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Meet Gabby, Renown Regional ER Nurse and Miss Rodeo Nevada
Renown Health is proud to embrace the Reno-Sparks culture that makes our community stand out, which is why we sponsor the Reno Rodeo, an early summer staple with roots in the community as deep as our own. One of our many ties with the Reno Rodeo includes Renown Regional’s own emergency room nurse and Miss Rodeo Nevada 2022, Gabby Szachara. A Reno native, Gabby developed a love for the Reno Rodeo at a very young age. “I loved watching the girls on the Reno Rodeo Flag Team when I was little and knew I wanted to be part of the Reno Rodeo someday,” said Gabby. “As I got older, I started to make connections and build relationships with some people in the rodeo scene, and they generously lent me their horses so I could participate in the Reno Rodeo Flag Team.” Gabby was on the flag team for three years before being crowned Miss Rodeo Nevada 2022 last year. Before joining the Reno Rodeo Flag Team, Gabby was a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a member of the women’s volleyball team. In December 2017, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public health. At first, Gabby was interested in a career in sports medicine – it made sense with her background in athletics. But, after working in the medical field as a certified nurse assistant and an emergency medical technician, she grew passionate about patient care and decided she wanted to become a nurse. “I’ve always loved teamwork and helping others,” said Gabby. “It’s important to me to be there for others, especially when it might be their worst day.” In December 2021, Gabby graduated from Truckee Meadows Community College with a nursing degree and joined Renown Health this February. “I love Renown for various reasons. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming, and there is a great team dynamic,” said Gabby. “And I love that Renown’s main color is purple because that is my favorite!” When Gabby isn’t in her scrubs and caring for patients, she is in western wear and carrying out her duties as Miss Rodeo Nevada. “I do a lot of traveling across the country to attend other rodeos,” said Gabby. “I enjoy meeting so many wonderful people and experiencing the culture of different states.” Gabby’s main goals as Miss Rodeo Nevada are to promote the western way of life, agriculture, rodeo and community benefit. In addition, she visits local schools to talk with kids about how they can get involved in these areas and inspires them to turn their dreams into reality. Gabby has a special place in her heart for the Reno Rodeo. “Reno is my home, and the Reno Rodeo is the heart and soul of summer in northern Nevada. Everyone comes together and dusts off their boots to have fun and also contribute money to important causes in our community,” said Gabby. “I love the comradery, the friendly and healthy competition and the great people.” If you’re going to the Reno Rodeo this weekend, watch for Gabby and her horse, “Torque.” And if you see Gabby in the halls at Renown Regional, give her a high-five for all her hard work as a nurse and Miss Rodeo Nevada!
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Paola’s Story: Bringing Hope and Determination to Patient Care
You may recognize her from billboards around town or the cover of Renown's latest annual report, but what you might not know is the story behind the now-familiar face. Paola Espinoza-Patino is the oncology unit's associate nurse manager at Renown Regional, and she grounds her work in hope and determination daily. Meet Paola:
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Department Spotlight: Customer Engagement Center
Do it for the patient. That’s the motto that each employee in the Customer Engagement Center (CEC) lives by every single day. This team spins all the existing stereotypical thoughts about call centers on their side by empowering and partnering with patients to achieve their best health. Being transferred around several times just isn’t in this team’s DNA – being a one-stop-shop for patient scheduling, referrals, insurance matters and more is how they proudly operate. Through elevating the customer engagement experience, the CEC closes care gaps to ensure patients get the right care at the right time. From employees who work from our home base in Reno, all the way to the southeastern corner of Florida, this primarily remote team stays firmly connected and collaborative to make patient care possible for all Renown Health patients and Hometown Health and Senior Care Plus members. The “Make It Happen” Department Back-to-back phone calls about a wide variety of patient needs? They make it happen. Referrals that need to go directly to the provider? They make it happen. Complex insurance questions that need to be resolved? They make it happen. The CEC is the keeper of all things customer service and all things patient satisfaction, leveraging technology to improve engagement and accessibility – and they wear that badge with pride. “Patient care is our first priority,” said Cindy Arevalo, Supervisor of Customer Engagement. “Even though we aren’t face-to-face with them, we are always there to help them over the phone with whatever their needs are.” The CEC has a lot of different sub-departments under its umbrella: scheduling, referrals, insurance, patient outreach, personal assistants, MyChart customer service and more. Each team handles calls for a different section of our health system, including the hospitals, imaging, primary care and specialty care. While their individual teams may be different, one aspect of their jobs remains the same: they care. Deeply. “We advocate for the patient, especially when they can’t advocate for themselves,” said Amanda Ishii, Referral Specialist. “We are the first people that patients speak to, and we all have empathy to listen to them, help them solve their problems and take as much time as they need to care for their needs,” added Susana Arroyo Garcia, Supervisor of Customer Engagement. Customer loyalty is key to the CEC. Every CEC team member builds strong relationships with patients and members. Whether they manage patient outreach or manage back-to-back inbound calls, each employee feels a special connection to the helpful work they do to solve a variety of patient concerns. “As Senior Care Plus Personal Assistants, for instance, we help guide our members through complex situations, and we eliminate the process of transferring them to different departments, becoming a ‘one-stop-shop' for them,” said Stephanie Perez Campbell, Senior Care Plus (SCP) Health Coordinator. “While every day is different, we are constantly learning new things and helping members navigate through the health system." With the 4.5 million calls the CEC handles per year, the nature of their jobs is undoubtedly fast paced. However, this does not intimidate the CEC team members; instead, it inspires them to continue reaching new milestones, helping thousands of patients and members every year by handling all the scheduling and referral work on the backend so that they can receive the care needed. “I never find myself sitting around asking, ‘what should I do next,’” said Gina Briles, Supervisor of Customer Engagement. “We always support each other to stay on top of it all in order to take care of our patients.” By wearing a lot of hats and managing many different work queues all while staying engaged with each patient, the CEC is full of natural problem-solvers, helping our healthcare network run smoothly. “The Engagement Center is the front door for the community; serving as the voice of the customer, we ensure patients do not fall through the cracks of the complex healthcare system and are able to easily access the right care at the right time through an exceptional experience,” said Candace Dietrich, Director of Customer Engagement. Consistently Connected With thousands of referrals to process and millions of calls to field, the ways the CEC stays connected to patients and members as well as each other can be related closely to magic. No concern goes unnoticed, and no problem is too complicated. “The sheer volume of patients we engage with is incredible,” said Rene Jacinto, Manager of Customer Engagement. “We processed nearly 200,000 referrals and authorizations last year.” “We expect a steady increase of calls year-over-year. My team processed 1,259 referrals in one day alone recently,” added Arielle Gomes, Referral Specialist. A superpower that every CEC team member holds is the ability to listen. According to this department, active listening is key when problem-solving with every patient and member, as that skill helps them anticipate patient needs and resolve their issues quickly and efficiently. “I’ll always listen,” said Alex Gomez, Customer Engagement Representative. “I want them to know that they are in good hands, especially when they are feeling scared or frustrated.” Team members like Alex help carefully guide customers through the Hometown Health and Senior Care Plus enrollment process, increasing membership and engaging patients to find the perfect plan for them. One of the largest challenges the CEC faces is the departures and arrivals of providers. The ebbs and flows of all hospital systems include provider departures and shifting provider availabilities. Despite this challenge, the CEC staff work hard to ensure communication with all patients regarding provider changes is consistent and that all patients are scheduled in a slot that works for both their schedule and the provider’s schedule. “It’s important for us to be flexible, because things can change at a moment’s notice,” said Gina Briles. “This is more than just a job – we are here for our patients. What we are doing impacts everyone.” Throughout all times of transition, the CEC builds robust relationships with both patients and providers within our organization and community, a skill that this team emphasizes as “fundamentally important.” For example, SCP Personal Assistants like Stephanie Perez Campbell will coordinate care with community resources and offices, giving members one less call to make and one less hurdle to cross in order to get the care they need. On top of it all, even though this team has the ability to work from all 50 states (and many of them work outside of Nevada!), every employee feels connected to their colleagues and their work. “This is the best group of people I’ve ever worked with,” said Riley Petro, Manager of Customer Engagement – Imaging. “I am super lucky for this job and am so thankful for these people.” Proud and Powerful The proof is in the pudding – or rather, the proof is in the numbers. Within the 4.5 million calls they successfully field every year, approximately 1.6 million of those calls route through the private branch exchange (PBX) team – the team that oversees the main operator lines – under the guidance of Jess Nater, Supervisor of Customer Engagement. The CEC is also on track to handle nearly 300,000 referrals this year alone. Additionally, the Hometown Health CEC team was recognized nationally this year with a five-star rating from Medicare. “We all have the initiative to grow, and because of this, we are always learning something new,” said Cindy Arevalo. “Our leaders also support our growth, especially if we want to skill-build or advance in our careers.” The CEC is frequently the first stop on the career ladder for many employees as they start their journey in healthcare, and CEC leadership is committed to the growth and development of their teams to reach their career goals at Renown. The secret formula for all this success can be in part attributed to the pride each CEC employee has for their team, their work and Renown. “We have a very supportive team,” said Holly Coffey, Supervisor of Customer Engagement. “I’ve seen our leaders support their teams tremendously.” “We rely on each other,” added Ashleigh Carty, Customer Engagement Representative. "I love the relationships we create with one another.” Employees in the CEC come from many walks of life, choosing to work at Renown and Hometown Health for a variety of different reasons, many related to the positive power our health system holds. Team members in this department hold a myriad of different career backgrounds, including pharmacy technicians, medical assistants, population health professionals, community health workers and more. Some team members, like Nikki Clifford, Customer Engagement Representative Lead, heard wonderful things about Renown from her mother, who also works for Renown. According to Nikki, “seeing how happy my mom has been in her career made me want to join too. I’ve loved it here ever since.” Katie Lunau, Supervisor of Customer Engagement, also grew up in a family involved in healthcare, and she wanted to follow in their footsteps. Choosing Renown as the place to follow her family path was a simple one, because “Renown stood out as the company that was actively involved in the community helping others.” For other team members, like Susana Arroyo Garcia, Ashleigh Carty and Stephanie Perez Campbell, Renown and Hometown Health’s impact on the local healthcare landscape was their primary driver for choosing a career here and in the CEC specifically. “Renown is very well-known in the area,” said Stephanie Perez Campbell. “I went to school in Reno for public health, so Renown came up all the time in my schooling. I knew Renown had a lot of different opportunities available for career growth, and with the friendly environment I always experienced here, it was an easy decision.” “Once I went through the interview process and joined the team, I immediately realized that there are outstanding managers, support systems and communication skills here. People genuinely care,” added Ashleigh Carty. Ashleigh is exactly right. As emphasized by every team member, employees in the CEC care. Their heightened levels of care and empathy set the bar high for all at Renown and Hometown Health, and their impact will be felt for years to come.
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Celebrating Renown Health's Nursing Excellence Conference
Renown Health recently wrapped up the twentieth annual Nursing Excellence and Excellence in Critical Care Conferences, the conference theme was the Courageous Calling and over 400 nurses from specialty fields across the region attended to learn, reflect, build relationships and obtain continuing education units (CEUs). Celebrating The Courageous Calling During the first day of the Nursing Excellence Conference, local and national leaders presented topics including redefining resilience, documentation liability, transgender healthcare and caring for the homeless population. Among the list of impressive speakers were Chief Nurse Executive at Renown Health, Melodie Osborn, and Nora McInerny, writer and host of the "Terrible Thanks for Asking" podcast. On day two,speakers focused on the critical care specialties within nursing, including intensive care, emergency room, pediatric intensive care and neonatal intensive care. Topics covered included post-COVID-19 pulmonology with Dr. Graham, traumatic brain injuries with Dr. Demers, COVID-19 reflections with Anicia Beckwith, a discussion about "Mis C” with Dr. Healy, innovations in imaging with Dr. Rangaswamy and cardiology with Dr. Danaf. Thank you to our sponsors and raffle donors for making this event possible: Erik Olson and Larry Duncan, Jana Elliott, Melodie Osborn, Becky Haase, Lori Tuntland, Dr. Akbar, Dr. Lous, Mel Morris, Grand Sierra Resort, Renown Health Gift Shops, Renown Health Directors of Nursing, Renown Health Marketing & Communications Department, Renown Health Dermatology, Laser, & Skin Care and Renown Health Foundation. Learn more about finding purpose in the health of our community when working at Renown Health here.
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University Health
University Health—Operated by Renown Health Welcome to Nevada’s first integrated health system! The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), and Renown Health have entered a joint affiliation designed to improve access to care. If you were a former patient of University Health, your access to the same providers and accepted insurance plans remain the same and are now available at Renown Health.
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Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents Approve Renown Health and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Affiliation Agreement
Establishes first integrated health system in Nevada. The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents voted today at its monthly board meeting to approve an affiliation agreement between the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health that will establish the first fully integrated health system in Nevada. The Board of Regents approval of the collaboration between Nevada's oldest medical school and one of its largest non-profit health care organizations comes after Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed Senate Bill 342 into law. The bill authorizes the NSHE Board of Regents to enter into an agreement to affiliate with a publicly or privately owned medical facility or related entity, whether for profit or not for profit, to further promote and enhance a medical education or health education program at a university. Nearly a year ago, UNR Med and Renown Health announced an intent to affiliate and create an enhanced health care network with increased access to clinical care, and expanded clinical training and clinical research programs. In September 2020, the Board of Regents unanimously endorsed a Letter of Intent between the two organizations, which advanced a period of due diligence to further define the relationship. In addition, the Renown Board of Trustees unanimously approved the agreement. “Thank you to the Board of Regents and Chancellor Rose for supporting UNR Med and Renown Health in this collaborative and generational partnership that will have historical impacts on health care delivery, clinical research development, and training for health care professionals in our state and our community,” says University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval. “This affiliation will help address Nevada’s access to health care and medical education challenges in new and innovative ways that proactively support the health and wellness of all.” The affiliation agreement details a 50-year commitment for combining the clinical practice, clinical teaching and clinical research programs of both institutions, including descriptions of purpose, structure, governance, funds flow, joint leadership roles and faculty positions, operational management, mission and culture. Renown Health and UNR Med aim to accomplish key strategic goals, including: Improving access to care, including creating new clinical services not currently available in the community; Creating new clinical training programs for UNR Med residents and medical students; Increasing UNR Med’s student class size, which currently accommodates 70 students per medical class; and Providing increased patient access to clinical trials and expanding research and employment capabilities. Like many medical schools and health care systems across the nation, UNR Med and Renown Health have collaborated for decades to advance a mutual commitment to improving the health of the community. Since mid-2020, the organizations have been exploring formalizing a high-level clinical integration. “I appreciate and am so pleased that the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, Governor Sisolak and the legislature have provided such incredible support for the affiliation of University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Renown Health. We are excited to further our mission of supporting the health and healthcare of the people and communities we serve in local urban and rural communities, across our state and our nation, says Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown Health. “With this new level of integration, we will be able to drive innovation, research, medical education, grant funding for public health, clinical trials and integrate our medical practices to improve access and affordability of care. Together, we are excited to create a healthier Nevada.” “We are creating an integrated health system that brings together three complimentary initiatives - patient care, research and medical education - and melds them into a single mission, each enhancing the others synergistically, while benefitting the community and the state,” says UNR Med Dean Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D. “The affiliation with Renown Health enhances and leverages the fundamental missions of UNR Med as a state-funded, accredited public medical school governed by the Nevada System of Higher Education so as to remain accessible to Nevada residents and provide opportunities to serve the state in new and expanded ways. The affiliation helps both of our institutions contribute to outstanding health care in Nevada.” This is an affiliation between a 159-year old health care provider, the state’s original land grant university and the state’s oldest medical school. Over the last five decades, UNR Med has educated more than 3,900 physicians with over 30% percent practicing in Nevada, increasing access to care for Nevadans across the state. Equally rooted in the community, Renown’s long legacy of service started in 1862 as a county hospital, Washoe Medical Center. Now, Renown Health, a charitable, not-for-profit organization, serves the community by providing care through hospitals, outpatient medical offices, institutes and a health insurance plan, Hometown Health. UNR Med Public Relations Julie Ardito, APR M: 775-846-8445 E: jardito@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 region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. 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. About University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 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.
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Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine hosted affiliation agreement certificate signing event
Today, leaders from Renown Health, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents, the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) converged for an affiliation agreement certificate signing event. The certificate signing commemorates the affiliation agreement - a 50-year commitment - between Renown Health and UNR Med establishing Nevada’s first integrated health system to advance health and health care through world-class medical education, clinical research and patient care for our community and our state. The certificate signing event comes after the NSHE Board of Regents approved the agreement on June 11, 2021 and after Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed Senate Bill 342 into law on May 10, 2021 authorizing the NSHE Board of Regents to enter into an agreement such as the one with Renown Health. A high resolution photo is available for download at med.unr.edu/news/archive/2021/affiliation-signing. 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. 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. About University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 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.
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Governor Sisolak Signs Senate Bill 342
CARSON CITY, NV – Today, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed Senate Bill 342 into law. The bill authorizes the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents to enter into an agreement to affiliate with a publicly or privately- owned medical facility or related entity, whether for profit or not for profit, to further promote and enhance a medical education or health education program at a university. "Throughout the pandemic, we have relied on doctors, nurses and medical professionals to care for Nevadans in need. Legislation like this will help strengthen existing partnerships in the State so we can recruit, train and keep more medical professionals in Nevada,” said Gov. Sisolak. “I look forward to these continued partnerships to help our state for years to come.” Governor Sisolak was joined by University of Nevada Reno President and former Governor Brian Sandoval for the bill signing. “I wish to thank the members of the Nevada State Legislature and Governor Steve Sisolak for their support of this bill,” University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval said. “This collaborative and forward-thinking framework will provide cutting-edge patient care delivery, greater clinical research opportunities and will ensure that the next generation of medical providers in Nevada will receive the highest possible training. As the past year-plus has demonstrated, the health care environment in our state and throughout the country continues to be dynamic. The passage of this bill ensures that Nevada has the proactive tools to look to the future, so that we can meet our health care and medical education challenges.” “I appreciate and am so pleased that Governor Sisolak and the legislature approved Senate Bill 342 today, which provides support for integrating the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine with Renown Health,” said Anthony D. Slonim, MD, DrPH, FACHE, President and CEO, Renown Health, who was present at today’s signing. “This partnership will improve the health and healthcare of Nevadans and all of the communities that we serve. With this new level of affiliation, we will be able to drive innovation, research, medical education, grant funding for public health, clinical trials and integrate our medical practices to improve access and affordability of care. Together, we are excited to create a healthier Nevada.” “We are so appreciative of the unanimous support of the legislature and now the Governor’s signature and support of this bill that provides guidance to the NSHE Board of Regents as it considers the approval of this critical affiliation between UNR Med and Renown Health. We are excited to move to the next step of seeking approval from the Board of Regents for the affiliation and the establishment of an integrated health care system that will enhance medical care delivery and medical education, will improve health care, and will benefit the health and well-being of all Nevadans,” said University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Dean and Vice President, Health Sciences, Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D. “The opportunities to take medical care, medical education and clinical research in Nevada to an entirely new level are unlimited and we thank Governor Sisolak for moving us to the next step in this endeavor.” Photos from the bill signing can be requested from the Nevada Governor's Office. In addition, Governor Sisolak also signed the following bills today: Senate Bill 17 - Revises provisions governing the renewal of certain instruction permits to operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle. Senate Bill 23 - Revises the boundaries of the area from which certain members of the State Conservation Commission are appointed. Senate Bill 53 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Division of State Parks of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to organize the areas under the jurisdiction of the Division into regions. Senate Bill 65 – Revises provisions relating to the composition and administration of the State Department of Agriculture. Nevada Governor's Office Public Relations Media Contact E: press@gov.nv.gov
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New Renown Health Scholarship Supports UNR Med Students - The Next Generation of Physicians and Health Care Professionals
Clinical affiliation to create more access to care for Nevadans. View the original press release by the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Nevada continues to face a physician shortage ranking No. 45 in the United States for active physicians per 100,000 population and No. 48 for primary care physicians per 100,000 population according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) 2019 Nevada Physician Workforce Profile. A new clinical affiliation between the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health addresses the provider gap and increases access to care by developing new and innovative ways to train and retain the next generation of Nevada's health care professionals. A cornerstone of the affiliation is the Renown Health Scholarship, which was established by Renown to support UNR Med medical students and physician assistant students in their pursuit of a career in health care. The goal of the scholarship is to award $350,000 annually based on need and merit. In 2021-2022, the scholarship will be awarded to 20 first-year and third-year medical students, each receiving $15,000 for a total of $300,000; and five second-year physician assistant studies program students, each receiving $10,000 for a total of $50,000. "Students are at the core of what we do as a School of Medicine, and this incredibly generous scholarship is the best way possible for Renown Health to celebrate our partnership and support our students," says Melissa Piasecki, acting dean of UNR Med, a role that includes Chief Academic Officer at Renown Health. "We thank Renown Health for this gift that will benefit so many of UNR Med students on their journeys to becoming great doctors and physician assistants. "We are extremely proud to establish the Renown Health Scholarship with UNR Med providing annual support to students pursuing careers in health care," says Anthony D. Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO, Renown Health." As Nevada's first integrated health care system, UNR Med and Renown are advancing health and health care through world-class medical education, clinical research and patient care for our community, our state and our nation, and supporting this first class of scholarship recipients is an important step in ensuring quality access to care for northern Nevada and the state in the future." The inaugural group of scholarship recipients epitomize Renown Health's and UNR Med's combined vision of A Healthy Nevada and mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve. The students chosen for this scholarship further represent UNR Med's commitments to excellence and to a culture of diversity and inclusion in support of their goals of becoming physicians and physician assistants. "This scholarship will contribute greatly to my becoming a physician that can later serve those from lower socioeconomic statuses. I am humbled and honored by the fact that Renown believes that my hard work and determination are worth rewarding, I know it will alleviate some of the mental stress that finances play in my life, and I hope to make these funds count through hard work and dedication to my studies," says Eunice Aiyuk, first-year medical student at UNR Med, who was born in Yaounde, Cameroon, in West Africa, and has lived in Reno since she was three years old. Aiyuk graduated from McQueen High School and from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience in 2018. Sergio Trejo, Jr., MPH, is a third-year medical student who grew up in Las Vegas and served as a Spanish interpreter at a community health center prior to earning his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2019, which instilled in him his desire to pursue a career as a primary care physician in pediatrics. "I'm interested in a career in pediatrics since I can combine my knowledge of medicine and public health to not only influence the health of children, but also the entire family, as they are ones that ultimately dictate their child's health outcomes," Trejo says. "This scholarship means the ability to fund my dream of helping alleviate health disparities in underserved communities, especially those who endure language barriers. It will help reduce the stress of funding resources that will help me be successful in my clerkships and beyond." As a second-year Physician Assistant Studies Program student at UNR Med, Benjamin "Benjie" Portillo-Dominguez's path to becoming a physician assistant started at a young age when he attended his parents' doctors' appointments so that he could interpret. He recalls his family's excitement when a health care provider could speak Spanish. "It made a world of difference because it maximized communication and helped them receive the care they needed. This helped develop in me a strong desire to pursue a career in health care, says Portillo-Dominguez, who graduated from the University with a bachelor of science degree in community health sciences in 2018. "In less than a year I will become a Physician Assistant. This has been a long-time goal of mine, but as a first-generation college graduate, this has been the dream of my parents since I was born." "Receiving this scholarship benefits me in my training because it allows me more time to focus on my studies and opens up opportunities to learn from experienced providers. Becoming the best provider I can be, allows me to strengthen this community that I was born and raised in. Having this unique perspective and being in this program allows me to be a solution to the lack of primary care providers in this area, especially with those who speak Spanish." The UNR Med student recipients of the 2021 Renown Health Scholarship were based on merit and need. They include: first-year medical students Eunice Aiyuk, Dakota Johnson, Aisha Masud, Isabella Rodriguez and Raquel Wescott; third-year medical students Davison Beenfeldt, Sara Bertram, Kaileigh Bingham, Curtis Duncan, Brooke Gantman, Alex Harper, Erin Kelley, Regina Kurapova, Ngantu Le, Otto Maurer, Keanu McMurray, Eric Nguyen, Hao To, Sean Torres and Sergio Trejo; and second-year physician assistant studies program students Ali-Marie Lostra, Margaret (Meg) Patterson, Benjamin (Benjie) Portillo-Dominguez, Preston Reugebrink and Ryan Swanson. The UNR Med/Renown Health affiliation is between a 159-year old health care provider, the state's original land grant university and the state's oldest medical school. Over the last five decades, UNR Med has educated more than 4,000 physicians with over 30% percent practicing in Nevada, increasing access to care for Nevadans across the state. Equally rooted in the community, Renown's long legacy of service started in 1862 as a county hospital, Washoe Medical Center. Now, Renown Health, a charitable, not-for-profit organization, serves the community by providing care through hospitals, outpatient medical offices, institutes and a health insurance plan, Hometown Health. Media Contact: Julie Ardito, APR Senior Director, Advancement and Engagement Email: news@med.unr.edu Office: 775-784-6006 About The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Nevada's first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Established in 1969, UNR Med is improving 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.
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Renown and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Affiliation Update
Renown Health and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med)leadership provided an informational update to the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents at its March 5 meeting on the due diligence process undertaken by both organizations to explore an intent to affiliate that would lead to the first fully integrated health system in northern Nevada. University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval; UNR Med Dean Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D. and Renown Health President and CEO Anthony Slonim, M.D., DrPH, FACHE, discussed the near-final Affiliation Agreement, which details the guiding principles of the proposed partnership and how the integration of clinical services, education and research will operate, including the purpose, structure, governance, funds flow, joint leadership roles, faculty positions, operational management, mission and culture. The final agreement will require Renown Health Board and NSHE Board of Regent approval. Like many health care systems and medical schools across the nation, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine have collaborated for decades to advance a mutual commitment to improving the health of the community. Since mid-2020, the organizations have been exploring formalizing a high-level clinical integration. In September 2020, the NSHE Board of Regents unanimously endorsed a Letter of Intent between the two organizations, which advanced a period of due diligence to further define the relationship. The partnership is designed to enhance Nevada’s medical education system, expand clinical research capacity in northern Nevada and create a world-class integrated health system that improves access to patient care for all and achieves a vision of a healthy Nevada. Over the last five decades, UNR Med has educated more than 3,900 physicians with over 30% percent practicing in Nevada, increasing access to care for Nevadans across the state. Equally rooted in the community, Renown’s long legacy of service started in 1862 as a county hospital, Washoe Medical Center. Now, Renown Health serves the community by providing care through hospitals, outpatient medical offices, institutes and an insurance plan, Hometown Health. 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. About University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 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.Media Contact for UNR Med: Julie Ardito, APRM: 775-846-8445E: jardito@med.unr.edu
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Honoring Excellence in Patient Communications
“Amazing! Phenomenal! Thank you for always showing genuine concern. You are kind, considerate and caring. You are interested in me. You are the best doctor I have ever had. I trust you with my life. You act on things, right away. You are awesome. You have saved my life, and my family. You are knowledgeable, thorough, intelligent and compassionate. You are my favorite. You are my angel baby. You have made me better. You always make me feel like a success, even if I could have tried harder. I love you. I thank you.” These are some of the comments made by patients regarding their doctors and advanced practice providers honored this morning by Sy Johnson, President and Chief of Staff for Renown Health. In honor of Healthcare Week, Renown Medical Group, the largest medical practice in northern Nevada, honored 46 physicians and advanced practice providers at the Dr. John Spellman Excellence in Patient Communications Award Celebration. This new annual award, supported by the Renown Health Foundation charitable organization and a donor family, honors physicians and advanced practice providers who demonstrate exceptional communications skills in their clinical practice, as awarded by their patients. Recipients of this award are ranked in the top ten percent nationally in provider communication for 2021, as measured by over 11 thousand patients who responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CG-CAPHS) or Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems patient experience survey between October 2020 and June 2021. Patients were asked if their medical providers explained things in a way they could understand; if they listened carefully; if they showed respect for what they had to say; if they spent enough time with them; if they read their medical records; if they ordered tests and followed up with them on their results; and to give them a rating on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 was the highest score. “As honorees, your patients have given you a 10, an A+ and you set the gold standard for excellent communications with patients-scoring in the top 10% nationally,” said Rahul Mediwala, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Medical Group. “I love what I do, and it’s wonderful to know that my patients appreciate the care I provide,” said Christina Alsop, DNP, one of the providers honored today. The awards were given in remembrance of Dr. John W. Spellman, human rights advocate, scholar and professor, 7/27/1934 to 6/25/2021 by his family. The Recipients of the 2021 Dr. John Spellman Excellence in Patient Communications Award are: Alsop, Christina Barangan, Caroline J. Basho, Shruti Bloch, Melissa P Bryan, Janice K. Budhecha, Sonia Burgio, Pamela A. Cavin, Lisa C. Dimpel, Ashley J. Dorsa, Denise J. Galanopoulos, Christos A. Galdo, Bella B. Grudzinski, Courtney Dianne Hansen, Benjamin Hardacre, Michael C. Healy, Sara Anne Kermode, Charlotte A. Kiser, Michele J. Klippenstein, Matthew Landis, Philip H. May, Whitney Medina, Mary Beth E. Mindeguia, Catherine E. Miyagawa, Dean Moore, Willa F. Morris, Katelyn Morton, Lillian Nielsen, Lorri Nylk, Janina Park, Susan J. Patel, Bejal Powers, Cindy M. Roumanas, Athan Safdi, Adam Sandefur, Lauren L. Schnell Blitstein, Jamie M. Silverhart, Julie A. Stodtmeister, Russell T. Sutton, Jennifer B. Tay, Jennifer Thyssen, Katherine A. Wagner, Karen Wiese, Matthew C. Wilson, Kristin L, Zucker, Jacob P. Patients served include those at Renown Regional Medical Center, the only Level II Trauma Center between Sacramento and Salt Lake City, and #1 Hospital in the State of Nevada in U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings for 2021. Physicians and providers also provide services to patients at Renown South Meadows Medical Center, named #1 Best Hospital for 2020 by U.S. News & World Report; and to patients at RenownRehabilitation Hospital, northern Nevada’s only Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)- accredited hospital, specializing in the treatment of brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke. Renown Health is integrated with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Nevada’s first medical school, which serves to enhance the health of the community through increased access to care, innovative health care delivery, expansion of clinical research and training for the next generation of physicians and health care professionals. Almost 700 Renown Medical Group primary care and specialty providers are currently accepting new patients and accept most health insurance plans, including Renown’s not-for-profit insurance plan, Hometown Health. To find the doctor or provider that is best for you visit renown.org, or self schedule with your established provider at MyChart or call the Renown Customer Engagement Center at 775-982-4100. Renown Health is currently hiring in all areas. Search for a new career opportunity and apply online at 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®. For more information, visit renown.org.
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Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP Appointed Chair of Pediatrics (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital
Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP has been promoted from Vice Chair of Pediatrics to Chair of Pediatrics, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital, effective July 15, 2022. Dr. Deeter follows Dr. Max Coppes who recently stepped down to lead Renown’s Pennington Cancer Institute on a full-time basis. Dr. Coppes will continue to serve as Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at UNR Med. In her new role, Dr. Deeter will be responsible for leading a growing team of over 40 pediatric physician specialists and 15 general pediatric providers at Renown Children’s Hospital who provide over 30,000 patient and family visits annually for families across northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northern California. Larry Duncan, MS, Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery & Administrator of Renown Children's & Women’s Services will serve as dyad partner with Dr. Deeter. “Together, Dr. Deeter and Larry Duncan will be responsible for the strategic direction, operations, fiscal management and recruitment of professionals to Renown Children’s,” said Sy Johnson, MBA, president and chief of staff for Renown Health. “As one of Renown’s ‘Destination Health’ service lines, Dr. Deeter and Larry will continue to support an integrated leadership model that puts the youngest patients- and their families- at the center of all that we do.” As Physician-in-Chief for Renown Children’s Hospital, Dr. Deeter will serve as a senior clinical leader with oversight for the healthcare system’s pediatric medical and surgical services, academic advancement, research and teaching programs. “Dr. Deeter is an energetic, collaborative physician, researcher and mentor who cares deeply about improving the health and well-being of children everywhere,” said Thomas Graf, MD, CEO of Renown Health. “This is an exceptionally exciting time to shape the future of pediatrics in this community, and we are so excited that she is embarking on this new role. I know her talent, energy and inspiring leadership will further elevate our mission of outstanding care, exceptional training, innovative research and impactful advocacy in children’s health.” Dr. Kris Deeter is a highly accomplished physician leader with over twenty years of experience in children’s hospitals and outpatient settings, including federal, academic and private practices. Locally, Dr. Deeter has served as Vice Chair of Pediatrics for Renown Children’s while also leading the ICU teams of Pediatrix National Medical Group as their Specialty Medical Officer since August 2021. For the past six years, she has been the Medical Director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Pediatric Hospitalist teams for Renown and Pediatrix. Since 2017, Dr. Deeter has served as an Educator for REMSA and other Northern Nevada counties, providing pediatric education for Care Flight teams, paramedics and fire departments. Dr. Deeter also recently completed her MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno. “The School of Medicine is delighted to appoint Dr. Deeter as the new Chair of Pediatrics at UNR Med and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital, says, Melissa Piasecki, MD, UNR Med Acting Dean. “She brings extensive experience in medical education, a positive leadership style and unwavering commitment to the community. We look forward to the ongoing development of medical education and research opportunities in pediatrics.” Dr. Deeter has a passion for service. Coming from an underserved background, her education started in a Head Start preschool. Years later, she received a full-ride scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley where she double-majored in biology and psychology. Dr. Deeter found her true calling in pediatrics while at medical school at New York Medical College. There, she developed an interest in pediatric HIV and infectious diseases while volunteering to help during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Her medical training was primarily funded through a government scholarship that allowed her to start her career as a pediatrician caring for underserved children with the National Health Service Corps. After residency, she and her military husband followed orders and educational opportunities and moved around the country. She worked in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in San Antonio with predominantly Spanish-speaking patients and led one of the first academic pediatric hospitalist programs at the University of Texas. Early on, Dr. Deeter developed a passion for medical education developing a new curriculum for students and transitioning residents to new work hour rules. After a move with the military to Ft Benning, Georgia and a busy private practice, she was recruited to Seattle Children’s/University of Washington School of Medicine for ICU fellowship training. There, she joined a large DKA study group and launched her own research into sedation andcomfort practices for critically ill children, publishing in top journals in pediatrics. She later transitioned to clinical practice in a large CICU/PICU in South Florida where she continued her academic collaborations with Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Deeter volunteers her time locally and internationally, including many visits to help improve the only PICU in Haiti after the earthquake there in 2012. She was a board member for a women and children’s hospital in Bangladesh while also supporting local children’s organizations like Head Start. She has served in leadership positions throughout her career, both in academic and private settings, including terms as vice president of the Broward County (FL) medical society, legislative positions with the TMA and FMA, and chairing the hospital’s peer review committee. The Deeter family moved to Reno in 2016 for an opportunity to move closer to family and for what she calls her “dream job” as a leader at Renown Children’s Hospital. “Dr. Deeter is a highly competent and passionate care giver, dedicated teacher, and fierce advocate for the health and well-being of children and their families,” said Max J. Coppes MD, former Chair of Pediatrics (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital. “We are fortunate to have her step up to this new role. Her extensive experience will springboard our Children’s Hospital, our membership in Children’s Oncology Group, and if approved in September 2022, a new 3-year accredited pediatric residency program in Reno. She is an inspiration to all, and will help encourage UNR Med students who choose pediatric specialties to excel as pediatricians and eventually practice in northern Nevada, our rural communities and our state.” Dr. Deeter is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine: Pediatric section; American Academy of Pediatrics, Nevada Chapter; AAP Section Membership: Critical Care; Pediatric Trauma Society; Pediatric Sedation Society and the American Medical Association. She is a frequent contributor to national and local media on topics regarding pediatrics and child health. 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 Tahoeand northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.