Renown Health Patients and Visitors

RENOWN NEWSROOM

Latest News Releases

Featured News

Careers

Awards & Accreditations

University of Nevada, Reno

Renown Health Foundation



Media Resources

Renown Public Relations Media Icon
Renown Health's Public Relations Team
news@renown.org

Renown Health's public relations team supports media partners in finding experts on diverse health care topics. In addition, we provide information and answer all questions regarding Renown. We look forward to working with you.

Read MoreMedia Resources
  • Media On Campus

    For patient confidentiality purposes, Renown Health policies require media to be escorted by the public relations staff at all times.

    PR staff will gladly make parking arrangements, notify the appropriate hospital staff and help you find your destination.

     

    Stand Ups/Live Broadcasts

    Media may conduct stand ups and live broadcasts on our campuses. In the interest of patient confidentiality and traffic flow, a staff member will help you find the best location for your story.

    We ask you to respect our obligation to protect our patients' well-being and legal right to privacy.

  • Patient Condition Inquiry

    We follow regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) for all patients, including patients of public interest. HIPAA regulations specify which information may and may not be released without authorization from a patient.

    Patient privacy regulations allow us to only share patient condition information about patients that appear in our directory.

    Media inquiries require correct spelling of the patient's first and last name.

     

    Definitions of "Condition" used by Renown Health

    When describing a patient's condition, we can only release the following patient statuses:

    Good - Vital signs such as pulse, temperature and blood pressure are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, comfortable and there are no complications.

    Fair - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and alert although may be uncomfortable or in pain and may have minor complications.

    Serious - Vital signs may be unstable or outside normal limits. The patient is acutely ill or injured and may have major complications.

    Critical - Vital signs are unstable or outside normal limits. There are major complications.

    Note: "Stable" is not a condition.

Press Releases

Number of results found: 43
Use this additional navigation to go to the next pages. Use tab and enter keyboard keys to navigate the menu 1 Page # 2 Page # 3 Page # 4 Navigate to next page Page 1 of 4
Skipped to 43 results found. Page 1 of 4
    • 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

    • Friday, Sep 22, 2023

    Reno Home to CNO to Know: Chief Nurse Executive Melodie Osborn, Named to Becker’s National List

    Becker’s annual list of Chief Nursing Officers to Know list for 2023 has been published, recognizing professional nurse healthcare leaders across the country. Melodie Osborn, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC of Renown Health, Reno’s only not-for-profit, charitable health care organization, is one of the 153 professional nursing leaders nationally to be listed, and one of two from Nevada. “These leaders bring a unique blend of clinical and leadership experience to their roles. These nursing healthcare leaders have navigated their hospitals and health systems through the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now addressing staffing shortages, managing labor budgets, and creating professional pathways for the next generation of nurses,” Becker’s stated. In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted that Melodie Osborn, MBA, BSN, RN Chief Nurse Executive for Renown Health (Reno, Nev.), oversees nursing and seamless care across Nevada’s largest not-for-profit integrated delivery system. In 2023, she worked with donors and University of Nevada, Reno, to create an academic pipeline to address the nursing shortage via full-ride scholarship funding for up to 24 nursing students each year. Scholarship recipients may also complete a paid apprenticeship at Renown with a guaranteed hospital job following graduation and licensure. In 2020, Ms. Osborn volunteered to lead Renown’s COVID-19 vaccine effort and helped personally vaccinate over 50,000 community members. She is past president of Nevada Organization for Nurse Leaders. Under her leadership, Renown’s ICUs are three-time AACN Beacon Award winners for demonstrating excellence in patient care, healthy work environment and ongoing and evidence-based care.” “We are so pleased that Melodie has been nationally recognized for her stellar leadership, said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “Over the last twelve years, she has built high-performing teams and created a supportive environment that enhances patient-centered care. Melodie has an incredible work ethic, strong principles and has worked to achieve a consistently high standard of nursing practice across Renown Health. Melodie takes her responsibility as the executive nursing voice for more than 2,700 nurses very seriously. Her dedication to improving health and care has inspired teams to work together to achieve significant results that have benefited many. Melodie is the definition of a dedicated and committed leader and is well deserving of this recognition. We are very proud of her accomplishments and thank her for her exceptional leadership.” Melodie Osborn is a member of the executive leadership team at Renown Health. Renown Health earned Forbes' Best Healthcare Employer in Nevada for combatting burnout and ensuring well-being and safety of caregivers. Renown Health is hiring exceptional nurses and offers a culture of dignity and respect with opportunities for flexibility and growth. As a national health leader, Renown provides access to state-of-the-art technologies, advanced facilities, and integrated patient systems. For more information, visit renown.org/careers.

    Read More About Reno Home to CNO to Know: Chief Nurse Executive Melodie Osborn, Named to Becker’s National List

    • 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

    • Wednesday, May 24, 2023

    Renown Health and Orvis School of Nursing Announce Academic Partnership Program & Academic Pipeline for Nursing Students

    The longstanding partnership between the University of Nevada, Reno and Renown Health reaches a new milestone with newly established scholarship program. Today, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing announced a milestone in the longstanding partnership and a new fund to provide nursing students with full-ride scholarships, and in turn, assist in creating a sustainable nursing workforce in northern Nevada for years to come. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership established with Renown Health Foundation will provide funding for up to 24 students a year.  Recipients receive funding for tuition, books and nursing fees, along with a guaranteed career in nursing with Renown Health following graduation and license obtainment. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic Practice Partnership will additionally give recipients the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship at Renown. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be in good standing at the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing; Nevada residents; and committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation. The Practice Partnership has been established by the Gerald Smith family and initiated by Stephanie Kruse, Renown Health Foundation board chair. Kruse made a generous planned gift to Renown Health Foundation to 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. The daughter of a nurse, and a retired nurse herself, she understands the importance of attracting and retaining nurses within our healthcare system, and so she decided to honor the memory of her mother and provide funding for others interested in nursing.  “We are incredibly grateful for the generous donors who have helped establish the Gerald ‘Jerry’ Smith Nursing Academic-Practice Partnership. These funds will not only impact the lives of the awarded nursing students, but positively influence the overall health of our community by ensuring that excellent healthcare professionals stay right here in northern Nevada. Jerry had a strong belief in community collaboration, and we are beyond proud to name this partnership in his honor,” said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer for Renown Health Foundation.  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 affirms our partnership.” In addition to announcing the Practice Partnership, the Orvis School of Nursing announced its merging of the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This merger will grow 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 will now admit a total of 192 students in the program each year. “We are so excited to increase 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. We are so appreciative of the generous donors who will make education possible for students who might otherwise not be able to pursue a career in nursing.” 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 scholarship can find the application in Canvas, University of Nevada’s learning management 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 Renown Health and Orvis School of Nursing Announce Academic Partnership Program & Academic Pipeline for Nursing Students

    • 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

    • 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

    • Thursday, May 26, 2022

    Helmsley Charitable Trust Grants $3.1 Million to Renown Health

    Pictured left to right: Erin VanKirk, MSN, RN, Renown Health Director of Nursing Education; Mitch Krebs, Program Director at Helmsley Charitable Trust; Dr. Graf, Renown Health CEO; Greg Walaitis Renown Health Chief Development Officer. Renown Health will use the grant to build the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center to improve the health system’s training abilities The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $3.1 million to Renown Health for construction of a new simulation and innovation center that will greatly expand the health system’s ability to train healthcare providers throughout northern Nevada. The new center will be named the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center. Expected to open in April 2023, the center will feature three simulated patient rooms, classroom space, computer labs and a conference center, allowing trainers to run current and future healthcare professionals through real-life acute, outpatient, telemedicine and specialty care scenarios. The new center will let Renown Health train substantially more nurses, physicians, community clinical partners, medical students and rural providers while improving medical and nursing expertise to support staff throughout northern Nevada. “The Helmsley Charitable Trust is excited to fund this new simulation center, which will provide healthcare professionals across rural Nevada with state-of-the-art training in a variety of situations they’ll encounter,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “The project fits with our goal to level the playing field by giving rural residents access to top-notch healthcare, regardless of their ZIP code.” “Simulation education has become standard practice for many of our healthcare personnel,” said Erin Van Kirk MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Education. “This lab will provide expanded opportunities in a controlled setting where physicians, nurses, and students can gain valuable experience in providing the best care possible.” Renown Health has outgrown its current simulation lab, which opened in 2016 in Renown Regional Medical Center. The new, larger, state-of-the-art simulation and innovation center will increase Renown Health’s training capacity from 1,500 to 2,500 each year. The new facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art simulation mannequins and other equipment that includes a telemetry monitor, IV and epidural equipment, a code cart, a defibrillator, a balloon pump, ventilators and a cooling machine. The center will also support Renown Health’s recently established partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, expanding training modules focused on rural health and virtual care through telemedicine. “The facility will help Renown Health respond to our region’s growing population by allowing us to support the training and competency necessary for our care providers to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve,” said Melodie Osborn, RN, MBA, Chief Nursing Executive at Renown Health. “This generous grant for the new simulation and innovation center from the Helmsley Charitable Trust is truly an investment in the bright future we envision for Renown, our care teams and the community.” 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. About the Helmsley Charitable Trust The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $3 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $500 million to organizations and initiatives in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, and Nevada. For more information, visit helmsleytrust.org.

    Read More About Helmsley Charitable Trust Grants $3.1 Million to Renown Health

Number of results found: 43
Use this additional navigation to go to the next pages. Use tab and enter keyboard keys to navigate the menu 1 Page # 2 Page # 3 Page # 4 Navigate to next page Page 1 of 4
Skipped to 43 results found. Page 1 of 4