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Celebrate American Heart Month this February with the Outpatient Cardiology department at Renown Health!  The heart provides life for us every day. After all, without a functioning heart, there would be no human life to begin with. Therefore, keeping it beating healthily - is not a luxury – it's a necessity. For such a vital everyday organ, there is a team - specifically dedicated to taking care of your heart, well, every day!  Meet the Outpatient Cardiology team, a member of the Renown Institute for Heart and Vascular Health. Being treated for a heart condition is one step – ongoing maintenance is another. And this is the team to help patients do exactly that: stay on top of their heart health so they can continue to live their lives to the fullest.  The Heartbeat of Patient Care Renown Health’s Outpatient Cardiology team is a group of passionate professionals united by a common mission: to provide exceptional, compassionate care that empowers patients on their heart health journey.  On the provider side of the coin, our cardiology physicians and nurse practitioners work together to ensure that patients with heart issues, especially electrical heart conditions such as arrhythmias, are given precise care. Their role involves diagnosing and managing their patients’ care to improve treatment plans, all aided by talented nurses and medical assistants.  “My day primarily consists of electrical issues of the heart,” said Michael Thompson, APRN, Clinical Nurse Specialist. “I do see general cardiology and heart failure needs as well, as all of these can have overlap.”  In Outpatient Cardiology, technology is king. In fact, this department is home to special equipment tailored specifically for heart care patients. The work of our monitor technicians and cardiac device coordinators is key in making sure that heart data is accurately captured, which helps our providers make informed decisions about patient care.  “I enroll all the mail/ship outpatient cardiac monitors as well as take care of any phone calls and MyChart questions or issues,” said Dolly Sevigny, Cardiology Monitor Technician. “My afternoon consists of placing the Cardiac Heart Monitor on patients and monitoring removals if patients are uncomfortable doing this themselves.   Every good department is backed by a stellar front-office team, and Outpatient Cardiology is no different. Their patient access representatives are often the first point of contact for patients, setting the stage for a positive experience at the office.  “We are the front line of Outpatient Cardiology; we are the faces all the patients see first,” said Brittney Hughes, Patient Access Representative Lead. “It is important for us to make a good impression and make every patient feel welcome. We handle insurance questions, scheduling, being on the lookout for symptomatic patients and much more!”  Helping out behind-the-scenes, you’ll find the physician scheduling coordinators. They are experts at ensuring everything related to scheduling, billing and documentation runs smoothly so patients can rest assured that the administrative and financial aspects of their care are taken care of.  “In my role on the Outpatient Cardiology team, I handle a variety of tasks,” said Maddie Briede, Physician Scheduling Coordinator. “I ensure that the charges dropped into patient accounts after visits are accurate. I also manage the monthly work relative value unit (wRVU) process, gathering data from both Renown and outside facilities on what our doctors have read – like Echocardiograms, Stress Tests and EKGs – and create invoices for these facilities.”  As you can tell, like other health services at Renown, individualized care for each patient is a must for this department. By prioritizing patient-centered care and collaboration, the team strives to offer personalized care that meets each patient's unique needs.  “Patient care is always the most important component,” said Michael Thompson, APRN. “There is a collaborative approach with the mindset that the patient is always the first priority. Every patient is different and needs to be treated as such.”  We Have a Lot of Heart The heartfelt nature (pun intended) of the Outpatient Cardiology team can be felt from a mile away. Led by their caring and genuine attitudes, this team feels a special connection with Renown’s new mission, vision and values. Many of them agree that the value of Compassion resonates most with them – and for good reason.  “Renown's value of Compassion resonates with me the most because I believe that when you approach everything with compassion, all the other values naturally follow,” said Maddie Briede. “Acting with compassion in every interaction helps put people first, fosters strong collaboration and ensures that integrity and excellence are maintained in everything we do.”  “Compassion resonates with me,” added Brittney Hughes. “We on the front lines make sure every patient is cared for, and all questions have been answered. We really sympathize with every patient and their situation. Not one patient is the same.”  “Compassion and empathy are very important to me – to let every patient know that they are cared for and not forgotten.” added Dolly Sevigny. “Making a difference in their everyday lives is so rewarding.”  At Renown, our employee-led Culture Crew helps our teams bring our values to life. They are on a continual mission to discover the best ways that Renown can make a real impact on the way patients, team members and the community connect. Inspired by this mission, the Outpatient Cardiology started their very own Culture Crew, an initiative that has been well received by the entire team.  “One accomplishment I’m particularly proud of is the start of our team’s Culture Crew, which I serve as chair," said Maddie Briede. “It's been important to me to help create a space where we can get to know each other beyond just work, especially since we spend over 40 hours a week together. This initiative has been truly eye-opening, and I’ve loved working with the team to organize fun activities and events such as potlucks, snack bars and treasure hunts. It’s been rewarding to see my coworkers excited about something to look forward to outside of their usual responsibilities.   Collaboration is also a top Renown value and a value that this team takes seriously. After all, teamwork makes the dream work.  “I am most proud of our teamwork,” said Brittney Hughes. “We all pitch in where we can and fill in the gaps if we are short staffed. Our patient care is top of the line, and it shows through all of us!”  “I am most proud of the collaboration from everyone on our team, from inpatient to outpatient, and seeing the full circle of great care and the amazing outcome for our patients,” added Dolly Sevigny.  This department jumps at the opportunity to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies that improve patient outcomes, especially on the electrical cardiology side of things.  “I think the electrophysiology team is taking great strides to provide up-to-date, competent care for the community, bringing in the newest devices and procedures,” said Michael Thompson, APRN.  As the largest not-for-profit health system in the region, many of these team members feel drawn to Renown’s community impact and the opportunity to give back and care for those who need it. The non-profit mindset Renown carries inspires this team to go above and beyond every day for their patients.  “Being part of a not-for-profit health system like Renown is inspiring because it allows us to be a meaningful part of our community, providing care to those who truly need it,” said Maddie Briede. “It’s rewarding to know that the entire team – MAs, Device Team, RNs, leaders and providers – works together to make a difference in our patients' lives.”  “It makes me very proud that Renown is a not-for-profit organization,” added Dolly Sevigny. “I have had patients come from other states because they couldn't get help in their state due to insurance issues. Renown has saved many lives, including his. In the 17 or so years I have worked for Renown, I have always been very proud of where I work and have met some of the best people, coworkers and patients.”  With all that said, it’s obvious that not only do these professionals care for the heart, but they also have a lot of heart themselves as well. What could be better than that?  Open Your Heart to a Career in Cardiology So, now you have learned all about the passion and talents of our cardiology team members. How would it feel to join them? You can find out for yourself by applying for a career with Renown!   If you are a hard worker, put the needs of your patients at the forefront and lead with compassion, the Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health may be the ideal workplace for you.  “All of the employees in cardiology really work for our patients,” said Brittney Hughes. “We take pride in our patient care, and we work hard to meet the needs of all our patients. All our employes smile with kindness and accept our patients and any symptoms they might have. We are a very compassionate team!”  Our Outpatient Cardiology employees are masters at staying positive and believe fully that kindness and accountability goes a long way with both patients and fellow coworkers.   “A good coworker in Outpatient Cardiology is someone who is always ready to lend a hand when needed and supports the team,” said Maddie Briede. “They’re also someone you can share a laugh with, helping to make the work environment enjoyable, while still ensuring that tasks are completed.”  “What makes a good coworker in our department? Positivity, communication, and most of all, love – love makes the world a better place,” added Dolly Sevigny.  “It’s important for our team to have the ability to admit what you don’t know and to not be afraid to ask a question for the betterment of the patient,” added Michael Thompson, APRN.  Discover a career that cares about you in cardiology today. You’ll be welcomed with open arms by team members like those in the Outpatient Cardiology department, who cannot wait to change patients’ lives with you.  “I am now a senior citizen, and I have worked very hard for a long time; I am so grateful for this job, working with these great people who do the best they can for patients and each other,” said Dolly Sevigny. “I wanted to say thank you to this office and to the Renown hospital teams. I have worked in many different departments, and I am truly blessed to have been able to work with so many great people.”  “Outpatient Cardiology is such a wonderful team. I truly do love my job and am proud to be a part of this clinic,” closes Maddie Briede.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Outpatient Cardiology

February is American Heart Month, but our incredible heart heroes are here to serve you all year long. So please join us in honoring the Cardiac Cath Lab team at Renown Health! At the core of who we all are, we find the heart: one of the largest sources of life that gives us the blood and oxygen we need to live full and healthy lives. When the heart doesn’t function to the best of its ability, a delicate approach led by cardiac experts might be necessary. These individuals can not only save lives but also help facilitate a higher quality of life.  The team entrusted to protect that vital source of life includes the hard-working and talented individuals in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab (a.k.a. “Cardiac Cath Lab” or “Cath Lab”) at Renown Health. These team members are known for their expertise, precision and quick-thinking in emergencies. When it comes to the function of your heart, you are in the best hands with this team. Their passion for Renown’s mission of making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people they serve is a testament to what they do every day.  Cardiac Champions  Whether the procedure is emergent or planned, the Cardiac Cath Lab wears many different hats. The team is a well-coordinated group of nurses, imaging professionals, electrophysiology technologists, interventional technologists and more who band together to provide a diverse array of services, including stent placements, pacemakers, balloon pumps, interventional angioplasties, TAVRs and of course, catheters.  “A day in the life in the Cath Lab can go various ways,” said Erica Drummer, RN at Renown Health. “Every day, you are either a part of the electrophysiology team, doing cardiac ablations and placing devises such as pacemakers; the structural heart team, which includes MitraClips for mitral regurgitation and TAVRs; or the heart catheterization team, which includes diagnostic angiograms, heart catheterizations, angioplasties and stents for clogged arteries.”  With the wide variety of cases the team sees daily, an average day in the Cath Lab consists of many moving parts.  “We handle cases from left and right heart catheterizations, where we can diagnose and fix the artery right then, to electrophysiology cases like heart ablations and pacemaker implants, all the way to emergency STEMI (heart attack) patients,” said Michael Blankenship, Electrophysiology Technologist at Renown Health.  “We do so many things in the Cath Lab,” added Laurel Douglas, RN, Imaging Manager at Renown Health. “We ensure we have 24/7 coverage for emergencies, as we often have to act at a moment’s notice to care for emergent situations.”  Many of those emergency situations involve heart catheterization.  If someone has a heart attack, the team immediately steps in to place stents to open the coronary arteries that are causing the attack. If a patient’s heart needs any assistance during an emergency, the team can place devices such as Impella (temporary ventricular support) or intra-aortic balloon pumps. Renown is a major advocate for advanced medical technology, and the Cardiac Cath Lab team embraces these technologies to perform life-saving procedures, all while working together as a cohesive unit.  “We work amongst each other to ensure sterility, safety and the best outcome for each patient,” said Zohra Benbrahim, RN at Renown Health. “We try to fit in as many cases as possible into the workday, and sometimes after hours, so patients can get the care they need.”  “Each team usually has 3-4 members, and each member has a critical job to carry out in order to implement excellent cardiac care,” added Erica Drummer, RN. “Many of our patients tell us that we all work well together, and I couldn’t agree more. We have become like a well-oiled machine or a NASCAR pit crew.”  Naturally, patients undergoing any heart procedure might feel frightened and anxious. Never fear – the compassionate Cardiac Cath Lab team is here to ease those fears throughout each patient’s entire visit. Their main solution? Communication.  “Being a patient in the Cath Lab can be daunting,” said Erica Drummer, RN. “When we have patients who may feel scared or have concerns, we try our best to connect with them, keep them informed and educate them on the procedure and the step-by-step process, including what they may feel before, during and after.”  “Overall, we try to keep spirits light,” said Zohra Benbrahim, RN. “Our team is excellent at explaining the procedure as it is happening. We also advocate for comfort throughout the procedure, which helps tremendously with anxiety, including giving patients warm blankets and music of their choice!”  Our experts in the cardiac Cath Lab make sure that no stone goes unturned when it comes to optimal heart function for every patient. Together, the team mends hearts and saves lives, day in, day out.  A Growth Mindset  Always learning, always improving, always reaching new heights – that's the Cardiac Cath Lab team.  This team’s accomplishments speak for themselves on both a local and national scale.  “Over the years, we have achieved several milestones, including becoming a STEMI Receiving Center, gaining our Chest Pain Center Accreditation (which is achieved by Cath Labs who provide emergent percutaneous coronary intervention for heart attack patients 24/7) and having our accredited electrophysiology program,” said Laurel Douglas, RN. “We also offer services that other facilities do not offer. We have brought in several new procedures to the Cath Lab over the years. This is impactful, as the community members get to stay here for treatment.”  The Cath Lab team is anything but ordinary. There is never a dull moment in this department, and despite an ever-growing caseload, the team is always ready to rise to the challenge and continue pushing to surpass the average.  “I am so proud of my team for providing care for such sick patients,” said Zohra Benbrahim, RN. “We never really know how the day is going to go because emergencies happen, and things always change. Recently, we had a record high volume of cases, and my team powered through these busy weeks like champs.”  “We strive to get our STEMI door-to-balloon times at or below 60 minutes,” added Erica Drummer, RN. “Door-to-balloon time refers to the time from when a patient arrives in the ER to the time the Cath Lab has a catheter guide wire crossing the culprit lesion in the coronary artery that is causing the heart attack. The national average (and current guideline) is 90 minutes, so our 60-minute time is a notable accomplishment for us.”  The importance of staying on top of your heart health comes center stage during American Heart Month, which is a prime opportunity for our cardiology professionals to educate the community and help them grow their cardiac knowledge. The cardiac quality team participates in community events throughout the month (and beyond!) to raise awareness for cardiac health. The team also outreaches to other health systems and healthcare partners to highlight what Renown has to offer in the way of heart care. Each Cath Lab team member always reminds patients about lifestyle choices and diet changes that can improve cardiovascular health, and they take this outreach with them all around Renown Regional Medical Center as well, walking through the hallways promoting many different ways of living a heart-healthy life.  The journey continues! The team will soon welcome a new Cardiac Cath Lab at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. The new lab will allow our experts in heart care to treat patients at our South Meadows location experiencing a heart attack and needing immediate intervention to open vessels in their hearts. The team is looking forward to embracing even more access to emergent cardiac care for our community at large.   Learn more about how Renown is building more ways to care for our community.  Now Hiring for Heart Heroes  Those looking to join a caring, committed and tight-knit group of cardiac care professionals will be in good company with the Cath Lab team. According to the members of this department, being a quick-thinking, dependable team member is key to predicting a successful Cath Lab professional.  “A good coworker communicates with everyone and is able to be flexible when things get hectic,” said Zohra Benbrahim, RN. “Our team stays so close with each other because of everyone’s ability to recognize where help is needed. Especially in the Cath Lab, it is important to be always aware of the patient’s vitals and clinical presentation so you can speak up if you notice changes. There are always new procedures or products coming out that become integrated into our practices, so it’s also good to welcome new policies and be adaptive.”  “We are a small team, and everyone sees each other as a friend,” added Laurel Douglas, RN. “We all know we will need help at some point, whether it be covering an on-call shift or helping during a procedure, so we all help each other. Teamwork and positive attitude are really what makes you a good team member.”  Not only are these individuals dedicated to impacting the lives of patients with the very organ that beats life into them, but they also are devoted to Renown – and it shows.  “I started working for Renown when I was 19 years old, and Renown was the medical system I went to for care; as I spent more time working here and becoming a part of the community, I could not see myself working anywhere else or getting care at any other hospital,” said Zohra Benbrahim, RN. “I truly believe Renown provides the best care and best serves the growing community of northern Nevada.”  The Cath Lab team members agree that Renown is a great place to both start and continue your career. Many of them have taken advantage of Renown’s training and educational opportunities, which in turn have helped them expand their knowledge to better serve the community.  “I chose to work at Renown because it gave me the place to grow in my career and experience different avenues within my career,” said Michael Blankenship. “I first started off as a student here, and I quickly realized that everybody I worked with genuinely cares for our patients. I started off in x-ray seeing patients and eventually did rotations up in the operating room, and I got hired full time in the Cath Lab.  After a short time being here, I was crossed trained in the electrophysiology lab, where I furthered my knowledge in my career.”  This dynamic department is actively hiring, and many open positions are sign-on bonus eligible. The team cannot wait to welcome you to their, as Erica Drummer puts it, “well-oiled machine.”  “Being a Cath Lab nurse is very rewarding, especially when you’re able to be a part of a team that can save someone’s life,” Erica closes.

Read More About Department Spotlight Cardiac: Catheterization Lab

We’ve all experienced a pesky health issue at one time or another that, while not an emergency, is annoying nonetheless. Whether it be a respiratory illness like the flu, a cold or a minor injury such as a cut or a sprain, you have likely felt the need to get seen promptly to start feeling better as soon as possible. So, where do you go? What care team can you turn to? Answer: Renown Urgent Care. This dynamic department of doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, radiology technologists, practice site leaders, patient access representatives and more sees patients every day of the year both in-person and via telehealth for a diverse list of acute health conditions. For patients who need quick yet non-emergent care, the ease and convenience of walking into a practice just a short distance away is a result of our talented team at our Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fernley and Fallon Urgent Care locations. Immediate Care for Immediate Needs We can all agree that virtually no one enjoys being sick. When you walk into a Renown Urgent Care location (or log onto a telehealth visit), you are there for one reason: to get well. Your entire care team shares that exact same goal, from start to finish.  First, you walk into one of our ten Urgent Care locations and are quickly greeted by our friendly patient access representatives, otherwise known as PARs.  “As a PAR, we greet our patients at the front and welcome them into the clinic,” said Gillian Kitchell, Patient Access Representative Lead at Renown Urgent Care – Ryland. “We make sure we communicate their symptoms effectively and privately, and we have financial conversations with them as well. Most importantly, we implement compassion and kindness in our conversations to ensure patients feel at ease when they are in our care.”  “My role in urgent care is being the first face patients encounter when they walk in the facility,” added Denise Mosqueira, Patient Access Representative at Renown Urgent Care – Fernley. “We check in patients, print out doctor’s notes and handle the clerical side. We collect copays and payments for visits and create estimates for those who do not have active insurance or are choosing to opt out of their insurance for the visit.”  “From the moment a patient walks in the door, I try to make them feel comfortable and cared for, regardless of if they are age 2 or 102,” added Elizabeth Kienas, Patient Access Representative at Renown Urgent Care – Damonte Ranch. “A greeting and a smile with accurate demographic and intake allowing patients to get quick healthcare is the full circle goal. We want to get them back home and resting.”  Once you’re checked in and called back into the exam area, a medical assistant will guide you through checking your vitals and getting more information about the health issue you’re experiencing.  “As a Medical Assistant, my day is spent rooming patients, running patient tests (swabs), assisting providers with procedures and providing excellent patient care,” said Aleassa Roberts, Certified Medical Assistant at Renown Urgent Care – Fernley. “We also scan documents into patient charts, record patient results, schedule imaging appointments and provide wound care. Most days we also perform drug screenings, EKGs and various other smaller duties throughout the day. We provide immediate first aid for emergency patients and have a working relationship with our local EMS providers. Medical Assistants wear lots of hats in Urgent Care!”  “In Urgent Care, every day is different; in one day, we will see a variety of patients with all different symptoms,” added Chrystal Hartley, Certified Medical Assistant at Renown Urgent Care – Los Altos. “We are always busy running tests, sending out orders, drawing blood and helping assist with lacerations and procedures. Urgent care is fast paced.”  “My day is filled with rooming patients, testing them for illness and helping providers in any way I can,” added Erin Del Porto, Certified Medical Assistant at Renown Urgent Care – Fernley. “Every day can be a little different; it just depends on the day and the patient load. Before patients arrive, a normal day starts with setting up the clinic if it hasn’t been done yet, including checking the temperatures log, unlocking doors and getting the room ready. After that, I go about my duties with checking tests and supplies; then, I huddle with the team before the day starts.”  Soon after, your provider will come in and examine you, focusing on your specific concern and giving you laser-focused attention. Their goal is the same as yours: to get you feeling better as quickly as possible. Like any other routine provider’s visit, they will give you the best possible plan of care for your health issue, which may include rest, medications, tests or imaging. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the provider caring for you loves and thrives in their role at Renown Urgent Care.  “I love working in Urgent Care because we get to provide care for patients that don’t need emergent care but also can’t get in to see their primary care provider,” said Sarah Gentile, APRN, Nurse Practitioner for Renown Urgent Care. “We have the BEST team – and sometimes we even get snacks.”  If you end up needing to get imaging done, such as X-rays, our radiology technologists then step in to provide those diagnostic services.   “When I get here, I do warm-ups on the X-ray equipment and ensure everything is working properly,” said Steph Hawley, Outpatient Radiology Technologist at Renown Urgent Care – Fernley. “I keep an eye on the Urgent Care patient list and take a guess on which patients will likely need imaging. I also keep an eye on walk-in patients for imaging as well as orders from our primary care office. I wait for imaging orders to be put in, and then I begin the exam on the computer and go set up the room for whatever the exam may be. I will go get the patient from their room and take them to X-ray to complete the exam. Sometimes exams aren't easy or there are obstacles. I roll with whatever happens. I am a big fan of getting the exams done as quickly as possible while still getting quality imaging. I try and keep an eye on the rooms to see if maybe they need to be cleaned for new patients. Our medical assistants are always busy, so sometimes just a little bit could help them out. I also like to fix technical things around here when they are broken, such as computers and printers. I like to work with everyone to get patient care moving.”  “I am the radiology technologist for our Urgent Care on USA Parkway, so I take those X-rays when patients need them,” added Patricia Slupski, Outpatient Radiology Technologist for Renown Urgent Care – USA Parkway. “When I’m not busy doing my main role, I assist the patient access representatives in any way I can, from checking in patients, scheduling Occupational Health appointments, answering phone calls and sending out workers compensation paperwork to the employers.”  Overseeing it all and helping make the magic happen are the Practice Site Leaders. Under their leadership, each Urgent Care location runs like a well-oiled machine.  “I lead the team and help them in different areas that are needed,” said Rachel Hayes, Practice Site Leader for Renown Urgent Care – Damonte Ranch. “I make sure I deliver them with the most up to date information from our other departments and make sure they have all the tools they need to succeed. I support them and listen to them and make sure that everything runs smoothly.”  As you can see, each member of the Urgent Care team has an important role to play during your entire visit. They are all here to Fight the Good Fight with you as you continue on your road to recovery.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Urgent Care

When Angela Seagraves was told she had kidney disease at the young age of 30-something, her health became even more center stage. After many unsuccessful attempts at getting care out-of-state in hopes of a transplant, the Renown Patient Access Representative would experience a “dream come true” with the establishment of the Renown Transplant Institute, Reno’s first-ever kidney transplant program. Angela tried many things to keep her kidneys in check after her diagnosis. However, getting COVID-19 four times would be what would accelerate her into stage five kidney failure by March 2023. With her kidneys operating at 12%, she began dialysis in June of that same year, going in three days a week for three hours of treatment each time. With no kidney transplant program in northern Nevada at the time, Angela was forced to look outside the area, without success. Feeling discouraged, she continued dialysis, hoping for an answer. That answer then came when she started seeing announcements on Renown’s intranet regarding the grand opening of the Renown Transplant Institute and the kidney transplant journey of Kirill Zelenin, the son Renown Clinical Application Specialist Masha Zelenin. After being referred to the Institute by her care team at DaVita Dialysis Center, Angela scheduled her evaluation appointment. Here’s a breakdown of what she experienced. Angela’s First Appointment at the Renown Transplant Institute Angela was excited to know that she would only have to wait a couple of weeks to be seen for her full-day appointment at the Renown Transplant Institute. She felt nothing but optimism when the day came. After she checked in at 7:30 a.m., her appointment started with a Transplant 101 education class, a detailed overview of the transplant process. She was then brought into the office to meet the multidisciplinary transplant team, including: Dr. Ernesto Molmenti, Executive Director of the Renown Transplant Institute and Chief of Transplantation at Renown Health Dr. Narisorn Atsava-Svate, Transplant Nephrologist for the Renown Transplant Institute Transplant nurse coordinators, a pharmacist, a dietician, a social worker and a financial coordinator Together, the team review her medical history, discussed what makes a good transplant candidate and explained the tests required as part of her evaluation. “These people were some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met,” she said. Following the team meet-and-greets, Angela was sent to the lab, where the phlebotomists took several blood samples. Then, she walked over from the lab to the imaging room, where she ended her full-day assessment with a chest X-ray and a CT scan of her abdomen and pelvis. Time of check-out: 3:30 p.m. Angela walked out of her appointment with restored hope, noting how “wonderful the support system is” at the Renown Transplant Institute.

Read More About A First-Hand Account of a Renown Health Kidney Transplant Evaluation Experience

Renown Health is excited to announce participation in our first rheumatology clinical trial, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing medical research and improving patient care. The study, led by rheumatologist and site-level Principal Investigator Dr. Kennedy Ukadike, focuses on evaluating the safety and efficacy of the experimental drug litifilimab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This groundbreaking study is titled "A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Litifilimab (BIIB059) in Adult Participants With Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Receiving Background Nonbiologic Lupus Standard of Care." The study will focus on participants who have the disease and are already taking standard medications. The main goal of the study is to learn about the effect litifilimab has on lowering the activity of the disease. Participants will be randomized to receive either a high or low dose of the drug, or a placebo, with the treatment period lasting 52 weeks and a follow-up safety period of up to 24 weeks. Dr. Kennedy Ukadike shared his enthusiasm for the study: “This clinical trial represents a pivotal step in our efforts to better understand and treat systemic lupus erythematosus. We are hopeful that the findings will lead to more effective therapies and improved quality of life for our patients. “Launching our first rheumatology study is a testament to Renown’s dedication to pioneering research and delivering cutting-edge treatments to our community. This initiative not only enhances our research capabilities but also brings hope to patients and families affected by SLE,” said Kristen Gurnea, the Director of Clinical Research at Renown Health. Renown Health invites patients who are interested in joining this important study or learning about other clinical trial opportunities available to you to contact the Renown Office of Clinical Research (OCR) at Renown-CRD@renown.org or 775-982-3646. To contribute to Renown’s research initiatives, visit this link and select Renown Clinical Research.

Read More About Discover Renown Health’s First Rheumatology Study

Transition into the new year with our Transitional Care Coordinators at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital!  As a patient, your healthcare journey may seem overwhelming and confusing. Add a significant injury to the equation, and now you potentially have a rehabilitation detour on your road to recovery. Then you have to think about what happens next after you head home? In-home physical therapy? Home health? More rehab? There are many questions to answer about the next steps in your journey.  Enter: Renown Rehabilitation Hospital’s Transitional Care Coordinators (TCCs). As a rehab patient’s key support in the transition from hospital to home, this department ensures everyone on a patient's care team has the best information to deliver care after discharge while remaining in constant communication with the patient and family to meet their unique health needs.  At the Right Time, In the Right Place The role of our Transitional Care Coordinators at our rehab hospital is exactly what it sounds like: helping patients transition from a hospital or rehabilitation setting back to their home or a lower level of care. Every step of the way, these experts are laser-focused on making sure patients continue to receive the support they need during this key transition period.  "The main goal of the Transitional Care Coordinator is to get the patient to the appropriate level of care at the right time and the right place,” said Marty Ackerman, Senior Transitional Care Coordinator. “Our day involves collaborating between the inpatient physiatry team, consulting team and attending team at the acute level, as well as the discharge planning team. We work with the patient’s family to come up with the best plan of care, whether it’s home health, inpatient, outpatient or acute care. Day to day, we see about 20-25 patients.”  Once a patient is released to go home after rehab, our Transitional Care Coordinators ensure each patient is properly set up with physical, speech and occupational therapy in an outpatient setting or at home. Working closely in tandem with the TCCs, the Discharge Planning Assistant sets up transportation, equipment and more.  “I start by listening in on our morning meeting to see who we might bring in, what the doctors say and what the rest of the team thinks in regard to seeing if a patient is appropriate for care at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital,” said Emma Van Patten, Discharge Planning Assistant. “I work closely with case management, so if any patient needs discharge equipment to safely get around, such as a wheelchair or a walker, I will order it from a durable medical equipment (DME) company or home health if the patient needs more assistance at their house when they leave. I set up transport for all the hospital admits and make sure everyone gets their equipment on time before they leave.”  The reach of the TCCs goes beyond hospital walls. In fact, their reach even goes beyond state lines and country borders. If a member of our community is injured and wants to come back to Reno for treatment, our TCCs will work with teams around the world to make that a reality.  "Recently I was able to help a member of our community, who was injured in California, come back to Reno and undergo rehab here,” said Sharon Trimmer, Transitional Care Coordinator. “It was a collaborative effort with the team that we got the referral from in California, working closely with insurance companies, working with doctors here, coordinating the transfer back from California – it was all especially rewarding. The patient was so grateful to be back home.”  "I love it when we work with these externals and get them back home,” added Marty Ackerman. “It is really quite an accomplishment. A patient can be in Europe, Asia, anywhere – we will help them. I was able to admit someone from Latvia by working with a global travel insurance company. We got medical records transcribed from Russian to English, and the patient’s family was very helpful with the translation.”  Thanks to the above-and-beyond efforts of the entire team at Renown Rehab and the best-in-class level of care they provide, our rehab hospital has been nationally recognized. And this award will certainly not be the end of the accolades the hospital collects.  "Becker's Hospital Review recently ranked Renown Rehabilitation Hospital as a top rehab facility in the state of Nevada and the U.S.,” said Marty Ackerman. “This was a very proud moment for us.”  “Every day is different. Each day we continue to experience new situations and challenges,” added Sharon Trimmer. “I appreciate the help of the team members who each bring unique perspectives and experiences to problem solve for the best outcomes. I love the opportunity to continue learning on daily basis.”  Our Transitional Care Coordinators would like to emphasize to readers that anyone is more than welcome to come to Renown Rehabilitation Hospital for a tour. They look forward to sharing what they do with our growing community.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Transitional Care Coordinators

Order in the (healthcare) court! Being a transparent and accountable healthcare organization is in our roots and is a commitment we at Renown Health take seriously. In order to uphold that promise, a lot of legal work must be done behind-the-scenes. Contracts, subpoenas, trials, depositions, arbitrations and mediations, service and provider agreements, immigration processes, powers of attorney – the list goes on.  So, who brings that order to Renown? Answer: Renown’s Legal department. With a small-but-mighty team of attorneys, contract administrators, immigration specialists, paralegals and assistants, these professionals tackle the intricate balance between the law and the care our teams provide every day. Their dedicated work allows our health system to focus on what matters most – bringing healing to our community. Protecting the Protectors The Legal department at Renown serves as the backbone of our health system, ensuring that both patients and employees are protected within the complex web of regulations, standards and more. This team is immensely talented in guarding the integrity of the community-minded care we provide.  No matter what problem comes across their desk, the Legal team will step in to find a solution. In fact, problem-solving is a fundamental part of their everyday work.  “We are a support department; we support the people who do the important hands-on work with our patients,” said Paul Harris, Chief Legal Officer. “Most on the legal team are skilled problem solvers, so we often get questions that are not quintessentially legal but require us to help someone solve the puzzle. It is very gratifying work when we help the greater Renown team address complicated situations.”  Resolution is at the foundation of their role within our health system, so you, as the reader, can probably imagine how busy their day-to-day lives at work get. But never fear – this team thrives on overseeing many different aspects of the law when it comes to the patients and employees at Renown.  “What I love about my job is that every single day I feel like I solve a problem or help a patient, health plan member or internal ‘client’ at the organization,” said Jamie Winter, Deputy Chief Legal Officer. “I also love that every day is different.  On any given day I can be attending a committee meeting either as a member or as the legal advisor, attending an administrative law hearings,  appearing at a mediation or arbitration,  reviewing and negotiating contracts, overseeing litigation in coordination with outside counsel,  assisting with Hometown Health member appeals, assisting the Medical Staff Services team and medical staff leadership and committee chairs, reviewing  powers of attorney, guardianship orders and records requests . No two days are the same, which keeps my work interesting, fun, and exciting!”  “A day in the life of the Legal department is always different,” added Mary Ann Ellis, Associate General Counsel. “We handle many different areas of law, including issues from across all the departments as they arise. I work on drafting, revising, reviewing, negotiating or analyzing contracts, including non-disclosure agreements; business associate agreements; supply chain agreements, and physician or other professional service agreements. I also advise on employment matters and assist in responding to subpoenas or other government requests. I help draft or review different policies across the organization.”  Before Renown brings on any new physician or vendor, there is one key part of the process they all must take part in: contracts. Contract structure, negotiations and signings are all part of the onboarding process. And the Legal team has contracting down to a science.  “I work primarily on independent (physician) contracts; these contracts include call coverage, professional services agreements, medical director agreements and medical staff officer agreements,” added Adam Harris, Staff Attorney. “It is important to have these agreements in place so that our community physicians can legally and compliantly provide patient care."  “I maintain relationships with our community partners around their service contracts which allow them to treat patients at Renown,” added Jackie Johnston, Contract Administrator. “I also oversee our contract management software, working with multiple departments in maintaining a compliant contract structure for all contracts within Renown. I am proud of how we established a new policy around contract management and are assisting departments with onboarding the new system.”  In alignment with our commitment to employing a diverse workforce, Renown excitedly welcomes providers from across the world. This past year, our Human Resources and Legal teams saw a crucial need for a role that focuses exclusively on facilitating the processes for international hires: the Immigration Specialist.  “The Immigration Specialist position at Renown, which is a new role in the organization, is an excellent fit for my professional background and experience,” said Derrick Lacey, Immigration Specialist. “A day in the life involves interfacing with the Renown Medical Group's Provider Recruitment team, HR Operations and other departments which partner on behalf of physicians and nurses who require immigration sponsorship and support. Since joining Renown, I have been able to contribute the necessary technical skills and knowledge required for the role, while taking on the unique challenges and responsibilities associated with expanding Renown's existing footprint in the realm of employment-based immigration sponsorship.”  No matter the need, the Legal team is proud to support our many departments and has an open-door policy for any employee to come to them with any concern. “I am proud that people feel empowered to come to the Legal department and trust we will partner with them to find solutions to any problems,” said Mary Ann Ellis. “We work closely with various leaders on a regular basis to check in and make sure we meet their needs and keep everyone on track on meeting various contracting deadlines or other needs.”  Even if you don’t physically see the Legal team every day, the work they do is incredibly important to keep our health system running. After all, there is no order without law.  “The work we do in the Legal department may not always be front and center, but it’s critical to ensuring that patient care is provided safely, ethically and efficiently,” said Michelle Gibbons, Paralegal. “By ensuring compliance with laws, protecting patient privacy, mitigating risks and facilitating access to care, we create a legal framework that allows clinical teams to focus on what they do best: providing outstanding patient care.”  The Journey to Healthcare Law  Employment law, civil rights law, family law, criminal law, real estate law, corporate law...there are many fields of law an aspiring legal professional can delve into. So, what inspired our Legal department employees to enter into healthcare law?  Let’s hear from a few of these team members on how and why they ended up in this intense-yet-rewarding career field:  “I was a political science major as an undergraduate student in Washington, DC, and, during that time, I worked on Capitol Hill for a Nevada Senator and Nevada Governor. The natural progression for many political science students is to go to law school and I did just that. After law school, I worked as a litigator for 11 years and then came to Renown. Although I joined Renown after becoming an attorney, I started with Renown as the Hometown Health Compliance Officer to not only learn compliance, a fast-growing area at the time, but to also “get my foot in the door” in hopes of ultimately becoming an in-house attorney for Renown. Years later, I took a position as in-house counsel for the health plan and later moved to the larger Renown Health Legal Department to broaden my healthcare law practice.” - Jamie Winter “My life has always revolved around the legal field. My father was a District Judge in Douglas County for 25 years. He is currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Appellate Court of Nevada. My childhood involved campaigning and spending many hours at the Courthouse with my dad. It was a natural progression for me into the field of law after graduating college.” - Michelle Gibbons “My career background is in the area of global mobility, which involves the management of international employee populations and their movements, including immigration, relocation logistics, and international tax requirements, processes and compliance matters." - Derrick Lacey “I went to school for Retail Merchandising to further my career with a major retailer in Minnesota. After transferring to Reno and working in retail for many years, I wanted to explore new and rewarding challenges. I found the opportunity in the Renown Legal Department where I am now assisting in managing contracts and communicating with multiple providers to assist them with compliance metrics and payments.” - Jackie Johnston “Before attending law school, I worked in healthcare. It was a natural transition for me to apply my education in an industry with which I was already familiar, and Renown was an easy choice as the top hospital in the area.” - Adam Harris Our Legal team enjoys a reputation of being powerful yet personable in the office, the hospital and the courtroom. Many departments across our health system know they can rely on this team to provide the best possible solutions for them.  “I am most proud of growing my team to better assist the organization in multiple areas such as immigration, litigation and contract negotiation management,” said Bekah Riley, Manager of Legal Department & Board Liaison. “We have established a department recognized for its accessibility to other leaders and its role as problem solvers.”  “Our team's biggest accomplishments are generally associated with successful outcomes in litigation, or long-running projects that have, after much effort, been completed,” added Adam Harris.  As the old saying states, “the proof is in the pudding.” Our Legal team members are excited to share a few notable success stories of which they played a large role in.  "One success story that comes to mind is when the lab was being overwhelmed by law enforcement demands for legal blood draws and the resulting subpoenas,” said Mary Ann Ellis. “We worked with the district attorney, law enforcement and city leadership to develop some action plans for reducing that burden. Eventually, many of the law enforcement agencies reached a solution to get legal blood draws done by an outside organization, helping to reduce the burden on our teams. The district attorneys also agreed to various methods to try to make physical appearances in court less onerous.”  “As the newest member of the Legal team, I recently learned that an immigration sponsorship project I was asked to lead on my third day at Renown, which involved consulting on case strategy, as well as authorship of enhanced immigration support letter documentation, had been a resounding success,” added Derrick Lacey.  “We were able to make a big push on managing the many contracts entered into by the organization and help to maintain access and accountability,” added Paul Harris.  All in all, our Legal team’s commitment to legal excellence – from the start of their careers to today – not only safeguards the interests of our health system but also fosters an environment where quality of care can thrive.  “We are a dedicated team working behind the scenes to enhance the organization's overall productivity and support its strategic vision for the future,” said Bekah Riley. It’s All About the People At Renown, all our teams are committed to leaving a positive impact on our patients, fellow team members and community. The Legal department is no different. In a world where the intensities of both the healthcare space and legal space collide, they find support and solidarity in each other.  “I wanted to work somewhere that I felt I could make a difference in the community,” said Mary Ann Ellis. “Instead of working in a field that can traditionally be very adversarial, at Renown, I can use my skills in collaborative and positive ways to help the organization and the people in it. What keeps me here are the amazing people I get to work with every day. We have a small team that genuinely enjoys working together and have become friends over the years.”  Their commitment to giving back to their community aligned with Renown’s same commitment and was a defining reason for why they joined Team Renown. When values align, everything else can fall into the right place.  “I chose to work for Renown because of its reputation in the community and my desire to work as in-house counsel at a respected, local organization,” said Jamie Winter. “My mom worked as a nurse at Renown for many years and it is wonderful to now be working for the same organization where my mom provided patient care. What keeps me here is my amazing team and the people I work with throughout the organization. The individuals on my small legal team are very collaborative and supportive of one another. We work closely with the Risk, Compliance, and Payer Contracting teams, and we all work really well together.”  “I was drawn to Renown Health because of its strong commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the community,” added Michelle Gibbons. “I really resonate with the organization's mission to improve the health and well-being of northern Nevada and beyond. Renown provides a collaborative and supportive work environment where I feel encouraged to grow and continue learning. The leadership and my colleagues are invested in my development, and there's a culture of teamwork that makes coming to work each day a positive experience.”  There is never a dull moment in healthcare – there is always something new to explore and discover. Our Legal team not only finds their work rewarding, but they also find it incredibly exciting.  “I had an opportunity early in my career to work with healthcare clients and professionals, and in my experience, there is not a more exciting job than sorting through the complexities of healthcare and hospital legal work,” said Paul Harris. “It's challenging every day, but I've been able to work with smart, innovative and motivated people. Renown has a great culture and working with dedicated people keeps me excited about my work here and Renown's future.”  Behind-the-scenes and above-the-standard, our Legal department consistently blows expectations out of the water. Anyone who walks through Renown’s doors can rest assured they are in the best of hands with this best-in-class team.  “We are a dedicated team working behind the scenes to enhance the organization's overall productivity and support its strategic vision for the future,” closes Bekah Riley.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Legal

Pain is a top reason that Americans seek access to healthcare. In fact, according to the U.S. Pain Foundation, chronic pain affects nearly 50 million people across the country.  More than likely, you know someone who has been impacted by chronic or acute pain. Fortunately, there is a talented team of healthcare professionals committed to rehabilitating and enhancing the life of any patient living with pain.  At Renown Health, these team members represent the Physiatry department, who are charged with a goal of maximizing physical function, managing pain and nurturing independence. Headquartered at Renown South Meadows Medical Center, patients suffering with a disability, chronic pain and physical impairments can rest assured that they have the most caring and compassionate physiatry experts on their side throughout the entire physical rehabilitation process.  What is Physiatry? Physiatry (also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation, or PM&R), is a medical specialty that helps diagnose and treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Unlike other medical fields that often use surgery or medication, physiatry emphasizes non-invasive techniques, therapies and interventional procedures to help with pain and improve physical function.  Renown’s physiatry team has a holistic approach to care, combining medical expertise with personalized rehabilitation strategies to support long-term health and independence. Physiatry is hyper-focused on diagnosing, managing and treating conditions that affect physical function and quality of life.  The Physiatry Philosophy Our Physiatry team’s treatment philosophy centers around a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical care with rehabilitation and healthy lifestyle changes. They offer a variety of programs and services, including: Home Exercise Programs: Customized exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and support recovery. Physical Therapy: Hands-on care from skilled therapists who guide patients through techniques to restore function and reduce pain. Well-Being and Lifestyle Support: Emphasizing overall health and encouraging lifestyle changes that support physical and mental well-being.  At Renown, the Physiatry department is full of friendly faces, including: PM&R and pain medicine physicians (also known as physiatrists) Medical assistants Physician scheduling coordinators Patient access representatives Practice site leaders Physiatrists set each patient up for success with education, treatment planning and management. They take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and interventions for pain, such as:  Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) Facet Joint Injections Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Trigger Point Injections Joint Injections (Knee, Shoulder, Hip)  Physiatrists are also masters of multidisciplinary care, coordinating with members of a patient’s healthcare team (including physical therapists) to ensure they have the best treatment plan possible.  Playing a crucial supportive role, physiatry medical assistants (MAs) assist our physiatrists in caring for patients on both a clinical and administrative level. From helping during procedures to providing education and guidance, these medical professionals are key in ensuring each patient’s visit – and as a result, their rehabilitation journey – is successful. “My normal day in Physiatry is very smooth,” said Rosita Gans, Medical Assistant. “I make sure my schedule is at 100% to prioritize patient needs. It helps that everyone is so respectful and friendly.”  Our patient access representatives (PARs) and physician scheduling coordinators are the front faces of physiatry. They serve as a patient’s first line of communication when checking in, making an appointment, handling insurance verifications and several aspects of follow-up – all with a smile on their faces.  “My job as a PAR involves checking patients in and out, verifying their insurance and demographic information, scheduling and following up on appointments, referrals to Special Procedures and more,” said Andrea Ruiz, Patient Access Representative. “I am in contact with patients on a daily basis.”  “It’s all about making sure every patient is taken care of in a timely manner,” added Kasey Sinfellow, Physician Scheduling Coordinator.  At the core of keeping things running, you’ll find Antonio Quintana, Practice Site Leader. Thanks to his expert leadership skills and can-do attitude, his department has been able to reach new heights. A large part of this team’s success lies in their approach to the practice of physiatry. For them, there is no such thing as a “cookie cutter” treatment plan.  Dr. Casey Keating, a pain management physician working with the Physiatry team states, “We understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes recovery. We come up with a plan of action customized to meet your needs.”

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Lifetimes of Service in Medicine Margo and Jim Veazey are no strangers to hospitals and medicine. They are impressive duo with notable professional achievements and seem to always have service to their communities and country as their true north.   Margo was a nurse and nurse administrator for her entire career, which spanned just under 50 years, including 25 years in nursing leadership at the Connecticut VA Healthcare System. Her predecessors at the VA had only stayed a year or two prior to her, but Margo found a place where she could make a positive impact and stayed for a quarter-century.  During her time at the VA, she helped secure a much sought after $40 million grant to establish a VA Nursing Academy including funding for five new faculty members. The groundbreaking program to educate and train more nurses shares some strong similarities with Renown’s recently established Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic Practice Partnership. Jim has had his own esteemed medical career of over four decades as an infectious disease doctor, serving in academic, clinical and research roles on the east coast. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel after 29 years of combined Federal Service in 2012. Among his self-stated greatest achievements was working on the eradication of Smallpox in India (coincidentally, Renown was founded in 1862 during a Smallpox outbreak).  A Near Death Experience Rarely had the Veazeys been on the receiving end of trauma care, but that all changed in 2017 after their move to Reno, when Margo was admitted to the Renown Regional Emergency Room with a volvulus, an obstruction caused by twisting of the intestine and a very serious medical emergency. The symptoms that led her to the ER were severe and extremely uncomfortable: fever, severe abdominal pain, overly active bowel sounds, and vomiting blood.   Margo recalls: “the last thing I remember was hearing someone say my pulse was down to 20. I thought I was dying and then I blacked out. I woke up two days later in the ICU [Intensive Care Unit] as they told me to breathe out when they were removing my ventilator tube.” Jim, on the other hand, remembers it all, including the long hours waiting for Margo to wake up.  Margo’s near-death experience left quite an impression on both of them and, while traumatic, it also created deep feelings of gratitude for the care Margo received from her doctors and nurses at Renown during that time.  Reno Becomes Home Margo and Jim spent most of their lives on the east coast. They met at Dartmouth when Jim was a wide-eyed intern in the ICU, and Margo was working in the ICU as a nurse. They were married a year later and recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary! You don’t have to spend much time with them to see their adoration for each other, even after all these years. In the midst of their busy careers, the Veazey’s raised a son and daughter, who now each have children of their own. Being closer to those grandchildren became a priority after Jim and Margo retired, which prompted their move to Reno in 2016.  Having access to good healthcare was on their radar when deciding where to move, and they were not sure what they would find when they arrived in Reno. Fortunately, a neighbor they met early on introduced them to Renown and the Renown South Meadows Medical Center emergency room as an option for emergency care. It was not long after that, when Margo made a visit to the Renown South Meadows ER for diverticulitis. They’ve been coming to Renown ever since for her care. Expressing Their Gratitude Margo’s visit to the South Meadows ER in 2016 and her near-death experience in 2017 were among the first in a series of unfortunate and mostly unrelated health incidents she has faced since moving to Reno. Over the past eight years she has come to Renown for eleven major health issues including six surgeries.  Her medical conditions have ranged from breast cancer to the need for a knee replacement to atrial fibrillation, and Renown has been a one-stop shop to meet her these urgent health care needs. Based on the trust she has in Renown providers, Margo counts on Renown for her preventative care too. Thanks to his long federal service, Jim receives his care at the VA.   The consistency in the high-quality, compassionate care she receives—Margo and Jim will both tell you repeatedly how much they love Renown physicians and how great the nurses are—is why they keep coming back. When asked if they recall any specific doctors or nurses, Margo responded, “we’ve been to the emergency room so many times and I’ve had so many procedures that it would take a long time to list all their names, and I received wonderful care from all of them. My brother, who was a Rhode Scholar, emergency room doctor in Florida, and a lawyer was incredibly complimentary of the care I received when he was here during one of my ER visits.”    The exceptional care is also what prompted them to include a gift to Renown Health Foundation in their estate plan. Although the Veazeys have always been charitable and support many organizations near and dear to them with annual gifts (including Renown Children’s Hospital), their legacy gift to Renown was the first time they included a charity in their estate plan.

Read More About Why I Give: Margo and Jim’s Story

Have you found yourself avoiding scheduling a mammogram because it sounds uncomfortable and maybe a little scary? Many people feel this way but knowing what to expect can help ease your worries. Follow along for a reassuring step-by-step guide on getting a mammogram from Melissa Dahir, Community Relations Liaison at Renown Health. Getting a mammogram is important to me because my mom is a Stage 3, double mastectomy breast cancer survivor. I began receiving annual breast health screenings at an early age, in addition to performing monthly self-exams. So far, all my appointments have gone well, and I hope that sharing my experience will encourage you to schedule this important screening today! Scheduling the Appointment Scheduling my appointment was very easy. I contacted the scheduling team for help with booking multiple appointments and they were very helpful in finding just the time I needed.

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Located on the 5th floor of the Tahoe Tower, Renown’s newly updated Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is decorated with colorful artwork on the walls, the lights dim for the newborns resting, and parents conversing next to the bassinet with nurses on their baby’s journey to health. In the quiet, shuffling hallways stands Mariah DaSilva, a Renown NICU Nurse, whose own birth story showed her true compassion and professional dedication to what it means to care for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients. From the Medical Floor to the NICU Mariah started her nursing career on the medical floor at Renown; however, after a year, she was excited to see her dream job open in the NICU and helping to provide compassionate care for the most fragile patients. “I’ve always known that I wanted to work with babies so being a NICU nurse was a dream of mine,” said Mariah. “I truly love what I do, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else than the NICU.” A high-stakes environment, the NICU is where babies are transferred to after birth when they require medical intervention. They care for babies as young as 23 weeks gestation, up to full-term babies. Any babies born less than 35 weeks are automatically admitted into the NICU for treatment. Other than prematurity, babies can be admitted to the NICU for respiratory distress, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), cardiac anomalies, birth defects, seizures and other medical conditions that need treatment or assessment. A Day in the NICU: The Heart of Care A typical day for Mariah starts with reviewing her assignments and receiving a detailed report from the night shift. Preparing for the day involves scrubbing in and wiping down patient care areas to maintain a clean environment. Once everything is set, she begins a series of scheduled care tasks, which include performing assessments, feeding, changing diapers and facilitating parent involvement in their baby’s care “There are so many exciting ‘firsts’ that happen in the NICU; parents holding their baby for the first time, parents' first time changing their baby’s diaper, bathing their baby for the first time, first time breast-feeding or bottle-feeding, the baby’s first time taking a full bottle, watching a baby breathe on their own without any respiratory support, etc.,” said Mariah. “There are so many big milestones that happen in the NICU that I am so incredibly lucky to be a part of.” The NICU nurses work closely with neonatologists, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other specialists to deliver comprehensive care. This teamwork and collaboration ensure that each baby receives the best care possible for their health journey. Mariah shared a reflection on her team: “Our NICU team is amazing. Being a part of a team that is so compassionate and collaborative is amazing. We all work closely together to ensure we’re providing the best care possible for every single baby that comes to the NICU. We are all very protective of the babies that we care for in the NICU and truly want the best outcomes for them and their families. Taking care of such a vulnerable population comes with a lot of responsibility and we take pride in what we do each day.” As with all healthcare professionals, NICU nurses require immense strength and compassion to care for the youngest patients in a highly sensitive environment. “More often than not, we have really good days in the NICU, but we also have really hard days that affect every single person in the NICU,” said Mariah. “The loss of a baby, delivering bad news to a parent, an extended NICU stay and a baby withdrawing from drugs are all situations that we unfortunately deal with in the NICU. These situations are all very challenging, but we have to stay strong for the babies and their families.”

Read More About From Renown NICU Nurse to NICU Mom: Mariah DaSilva’s Inspiring Journey

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisper, it's not just pumpkin spice lattes that should be on your mind – it's also time to think about your health. Fall time also means it’s flu season and with new cases on the rise, we at Renown Health encourage you to do your part in keeping your Fall activities community safe. How can you protect your whole community you ask? Through something called Herd Immunity. We spoke with Renown Health infection prevention expert, Susanne James to talk about how getting your flu shot is vital for staying healthy and protecting your families and community.

Read More About Slow the Spread of the Flu with Herd Immunity