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Renown Health is thrilled to announce the successful grand reopening event of the remodeled and expanded outpatient Advanced Wound Clinic at 1500 East 2nd Street in Reno. The event, which took place on April 30, 2024, welcomed patients and guests to commemorate this significant milestone. Attendees were treated to a series of activities, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, keynote speaker and a tour of the newly refurbished facilities. “The expansion of the Advanced Wound Clinic at Renown signifies a tremendous leap forward for our community and is a testament to the dedication of our patients. The purpose of wound care is to help you heal faster so you can get back to your life. A chronic wound can detract from your quality of life and prevent you from doing things you enjoy,” said Dr. Derek Freiheit, Medical Director, Renown Advanced Wound Care. “I am proud to witness the collective impact of our efforts as clinicians in partnership with patients, to enhance access to essential healthcare services, heal their wounds and improve their lives." “This event reaffirms our commitment to advancing access to healthcare,” said Rahul Mediwala, MD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Renown Medical Group. “With the expansion of our state-of-the-art Advanced Wound Clinic, we’re not just healing wounds; we’re pioneering innovative solutions, transforming lives and reaffirming our dedication to exceptional patient care. Together, we are working to improve access to advanced wound care for all in need, including providing training and resources to rural home health agencies and clinics so that all patients can receive care they need, close to home.” A highlight of the event was the inspiring words delivered by Richard Peraldo, whose remarkable journey has touched the lives of many in the northern Nevada community. Richard was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and his story served as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and community support in overcoming adversity. His presence lent a profound sense of purpose to the occasion, reinforcing Renown Health's commitment to providing compassionate care to all those we serve. “The people in this clinic saved my life and I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn't for them,” Richard said. “When I first came to the Wound Clinic, this was a team of doctors and nurses, but when I left, they were family and friends.” The successful reopening and expansion of the Renown Advanced Wound Clinic marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to provide best-in-class healthcare services to the community. About Renown Advanced Wound Care: Renown Advanced Wound Care is the largest provider of outpatient wound care in northern Nevada. With a highly trained team of certified professionals, the team at Renown Advanced Wound Care provides treatment of acute and chronic wounds and ostomy education and care. They specialize in the treatment of complex wound care, collaboration with other specialties and coordination of community resources. While access to wound care in rural areas has been a challenge for patients, the team at Renown Advanced Wound Care has been instrumental in providing training and resources to rural home health agencies and clinics so that patients can receive care closer to home. Renown Advanced Wound Care Also Specializes In: Care of acute and chronic wounds Pressure, vascular and diabetic ulcers Negative pressure wound therapy Selection of appropriate wound dressings and treatments Interdisciplinary limb preservation service rounds Diabetic Foot Care: We specialize in diabetic foot care and education to help patients and their families adjust to a healthy and active lifestyle. Services include: Diabetic foot wound care Comprehensive foot assessment to identify risks for skin breakdown Assistance with shoe inserts Education and tips to care for feet Ostomy Care: We are the only location in the region to offer complete ostomy services, including education for patients with ostomies and fistulas. To improve quality of life for ostomy patients, our team helps with the following: Pre-surgical markings Selection and fitting of medical bags for fecal containment Prevention and treatment of skin problems related to having an ostomy Purchase of medical supplies Supportive care coordination Post-surgery ostomy care Wound Care Treatments Include: Negative pressure therapy, where controlled pressure is applied to draw out fluid Biological skin substitutes, where cell therapy is used to “jumpstart” a stalled wound Offloading techniques, such as padding or dressing to take pressure off a wounded area Surgical debridement, where dead or damaged tissue is medically removed Speak with your primary care physician or advanced practice clinician to obtain a referral to Renown Advanced Wound Care. ### 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 Renown Health Celebrates Grand Reopening of Expanded Wound Clinic

Renown joins Washoe County Health District to Offer COVID-19 Vaccines to Children 5-11 at Vaccine Clinics. Renown Health is partnering with the Washoe County Health District to help distribute the initially available, limited supplies of an age-appropriate dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to children ages 5-11. At this time, all residents 5 years and older are eligible to receive a vaccine. Renown announced today that for parents/guardians with proxy access for their children through the Renown MyChart app, vaccination appointments are now available for children ages 5-11. Pending supply, Renown expects to be able to vaccinate 1,600 children with the 2-dose series in a limited series of weekend clinics. At this time, due to limited supplies, no vaccines for children are available through Renown Medical Group pediatric offices. Vaccine appointments may only be scheduled through the Renown MyChart app; please do not contact a Renown doctor/health care provider or the Engagement Center at this time. There is no cost to establish a Renown MyChart account, and you do not need to have a Renown provider to enroll. For MyChart Technical Support, call 775-982-2781. Renown is covering all costs of the vaccine, and it is offered free of charge. “As a pediatrician, an intensive care physician, a public health practitioner and a grandparent, I encourage parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 now. No child should suffer, be hospitalized or die from a disease that can prevented by simply getting a shot,” says Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown Health. “We remain steadfast in fighting the good fight for our community, and that includes protecting kids. Being able to serve kids and their parents, with the only Children’s Hospital in northern Nevada, and being able to administer COVID-19 vaccines to children is incredibly gratifying for our team. This vaccine will prevent deaths, ICU admissions and will prevent significant long-term adverse outcomes in children." “I tell parents, get your kids vaccinated now- because every kid is at risk,” says Kristina Deeter, M.D., MBA, Pediatric Intensivist, and Vice Chair of Pediatrics at Renown Children’s Hospital. “Please get your family- including your kids, vaccinated now to keep your family safe. Being fully vaccinated and being able to hug Grandma and Grandpa at the holidays may be the greatest gift of all this holiday season.” “The CDC recommends everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. Widespread vaccination for COVID-19 is a critical tool to protect everyone, especially those at highest risk, from severe illness and death. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only option currently authorized for children,” says Vanessa Slots, MD, a pediatrician with Renown Children’s. “It was found to give kids strong protection against COVID-19, including against the Delta variant. Children who are vaccinated may have some side effects (chills, redness and swelling at site injection), which are normal signs that their body is building protection.” Children are advised not to receive the vaccine if: • They are ill at the time of vaccination (fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea or acute illness). • They have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days. • They have a history of significant allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’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 region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About The Greatest Gift of All? A Fully Vaccinated Family!

Grant from St. Baldrick’s Foundation to continue funding research coordinator position at Renown Renown Children’s Hospital, the only dedicated children’s hospital in northern Nevada, has successfully secured a grant to fund its Research Coordinator position, a role that is critical in helping pediatric oncology patients navigate cancer clinical trials. The grant comes from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, who announced the recipients sharing $1.2 million in infrastructure grants on Nov. 19, 2024. As a team member in the Renown Research Office, the grant-funded Research Coordinator is a key part of the research and clinical trials process, supporting study start-up, patient recruitment and enrollment, data collection, regulatory submissions and quality and compliance assurance. This role is closely aligned with the Children's Oncology Group (COG), the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood cancer. Renown joined the COG as a member institution in 2021, allowing its youngest patients to have access to the latest medical advancements by participating in clinical trials. These studies assess state-of-the-art approaches for childhood cancer treatment, supportive care and survivorship. "Receiving this grant from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a step forward in our work to provide world class care for children battling cancer," said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “We are deeply grateful to St. Baldrick’s for their unwavering commitment to childhood cancer research and their belief in the importance of improving outcomes for our youngest patients." “We are honored to support the vital infrastructure of pediatric cancer research across the U.S.,” said Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in a press release. “This funding not only strengthens clinical trials essential to finding cures but also reinforces our commitment to ensuring that, even in times of hardship, children have access to the care and hope they deserve.” “As a COG member hospital, Renown Children’s Hospital joins over 200 institutions, including Stanford, University of California, San Francisco and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in this prestigious distinction,” says Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP, Chair of Pediatrics (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital. “The COG is made up of more than 9,000 experts worldwide and has nearly 100 active clinical-translational trials at any given time. Through the clinical trials process, pediatric oncology patients at Renown Children’s Hospital can receive newly developed therapies; and their families can rest assured knowing they can receive outstanding cancer care right here in Reno.”  "This funding ensures that our dedicated Research Coordinator can guide patients and families through the complexities of clinical trials, giving them access to the most advanced treatments without traveling far from home,” said Seema Rao, MD, Pediatric Oncologist at Renown Children’s and Principal Investigator for the COG program at Renown Health. “COG membership allows our young patients to access promising treatments in development without having to travel outside of the region. Our membership in this prestigious national organizations shows that Renown Children’s is providing care that meets or exceeds COG’s high standards.” Research from the COG has drastically transformed children’s cancer outcomes. Just 50 years ago, pediatric cancer was thought to be untreatable; today, it has a combined five-year survival rate of 80 percent. 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 7,500 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®. For more information, visit renown.org. About Renown Clinical Research At Renown Health, our goal is to make it easy for patients to access clinical research as a care opportunity where patients can access a variety of standard care treatment options for their health condition or choose to participate in a clinical trial. To support pediatric cancer research in northern Nevada, indicate Renown Clinical Research on the donation form with Renown Health Foundation at renown.org/give. For more information about clinical trial opportunities available to you or to ask any questions, contact the Renown Clinical Research Office at Renown-CRD@renown.org or 775-982-3646.

Read More About Renown Children's Hospital Secures Crucial Funding in Support of Childhood Cancer Clinical Trials

Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) are proud to announce a newly integrated and expanded research space called the Clinical Research Center (CRC). This space offers a dynamic physical location on the University of Nevada, Reno campus that supports the UNR Med and Renown Health research enterprise. "The partnership between Renown Health and UNR Med truly knows no bounds, and this Clinical Research Center is an incredible example of that endless possibility,” said Thomas Graf, MD, interim CEO of Renown Health. “This new space will only continue to expand our community’s access to clinical research as part of patient care while providing the necessary resources to engage our students and support a healthy Nevada.” This space’s capabilities include experienced staff with knowledge and skills in operationalizing FDA and non-FDA regulated clinical and translational research studies in a centralized 5,470-square foot research clinic housed in the Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) at the University. This CRC space provides resources including: A centralized location next to the laboratory space that allows for strategic interdisciplinary collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists. Eleven private outpatient rooms for research clinic visits. Two blood draw stations. Physician consultation areas. Conference room for trial monitoring and consulting. Secure Investigational Product storage and preparation. Sample processing and storage, including countertop refrigerated centrifuges, 4°, -20° and -80° C refrigerators and freezers. Operations around clinical research are becoming more complex so growing clinical research in our community will require expertise and dedicated space where clinical research can be conducted in a learning environment first,” said Danielle Eaton, Director of Clinical Research with UNR Med and Renown Health. “This Clinical Research Center provides such space and experienced staff where these research studies can be successfully completed. The CRC provides a training environment for students, residents, faculty and clinical research professional work-force that will be needed to bring cutting edge diagnostics, therapeutics and preventatives to our community.” Meet the Team: Danielle Eaton, UNR Med Director of Clinical Research Kristen Gurnea, Renown Health Manager of Clinical Research Amber Emerson, UNR Med Project Manager Valerie Smith, UNR Med Center Administrative Manager Annie Beach-Hills, Gina Castro, Michelle Mejia and Amil Trujillo-King, UNR Med Study Coordinators Dr. John Westhoff, UNR Med Chair of Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Sean Kandel, UNR Med Associate Program Director for Resident Research, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine Dr. Amneet Rai, UNR Med Clinical research pharmacist Dr. Kellie Watkins, UNR Med Clinical Epidemiologist/Data Manager/Statistician As part of the affiliation between UNR Med and Renown Health, the Clinical Research Office is part of an integrated Office of Clinical Research, which allows both entities to collaborate on shared research program objectives. This effort allows colleagues to partner on clinical research, and to leverage bench-to-bedside research and delivery of leading-edge healthcare to northern Nevadans. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. About UNR Med   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.

Read More About Newly Expanded Clinical Research Center at UNR Med Fosters Collaboration and Research with Renown Health

Both organizations have a long history of community support, a reputation for exceptionally-trained physician and provider teams, innovative approaches that have improved access and convenience, superior levels of clinical quality and service, and a commitment to making health care more affordable.    “What an important day for orthopedic care in our community! This partnership brings together two organizations that have the vision to elevate care, expertise and innovation in orthopedics and sports medicine,” said Renny Uppal, MD, ROC President and Chairman. ”We are excited to help usher in the next generation of orthopedic care for our community.”    “We have worked closely with the Reno Orthopedic Clinic and its team of caregivers for a long time, and we recognize the excellent quality of care and compassion they provide to their patients,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., Renown’s President & CEO. “Given our mutual interests in advancing high-quality and high-value care, this partnership expands capabilities, enhances access and affordability, improves the health of our community and establishes a new premier destination for orthopedics and sports medicine, right here in northern Nevada.”   This partnership for orthopedic health care is the result of the unique collaborative relationship between Renown Health, Reno’s only not-for-profit health care system; and Reno Orthopedic Clinic, an independently-owned and operated, private multi-specialty orthopedic practice. This partnership brings together three key elements to serve the community with enhanced orthopedic care that includes:   A seamless patient journey. With the patient at the center, ROC and Renown will co-design the ideal orthopedic patient care experience, provide consistent clinical care pathways and a seamless experience.   Increased value for the patient. Working collaboratively, ROC and Renown healthcare providers will work on behalf of the patient to deliver orthopedic care. Both organizations are leading the way in providing exceptional care teams to increase value, efficiency, improve outcomes and better manage the total cost of care for patients.  A new level of convenience. Over the next year, ROC or Renown patients will be able to schedule appointments online, view radiology and lab results online, send a message to their provider or view documentation of procedures, surgeries and medications, 24 hours a day on Renown’s Epic MyChart electronic medical record, which is available via smart phone app or computer. This new technology will enhance communication between patients and their medical teams, reduce delays and increase efficiency.  “Both ROC and Renown have a focus on offering well-coordinated, innovative and efficient care, and an improved patient experience. There is great potential to improve quality, accessibility and affordability of orthopedic care for our community. We look forward to improving care together,” said Eric Boyden, MD, a physician with the ROC Center for Joint Replacement.   “Delivering high-quality, cost-effective services in the communities where our patients live is a fundamental part of Renown Health’s strategy. Traditionally, orthopedic surgeries were performed in hospitals, but advancements in technology, anesthesia and pain control now allow physicians to perform certain procedures in an outpatient site, or an ambulatory surgical center which can be a more convenient and cost-effective option, said Erik Olson, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center. “Our community is growing and we are seeing more complex care needs. Renown is excited to invest and expand the range of outpatient surgical services we have available.”  "Through this partnership, patients from throughout the region will visit us for the most advanced technologies in orthopedic care, and experience the remarkable customer service we provide,” says Lisa Mead, ROC CEO. “We are excited that this partnership will allow our orthopedic surgeons to perform surgeries in a range of settings, and to do what is best for the patient, be that in a hospital or an outpatient site.”   Reno Orthopedic Clinic, in response to the tremendous growth in the region, has been working over the last five years to create the $54 million dollar ROC Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, a new facility being built in downtown Reno. The combined strength of the new partnership will further develop the capabilities for this Institute which features a surgery center, advanced imaging center, clinical offices, physical therapy, a post-operative recovery center and the Chiron Center – a bio skills lab and education center, offering specialized training for future healthcare providers. The facility is on schedule to open at 555 North Arlington Avenue in winter 2020.   A member of the northern Nevada community for over 60 years, providing high-quality orthopedic care across eight offices, Reno Orthopedic Clinic brings to the relationship 31 physicians, 20 advanced practitioners, and 15 physical and occupational therapists specializing in orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, sports medicine and coverage in nearly every orthopedic subspecialty.   Renown Regional Medical Center is home to one of the nation’s busiest Trauma Centers, accredited by the American College of Surgeons, caring for thousands of people, the vast majority requiring some level of orthopedic care. With more than 150 years of excellence in orthopedics, the Joint Commission has given their Gold Seal of Approval® accreditation to Renown for Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement and Total Shoulder Replacement. US News & World Report ranks Renown South Meadows Medical Center as “High Performing” for Knee Replacement and Hip Replacement.  "With all of the pieces in place – top quality orthopedic specialty providers and one of the busiest trauma programs in the nation – we expect the ROC Institute for Musculoskeletal Health Center for Orthopedic Medicine will be a gift to those who live, work and play here in Nevada," said Ms. Mead.       www.renoortho.com/ www.renown.org

Read More About Reno Orthopedic Clinic and Renown Partner to Enhance Orthopedic Care for Northern Nevada

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 Dr. William 'Bill' Plauth, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health; Also Appointed Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs for UNR Med