RENOWN NEWSROOM

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

Read More About

Renown Health, Lander County and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® to Battle Mountain Recreation Center. The Fitness Court, located at 560 Altenburg Ave, will open on Tuesday, August 15 at 10AM with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  This Fitness Court was developed by Renown Health, Lander County and NFC to expand free access to high quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state. Lander County is one of five outdoor Fitness Courts in a series of Fitness Courts presented by Renown Health that have been funded in healthy communities that are prioritizing health equity and world class outdoor fitness. The Fitness Court is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets people use their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.  Created with people aged 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users may also download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience. “Proximity to exercise opportunities, such as parks and recreation facilities, has been linked to an increase in physical activity among residents,” said Brian Erling, MD, President & CEO of Renown Health. “Regular physical activity has a wide array of health benefits including weight control, muscle and bone strengthening, improved mental health and mood, and improved life expectancy. We are proud to bring additional access to exercise opportunities - at no charge, to everyone in our community.” “For over 50 years, Battle Mountain General Hospital has provided access to quality healthcare. We have up-to-date technology and medical services so you can receive your healthcare close to home, in your own community,” said Jason Bleak, FACHE, President and CEO. “We are pleased to partner with Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, which provides the highest level of Trauma Care, is home to the region’s only children’s hospital, robotic surgery institute, comprehensive heart, cancer, orthopedic and neurology services---and provides us access to some of the brightest medical specialists in the country.” “It never ceases to amaze me when Nevada businesses and the County partner up to do amazing things for their communities,” said Kaydra Stewart, Executive Director of the Battle Mountain Chamber of Commerce. “This Fitness Court is such a wonderful addition to the Battle Mountain Recreation Center, and I know that so many members of the community are going to benefit from it.” “The Lander County Recreation Department is committed to serving all residents of Lander County, by providing recreation and leisure activities, events, and other services that promote health, relaxation, and learning in a safe environment. We believe that recreation and leisure are important to the overall quality of life and the social well-being of our individual citizens and our community as a whole,” said Lander County Recreation Department. “National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome Lander County to the campaign as a leader in health and wellness for their residents. We look forward to their continued partnership and investment as a healthy community in Nevada,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign.  Residents are invited to attend the launch event on August 15th at 10AM to try the Fitness Court. For more information visit BM Rec Center facebook page or contact Danielle at Recreation Center 775-635-9209. For more information on Renown Health’s support of NFC, please visit https://nationalfitnesscampaign.com/nevada. 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. About National Fitness Campaign Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors with the mission to build healthy communities. NFC delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered on the world’s best outdoor gym: The Fitness Court®. The Campaign is planning its 500th Healthy Community, uniting the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. Follow us on social media @NatFitCampaign and #Fitnesscourt.

Read More About

Renown and many partners are working to help improve the health and well-being of northern Nevadans. Renown Health’s mission is to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of people and communities. Yesterday, Reno’s only not-for-profit health system celebrated local organizations with grant funding for 2023 to improve the health and well-being of our community.    “Improving the health and wellness of an entire population of people is not easy. It is a huge task. Nevada continues to rank near the bottom of overall health rankings in the U.S. and suffers from high mortality rates for chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “We must continue to work with partners in the field, who share our mission- to keep people healthy, to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, and to achieve the vision of a healthier Nevada.”  As a non-profit organization, Renown reinvests every dollar earned back to the community; in staffing, technology, treatments, training, and research to improve health and prevent illness. Yesterday, their senior leadership team took an hour to celebrate and support local not for profit partners for their efforts to improve the well-being of our community, with a boxed lunch, conversation, cake and therapy dogs from Renown’s volunteer program.  “Renown Health has long-standing commitment to the community spans more than 160 years,” said Suzanne Bharati Hendery, MA, APR, Chief Communications & Customer Experience Officer for Renown. “This commitment has grown and evolved through significant thought and care in considering our community’s most pressing health needs. One way this is done is through conducting a periodic, comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The most current assessments were completed by an external health care consulting service working with Renown and include quantitative and qualitative data that serve to guide both our community benefit and strategic planning. Through the CHNA process, Renown Health has identified the greatest health needs among our communities, enabling Renown to ensure our resources are appropriately directed toward outreach, prevention, education, and wellness opportunities where the greatest impact can be realized.” Renown’s Community Benefit grant funding process for 2023 is now complete. This is the second year of Renown’s 3-year Community Health Needs Plan that seeks to improve the priorities of Healthy Behaviors; Immunizations and Infectious Diseases; Behavioral Health (Mental Health & Substance Abuse) and Youth & Adolescent Health.  The success of the health system’s partnerships in improving the health of Washoe County is measured in the health statistics and data that is reported at the local, state, and national level on the website, NevadaTomorrow.org.  Also attending the event were key members of the Renown Health team including; Christine Bosse, Chief Government Relations Officer; Paul Harris, Chief Legal Counsel; Dr. Paul Hauptman, Chief Academic Officer-Renown and Dean, UNR School of Medicine; Dr. Rahul Mediwala, CEO, Renown Medical Group; Chris Nicholas, CEO, Renown Regional Medical Center; Dr. Bill Plauth, Chief Medical Officer & Associate Dean Clinical Affairs at UNR Med; Chuck Podesta Chief Information Officer; Sandeep Randhawa, Chief People Officer; Bethany Sexton, CEO, Hometown Health; Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer; Sam Weller, CEO, Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital.  The 74 non-profit local organizations awarded Community Health grants or sponsorships by Renown Health for 2023 include: 1. A.V.A. Ballet Theatre 2. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Northern Nevada Chapter 3. LEAD with Horses 4. National Alliance on Mental Illness Northern Nevada 5. National Alliance on Mental Illness NV 6. Nevada Area Council, Boy Scouts of America 7. Northern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition 8. The Empowerment Center 9. United Cerebral Palsy of Nevada 10. Northern Nevada Dream Center 11. Nevada State Medical Association 12. Cancer Community Clubhouse 13. Sierra Kids Foundation 14. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada 15. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 16. Nevada Corporate Giving Council 17. American Foundation of Suicide Prevention 18. American Lung Association in Nevada 19. Ashlee’s Toy Closet, Inc 20. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada 21. Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada 22. Eddy House 23. Mammoth Hospital 24. Nevada Public Health Association 25. The Life Change Center 26. The Moonridge Foundation 27. Truckee Meadows Community College Foundation 28. University of Nevada, Reno Foundation 29. Women and Children's Center of the Sierra 30. Center for Adaptive Riding 31. City of Sparks Parks and Recreation 32. Life Is Worth It 33. Sierra Nevada Donor Awareness 34. STEP2 35. Alzheimer's Association 36. Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada 37. Nevada Military Support Alliance 38. Note-Able Music Therapy Services 39. Safe Kids Washoe County 40. Special Olympics Nevada 41. Trauma Intervention Program of Northern Nevada (TIP), Inc. 42. Reno Rodeo Foundation 43. Artown 44. Washoe County Medical Society 45. Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada 46. Tyler Robinson Foundation 47. Community Foundation of Northern Nevada 48. Truckee Meadows Tomorrow (TMT) 49. City of Reno 50. Community Health Alliance 51. Education Alliance of Washoe County 52. Forever 14 53. Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada 54. Nevada Donor Network 55. Nevada Medical Center, dba Hope Means Nevada 56. Pinocchio's Moms on the Run 57. Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Nevada, Inc. - Reno, NV 58. Safe Talk for Teens 59. Special Recreation Services, Inc. 60. Our Center 61. Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows 62. Food Bank of Northern Nevada 63. Nevada Women's Fund 64. Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation 65. Northern Nevada HOPES 66. Reno Cancer Foundation 67. Redirect Youth Outreach 68. Immunize Nevada 69. High Fives Non-Profit Foundation 70. Child Assault Prevention Project of Washoe County 71. Communities In Schools of Western Nevada 72. Quest Counseling & Consulting Inc. 73. University of Nevada, Reno Foundation 74. The Children's Cabinet About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. To join the Renown Health team, visit www.renown.org/careers.

Read More About

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

Read More About

Takesha Cooper, MD, has joined the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Renown Health as Department Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Cooper comes to the area from the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine where she served for seven years as clinical associate and then full professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, and associate training director for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.   Dr. Cooper previously served as associate medical director for the Riverside University Health System and Riverside County Department of Mental Health providing clinical and operational oversight for four regional psychiatric county clinics, and as an adjunct instructor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine. As a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, she also established a successful solo private practice serving patients from diverse backgrounds.  At UC Riverside, Dr. Cooper held significant academic and leadership roles including vice chair of education, residency program director, chair of the Admissions Committee and equity advisor. Dr. Cooper will now build on the strong foundation established by Dr. Josh Fitzgerald, interim chair of the department, who will now serve as director of research for the department.  Dr. Cooper will be responsible with Steve Shell, vice president of the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown Health, for leading the Behavioral Health Program at the Institute where a team of nine psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and licensed professionals and counselors provide intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Esketamine, hospital-based assessment and medication-assisted treatment to serve those struggling with mental illness and addiction across northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northern California.  “We are delighted to have Dr. Cooper join the UNR Med/Renown team,” said Paul J. Hauptman, MD, dean of UNR Med and chief academic officer for Renown Health. “She brings a wealth of experience in multiple clinical settings, and we are confident that she will have a significant impact at a time of great need for mental health services, education, and research in northern Nevada. Dr. Cooper will do much to advance the mission of UNR Med which includes a commitment by the Department of Psychiatry to train the next generation of psychiatrists through a Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship training program. Education and training are provided in both urban and rural areas of northern Nevada.” Dr. Cooper earned her Doctor of Medicine Degree from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and completed her residency at San Mateo County and fellowship at Stanford University. Prior to medical school, she obtained a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Riverside and her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Santa Barbara.  Dr. Cooper’s research explores the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on mental health outcomes in children and adults. She served as a clinical co-PI on a U54 funded grant aimed at reducing health disparities by engaging in community-based participatory research partnerships. “Dr. Cooper is an energetic, collaborative physician, researcher and mentor who cares deeply about improving the mental health and well-being of adults and children,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “This is an exceptionally exciting time to advance health equity and to help improve mental health outcomes for people and communities across northern Nevada. We are excited that Dr. Cooper is joining our team. I know her talent, energy and leadership will further elevate our mission of outstanding care, exceptional training, innovative research, impactful advocacy and innovative community partnerships in mental health and addiction medicine.” Dr. Cooper is recognized for her passion for high-quality patient care and supports future practitioners through rigorous and culturally informed undergraduate and graduate medical education, research, and community collaboration. A 2022 graduate of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program offered through Drexel University, she also maintains active involvement in national and state committees and journal editorial boards. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada’s first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu. Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About

Meet Eleazar, the first baby born in the Reno-Sparks area in 2023 Reno's first baby of 2023 was born in the Labor and Delivery Childbirth Center at Renown Regional Medical Center. Gricella Grajeda gave birth to Eleazar Grajeda at 1:05 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Baby Eleazar weighed 5 pounds, 3.4 ounces and was the first 2023 birth at any of the region's hospitals. Baby Eleazar is also welcomed to the world by Yesinia Valazquez. More than 4,040 babies were delivered at Renown Health in 2022. Renown Health offers exceptional family-centered care with complete prenatal services designed for the health and well-being of every patient and their new baby. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 6,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®

Read More About

Recognized as one of the world’s leading breast cancer experts as a 2023 Legends in Cancer Honoree Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, FACP, Section Chief of Medical Oncology at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown, was honored as the 2023 Legends in Cancer honoree at this year's Best of Breast conference for his contributions to the field of breast cancer. The conference took place on Jan. 21 and 22. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 36 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates across the country, and here in Washoe County have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment, detection, and care. Each year in the United States, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men. Here in Washoe County, more than 21 deaths per 100,000 females are due to breast cancer, a significant decrease since 2012 when 24 deaths per 100,000 females were reported. Dr. Schwartzberg was selected for this award based on his unique and vast contributions to advancing science and patient care, including his major research interests such as therapeutic approaches to breast cancer, targeted therapies, and supportive care. The selection committee evaluates each candidates’ body of work — including contributions to the field of breast cancer in clinical research, patient care, mentoring and community service — before deciding on an honoree. “Dr. Schwartzberg is deserving of this honor. As a national expert in the study and treatment of breast cancer, precision medicine and supportive care, Dr. Schwartzberg is transforming cancer care and improving the lives of all of us in northern Nevada. As the most preferred cancer program in the region, we are working with the support of donors like The William N. Pennington Foundation to recruit additional oncology specialists and cancer science researchers to become the first National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer care center in Nevada," said Dr. Brian Erling, MBA, CEO of Renown Health. “The incredible care that comes from the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute is possible because of nationally recognized oncologists like Dr. Schwartzberg.” “Dr. Schwartzberg completed fellowship training in medical oncology and hematology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where he also served as Chief Medical Resident and was a founding member of the institutional ethics committee,” add Paul J. Hauptman, MD, dean of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and chief academic officer for Renown Health. “We are proud that he serves as a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. His research interests include supportive care, precision medicine and patient-reported outcomes in breast cancer and he has published over 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters and monographs.” “It is an honor to work with Dr. Schwartzberg and his patients have the most incredible things to say about the care he provides.” said Dr. Max J Coppes, PhD, MBA, Director, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, Renown Health. “He understands that his patients are going through one of the most challenging times in their lives. Dr. Schwartzberg brings decades of experience to our community, is a great listener, and treats everyone with compassion and dignity. We are so proud to have him at Renown.” The Best of Breast Conference is an innovative medical education program that gathers the world's leading breast cancer experts to discuss cases with high-risk characteristics, adjuvant and metastatic treatment advances, interdisciplinary care and survivorship and recurrence — all while incorporating data from the major oncologic annual meetings. Dr. Schwartzberg has been selected to chair Total Health’s spring oncology education retreat in Lake Tahoe on April 15 and 16. The event’s comprehensive agenda will allow attendees to engage with the latest research and strategies in cancer care while networking with colleagues from across the country in a peaceful setting. Additional conference information is available here. For women, breast exams using mammography after 40 years old is recommended. For those age 75 and older, a mammogram is recommended every year. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Both 3-D digital mammography and whole breast ultrasounds are available at the Greenberg Breast Health Center at Renown and other locations across northern Nevada. The Affordable Care Act makes breast cancer screening and counseling free. All health plans must cover these benefits at no cost to you. Renown MyChart app users can self-schedule a mammogram appointment. To call to schedule, dial 775-982-8100. At the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health, patients receive innovative, personalized treatment to fight cancer while an experienced team provides the support and technology to maintain the highest quality of life. The Renown team’s clinical expertise and advanced treatment options blend evidence-based care with leading-edge research to improve cancer outcomes for every patient and family. For more information or a referral, visit renown.org/cancer. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. About Total Health Total Health is a medical information company of planning experts who produce tailored content, courses, and conferences for oncology healthcare providers, virtual and in-person. Total Health believes knowledge is power. Its mission is to give oncology healthcare providers an educational experience that equips them with the latest strategies to improve clinical practice and treatment outcomes.

Read More About

Dr. Marie McCormack of Renown Medical Group and Dr. Daniel Spogen of University Health selected as Best in the Nation with 2023 “Excellence in Healthcare” Award from Professional Research Consultants “One of the best I have ever seen.” “Prepared, thorough and tuned in to whole picture.” “Compassionate and listens.” “Wonderful.” “Excellent physician.” Always willing to congratulate successes, answer questions fully and in a way that I can understand and give good advice.” “Exceptional!” “You are knowledgeable, thorough, intelligent and compassionate.” “I love you. I thank you.” These are some of the comments made by patients regarding two Reno physicians lauded by Professional Research Consultants, a national firm that interviews patients following their physician and healthcare visits.  The Excellence in Healthcare annual award honors physicians who demonstrate exceptional communications skills in their clinical practice, as awarded by their patients. Recipients of this award are ranked as Top Performers in the “Overall Doctor Rating” and rank in the 100th percentile nationally. Over 3 million patients responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CG-CAPHS) or Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems patient experience survey in 2022. “We at Renown Health are so proud of Dr. Marie McCormack of Renown Medical Group and Dr. Daniel Spogen of University Health. As Excellence in Healthcare awardees, every one of their patients surveyed in 2022 gave them an A+. These physicians set the gold standard for excellent communications with patients, scoring in the top 1% nationally,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “We are honored that over 500 physicians and advanced practice providers of Renown Medical Group and University Health care for more than 200,000 patients annually at medical practices across Reno, Sparks, Carson City and in our rural communities of Fallon, Fernley, and Silver Springs. In 2022, 17,600 Renown Medical Group patients were surveyed by PRC; 83% of them ranked Renown Medical Group providers as a 9 or 10, the highest rating possible, for physician communication with patients, a key indicator of overall patient satisfaction.” Marie McCormack, MD is a board-certified family physician with an emphasis on preventive health care. She has cared for thousands of patients, from the smallest of babies to golden agers in northern Nevada for 15 years. Dr. McCormack graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Kansas.  She currently serves as Medical Director of the Primary Care Group for Renown Medical Group, overseeing primary care for 18 medical offices and more than 70 primary care providers for the largest not-for-profit healthcare network in Northern Nevada. She previously served as the Medical Director for the Rural Clinics seeing patients in Fernley, Fallon, Silver Springs, and Carson City. Dr. McCormack has garnered the highest 5-star rating from over 1,359 actual patients and their comments can be read on the Renown “Find a Provider” website. See video of Dr. McCormack discussing her passion for patient care.   Daniel Spogen, MD is also a board-certified family physician. He has a special interest and emphasis in sports medicine and has served thousands of patients and athletes over his 21 year career with University Health, assisting them with care, treatment, rehabilitation and training so they can return to their sport. Dr. Spogen also served as former Chair, Department of Family Medicine at University of Nevada School of Medicine for over 16 years. He completed his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Southern California and his residency at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in CA. More information about Dr. Spogen can be found at https://www.renown.org/find-a-doctor/daniel-spogen.  “It is an honor to recognize Marie McCormack, MD, and Daniel Spogen, MD, of Renown Health with the Excellence in Healthcare Awards for their deserving work,” said Joe M. Inguanzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of PRC. “It takes true dedication and determination to achieve this level of excellence in healthcare and Renown has shown their commitment to making their hospital and medical practices a better place to work, a better place to practice medicine, and a better place for patients to be treated.” To learn more about healthcare services or to schedule an appointment with a Renown Medical Group or University Health provider, visit mychart.renown.org or call our agents available by phone- Wed-Fri: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat-Sun: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 775-982-5000. Renown Health is hiring! To join the Renown Health team visit www.renown.org/careers. To learn more about the 2022 Excellence in Healthcare Awards, including eligibility and criteria, visit PRCCustomResearch.com.  About PRC PRC, a leader in the healthcare intelligence space with the most comprehensive healthcare discovery platform, is taking surveys to a new level. PRC’s surveys and intuitive reporting focus on changing the way organizations manage and improve five key areas of the healthcare experience—patient, physician, employee, community, and brand. Over 2,800 healthcare organizations across the United States have used PRC to listen, understand, and take action to create cultures of excellence. To ensure clients have access to leading practices, coaches, and learning resources, PRC is partnered with Healthcare Experience Foundation (HXF) to accelerate paths to excellence. The PRC healthcare discovery platform is a system designed to drive action, optimize engagement, and increase loyalty while building a positive culture across the healthcare ecosystem. www.PRCCustomResearch.com About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. To join the Renown Health team visit www.renown.org/careers.

Read More About

Renown Health Cardiology has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure, meaning reduced readmissions and more healthy days at home. The heart care team also received Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. About 6 million U.S. adults are living with heart failure (HF), a number that is expected to increase to more than 8 million by 2030. Despite the name, HF doesn’t mean that the heart has stopped working – it means the heart is having a hard time pumping blood and oxygen throughout the body. While there’s no cure for HF, patients can live a quality life by working with their health care team to create and stick with a plan that may include medication, symptom monitoring and lifestyle changes. The Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure quality achievement award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date guidelines as outlined by the American Heart Association. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. The program aims to increase healthy days at home and reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients. “Renown Health is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Jayson Morgan, MD, Director of Cardiovascular Services at Renown Health. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in northern Nevada can experience longer, healthier lives.” Each year, program participants qualify for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for HF patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their HF at home. “We are pleased to recognize the leaders and teams at Renown Health for a strong commitment to caring for people with heart failure,” said Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, MACC, FAHA, MACP, FHFSA, national chairperson of the American Heart Association Heart Failure systems of care advisory group and chief, division of cardiology at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. “Hospitals that participate in Get With The Guidelines quality improvement programs often see better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.” Renown Health is also recognized on the American Heart Association’s Target: Heart FailureSM Honor Roll. Hospitals on the Honor Roll meet specific criteria that improves medication adherence, provides early follow-up care and coordination and enhances patient education. The goal is to further reduce hospital readmissions and help patients improve their quality of life in managing this chronic condition. Renown Health additionally received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll™ award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to heart disease or stroke. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. About Get with the Guidelines Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Read More About

A major community investment in health care facilities to transform care, improve the economy and enhance the quality of life for generations to come.   Understanding that the greatest gift is health, Nevada’s first hospital, established as a clinic in 1862 during a smallpox outbreak to treat the sick during the Civil War, today announced the opening of two new patient care floors within the Tahoe Tower at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno.  “Renown Health has a rich 160-year history of service to northern Nevada. Continuing our bold vision and legacy, Renown is making this investment to transform care in our community and improve the quality of life for generations to come. Nothing of its kind has been imagined or currently exists in our area,” says Adam Kramer, Board Chair. “This represents one of the largest investments in healthcare facilities, services and programs in the state, and is a result of putting people first to enhance health care access, experiences, outcomes and affordability for all. We are thrilled to give this gift to our community on Renown’s 160th anniversary." Renown Health is the only locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Washoe County, Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. "These new intensive care units are designed to meet the needs of patients, their families and our care teams,” said Dr. Brian Erling, President and CEO of Renown Health. “This remarkable expansion of our critical care services amplifies our capability to deliver an unparalleled quality of care. Driven by the unwavering commitment of our clinicians, these state-of-the-art units epitomize Renown's resolve to address the escalating healthcare demands of our community, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of care, close to home and near family and friends.” Renown Regional Medical Center, the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center, is fully equipped to deliver comprehensive emergency medical services to individuals suffering from traumatic injuries. Growing for the Community Over the last three years, given significant consumer demand for Renown providers and services, a master facilities planning process was undertaken to ensure adequate bed and procedure capacity, spaces to accommodate new technology and services to meet the needs of a growing patient base and community. “Renown’s hospital campuses will be the most innovative, convenient and compassionate places to provide and receive care,” says Ann Beck, Chief Financial Officer for Renown Health and executive sponsor of the project. “Designed for patients, visitors and team members, these spaces showcase state-of-the-art technology, enhance patient safety and improve the hospital experience – including adding more private rooms; having flexible areas with room for growth; and creating healthy, sustainable buildings and interiors.” Today, the population of Washoe County, now at 502,193 people, has experienced staggering growth of 12.28% over the last 10 years, from 2010 to 2020. Benefits of Renown’s Hospital Facilities Construction Project  To alleviate current capacity constraints and allow for expansion and new services, a number of aging facilities are being replaced and new patient care areas have been constructed. The ninth floor of the Tahoe Tower is now home to a leading-edge Trauma Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while the fifth floor houses a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). These state-of-the-art facilities reflect Renown Health's ongoing commitment to exceptional patient care and innovative medical advancements, while also increasing patient capacity. New Trauma Surgical Intensive Care Unit (9th Floor, Tahoe Tower, Renown Regional Medical Center) Located on the ninth floor of the Tahoe Tower, the newly established Trauma Surgical ICU represents a significant advancement in healthcare capabilities. This state-of-the-art facility boasts leading-edge technology and is staffed by a team of dedicated, highly skilled professionals. Equipped to handle critical injuries and intricate surgical needs, the unit offers the latest advancements in trauma care, ensuring comprehensive treatment for patients in need. "Renown Health is proud to serve more than one million patients in a 100,000-square mile reach across Nevada, Lake Tahoe and eastern California. Our investment in the Trauma Surgical ICU is a testament to providing exceptional care to trauma patients," said Taralynn Bassham, Director of Nursing for the Trauma ICU. "This unit supports our care teams in continuing to deliver specialized treatments and technologies, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients during their most critical moments." Features of the Trauma Surgical ICU Include: Increased capacity from 27 to 34 private patient rooms. Enhanced and immediate proximity to patients with new nurse station design. Increased space for improved patient care, enhanced staff efficiency and equipment. Larger picture windows feature views of the city and mountains to increase health and well-being. New Family areas provide privacy, comfort, emotional support and allow for better information sharing with care teams. Convenient, private bathrooms with safety features. “Spirit of the Land” art and design concept features bright and joyful colors, and healing art from artists across Nevada and California. Diffused lighting and improved acoustics. Enhanced spaces to increase health and wellness of clinicians, including a respite lounge, conference spaces and sit-stand desks. New Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (5th Floor, Tahoe Tower, Renown Regional Medical Center)  In addition to the Trauma Surgical ICU, Renown Regional Medical Center has also expanded its pediatric critical care services. The NICU has advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to give special care for the tiniest patients. Women from throughout Nevada and California deliver their babies at Renown Regional Medical Center for the added safety of a NICU. Renown also has a Neonatal Transport Team which brings infants with serious illnesses, injuries or complications from outlying communities to the comfort of Renown's NICU. The Renown NICU is staffed around the clock by medical professionals who specialize in premature and sick infants including neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, social workers/case coordinators, developmental specialists and registered dietitians. Features of the Neonatal ICU Include: Increased capacity from 39 to 49 baby bassinets. Additional space for family and loved ones with Bassinet pod system. New Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (5th Floor, Tahoe Tower, Renown Regional Medical Center) Critically ill patients from newborns to young adults are cared for in the PICU, a specialized unit within the Children’s Hospital. Most patients are under the age of eighteen, some with rare diseases can be slightly older. Patients have diagnoses ranging from breathing difficulties, infections, genetic conditions, metabolic conditions, traumas and accidents, surgeries and many others.  Pediatric intensivists, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians and many others provide care around the clock for children.  Features of the Pediatric ICU Include:  Increased capacity from 11 to 16 private patient and family rooms.   Interactive spaces for families, including reading nooks, shadow puppet corners and large projected shapes in the elevator lobby.  Bright and engaging color palate, and child-friendly art.  Enhanced spaces to increase health and wellness of clinicians, including a respite lounge, conference spaces and sit-stand desks.  “While we celebrate this milestone today, we are also looking to the future,” said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP Chair of Pediatrics (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital. “Renown Health remains committed to advancing pediatric care with our affiliation with the UNR School of Medicine, our new pediatric residency program, and through ongoing research, education and innovation. With your help, we will continue to invest in our talented staff, pursue groundbreaking treatments, and collaborate to push the boundaries of what is possible in pediatric medicine.”    "Our new NICU and PICU units represent a major milestone in pediatric care close to home. We have meticulously designed these spaces to provide a nurturing, healing environment for our little patients and their families, said Becky Haase, Director of Nursing. “We have always provided exceptional care for our patients, now this space matches Renown’s commitment to this community."   These expansions were made possible through the collaborative efforts of Renown Health, the Renown Health Board, construction partners – Clark and Sullivan, Cumming Group and Perkins + Will – and the unwavering support of the community and our care teams.   "In November 2020, Renown announced $489 million in planned investments, including enhancements to our hospital campus and the development of new facilities. The opening of these new units stand as a pivotal moment to celebrate those planned investments," said Ann Beck, Chief Financial Officer at Renown Health. "These expansions perfectly align with our mission to deliver easily accessible, top-tier care to our patients, and we are thrilled for our community to experience this exciting new decade at Renown Health."  To learn more about the expansion projects underway at Renown, please visit renown.org/ExpandingCare.  About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.

Read More About

During National Healthcare Week, clinical providers who are “Best of the Best” being honored for demonstrating exceptional communications skills in their clinical practice, as awarded by you, their patients. “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/nurse practitioner 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. 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 who will be honored next week by the Patient & Family Advisory Council and Renown Health with a special breakfast celebration in south Reno. In honor of National Healthcare Week, Renown Medical Group, which offers primary and specialty care at locations in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fallon, Fernley, and Silver Springs will honor 37 physicians and advanced practice providers at the Dr. John Spellman Excellence in Patient Communications Award Celebration. This annual award, supported by the Renown Health Foundation and a donor family, honors clinicians 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 2022, as measured by over 11 thousand patients who responded nationally to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CG-CAPHS) or Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems and over 14,000 local patients who gave them top scores on the national patient experience survey. 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. “These incredible medical providers set the gold standard for excellent communications with patients, scoring in the top 10% nationally for compassion, caring, competency and communications,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “We are extremely proud of them and their outstanding dedication to patients, families and our community.” The awards will be given by his family in remembrance of the late Dr. John W. Spellman, human rights advocate, scholar and professor. Dr. Spellman treasured kindness, scholarship, debate and medical providers who demonstrated exceptional communications skills and held their patients in the highest regard. The Recipients of the 2022 Dr. John Spellman Excellence in Patient Communications Award are: Christina Alsop, DNP, AOCNP, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Pamela Burgio, APRN, Renown Primary Care Jennifer Brown, APRN, Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Stephanie Carlesen, DNP, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Carolyn Dennehey, MD, Rheumatology Benjamin Ebner, MD, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Christopher Driscoll, MD, Pediatrics, Renown Children’s Hospital Kerac Falk, MD, FACOG, Renown Women’s Health Michael Hardacre, MD, Radiation Oncology, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Robin Hollen, DNP, FNP-C, APRN, M.Ed., MSN, Breastfeeding Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Renown Women’s Health James Martin Johnston, MD, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Renown Children’s Hospital Stephanie Jones, DO, Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation Charlotte Kermode, APRN, Renown Primary Care Michele Kiser, MD, Renown Primary Care Matthew Klippenstein, MD, Renown Primary Care Anamarie Manea, MD, Pediatric Endocrinology, Renown Children’s Hospital Marie McCoramck, MD, Renown Primary Care Catherine Mindeguia, APRN, Renown Primary Care Dean Miyagawa, MD, Internal Medicine, Renown Primary Care Amanda Morgan, MD, Pulmonary Medicine, Renown Medical Group Cecelia O’Dowd, MD, Renown Primary Care Kasie Reynolds, APRN, Renown Children's Hospital, Behavioral Health Jocelyn Schneider, APRN, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Vanessa Slots, MD, Renown Pediatrics Daniel Spogen, MD, Renown UNR Primary Care, Sports Medicine Jennifer Simcox, APRN, Renown Primary Care Mark Stovak, MD, Renown UNR Primary Care, Sports Medicine Shining Sun, MD, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Jennifer Sutton, MD, Radiation Oncology, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Robert Swackhamer, MD, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Carl Thomas, MD, Renown Primary Care Katherine Thyssen, DO, Geriatric Medicine, Renown Primary Care Ly Vu, MD, Renown Primary Care Scott Michael Wallace, MD, Renown Pediatrics Kristin Wilson, MD, Renown Pediatrics Bryan Young MD, Internal Medicine, Renown Primary Care Jacob Zucker, MD, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Renown Children’s Hospital   Since 2018, Renown Medical Group has posted thousands of verified patient ratings and comments of their employed providers online and viewable by the public at renown.org. “Our goal is to consistently exceed customer expectations, every day, and with every encounter. At Renown, we embrace transparency and empower patients,” says Rahul Mediwala, MD, CEO of Renown Medical Group. Dr. Mediwala should know – he is also a highly rated physician by his patients, has practiced for more than 20 years, and sees the ratings program as another way to support employed physicians and providers at Renown Health. Only patients who’ve had an outpatient visit with a Renown Medical Group provider may be selected to receive a survey from CH-CAHPS. This way, Renown can confirm the results are from patients who have been seen by the provider. All comments are posted anonymously, and patients are asked for their permission to use their comments. Feedback is shared with every provider. 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, self-schedule with your established provider at MyChart.Renown.org or schedule an appointment with a Renown Medical Group or University Health provider by calling our agents available by phone- Wed-Fri: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat-Sun: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 775-982-5000. 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.

Read More About

The longstanding partnership between the University of Nevada, Reno and Renown Health reaches a new milestone with newly established scholarship program. Today, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing announced a milestone in the longstanding partnership and a new fund to provide nursing students with full-ride scholarships, and in turn, assist in creating a sustainable nursing workforce in northern Nevada for years to come. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership established with Renown Health Foundation will provide funding for up to 24 students a year.  Recipients receive funding for tuition, books and nursing fees, along with a guaranteed career in nursing with Renown Health following graduation and license obtainment. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic Practice Partnership will additionally give recipients the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship at Renown. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be in good standing at the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing; Nevada residents; and committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation. The Practice Partnership has been established by the Gerald Smith family and initiated by Stephanie Kruse, Renown Health Foundation board chair. Kruse made a generous planned gift to Renown Health Foundation to the Renown Nursing Excellence Endowment Fund. This was the lead gift for the endowment, after a significant cash gift to the Nursing Education Fund last summer. The daughter of a nurse, and a retired nurse herself, she understands the importance of attracting and retaining nurses within our healthcare system, and so she decided to honor the memory of her mother and provide funding for others interested in nursing.  “We are incredibly grateful for the generous donors who have helped establish the Gerald ‘Jerry’ Smith Nursing Academic-Practice Partnership. These funds will not only impact the lives of the awarded nursing students, but positively influence the overall health of our community by ensuring that excellent healthcare professionals stay right here in northern Nevada. Jerry had a strong belief in community collaboration, and we are beyond proud to name this partnership in his honor,” said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer for Renown Health Foundation.  According to a white paper published by the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center (the Center) in December 2022, analysis by the Center revealed persistent, widespread health professional shortages in Nevada. Despite steady growth in the number of new nursing graduates from Nevada nursing programs and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, the Center estimated that Nevada currently needs over four thousand additional registered nurses simply to meet the national population-to-RN average. The partnership allows the Orvis School of Nursing to expand its graduating classes by 8 additional students a year.  “At Renown, we take pride in placing an emphasis on education and career development. Partnering with the Orvis School of Nursing to create an academic pipeline is imperative for addressing the nursing shortage in Nevada,” said Melodie Osborn, Chief Nurse Executive at Renown Health. “Renown Health and the Orvis School of Nursing’s collaboration has been longstanding, and accomplishing this milestone affirms our partnership.” In addition to announcing the Practice Partnership, the Orvis School of Nursing announced its merging of the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This merger will grow the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from 72 students to 96 students admitted twice per year. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will now admit a total of 192 students in the program each year. “We are so excited to increase the number of nursing students who can enroll in the Orvis School of Nursing’s BSN program,” said Cameron G. Duncan, Interim Dean of the Orvis School of Nursing. “It’s integral for nursing students to get hands-on experience in an environment that places an emphasis on quality and excellence, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with Renown. We are so appreciative of the generous donors who will make education possible for students who might otherwise not be able to pursue a career in nursing.” Eligible University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing students, Nevada residents and those committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation who are interested in applying for the scholarship can find the application in Canvas, University of Nevada’s learning management system.  About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 associates, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently hiring great physicians, nurses and associates for careers in service; apply at renown.org/careers and volunteers to assist patients and their families at renown.org/about/volunteers.  About University of Nevada, Reno The University of Nevada, Reno, is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit unr.edu.

Read More About