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Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Renown providers remain committed to safely caring for community members, both in person and virtually. Renown Health is proud to offer same-day virtual visits to help community members maintain their health and address medical concerns amid the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Virtual Visits are easily-accessible video conferencing visits with a health provider. They are used for primary care, specialty care and urgent care to enable patients to consult a care provider from the ease and comfort of their homes. “If there’s a bright spot in the midst of this pandemic, it’s that COVID-19 is pushing us to rapidly adopt new ways of thinking about and delivering healthcare–through new technologies,” said Dr. Tony Slonim, president and CEO of Renown. “Our team has worked diligently to make virtual visits available to our community as an added convenience for those who would prefer to stay in their homes. As we work to keep all of our patients safe and healthy, we want our community to know we’re here to serve any ongoing healthcare needs they have by expanding our care options.” Virtual Visits for Urgent Care For urgent care needs, individuals can log in to MyChart and request to “Talk to a Doctor” to receive care from a Renown provider. After filling in some information and confirming their healthcare concerns, Renown’s healthcare team will notify them by text or email when a provider is ready to talk to them virtually. Providers will help patients determine whether their health needs can be met from their home or if they need to seek in-person care. Virtual urgent care visits can address the following symptoms: Common cold and cough symptoms Muscular, tendon or joint pains not caused by injury Allergy or sinus symptoms Pink eye Urinary discomfort Diarrhea without vomiting Rashes or skin sores Backache Nail problems Screening examination for sexually transmitted illness (without symptoms) Medication refills (not controlled substances) Renown’s urgent care virtual visits are available 8:30 a.m. through 10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Virtual Visits for Primary Care and Specialty Care Many primary and specialty care appointments for adults and children are now available virtually through Renown Medical Group. Individuals with an existing Renown Medical Group provider are encouraged to call 775-982-5000 if they would prefer to see a provider from  home. Home Medical Visits Last week, Renown announced its partnership with DispatchHealth, which is now making house calls to individuals who prefer to be seen from their home by a licensed medical professional. This high-quality medical care option is available to all Reno/Sparks residents, both insured and uninsured. If a patient is uninsured, there is a flat fee of $275, which includes all medications administered and lab tests on site. “Whether a patient prefers to be treated at home or in one of our traditional office settings, we are prepared to provide the right level of care, at the right place, at the right time,” said Dr. Slonim. “From routine exams and checkups to illnesses and other conditions that may arise, it’s critical to continue seeing to your unique healthcare needs.” All virtual visits require a free MyChart account. Those who do not have a MyChart account can sign up online. Most insurance companies apply the same co-pay fees as charged for in- person visits. For more information on virtual visits, please visit https://www.renown.org/explore/virtual-visits/.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Receive Care From the Comfort of Your Couch: Renown Health Offering Virtual Visits

Renown Health just announced a new, digital tool designed to keep our community safe and healthy. Symptom Checker, which launched today, is a user-friendly, web-based platform that assesses patients’ symptoms and seamlessly directs them to the appropriate level of care within the Renown network. Symptom Checker can be accessed 24/7 by visiting Renown Symptom Checker. From there, a patient can identify the area of the body responsible for their discomfort, and specify their symptoms. Upon entering their symptoms, patients receive a detailed health summary and care guide, which helps them determine the most appropriate action to take. Patients are able to schedule a visit at a Renown location directly through the Symptom Checker portal. Patients experiencing a medical emergency should not use Symptom Checker and instead call 911. “Thanks to Symptom Checker, our patients will have around-the-clock support at their fingertips to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare needs,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President and CEO of Renown Health. “We understand that determining the right level of care for you or your loved ones may bring about some uncertainty, which is why we are proud to continuously offer new and innovative technologies that make it easier for our community members to live healthier lives.” “As we continue experiencing cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County, many individuals with COVID are unsure when they should seek medical care, as well as the appropriate location to receive care,” said Melodie Osborn, RN, Chief Quality and Nursing Officer, Health Services. “With Symptom Checker, people can easily input their symptoms, and include the symptom severity, to be directed to the best level of care for their individual health needs—making it an extremely valuable tool as we fight to keep our community safe and healthy amidst this pandemic.” Symptom Checker is free to use and does not require users to be Renown patients. In addition to nearly 200 children and adult symptom care guides, the platform also features 55 first-aid topics, 147 parenting advice topics, and 25 over-the-counter drug dosage tables for children and adults. The Symptom Checker content is written by medical doctors, Barton Schmitt and David Thompson, who are nursing triage experts; and symptom care guides stem from clinical protocols used by doctors and nurses worldwide. Evidence behind the Symptom Checker can be accessed here. For more information, or to use Symptom Checker, please visit Renown Symptom Checker.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Launches Virtual Symptom Checker

Dr. Mediwala’s leadership through challenging times helps Renown to thrive despite uncertainty ofCOVID-19 pandemic Rahul Mediwala, MD, CPE, has been promoted to Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Health Services Division at Renown Health after serving as interim CMO since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, working tirelessly to lead a team on the frontlines who continued to provide quality and compassionate care to our community through the uncertainty and pressure of the pandemic. Dr. Mediwala has been with Renown for 11 years, originally joining Renown Medical Group to lead the nephrology program and as medical director for the dialysis unit. Over the years, he has taken on additional leadership roles for Renown Medical Group; serving as chair of Medical Specialties, and Chief Medical Officer for the Renown Accountable Care Organization. “I am thankful for our team of physicians, care providers, medical assistants, patient access representatives, administrators and all who have worked through change to continue to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve,” said Dr. Mediwala. “I look forward to continuing to lead this talented team at Renown as we work to find how we can adapt to meet the changing needs of our health system and community to thrive into the future.” Dr. Mediwala has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in biomedical engineering, his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas and served as chief resident for Internal Medicine at University Hospitals in Cincinnati and subsequently completed a nephrology fellowship in Cincinnati. Prior to joining Renown, Dr. Mediwala practiced with a large nephrology specialty group in Ohio.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Dr. Rahul Mediwala Promoted to Chief Medical Officer

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

Renown Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Loomis, MBA, as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective July 1, 2024. Ms. Loomis will oversee all aspects of financial management for Renown Health including budgeting, financial planning, revenue cycle management, supply chain and strategic investments for Nevada’s #1 ranked health care organization.    Before joining Renown, Ms. Loomis served as Senior Vice President (SVP) and CFO with Portland-based Legacy Health, and prior to that as SVP and Chief Financial Officer for Washington-based MultiCare for more than 15 years.  With over 20 years in finance leadership and strategy, Ms. Loomis has led several transformative efforts to strengthen the organizations and build partnerships.    “We are thrilled to welcome Anna Loomis to our executive team,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “Anna is an approachable, innovative, and resilient leader. Her proven track record of financial stewardship and her deep understanding of the complexities of the healthcare landscape make her an ideal fit for the team. The essential role that Renown Health plays as the only local, not-for-profit, charitable healthcare network in Washoe County will be furthered by her commitment. We are confident that with her guidance and expertise, we will continue to strengthen our financial position while advancing our mission to deliver the highest quality care and service to patients.”    Anna earned her master’s and bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA); completed a finance fellowship with The Academy GE Fellows Program and serves on the Board of Directors for PacificSource health plans.   As of Aug. 2023, Fitch Ratings affirmed the 'A+' long-term rating on the series 2020A, 2020B, 2015A and 2016A bonds issued on behalf of Renown Health, NV by Public Finance Authority (Renown Regional Medical Center Project). In addition, Fitch has affirmed Renown's IDR at 'A+'. Renown's 'A+' revenue bond ratings and the Outlook revision to Stable are primarily driven by the system's midrange operating risk profile assessment, which has rebounded significantly over the past 12-months. Both the rating and Stable Outlook incorporate Renown's position as the service area's single largest provider of high-end acute care services and maintenance of the leading market position, with approximately two-thirds of all patients in northern Nevada seeking care at Renown. The rating is further informed by Renown's solid balance sheet metrics, which remain intact at or near historical levels. Given significant consumer demand for Renown providers and services, a master facility planning process and strategic planning process has been undertaken to ensure that Renown has adequate bed and procedure capacity, spaces to accommodate new technology and services to meet the needs of a growing patient base and community. As the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center for both adults and children, Renown serves over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles across Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center has been named #1 in the State of Nevada for the last three years.   Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,200 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 Renown Health Appoints Anna Loomis MBA As Chief Financial Officer

Renown Health Board of Directors Chair, Jim DeVolld, Receives Nevada Hospital Association’s Commitment to Community Award for Trustee Excellence Award. Renown Health Board of Directors Chair, Jim DeVolld has been awarded the prestigious 2019 Commitment to Community Award for Trustee Excellence from the Nevada Hospital Association (NHA). Each year at the association’s annual meeting, the Nevada Hospital Association publicly acknowledges one trustee who exemplifies exceptional leadership and the characteristics to which all hospital and health system Board leaders should aspire, including: Professional excellence Outstanding achievements Innovative accomplishments Extraordinary compassion in caring for the community Success in overcoming barriers, and Exemplary contributions to effectively advocate on behalf of hospitals, patients, and the healthcare system. “Jim DeVolld’s personal connection and passion for improving the community’s overall health are what drive his commitment to the Renown Health Board,” NHA’s President & CEO, Bill Welch said. “Under Jim’s leadership, Renown Health is nationally recognized for top levels of quality and safety, most notably through advances made in clinical care, the adoption of health information technology and the development of team-based and patient-centered medical homes.” DeVolld was nominated by President & CEO of Renown Health, Anthony D. Slonim, MD, D.Ph. and his senior leadership team at Renown Health. Through Jim and the Boards’ support, the integrated healthcare system now includes four hospital campuses, 120 sites of primary, urgent and specialty care, affiliations with Stanford Medicine, the University of Nevada-Reno Medical School, St. George’s University in Grenada (SGU) School of Medicine, and a health plan, Hometown Health that serves more than 180,000 members. Renown Health’s more than 7,000 employees and 800 providers serve as the regional referral care center for over 100,000 square miles, from Sacramento to Salt Lake City. An essay was submitted describing DeVolld’s leadership of the 43 member Renown Health Board of Directors with deep admiration and chronicled a long list of organizational accomplishments. One nominee stated, “Jim sets a stellar example as a Board Chair who tirelessly advocates for improvement, inclusion, responsibility, preparation, taking the ‘high road,’ and the importance of collaborative, positive relationships. Jim’s commitment has extended beyond traditional healthcare to include economic health and community health and well-being. "A lifelong Nevadan, Jim DeVolld grew up in Yerington before moving to Reno 31 years ago. Jim DeVolld’s32-year-old daughter was born at Renown Regional Medical Center and his family receives care at Renown Health. Jim DeVolld’s personal connection and passion for improving the community’s overall health are what drive his commitment to the Renown Health Board. To ensure the world-class care our community expects and deserves, he has focused first on caring for Renown’s 7,000 employees who provide outstanding care every day. After eight years serving in various roles with Renown Health’s board of directors, Jim DeVolld, managing director, commercial banking at First Independent Bank, was elected as the chairman of the board, Renown Health for a two-year term, effective January 1, 2019. Renown’s four governing boards serve a key role in achieving Renown’s mission of making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities in Northern Nevada. Board members help guide the health system with the charitable mission of “making a genuine difference in the health and well-being,” based on the principles of caring, integrity, collaboration and excellence. Jim DeVolld has spent decades working in the Northern Nevada banking industry. He also serves as chairman of the Nevada Tax Commission and is a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows.     About the NHA The Nevada Hospital Association is a not-for-profit, statewide trade association representing Nevada’s acute care hospitals along with psychiatric, rehabilitation and other specialty hospitals as well as health related agencies and organizations throughout the state. Allied with the American Hospital Association, the NHA is an independent organization headquartered in Reno, Nev. About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Board of Directors Chair, Jim DeVolld, Receives NHA Award

Dr. Graf will support clinical providers in delivering the most effective, highest-quality patient care at lowest cost. Renown Health is excited to announce that Dr. Thomas Graf is joining the organization as its Chief Clinical and Quality Officer on September 20. In this role, Dr. Graf will support clinicians in delivering the most effective, highest-quality patient care at the lowest cost. Dr. Graf will also assist Renown in expanding innovative care models like Hospital at Home and remote patient monitoring technology to deliver patient-centered health care that both convenient and affordable. “At Renown, delivering the highest quality care is our #1 priority. Embracing our vision to improve the health of our community, we are pleased to welcome an experienced leader like Dr. Graf to our organization and to Nevada,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., President and CEO, Renown Health. “As the Chief Clinical and Quality Officer, Tom will fuel Renown’s transformation to a value-based care organization, help advance technologies to enhance the patient experience, and collaborate with providers in our medical group, acute care hospitals, and through our clinically integrated network, accountable care organization and affiliation with UNR Med to create a healthier Nevada. Dr. Graf embodies our core values of caring, integrity, collaboration and excellence, and respect for all. We are thrilled to bring him to the Silver State, and to continue to offer health care that is affordable, accessible and of the highest quality.” Graf is a highly accomplished physician executive with leadership experience from leading health care and insurance organizations as well as a national consulting firm. A family medicine physician, researcher and academic, Dr. Graf has focused on driving quality improvement to lower the total cost of care. He has developed and published on care models that have delivered measurably better results for quality, cost, and experience in a variety of venues. He has practiced in an integrated delivery system, with over a decade at Geisinger (PA), as well as clinically integrated networks and accountable care organizations. He also has worked with a number of academic medical centers through his consulting work with The Chartis Group. Dr. Graf is respected for his adaptable and effective leadership style and the ability to create consensus through shared perspectives. Dr. Graf adds, “My goal is to produce greater value for the patient by delivering care that is of highest clinical quality. Renown has a national reputation for delivering excellent care using approaches that are creative, innovative and maximize technology, and I look forward to engaging physicians and administrators in an agenda that supports this vision.” Dr. Graf comes to Renown from Ascension in St. Louis, MO, where he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Population Health and Value Based Care Officer. He has extensive experience in population health, having been involved in clinical re-engineering and payment model evolution since 2005 with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in the Physician Group Practice Demonstration project as well as Geisinger’s Proven Care® and ProvenHealth Navigator® programs. “Choosing a physician and hospital for their care is one of the most important decisions people will ever make. I am excited to begin my work with Renown to help patients enhance their health and well-being,” said Dr. Graf. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the great progress that Renown Health is making in becoming the best place to practice medicine and to receive care. I am excited to join this journey of transformation to value- based care, and to serve patients, clinicians and the community.” Dr. Graf will report directly to Dr. Tony Slonim, president and CEO, Renown Health. Dr. Graf earned his Doctor of Medicine from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and completed his Family Practice Residency at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.     In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center is named #1 in the State of Nevada for 2021. No other hospital in Nevada earned recognition from U.S. News. About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region's largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, the region's only children's hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, the area's most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region's largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Welcomes New Chief Clinical and Quality Officer; Thomas Graf, MD

Amy McCombs, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNML is promoted to serve future generations and improve the health and well-being of Nevadans. Renown Health is excited to announce Amy McCombs, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNML has been promoted to vice president of Quality for Acute Services to lead clinical quality, risk management, infection prevention and patient safetyrelated activities within the hospital setting at Renown Health.  Ms. McCombs will also direct all performance improvement initiatives related to these areas, ensure compliance with regulatory standards and promote a culture of safety throughout Renown. Please join us in welcoming Amy McCombs, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNML who has been promoted from Director of Infection Prevention and Emergency Preparedness to Vice President of Quality, Acute Services.  “We are pleased to promote such a dedicated, experienced and passionate leader,” said Dawn D Ahner, DSc, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer, Acute Services, “Amy McCombs will continue to foster a culture of caring, clinical quality and excellence, while ensuring the highest level of clinical practice for both care providers and patients. Amy has demonstrated extraordinary leadership throughout this pandemic, throughout her career and has much to contribute to Renown and our community.”  Amy McCombs has dedicated her career to Renown, joining in 2002 as a Clinical Nurse Supervisor at Renown Regional Medical Center. Over the last 18 years, she has held positions of increasing responsibility including Director of Nursing for Critical Care, and Director of Infection Prevention and Emergency Preparedness. Ms. McCombs has both a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Nursing from the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno. Amy is also certified in Infection Control by the Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. Amy has been a Northern Nevada Nurse of Achievement Nominee for six years, and was selected as a Woman of Achievement.  In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center was named #2 Best Hospital in Nevada. 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. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and 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’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Health, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information visit, www.renown.org.

Read More About Renown Health Welcomes New Vice President of Quality

Dawn D. Ahner, DSc, FACHE, selected to serve on The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Women in Health Leadership Executive Council. Research shows women make up almost 80 percent of the healthcare workforce, yet fewer than 20 percent hold key leadership roles. Determined to even out those percentages is Renown Health’s chief operating officer, acute services, Dawn D. Ahner, DSc, FACHE. Renown Health proudly announced today that Ahner was selected among a competitive pool of outstanding women to join The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s inaugural Women in Healthcare Leadership (WIHL) Executive Council. She will serve on the mentor committee where she will support and empower mid-career as well as up-and-coming female leaders in healthcare leadership. Ahner will serve three years on the WIHL Executive Council, beginning January 1, 2021. “Renown Health is a better place because of Dawn’s incredible leadership,” said Sy Johnson, MBA, chief of staff at Renown. “For nearly 30 years, she has led by example to serve our patients, employees and community, helping pave the way for other female leaders to thrive in leadership positions at Renown. Now, she’s paving the way for future leaders to thrive in healthcare leadership positions across the nation, and we could not be more proud of her.” "At Renown, we are committed to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion and cultural competence where all are appreciated, fully engaged and motivated to make a genuine, positive difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve," said Michelle Sanchez-Bickley, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Renown’s chief human resources officer. "We are proud that nearly 70 percent of Renown's leadership roles are filled with women who are making a difference in our community. Dawn is leading the way for all of us." “As I begin my term as a member on the WIHL Executive Council, I am hopeful for a future filled with more female leaders in healthcare,” said Ahner. “I am fortunate to be where I am today, and my goal is to help women learn from my journey and experiences and see that anything is possible with hard work and determination.” Ahner started at Renown in 1993 as a financial analyst. She worked her way through the ranks, serving a total of eight positions including director of finance, chief financial officer, chief administrative officer, and finally, her current role as chief operating officer, acute services. She has been honored for her many accomplishments, including spearheading the launch of Renown’s Transformation Health Care, a model of continuous improvement based on lean methodology; and in 2018 she was named to the Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual list of 143 women hospital and health system leaders to know. Ahner earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Sacramento; her master of business administration from the University of Nevada, Reno; and her doctor of science in administration-health services from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center was named #2 Best Hospital in Nevada. 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. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and 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’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Health, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information visit, www.renown.org.

Read More About Renown Health's COO, Acute Services, Empowers the Next Generation of Women Healthcare Leaders

David Hansen, MBA, joins Hometown Health to continue to serve future generations and improve the health and well-being of Nevadans Renown Health and Hometown Health are excited to announce David Hansen, MBA, is joining Hometown Health as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In his role as CEO, Hansen will oversee Hometown Health, contributing to its growth to ensure the not-for-profit company is here for generations to come and to assist Renown in developing new care models that will deliver healthcare that is both accessible and affordable. “We are pleased to welcome such an experienced and talented leader like David to our organization and to northern Nevada,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., President and CEO, Renown Health. “As CEO of Hometown Health, David will continue to foster a culture of caring and excellence, while ensuring wide-ranging medical coverage and great customer service to Hometown Health’s more than 138,000 members statewide.” Hansen has spent the previous twenty years of his career working for UnitedHealthcare, a health insurance company based out of Minnetonka, Minnesota. During his time at UnitedHealthcare, Hansen held various roles including chief financial officer of clinical & network services, west region president of network & provider services, chief executive officer of the California Health Plan and chief executive officer of the Pacific Northwest Health Plan. He has also served in executive roles with PacifiCare and TransAmerica Occidental Life and began his career in the audit and management consulting practice of Deloitte & Touche. “Choosing healthcare coverage is one of the most important decisions people make. I am excited to begin my work with Hometown Health and Renown to help our members receive the quality coverage to enhance their health and well-being,” said Hansen. “Hometown Health is such a community-focused organization and I look forward to being a part of a team that gives back to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. ”David has an MBA in Finance and Business Policy from the University of Chicago, and a BA in Economics and Business from the University of California, Los Angeles.     About Hometown Health Established in 1988, Hometown Health is the insurance division of Renown Health and is Northern Nevada’s largest locally-owned, not-for-profit health insurance company. Providing wide-ranging medical coverage and great service to members, Hometown Health represents a philosophy of health care that emphasizes active partnerships between members and physicians. For more information, call 775-982-3000 or visit www.hometownhealth.com. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and 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’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. 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 Locally Owned Not-For-Profit Insurance Company, Hometown Health, Welcomes New CEO

Suzanne Hendery, MA, APR of Renown Health selected as 2020 Medigy HITMC Award Winner. Every year, the Healthcare and IT Marketing Community (HITMC) honors the individuals and organizations who distinguished themselves over the past year. Nominations for the Awards are reviewed by a selection committee made up of industry veterans and only three are chosen as Honorees in each category. A panel of judges then evaluates the Honorees and a winner is chosen. Suzanne Hendery, Chief Marketing, Public Affairs & Community Impact Officer for Renown Health has been selected as the 2020 ‘Marketing Person of the Year.” “Suzanne Hendery of Renown Health is a deserving winner of a 2020 Medigy HITMC Award” said John Lynn, Chief Editor and Founder at Healthcare Scene, the company behind HITMC. “Together, the 2020 Award Winners are a shining example of the best in healthcare marketing. It is truly inspiring to see what happens when bright, passionate people work together.” The 2020 Medigy HITMC Awards are a celebration of outstanding achievement in marketing, PR and communications for healthcare and Health IT. It is a chance for the Healthcare and IT Marketing Community (HITMC) to come together and acknowledge the hard work and efforts of individuals, Health IT companies, healthcare providers and agencies. “We at Renown Health are so proud of Suzanne and the entire Marketing & Communications team. They tell the stories of our health care heroes, engage with our community, and use communications to encourage people to improve their health and well-being,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO of Renown Health. Ms. Hendery says, “Being able to distill the essence of our organization down to 2 words- ‘hope’ and ‘determination’-is something that brings me such pride. I feel honored – and humbled – that Jim DeVolld and Rob Winkel of the Renown Board of Trustees; Dr. Tony Slonim, our CEO; and our lead physicians, nurses, team members and partners, all came together with our community to build the “Fight the Good Fight” campaign. This work gives us all the inspirational message of hope and determination during such an important time in our history.” Suzanne Hendery is the Chief Marketing, Communications & Community Impact Officer for Renown Health in Reno. Ms. Hendery earned her MA from the University of Connecticut, is a lecturer at Harvard University, a member of the American Marketing Association Health Care Executive Board, a member of the Public Relations Society of America, and serves on the Board of the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development.     About The HITMC Awards HITMC is a community – bound together by a passion for and a love of PR, communications and marketing in healthcare and Health IT. The central idea behind HITMC is to bring together all the smart, innovative and hard- working healthcare professionals so that we can learn from each other. We enable this by creating a culture where sharing, mutual respect and lifting each other up is the norm. The annual HITMC Awards are an embodiment of this ethos. They are meant to celebrate the best individuals and organizations who have elevated healthcare marketing, PR and communications in the past year. For more information, visit www.hitmc.com/awards   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and 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’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer,   Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. 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 Reno Home to Marketing Person of the Year

Debra Adornetto-Garcia, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, AOCN, joins as chief nursing officer, acute services to serve future generations and improve the health and well-being of Nevadans. Renown Health is excited to announce Debra Adornetto-Garcia, DNP, RN, is joining Renown Health as its chief nursing officer (CNO) for acute hospital services. In her role as CNO, acute services, Dr. Adornetto-Garcia will lead acute care hospital nursing and collaborate with leadership in designing patient care and services that ensure excellent care for patients and families.  “We are pleased to welcome such an experienced and talented leader like Dr. Debra Adornetto-Garcia to our organization and to northern Nevada,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO, Renown Health. “As chief nursing officer for acute services, Debra will continue to foster a culture of caring and excellence, while ensuring the highest level of nursing practice and experience for our registered nurses and hospital patients.  Says Dawn D. Ahner, DSc, FACHE, chief operating officer, acute services, “Debra is a dynamic, collaborative, innovative senior executive with academic, community, ambulatory and acute hospital experience. Dr. Adornetto-Garcia has been an influential change agent in leading teams to create innovative delivery models and elevate nursing practice through shared accountability.”  Debra comes to Renown from CHRISTUS Health in Corpus Christi, Texas where she has served as their CNO. She has also held senior nursing roles with Banner Health & Banner MD Anderson in Ariz., The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. She began her career as an oncology nurse with experience in radiation, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve the nursing community and patients of Renown Health in Nevada,” said Dr. Adornetto-Garcia. “How exciting to be able to deliver the high-quality, compassionate patient care Renown is known for, and to help serve and lead in the hospital nursing profession.” Debra has a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, a Master of Adult Health Nursing (Clinical Nurse Specialist/Oncology specialty) and a BSN from Northern Illinois University.  Former chief nursing officer for acute hospital services, Dr. Jennifer Richards, retired from Renown after 21 years of nursing service. Renown Health hospitals include Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown South Meadows Medical Center, Renown Children’s Hospital and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada (tied with Carson Tahoe Medical Center). Renown Regional Medical Center was named #2 Best Hospital in Nevada.  Renown has also earned the highest award from American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the Beacon Award for Excellence for its Intensive Care Units (ICUs) based on performance and patient outcomes that exceed national benchmarks. Renown has the only intensive care units awarded this distinction in Nevada. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and 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’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. 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 Renown Health Welcomes New Chief Nursing Officer