nicholas, Chief Executive Officer for Renown Regional Medical Center. Dr. Akbar is an experienced, dynamic physician executive and operational leader with a record of hospital operations, medical staff leadership and engagement, quality improvement, patient safety, patient experience, risk management, utilization management and clinical documentation improvement. Chris Nicholas, Chief Executive Officer of Renown Regional Medical Center wrote, “Over the last seven years and through all the physician leadership positions he has held, Dr. Akbar has had an intense focus on improving patient care, driving hospital and operational improvements, and demonstrating the best of Renown’s mission, vision and values. Renown has a national reputation for delivering health care that is affordable, accessible and of the highest quality and I look forward to working with Dr. Akbar to engage physicians and administrators in an agenda that supports this vision.” Dr. Susan Lee, Chief Operations Officer of Renown South Meadows Medical Center added, “As we considered the needs of the organization and our future, we determined that Dr. Akbar was the right person to lead physicians across Acute Services. In addition, Dr. Akbar has demonstrated strong and engaging leadership with physicians, nurses, the senior management team and across our hospitals and we are confident in Eddy’s ability to contribute to the great progress that Renown Health is making in becoming the best place to practice medicine and to receive care.” Dr. Akbar has been with Renown Health for seven years, previously serving as Secretary of Medical Staff, an Internal Medicine physician, Chair of the Department of Medicine, Division Chief for Hospital Medicine and most recently as a hospitalist physician of Renown Medical Group and Associate Chief Medical Officer of Renown Regional Medical Center. Dr. Akbar is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at University of Nevada-Reno, School of Medicine and a member of the Clinical Faculty at St. Georges University School of Medicine, Grenada. Dr. Akbar is fluent in four languages including Urdu, Pushto and Hindi. Dr. Akbar completed his residency in internal medicine at Cleveland Clinic. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine, and earned his medical degree from Aga Khan Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. Dr. Akbar is completing his master’s in healthcare administration from Cornell University. Dr. Akbar’s research interests include observation criteria and appropriate utilization management of hospitalized patients, development and usage of dedicated Epic order sets to improve patient care and outcomes, advancement and development of Milestone appropriate care during acute hospitalization and transitional care policies to reduce hospital readmissions and improve patient care. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals rankings, Renown Regional is #1 in the State of Nevada for 2021. No other hospital in Nevada earned recognition from U.S. News. Renown South Meadows was listed #1 in the State of Nevada (tied with Carson Tahoe Medical Center) for 2021. Renown Regional Medical Center is High Performing, its highest rating possible, for Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Renown South Meadows was rated High Performing for Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement and COPD. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety and volumes. Hospitals earning a High Performing rating were significantly better than the national average. The team at Renown Health is seeking great employees for careers in service; apply online at https://careers.renown.org/. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

    Read More About Adnan Akbar, MD, Appointed Chief Medical Officer for Renown Acute Care

    • Tuesday, Mar 01, 2022

    Dr. Susan Lee to Lead Renown South Meadows Medical Center

    Renown Health is pleased to announce that Susan Lee, DO, MBA will serve as Chief Operating Officer for Renown South Meadows Medical Center. Dr. Lee begins her new role on March 7, and succeeds Chris Nicholas, who resigned last month for a position with a health system in Florida. Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO, Renown Health, announced Dr. Lee’s internal promotion today by writing, “Embracing our vision to improve the health of our community, we are empowering leaders to play a greater role in improving physician, employee and patient experiences; growing services to our community; providing Reliable and Exact Care and meeting rigorous standards for operational excellence and efficiency.” Dr. Slonim noted that he was excited as, “Dr. Lee expands her role, promotes a spirit of unity across the enterprise, and continues to make progress on achieving goals central to Renown’s success.” In her new role as Chief Operating Officer for Renown South Meadows Medical Center, Dr. Lee will work with Jennifer Allen, MSN, director of nursing and the South Meadows leadership medical staff and team to lead South Meadows to achieve its strategic and operational goals. Dr. Lee is an experienced, dynamic physician executive and operational leader with a record of service growth, clinical quality, patient communication and execution. She is experienced in cross-functional collaboration and nationally recognized for organizational change management. Board certified in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, Dr. Lee has based her clinical practice as a hospitalist on the mind-body connection and a collaborative model with patients and families. Dr. Lee joined Renown Health as the Chair of Medical Specialties in the summer of 2020 to manage hospital-based physician practices. She was promoted to Chief Medical Officer for Renown Regional Medical Center in February 2021 to oversee inpatient clinical operations, including length of stay, hospital capacity, care management functionality, interdisciplinary rounds and Medical Staff services. Since September of 2021, as Chief Medical Officer for Renown Acute Care, she has been responsible for clinical operations, strategic direction, hospital-based physician management, the Medical Staff Office, regulatory standards, and quality and financial outcomes for Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. Prior to serving at Renown, Dr. Lee served as Chief of Hospital Medicine at Carilion Clinic, a 7-facility nonprofit, integrated health system headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia. Dr. Lee is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (MBA), Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Duke University (BA). She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Association for Physician Leadership. Renown South Meadows Medical Center, located in south Reno, is a 76-bed acute care community hospital offering exceptional surgical and medical services in a nurturing environment. Renown South Meadows Medical Center is home to south Reno’s only 24/7 Emergency Department and staffed with Board-Certified Emergency physicians. Renown South Meadows Medical Center offers advanced care for patients including comprehensive primary care; x-ray and imaging services; lab services; heart care; OB/GYN; physical rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation services; nuclear medicine and surgical services including orthopedics. As a not-for-profit organization, the Renown South Meadows Medical Center team embraces their role in improving the health and well-being of the people and communities served and provides necessary healthcare services regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, handicap, age or ability to pay. In addition, Renown South Meadows Medical Center has been nationally recognized for providing the highest quality care and service, including: In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows was listed #1 in the State of Nevada (tied with Carson Tahoe Medical Center) for 2020. Renown South Meadows was rated High Performing for Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement and COPD. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety and volumes. Hospitals earning a High Performing rating were significantly better than the national average. Renown South Meadows Medical Center received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® accreditation for Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement and Total Shoulder Replacement and was recognized as Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.® Dr. Lee says she "understands that health care today is as much about social skills and navigating multiple relationships as it is about clinical knowledge." Throughout her career, Dr. Lee has done much to contribute to a culture of innovation and transformation. Dr. Lee believes that, “providers need physicians, nurses and care teams who have high adaptability, flexibility, and, above all, the ability to care and be kind." Dr. Lee coaches teams to be responsive, empathic, have situational awareness and employ their clinical abilities at the highest level. She will often ask questions of her team to understand how they are "wired" to drive innovation and transformation- and to build culture and teamwork. She has hired and coached over 100 hospitalist physicians — many of them women — and promoted and served as a reference for hundreds of nurses, staff leader and advanced care providers. Dr. Lee serves as a peer mentor for other women, and men, who aspire to physician and healthcare leadership. The team at Renown South Meadows Medical Center is seeking great employees for careers in service; apply on line at https://careers.renown.org/.

    Read More About Dr. Susan Lee to Lead Renown South Meadows Medical Center

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