Renown Health Welcomes Dr. Anathea C. Powell to Colon & Rectal Surgery Team

Providing Access to the Latest Advances in Surgery and Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Care

Renown Health, the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated academic health care system serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California, is proud to announce the appointment of Anathea C. Powell, MD, FACS, FASCRS, a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon, to its highly regarded Colorectal Surgery team and to the Department of Surgery. Dr. Powell brings a wealth of experience and expertise in surgical oncology, colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery, to northern Nevada.

She joins Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS, VP, Chairman, Department of Surgery; Matthew Crapko, MD; Michael Scott Thomas, MD, PhD; and the Renown Surgery Care team to provide comprehensive colon and rectal care.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Powell as our newest colorectal surgeon to the Renown team,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “As a highly skilled physician and an accomplished endurance athlete, she brings both surgical excellence and a deep commitment to health and wellness; qualities that align perfectly with our vision of creating a healthier future through exceptional care and discovery. We are proud to welcome her to our active northern Nevada community and know she will make a significant and positive impact on the lives of patients and families.”

“The rise in colorectal health issues across our state, and the U.S., is a growing concern, as conditions like colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent,” says Rahul Mediwala, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Medical Group. “At Renown Health, we are addressing this need by employing highly skilled and respected surgeons like Dr. Powell who have experience in complex colorectal procedures and state-of-the-art, minimally invasive robotic technology to meet the growing needs of our patients and community. We are thrilled that Dr. Powell is joining both the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute and the Renown Department of Surgery, and we welcome her to Nevada!”

Dr. Powell specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of colorectal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and complex anorectal disorders.

Dr. Powell earned her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine and completed her general surgery residency at New York University Langone School of Medicine. She completed subspecialty fellowship training in surgical oncology and endocrinology at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD and in colon and rectal surgery at Brigham & Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

She served as a general surgeon with the Indian Health Service; Phoenix Indian Medical Center and San Carlos Apache Indian Hospital in AZ; as a Colon and Rectal Surgeon for Kaiser Permanente - Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group and most recently served as a Colon and Rectal Surgeon for the Dignity Health Cancer Institute; formerly University of Arizona Cancer Center in Phoenix. She also served as Associate Professor, Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix.

Dr. Powell’s clinical interests include providing multidisciplinary care for patients requiring complex operations, involving re-operative surgery and/or locally advanced pelvic tumors. She performs open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, as well as screening and diagnostic endoscopy. Her research interests include organ preservation for locally advanced rectal cancer and health disparities in screening for, and treatment of colorectal cancer. She holds board certifications from the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Powell has also been actively involved in various professional societies and committees, contributing to the advancement of surgical practices and patient care. She is a Fellow with both the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons where she currently serves on the Research Committee, Research Foundation. Dr. Powell is an expert in the field of colon and rectal surgery, having published numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and presented at a variety of regional, national, and international conferences.

Dr. Powell is also an endurance athlete, completing two Ironman distance triathlons and serving as USA Triathlon All American Athlete in Triathlon and Aquabike (2019). She was a Member of Team USA for Long Course Aquabike in 2020/2021. She brings a special interest in supporting high performance athletes and holds certifications in the following coaching domains: Personal Trainer (American College of Sports Medicine); Nutrition Coach (Precision Nutrition, Level 1); Sleep, Stress Management and Recovery Coach (Precision Nutrition, Level 1); and Movement and Mobility Specialist (The Ready State).

“Dr. Powell has earned a national reputation for excellence in patient care, with a holistic approach that emphasizes excellent surgical outcomes and also post-surgery support, nutrition, and lifestyle changes for long-term success,” says Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS, VP, Chairman Department of Surgery at Renown Health. “We are so fortunate to have her joining our team. The addition of additional expertise in colon and rectal surgery aligns with our mission to provide comprehensive and essential healthcare services to our growing community. Dr. Powell is a superb clinician, skilled investigator, and effective educator. Her expertise is a critical resource for people looking to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling and active lives.”

Clinical Experience provided by Dr. Powell and Renown Surgical Care now includes:
Diagnostic and Preventive Services

Endoscopic Procedures: Minimally invasive techniques to diagnose gastrointestinal issues.
Cancer Risk Assessment: Evaluating patients with family histories of colorectal cancer or genetic conditions.

Surgical Treatment

Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Removing cancerous tissues from the colon or rectum, often using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques.
Diverticulitis Treatment: Surgical intervention for severe or recurrent diverticulitis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Surgery: Managing Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis through resections or other specialized procedures.
Hernia Repairs: Treating abdominal or inguinal hernias.

Management of Benign Conditions

Hemorrhoid Treatment: non-surgical and surgical management of internal and external hemorrhoids.
Fistula and Fissure Repair: Addressing anal fistulas and fissures with advanced techniques.
Abscess Drainage: Treating perirectal or anal abscesses.
Pilonidal Disease Management: Treating cysts near the tailbone.

Pelvic Floor Disorders

Constipation Management: Diagnosing and addressing chronic constipation caused by structural or functional issues.
Rectal Prolapse Repair: Correcting rectal prolapse through minimally invasive surgery.

Minimally Invasive and Advanced Techniques

Laparoscopic Surgery: Using small incisions for faster recovery and reduced scarring.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Enhancing precision and outcomes in complex procedures.
Trans anal Surgery: Removing polyps or early-stage rectal cancer through the anus without external incisions.

The Region's Leader in Robotic Surgery

Renown Health offers physician-guided da Vinci Robotic Surgery. Benefits may include less pain after surgery, minimal to no scarring, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery.

Dr. Powell is now accepting new patients. If you are a physician and would like to refer patients, or a person who wishes to be screened for surgery by Dr. Powell, please contact Renown Surgery Care at 775-982-6270. The surgeons see patients at Renown Surgery at 1500 E 2nd St, Ste 300 in Reno, NV. To learn more about Renown Health’s surgical services, please visit renown.org.

As the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center for adults and children, Renown serves over one million people and 100,000 square miles. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was named #1 Hospital for the State of Nevada for 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated academic health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 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.

Dr. Brian Erling and Renown Health Honored with Governor's Award for Pioneering First Kidney Transplant Program for Northern Nevada by Nevada Donor Network

Dr. Brian Erling, President and CEO of Renown Health, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Governor’s Award in recognition of his visionary leadership and instrumental role in establishing the first kidney transplant program for northern Nevada. Presented at the annual Nevada Donor Network Gala by Governor Joe Lombardo at his residence in Carson City on May 8, the Governor’s Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to organ, eye, and tissue donation in the state. Dr. Erling’s efforts mark a historic first for healthcare in northern Nevada, giving residents access to lifesaving transplant care close to home for the first time. “I have the distinct pleasure on behalf of the Nevada Donor Network, the great state of Nevada and myself to award the 2025 Governor’s Award to Dr. Brian Erling of Renown Health,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. Joe Ferreira, president and CEO of the Nevada Donor Network, added his congratulations. “This is a momentous step forward for our state and provides hope and healing to those awaiting transplants and their families. The expansion of essential transplantation services across our state is made possible because of an extraordinary partnership. Thank you, Dr. Erling, for paving the way for better health outcomes and a brighter future for those in need.” Dr. Erling accepted the award, saying, “Many people in this room tonight worked long and hard to bring the Renown Transplant Institute® to our region, and are so deserving of this award. I am happy, on their behalf, to accept this award. I started my healthcare career as an emergency medicine physician and sometimes had to tell families about a loved one's death. I vowed to preserve the legacy of those patients if given the chance.” He added, “When I came to Renown from Colorado, one of the first questions I asked was, with the dramatic growth in our population in northern Nevada, are we able to make additional investments in expertise and clinical programs to help keep more care local? Increasing access to health care, both preventive care and advanced treatment—is critical for a community’s well-being and optimal health.” “As a team, we thought it would be incredible if we could bring a transplant program to our area. Just think about how many people have had to travel more than four hours out of the area and rent hotel rooms for weeks. Not every person can afford that. We think about things like that because at Renown Health, we care for everyone. When people have to travel to Vegas, or Salt Lake City or California, to get the care that they need, that is a health equity issue.” “So, we stepped in, and transplant became a top priority for the entire team. We have amazing people who have made this happen. Dr. Ernesto Molmenti has 25 years of transplant experience and came from Northwell Health in New York City to help lead this program. Dr. David Mulligan, also a transplant surgeon, comes to Renown from Yale and the Mayo Clinic. Ashley Cardenas, the administrator for the Renown Transplant Institute joins us from University of California, San Diego- School of Medicine. We have recruited some amazing people.” “And here at Renown, we have so many outstanding leaders who made this happen. From Chris Nicholas, our CEO at Renown Regional Medical Center, to Dr. Rahul Mediwala, CEO of our medical group and a nephrologist who has spent years planning for this program, to Jimmy Lao, director of nursing for our Emergency Rooms, to Taralynn Basham, director of nursing for our ICUs, and everyone in between- we say, “thank you!” He finished by saying, “Thank you for the honor. We are excited to get the Renown Transplant Institute up and running, and we are looking to do our first kidney transplant within the next several weeks. Thank you, Governor, for making healthcare a priority. It has been a pleasure working with you and your administration.” Assessments Now Open for Kidney Transplant Candidates The Renown Transplant Institute® at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno is one of only 250 transplant centers nationwide and one of only two centers in all of Nevada. The Renown team is working closely with local healthcare providers and social workers at area dialysis centers to streamline referrals and ensure a smooth transition for patients to the transplant list. The Renown Transplant Institute is now accepting referrals for kidney transplant. Candidates will undergo a thorough evaluation process to determine their eligibility and readiness for a transplant. Physicians may now refer patients, or people with end-stage kidney disease who wish to be screened for a kidney transplant by Dr. Narisorn Atsava-Svate and Dr. Ernesto Molmenti, to call 1-833-RING-NTI (746-4684). For more information visit https://www.renown.org/locations/renown-transplant-institute and https://www.nvtransplant.org/. It is anticipated that the first kidney transplant surgeries will take place by July. To join the fight, donate to the Renown Health Foundation, a non-profit organization registered with the State of Nevada and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) entity at www.renown.org/donate or 775-982-5545. As the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center for adults and children, Renown serves over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center is named #1 Hospital for the State of Nevada for 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Renown Health ICUs Earn Prestigious Beacon Awards for Excellence, 3 Times in Row; Progressive Care Telemetry Unit First Time Winner

National recognition for critical care, intensive and progressive care nurses and units serving as role models for excellent patient and family care The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has recognized Renown Health Intensive, Critical Care and Progressive Care Units (ICUs, CCUs, PCUs) with Beacon Awards for Excellence®. Renown Health is among the few organizations in the U.S. to achieve this distinction three times in a row. In addition, Renown Regional Medical Center’s Telemetry Unit has been honored with the Beacon Award, ® marking the first time this dedicated team has achieved Beacon status. The Beacon Award for Excellence®, a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments, recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that achieve this three-year award designations meet national criteria consistent with the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award. “These dedicated healthcare professionals join our exceptional community of nurses, who set the standard for optimal patient care,” said AACN President Jennifer Adamski, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CCRN, FCCM. “I applaud the commitment of the caregivers at Renown Health for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence®.” “Earning the Beacon Award for Excellence once is a remarkable achievement- but receiving it three times in a row is truly extraordinary,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. This honor reflects the unwavering dedication, sustained performance and a relentless focus on quality and patient safety by our ICU nurses, critical care, intensive and progressive care physicians, and care teams who bring clinical excellence and compassionate care to the bedside every day. We are incredibly proud of their work and honored to be among the few organizations nationwide to achieve this distinction multiple times.” Renown Health is among a select group of health systems nationwide with multiple Beacon-recognized ICUs, underscoring its role as the region’s Trauma Center and a leader in critical care. The four Beacon Awardees for Excellence ® for 2024 at Renown Regional Medical Center include:

Renown and Great Basin College Welcome Students to Apply for Respiratory Therapist Training Program

Train to become a respiratory therapist and work with the healthcare team to help diagnose, treat and manage conditions to help restore or maintain lung and breathing function. Applications due May 1 for Fall Program

View All Press Releases