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Renown Health, the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated academic health care system serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California is proud to announce the appointment of Alexander L. Ayzengart, MD, MPH, FACS, FASMBS, as the first robotic bariatric and gastroesophageal surgeon to be employed by the Department of Surgery.  “Dr. Ayzengart brings a wealth of expertise and experience, specializing in minimally invasive management of obesity, reflux, esophageal and stomach disorders, and select abdominal general surgical conditions,” says Rahul Mediwala, MD, MBA, CEO of Renown Medical Group. “We are committed to addressing the growing need for effective, long-term solutions for obesity, stomach disorders and related conditions. Dr. Ayzengart specializes in gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgeries, and provides personalized care for people struggling with obesity and its associated risks, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.”  Dr. Ayzengart is affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine as a clinical assistant professor of surgery and is involved with educational and research efforts through UNR. Dr. Ayzengart earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Ayzengart completed his general surgery residency at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. He completed subspecialty training in advanced laparoscopic, robotic, and bariatric surgery at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. He also served as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. As an active-duty general surgeon, Dr. Ayzengart was a staff surgeon at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Camp Pendleton and a department head at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan.  “Dr. Ayzengart has earned a national reputation for excellence in patient care, with a holistic approach that emphasizes not only surgical outcomes but also post-surgery support, nutrition, and lifestyle changes for long-term success,” says Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS, VP, Chairman Department of Surgery at Renown Health. “We are fortunate to have him on our team. The addition of bariatric surgery aligns with our mission to provide comprehensive and essential healthcare services to our growing community. Dr. Ayzengart is a superb clinician, skilled investigator and effective educator. His expertise is a critical resource for people looking to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling and active lives.”  Dr. Ayzengart is excited to join the Renown team and to serve the community. “I’m honored to be part of such a progressive and innovative healthcare organization that puts people first and prioritizes excellent care. Together, we will help individuals regain control of their health and overall well-being,” said Dr. Ayzengart.  Dr. Ayzengart’s clinical interests include bariatric, anti-reflux, gastroesophageal, and abdominal surgery. He is board-certified through the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is currently a vice president of the California / Nevada state chapter of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and previously served as a president-elect of the Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean state chapter. Dr. Ayzengart is a long-term committee member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), the American Foregut Society (AFS) and ASMBS.  He is widely recognized as an expert in the fields of bariatric and gastroesophageal surgery, having published numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and presented at a variety of regional, national, and international conferences. Dr. Ayzengart is bilingual in Spanish and Russian and is a trainer and mentor for other surgeons who are interested in adopting robotic surgery into their practice. Dr. Ayzengart’s Clinical Expertise Includes:  Metabolic bariatric surgery – adult, adolescent, and pediatric; revisional and primary;  Anti-reflux surgery, benign gastric and esophageal disorders, peptic ulcer disease;  Gastroesophageal cancer surgery and palliative surgery for obstruction of stomach and esophagus; Abdominal solid organ and small bowel surgery for variety of benign and malignant conditions;  Advanced therapeutic endoscopy for management of bariatric and foregut complications;  Robotic management of inguinal and certain abdominal incisional hernias. If you are a physician and would like to refer patients, or a person who wishes to be screened for surgery by Dr. Ayzengart, please contact Renown Surgery Care at 775-982-6270. Dr. Ayzengart sees patients at Renown Surgery at 1500 E 2nd St, Ste 300 in Reno, NV.  As the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center for adults and children, Renown serves over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center is named #1 Hospital for the State of Nevada for 2024, 2023 and 2022.    About the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine 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.     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Nationally Recognized Bariatric and Gastroesophagel Surgeon Joins Department of Surgery at Renown

Bringing essential services, hope and life-saving treatment to people with end-stage kidney disease. Renown Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Narisorn Atsava-Svate, MD, a distinguished transplant nephrologist. With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Atsava-Svate is recognized for his expertise in managing complex kidney conditions, pioneering innovative treatment methods and improving patient outcomes in the field of nephrology and kidney transplantation. Before joining Renown, Dr. Narisorn Atsava-Svate was a transplant nephrologist with INTEGRIS Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute, a leading solid organ transplant program based in Oklahoma City. While there, he helped build one of the largest and most experienced transplant programs in the U.S. and completed over 2070 kidney transplantations as part of a comprehensive team. Dr. Nate, as he likes to be called, received his medical degree from the oldest and largest medical school in Thailand, Siriraj Medical School/Mahidol University in Bangkok. He completed his ACGME accredited Internal Medicine Residency at Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas. He continued his education at the University of Colorado, completing both a general Nephrology and Advanced Nephrology fellowship specializing in Transplantation Nephrology. Dr. Atsava-Svate has a special interest in transplantation immunobiology and managing transplantation patients with high immunologic risk. As the first Transplant nephrologist at Renown Health, Dr. Nate is responsible for: Comprehensive Patient Care: Managing the care of kidney transplant patients before, during and after transplantation, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Innovative Research: Leading and participating in research initiatives aimed at advancing the field of transplant nephrology and improving patient outcomes. Collaborative Approach: Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians, nurses and support staff to provide personalized care for patients with end-stage renal disease. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Nate join our team," said Rahul Mediwala, MD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Renown Medical Group and a board-certified nephrologist. His extensive knowledge and dedication to transplant patient care is instrumental in bringing essential services to our region and ensuring the highest quality care for our community.” End-Stage Kidney Disease in Nevada and the Need for Transplantation Some people living with chronic kidney disease develop severe kidney damage and very low kidney function. If this condition progresses to the point where kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary for survival, the condition is called end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The American Kidney Fund, using the US Renal Data System 2020 annual Data, indicates 6,898 Nevada residents are living with ESRD. Kidneys are the most sought-after organ for transplantation. In Nevada, it is estimated that 523 people are currently on the kidney transplant waiting list. Many of them are northern Nevadans in need. Announcing the Renown Transplant Institute®, the First Kidney Transplant Program for Northern Nevada. As the only not-for-profit academic healthcare network in the state, Renown’s world-class team of medical experts join together with thousands of organ and tissue donors, financial donors and hundreds of residents currently on the kidney transplant waiting list to bring essential services, hope and life-saving treatment to people with end-stage kidney disease. Narisorn Atsava-Svate, MD, the region’s first transplant nephrologist, joins the esteemed Renown nephrology and surgical teams in providing comprehensive transplant services, including pre-transplant evaluation, surgical procedures, and post-transplant care, are all under one roof at Nevada’s #1 hospital, Renown Regional Medical Center in beautiful Reno, NV. Now, residents in need of advanced kidney treatment and transplantation will no longer need to endure long waits or seek residency or care in other states, which will help alleviate the financial, physical, and emotional burden for critically ill patients and their families. "A kidney transplant is the best life-saving option for people living with kidney disease. Our goal is that every eligible person who is seeking a kidney transplant receives one," says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. He adds, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the state of Nevada, the Nevada Donor Network, donors and community partners who have worked tirelessly to make the Renown Transplant Institute® a reality for so many. Together, we are paving the way for better health outcomes and a brighter future for those in need.” If you are a physician and would like to refer patients, or a person with end-stage kidney disease and wish to be screened for a kidney transplant by Dr. Narisorn Atsava-Svate, please contact the Nevada Transplant Institute® transplant coordinator at 1-833-RING-NTI (746-4684). More information can be found at the website nvtransplant.nvdonor.org, or email ntiinfo@nvtransplant.org. If you are a person seeking chronic kidney disease management; dialysis– at-home and in center; kidney failure management; kidney transplant management; kidney stone disease prevention; hypertension management; or polycystic kidney disease management, please schedule an appointment with Renown Medical Group-Kidney Care nephrologists at 775-982-5000.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Welcomes First Transplant Nephrologist to Region and Announces the Renown Transplant Institute

Renown’s Surgical Oncology team amongst the first to use HistoSonics' image guided histotripsy system to deliver non-invasive, personalized treatments for patients with liver tumors, thanks to a private donation. Watch this video to learn more about the technology.  Renown Health announced today that the first patients have received targeted liver tumor treatments through the Edison® System histotripsy technology, which uses focused ultrasound waves to noninvasively destroy a designated tissue or tumor in the liver. This revolutionary technology represents a significant advancement in providing leading-edge surgical care to patients. Renown joins the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins in being amongst the first in the country to offer this revolutionary non-invasive clinical procedure. Surgical oncologists Christos A. Galanopoulos MD, MBA, MSc, FACS; Nicholas Manguso, MD; and Randy Zuckerman, MD of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health, are amongst the first physicians in the world trained to perform the procedure which destroys both primary and metastatic liver tumors, including those that can’t otherwise be removed surgically. Renown’s multidisciplinary team includes surgical oncologists, radiologists, oncologists and nurses who collaborate to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.  “At Renown Health, we are constantly investing in our clinicians, essential services, and medical innovations to help keep care local,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “We are grateful to a generous local donor, who provided us with a $1.4-million private donation to help purchase the equipment, training and to establish one of the few histotripsy programs in the U.S. at Renown. This non-invasive technology is a game changer in helping our liver surgeons and surgical oncologists to target and destroy malignant tissue in patients with either liver cancer or tumors that have spread to the liver from cancers based elsewhere in the body. This means people can now stay close to home and loved ones, and no longer need to leave Nevada for this type of advanced care.”  “As a surgeon, it’s rewarding to offer a procedure where we can precisely destroy liver tumors without using a scalpel or needles, enabling a patient’s quick recovery while avoiding certain complications common with other modalities,” says Dr. Christos Galanopoulos, Chair, Department of Surgery at Renown Health, and one of the oncology surgeons trained to perform the HistoSonics procedure. “Histotripsy uses focused ultrasound waves to mechanically destroy targeted tissue, offering a promising alternative to traditional surgical methods. This non-invasive approach reduces recovery time, minimizes complications, and improves patient outcomes. We look forward to the role this innovative technology will have in our treatment plans going forward.”  Revolutionary Technology “Histotripsy is a novel form of therapeutic ultrasound that precisely targets and liquefies tissue without damaging surrounding structures,” says Dr. Randy Zuckerman, surgical oncologist at Renown. “The system works by sending out focused ultrasound to targeted areas of tissue. The ultrasound energy creates pressure in the targeted tumor causing naturally existing gas bubbles to rapidly expand and collapse, helping break down and liquefy the targeted tissue. The entire process—from pre-treatment planning to real-time visualization—is assisted by advanced imaging technologies. We are confident that histotripsy will have a meaningful impact for patients suffering from unresectable liver disease, including liver tumors, and we are excited to share this advancement with our patients and community.”  The HistoSonics Edison® System and histotripsy procedure allows for: Precision and Accuracy: Histotripsy targets only the tumor cells, sparing adjacent healthy tissue, which is particularly advantageous in treating tumors located near critical structures.  Non-Invasiveness: As a completely non-invasive procedure, histotripsy eliminates the need for incisions, resulting in less pain and potentially faster recovery times for patients.  Reduced Risk of Complications: With no need for surgical intervention, patients face a lower risk of infection, bleeding, and other post-operative complications commonly seen in more invasive procedures. Renown’s Commitment to Innovation “The introduction of histotripsy underscores Renown Health’s dedication to staying at the forefront of medical advancements,” says Bill Plauth, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “By continually investing in the latest technologies and treatment modalities, we can ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care - right here in Reno.” Clinical trial results recently shared by the company showed that physicians were able to achieve a technical success rate of 95.5% in targeting and destroying malignant tissue in 44 patients with either liver cancer or tumors that had spread to the liver from cancers based elsewhere in the body.  Thanks to the Generosity of Our Community  "Through the generosity of our community, we are working to provide the best expertise, technology and programs for our patients,” said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer, Renown Health Foundation. “As the only charitable, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare organization in Reno, we appreciate that our community has helped us further our healing mission."  For more information about supporting innovative clinical care at Renown Health, visit www.renown.org/Foundation. To schedule a new patient appointment with the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health at 1155 Mill St in Reno, NV, call 775-982-4000. To schedule a patient for the HistoSonics procedure, call Dr. Christos Galanopoulos’ office (Renown Surgical Care) at 775-982-6270.  For media interviews, contact news@renown.org or 775-691-7308.  The Edison® System is intended for the non-invasive mechanical destruction of liver tumors, including the partial or complete destruction of unresectable liver tumors via histotripsy. The FDA has not evaluated the Edison System for the treatment of any specific disease or condition. Use of Edison System in kidney applications is limited by federal law to investigational use.     About HistoSonics HistoSonics is a privately held medical device company developing non-invasive platforms and proprietary sonic beam therapy utilizing the science of histotripsy, a novel mechanism of action that uses focused ultrasound to mechanically destroy and liquify unwanted tissue and tumors. The company is currently focused on commercializing their Edison System in the US and select global markets for liver treatment while expanding histotripsy applications into other organs like kidney, pancreas, and others. HistoSonics has offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Minneapolis, MN.  About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Groundbreaking Historic Milestone: Renown Pioneers Histosonics Edison® System Delivering Histotripsy for Non-Invasive Liver Tumor Treatment

Under Kramer’s leadership, Renown Health and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine have become the first, not for profit, integrated academic health system for the state and embraced a People First culture.  Adam Kramer of Reno has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Trustee of the Year Award from the Nevada Hospital Association (NHA). Each year at the association’s annual meeting, the Nevada Hospital Association publicly acknowledges one trustee who exemplifies exceptional leadership professional excellence; outstanding achievements; innovative accomplishments and extraordinary compassion in caring for the community. “Adam Kramer has dedicated countless hours to ensuring the strategic direction and fiduciary responsibilities of governance are aligned with expanding Renown’s not-for-profit mission of providing exceptional healthcare for the state. His expertise and insights have been valuable in navigating the complex healthcare landscape, envisioning an academic affiliation with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and ensuring that Renown remains at the forefront of medical excellence and innovation. This and much more are what made him an excellent choice for this year’s award,” said Patrick Kelly, NHA’s President & CEO. “Adam Kramer serves as an advocate for the provision of high quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services, resulting in healthier Nevada communities for all.” Kramer was nominated by Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health, who wrote, “Under Adam’s leadership, the Board has flourished, embracing a culture of transparency, accountability and collaboration. Adam leads by example, inspiring board members and hospital leadership to strive for excellence and to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and financial acumen. Adam’s ability to foster a cohesive and motivated board has been instrumental in driving critical initiatives and making decisions that benefit 7,500 physicians and employees and serve a community of over a million people. Adam Kramer’s forward-thinking perspective has ensured that Renown Health is well positioned for the future, to meet challenges and opportunities and evolving to better serve our community. We are most appreciative to the Nevada Hospital Association for honoring his service.” “Adam Kramer’s dedication to service extends beyond the boardroom,” said Paul Harris, Chief Legal Officer for Renown Health. “He actively engages with staff, physicians, patients and community stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and a deeper understanding of the needs and aspirations of those we serve. Adam is a champion for People First, patient-centered care, and advocating for technology that enhances physician and patient experiences and outcomes. Adam has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment of time and talent to Renown Health over the last seven years through his service as a Board member, and the last three years as Chair of the Renown Health Board. We are very grateful for his extraordinary commitment.” “Adam’s positive energy, philanthropic efforts and volunteerism exemplify his commitment to improving technology, climate change and making a positive impact on the health and well-being of our community,” said Blake Smith, former Board Chair for Renown Health and leader of S3 Development. Blake Smith was the person who first suggested Adam join the Renown Board, over seven years ago, and attended Wednesday’s NHA award luncheon in support. “I’m honored by this nomination and pleased to serve alongside a dedicated team of board members, physicians, nurses and caregivers committed to improving healthcare for our community. This recognition from the Nevada Hospital Association is a testament to our collective efforts to ensure quality, compassion and innovation in patient care. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work. I see the lasting legacy we have created for such an excellent organization, and I am excited for the future direction of service,” said Kramer. In addition to serving as chair of the Renown board, Adam serves as Board Trustee, and Immediate Past Chair for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, where he has collaborated closely with the CEO and management team to facilitate the comprehensive transformation of the Reno Tahoe Airport, all included, with a total investment poised to exceed $1 billion upon completion. As president and CEO of nZero, Adam helps companies track and reduce their carbon footprint. Recently, Adam and his team worked to reduce emissions at Super Bowl LVIII and with the Raiders in Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas to positively impact the environment. Adam has held former positions as Executive Vice President of Strategy for Switch, the largest data center in the world. Under his leadership, Switch was honored by Greenpeace in 2017 as the sole data center provider to achieve a perfect sustainability score. Prior to that position, Adam served as Director of Entrepreneurship for Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, and owner of CPR Group advertising. Renown serves over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center has been named #1 in the State of Nevada for the last three years.     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Dedicated Community Visionary, Adam Kramer Honored by NV Hospital Association for Excellence and Improving the Health of Nevada

During September, Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Takesha Cooper shares her thoughts on how you can support others As we observe National Suicide Prevention Month this September, Renown Health and University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine reaffirm a commitment to addressing mental health challenges and preventing comprehensive support to those at risk of suicide. Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. Takesha Cooper, MD, MS, FAPA, Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine and Chief, Behavioral Health - Renown Health, Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute, underscores the importance of creating safe spaces, listening without judgement and reminding others that they are not alone in their fight. “I frequently engage in conversations about suicide, a topic that touches many aspects of my life and work. As a psychiatrist, I have the privilege of sitting with my patients as they share their painful suicidal thoughts, and I strive to create a space where they feel safe to express their feelings openly and withoutjudgment. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I share the concerns of parents who worry deeply about their teens’ overwhelming emotions, self-injury, and feelings of hopelessness. Together, we work on simply validating their child's experiences, even when the instinct as a parent is to try and 'fix' things. As a mother, I can’t help but think about my own children and their peers, many of whom are grappling with depression and anxiety, especially in the wake of the pandemic. And as a teacher of resident physicians, I guide my learners in recognizing the signs of suicide in their patients and ensuring they have the tools to offer support and safety.” Providing care and support has always been my priority, but I also recognize that mental health is a complex journey, and everyone faces unique struggles. My training, and a deep respect for what my patients have taught me, allow me to navigate difficult conversations about hopelessness, but I believe the most crucial part of my role is simply being present, listening without judgment, and reminding people that they're not alone in their fight.” As we observe Suicide Prevention Month this September, I am reminded of the profound impact that simply asking and listening can have. While it might seem that 'just listening' isn’t enough, it is often the very thing that helps our patients and loved ones feel truly seen and supported.” #988; #Talk about it; #Listen; #Suicide Prevention Reno is Home to One of the Top Psychiatry and Mental Health Programs in U.S. Recently honored by Becker's Healthcare as one of the top psychiatry and mental health programs in the U.S., the integrated team at the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown Health on 85 Kirman Avenue in Reno, has an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. The team of experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and nurses is dedicated to supporting you and your family through every step of your journey to wellness. Services Include: Personalized mental health care Psychological and psychiatric assessments Outpatient medication management and therapy for adults and youth Substance abuse treatment Individual, couples, family, and group counseling Medication management and treatment Appointments can be made by calling 775-982-2862. Other services include the SOAR early intervention treatment program for those experiencing their first episode of psychosis. A 24-hour crisis stabilization center will open in 2024 for adults with mental health or substance use issues. The Connect Washoe County mental health collaborative, part of the hospital’s community benefit program, hosts the Youth Mental Health Summit, with a number of interventions resulting in reduced use of street and prescription drugs, lower hospitalization rates due to opioid overdose, and fewer cases of intentional suicide mortality in youth. “We will continue to strive for excellence and address the diverse needs of individuals struggling with behavioral health issues, says Takesha Cooper, MD, Department Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. “Our team comprises skilled psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and support staff who collaborate to provide holistic and integrated care for our patients. As the region’s only not-for-profit health system, together with the support of grateful donors like Stacie Mathewson, we will continue to actively engage in outreach initiatives to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma and create a community that fosters healing and support.”   About the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine 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.      About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About UNR Med and Renown Chair of Psychiatry Talks About Asking, Listening and Reminding Others They Are Not Alone In Their Fight

The Renown Neurovascular and Stroke Program and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital teams provide expert emergency stroke care and comprehensive neurovascular care and rehabilitation services. The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Gold Plus awards for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care. Renown Health emergency, medical and surgical providers have received three American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® awards. These awards demonstrate commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatments according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines; reducing disabilities and increasing the number of lives saved.   Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the main cause of adult disability. Studies show patients recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. “A stroke is an extremely serious condition that requires emergent medical treatment. The faster treatment is provided, the lower the risk of brain injury. We are proud of our thousands of physicians, nurses and clinicians who consistently practice exceptional patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and consistent protocols to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help people live longer and better lives.” “As a participant in Get With The Guidelines programs, Renown qualified for the awards by demonstrating that physicians and clinicians across our integrated academic health system are committed to improving quality care for stroke patients,” said Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “If you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, call 911, as you need skilled medical care immediately. Stroke care focuses on helping people recover as much function as possible and return to independent living. The Renown Neurovascular and Stroke Program and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital teams provide expert emergency stroke care and comprehensive neurovascular care and rehabilitation services.” “We are incredibly pleased to recognize Renown Health for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and the northern Nevada community.”   Renown also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center/Comprehensive Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. “Renown Regional Medical Center is the only designated Comprehensive Stroke Center in northern Nevada,” says Benjamin Pence, DO, Director, Institute for Neurosciences at Renown. “This means that we have the highest level of certification to receive and treat patients with the most complex strokes. Our Institute for Neurosciences team is led by the area's top neurologists, who educate our UNR medical students and residents, as well as conduct research studies involving new ways of preventing, diagnosing, and managing neurological disorders. We care for patients suffering from nerve and brain disorders such as stroke, headache, epilepsy, cerebral aneurysms, and other acute conditions. We also monitor and develop treatment options for patients with memory, neurodegenerative, and movement disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson's Disease.” Renown Health also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital (within 60 minutes or less) and treatment for at least 85 percent of applicable patients. “It is an honor to be among the American Heart Association’s Stroke Honor Roll Elite award recipients,” said Bret Frey, MD, president of Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians Care teams at Renown Health. “We adhere to these rigorous guidelines daily and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring more people in northern Nevada receive leading emergency and trauma care and the gift of extended, healthier lives.” Renown Health also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll - Stroke award, ensuring patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke. This award is given to hospitals that qualify for the silver level or higher achievement award within the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke program and achieve an overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score of more than 80 percent.     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Nationally Recognized for Providing High-Quality Stroke Care With Three American Heart Association Recognitions

Renown Urgent Care and Emergency Room teams encourage you to stay safe. Urgent Care is available seven days a week at 10 locations across northern Nevada and Emergency Rooms 24/7.  Millions of people across the West live in areas where air pollution can cause serious health problems. Local air quality can affect our daily lives. Like the weather, it can change from day to day. Northern Nevada Public Health’s (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued an Air Quality Advisory due to the Davis Fire burning in southern Washoe County. Air monitors for the most region hit the “Moderate” range Saturday night, which is 151-200 on the Air Quality Index (AQI). That means some members of the public may experience health effects. All residents in impacted areas are encouraged to regularly monitor the air quality nearest them at www.airnow.gov and limit outdoor exposure when they see or smell smoke. Exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain, especially among sensitive individuals such as the elderly, children, people with asthma, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women and anyone who is exercising or working hard outdoors.   Aleise Whitlock, APRN, Section Chief for Renown Urgent Care advises that there are people more likely to be affected when fine particle pollution reaches an unhealthy level, including: People with asthma or breathing conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. People who have heart disease or high blood pressure. Children and older adults. People doing extended or heavy physical activity like playing sports or working outdoors. “Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy. Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your health care provider,” says Ms. Whitlock. “If you do not have a health care provider, we are happy to see you. Renown Urgent Care offices are on almost every corner, with providers ready to see you.” She advises to take it easy and listen to your body, and: Limit, change, or postpone your physical activity level. Drink plenty of water.  Stay away from local sources of air pollution like busy roads and wood fires. Use a damp cloth or mask to reduce smoke inhalation if you must go outside. If you have asthma or other breathing conditions like COPD keep your relief/rescue inhaler with you. People with asthma should review and follow guidance in their written asthma action plan. Make an appointment to see your health provider to be sure you have an asthma action plan. When to Visit the Emergency Department Bret Frey, MD, President, Western Emergency Physicians and Renown Health Emergency Departments, says, “Seek emergency care if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms due to smoke exposure: Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing-If breathing becomes labored or painful, you cannot catch your breath even after resting, this may be a sign of serious respiratory distress. Chest pain or tightness- Any discomfort in the chest, particularly if it is associated with breathing, should be evaluated immediately.  Persistent coughing or wheezing- If a cough doesn’t improve or worsens, or if you develop wheezing, you should seek emergency medical attention.  Confusion, dizziness or fainting- These can be signs of oxygen deprivation, and immediate care is critical. Bluish lips or face- A clear indicator that oxygen levels are dangerously low and emergency medical treatment is needed.  Burns or smoke inhalation from a fire- Individuals who have been exposed to fire, or smoke in a confined space, should be evaluated for potential lung damage and other complications.  “Even just one hour of smoke exposure can affect our lungs and hearts, and these consequences can reach people far beyond the direct area endangered by the fire. Children, older adults, pregnant women, people with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease, communities of color, economically disadvantaged communities, and people with preexisting chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and obesity are all especially vulnerable to the air pollution that wildfires cause," says Dr. Frey. Renown Urgent Care provides treatment for a wide range of minor injuries, illnesses and medical concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening, that require same-day medical attention and are more affordable than the emergency room at 10 convenient sites, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, USA Parkway, Fallon and Fernley. You can walk-in or book ahead online at www.renown.org.  Emergency Care If you have an emergency, call 911. The Renown Regional Emergency Room and Renown Children’s Emergency Room, located at 1155 Mill St, Reno, NV, are equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies, and Regional is the only Level II Trauma Center between Sacramento and Salt Lake City. Renown South Meadows Emergency Room is located at 10101 Double R Blvd, Reno, NV 89521. Wait times for triage are generally less than 15 minutes and can be viewed here. The dedicated team is ready to provide immediate attention with empathy and professionalism 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.      About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Where There is Smoke; There May Be Headaches, Nausea and Coughing

Northern Nevada Sierra Medical Center (Reno, NV) closed their inpatient pediatric unit for infants and children on June 1. This follows the 2022 decision by St Mary’s Medical Center (also in Reno) to close their 24-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and 18-bed pediatric floor in addition to eliminating maternity and birthing services. Why Are Hospitals Closing Pediatric Units? “Across the nation, pediatric units are being shuttered in favor of more lucrative units for adult care,” writes Brenna Miller, a Health Communications Specialist at the Lown Institute in her blog, Pediatrics and Profits: Why children’s hospital units are closing (Dec. 2022). “Why is pediatrics a drain on hospital finances? One reason is reimbursement. Medicaid, the state-run health insurance program for low-income patients, covers more than one third of children in the US, and Medicaid reimbursement rates are typically lower than those from other insurers.” The New York Times also reported a nationwide wave of hospitals shutting down their pediatric units in favor of more profitable adult units. “Adult beds are more lucrative than children’s beds. So as institutions look to boost profit margins, pediatrics is often among the first services to be cut,” said Emily Baumgaertner, Oct. 11, 2022. “The decline of local access to children’s inpatient care began over a decade ago and accelerated during the pandemic. Between 2008 and 2018 — the most recent national data available — pediatric inpatient units in the United States decreased almost 20 percent, and nearly a quarter of children found themselves farther from their nearest pediatric unit.” Northern Nevada Health System and St. Mary’s Medical Center are owned by for-profit investor companies, Universal Health Services, Inc., and Prime Healthcare. Renown Children’s is Here for You and Your Child “Renown is focused on meeting the community’s need for essential services, offering peace of mind knowing that any time, day or night, kids can get sick, and when they do, we are here to care for them, says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, president & CEO, Renown Health. “Renown is owned by our community, not by stockholders or private investors. We are a charitable, not-for-profit organization supported by grateful patients and donors. We are proud that 100% of our earnings are reinvested in programs, people, and equipment to improve the health of our community. We are investing in high quality health care for children; recruiting and training the next generation of physicians, nurses, and clinicians; and enhancing the quality of life for generations to come.” “At Renown Children’s, we offer a full range of pediatric services- both inpatient and outpatient,” says Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP, Chair of Pediatrics (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital. “Our hospital services include a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, Children’s Emergency Room (open 24/7), Pediatric ICU (PICU), children’s imaging center and a Level III neonatal ICU (NICU) within Renown Regional Medical Center. We also have a team of dedicated pediatricians who specialize in caring for children from birth to young adulthood. This includes preventative care such as annual checkups, immunizations, developmental screenings, and nutrition and physical activity counseling. Whether you're a new parent or an experienced caregiver, we're here to support you and your child every step of the way.” In addition to providing comprehensive OB/GYN and birthing services, Renown Health has invested in and expanded their team of dedicated pediatricians and support staff to ensure your child receives the best care possible in the highest quality facilities. New Neonatal Intensive Care Unit The Wilbur D. May Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is located on the fifth floor of the Tahoe Tower at Renown Regional Medical Center. This special floor was designed to provide advanced care for 49 premature babies and newborns. As the only level III NICU in the region, Renown’s team of neonatologists, nurses, and specialists provides around-the-clock care for premature and sick infants, ensuring the highest standard of care.   New Pediatric Intensive Care Unit The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Children's Hospital provides specialized care for critically ill patients ranging from newborns to young adults, primarily those under eighteen. These team cares for a variety of conditions, including respiratory issues, infections, genetic and metabolic disorders, traumas, accidents, and post-surgical recovery. A dedicated team of pediatric intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, and other professionals ensure that our most fragile children receive the attention and compassionate care they deserve. Pediatrics Specialties & Services  Over 50 Pediatricians and Pediatric Clinicians provide care in the following areas. Appointments can be scheduled via MyChart or by calling Renown at 775-982-5437.  Adolescent Medicine Child Life Program Children's Fractures Children's Hand Treatments Clubfoot & Foot Disorders Hip Disorders Limb Deformity Neuromuscular Diseases & Syndromes Pediatric Behavioral Health Pediatric Cardiology Pediatric Care Pediatric Endocrinology Pediatric Gastroenterology Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Pediatric Hospital Medicine Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Pediatric Nephrology Pediatric Neurology Pediatric Ophthalmology Pediatric Orthopedics Pediatric Pulmonology Pediatric Sedation Services Pediatric Sports Medicine Pediatric Surgery Pediatric Urology Safe Kids Washoe County Scoliosis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Renown Children’s Hospital is supported by grateful patients and donors. Secure a brighter future for local children by donating to the Renown Health Foundation at 775-982-5545 or at renown.org/About/Renown-Health-Foundation.     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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.

Read More About As Second Northern NV Hospital Closes Pediatrics Unit, Renown Children’s Hospital Expands to Meet Community Need for Essential Services

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation technology (ECMO) for patients with severe heart or respiratory failure is now available locally thanks to a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust  Renown Health, the Level II Trauma Center for the region and the leader in offering the most innovative treatments for critically ill adults and children, is now home to northern Nevada’s first and only comprehensive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program.  The ECMO machines arrived at the Cardiac ICU at Renown Regional Medical Center this week, and the multidisciplinary team of highly specialized physicians, Critical Care intensivists, Cardiovascular surgeons, perfusionists, registered nurses and therapists are ready to provide minute-by-minute support for patients receiving ECMO treatment. The multidisciplinary ECMO team includes pharmacists and respiratory therapists who are ready to receive their first patient. “At Renown Health, we are constantly investing in our clinicians, essential services, and medical innovations to help keep care local. Access to health care—both preventive care and advanced treatment—is critical for a community’s well-being and optimal health,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “We are incredibly grateful for the Helmsley Charitable Trust and their $3.5-million grant to help establish the first ECMO program for the region at Renown. ECMO saves lives. Neighbors in need of ECMO life-support can now stay close to home and loved ones, and no longer need to be transported to facilities outside our area for this type of advanced care.” What is ECMO? “ECMO is a life support technology for patients with the most severe heart and lung illnesses,” explains Richard King, MD, FACEP Division Chief- Critical Care Medicine at Renown Health and Co-Medical Director of the ECMO program. “At Renown, our technology allows a patient's heart and lungs to heal and recover from illnesses, diseases, and injuries the body has sustained. The ECMO machine is a portable life-support system used for severe cases of heart and lungfailure. The ECMO procedure provides minimally invasive heart-lung bypass support outside of the body. The machine then removes carbon dioxide from the patient’s blood and adds oxygen. Basically, ECMO serves as your heart and lungs, supplying blood with oxygen and pumped back into the body, allowing your own organs to rest and to help the impaired function.” Why is ECMO important in saving lives?  “This state-of-the-art procedure can save lives in cases that otherwise would offer little chance of survival and can act as a bridge to those needing heart or lung transplants,” says Dr. Kimball Knackstedt, Cardiovascular surgeon, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, and Co-Medical Director of the ECMO program. “ECMO can be a game changer and a last resort for patients with severe heart and lung conditions. The procedure isn’t for everyone. ECMO requires anticoagulation, so a common complication is bleeding. This makes the therapy complex for trauma patients who often have life threatening heart and lung failure but due to severe bleeding, cannot utilize ECMO. We look forward to providing care for patients who are too unstable for transport and who could die before receiving needed care.” "Renown Health serves more than one million patients in a 100,000-square mile reach across Nevada, Lake Tahoe and eastern California. The Helmsley Charitable Trust grant to the Renown Health Foundation will help give severe respiratory distress and cardiogenic shock patients a greater chance of survival and lessen the need for risky and lengthy transfers out of the community,” said Taralynn Bassham, BSN, Director of Nursing, Critical Care. “This investment in critical life support technology enables the best chance of survival for our patients suffering severe heart and/or lung failure during their most critical moments. This is truly a gift of life for many.”  ECMO programs growing across the U.S.  ECMO technology was developed in the late 1960s by a team led by Robert H. Bartlett, MD. Its main purpose was to serve as a long-term “bypass machine” to support the lungs or heart, which was not feasible at that time with conventional bypass machines. ECMO was first used successfully in 1971 by a patient with severe lung dysfunction after a motorcycle accident. In 1976, it was also used successfully for a baby who had severe lung injury from meconium aspiration, which led to increased use in the pediatric population. In 2009, ECMO was used worldwide in the treatment of severe lung failure during the H1N1 influenza pandemic. More than 100 new ECMO programs were launched in the U.S. in the last 3-5 years. Today, there are 6,120 hospitals in the U.S. and only 300 to 400 with ECMO programs according to the American Medical Association.  “We are launching our ECMO program with the capability to support up to 2 patients simultaneously for the first 1-2 years and aim to eventually perform 40 cases annually,” said Rob Blamire, Enterprise Project Manager for Renown. “Initially, we will focus on adult patients and later expand to include pediatric care. Depending on a patient’s needs, ECMO support varies from several days to weeks. The entire Renown team takes immense pride in introducing this leading-edge life support technology to our community, benefiting area patients and their families.”  What conditions may ECMO support help treat? There are several conditions extracorporeal life support can aid in treating, such as: Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); Burns (smoke inhalation); Cardiogenic shock; Heart attack; Respiratory failure; Myocarditis; Pulmonary embolism;Sepsis; and as a “bridge” to transplant. Supported by Innovative ECMO Concepts  “We appreciate the partnership with the team at Innovative ECMO Concepts, a leading provider of ECMO who specialize in providing support for launching and refining ECMO programs,” said Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health, and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. "From initial consultation to working bedside, staff training, and ongoing program evaluation, IEC’s comprehensive approach has ensured seamless integration and optimal outcomes for patients. “We are proud to help set a new standard in patient care and safety in northern Nevada through Renown’s ECMO program,” comments Dr. John Mehall, Chief Medical Officer at IEC. “This achievement is a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for patients requiring ECMO therapy.” Thank you to The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust "This life-support procedure would not be possible without the generosity of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The Trust's ongoing support for Renown Health and our community helps us further our healing mission," said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer, Renown Health Foundation. If you are a hospital or referring provider and want more information about our ECMO program, please contact the Renown Operations & Transfer Center.  For media interviews, contact news@renown.org or 775-691-7308. About Renown Health  Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center for adults and children, 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 Groundbreaking Historic Milestone: ECMO Program for Region's Critically Ill Patients Now Available at Renown Health

Clinical researchers with the Healthy Nevada Project co-author research paper with findings that emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 39 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment and detection. In Nevada there are an estimated 2,310 new breast cancer cases a year, and genetic mutations such as in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 remain a top risk factor for this prevalent disease. Recognizing the urgency for progress in breast cancer research, a collaborative effort between physicians, advanced practice providers and scientists from the Healthy Nevada Project® (HNP) and Helix have unveiled groundbreaking research. This study explores how genetic screenings are a necessary supplement to traditional testing methods, together offering more accurate insights into a patient's likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. HNP is operated by Renown Genomic Medicine and the Institute for Health Innovation and is one of the largest community-based population health studies in the country. Their team works in collaboration with Helix, a leader in precision health that delivers comprehensive genomic solutions. Together, this dynamic partnership aims to understand breast cancer risk factors and pave the way for more effective preventative measures. The combined research team studied 25,591 female HNP participants to evaluate the performance of different genetic screening approaches to identify women at high risk of breast cancer. The results of this research suggest that a combined monogenic, or single-gene, and polygenic, or multi-gene, approach to breast cancer screenings helped produce more accurate results and more closely identify study participants who have a high genetic risk of developing the disease. "Based on this research, we are advocating a shift in approach which would improve breast cancer risk assessment through a combination of effective family history ascertainment and genetic screening,” said Joseph Grzymski, PhD, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project, research professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “This tailored approach, founded on the assessment of individual genetic risk, not only intends to elevate patient well-being but also will improve efficiency and equity in healthcare." Complementing the team’s research on leveraging genetics to identify women at low genetic risk of breast cancer that could safely defer mammogram screenings by five to 10 years that was released in late 2023 in JAMA Oncology, the study suggests that incorporating genetic information can assist in personalizing breast cancer screenings and optimizing the use of screening resources. "Existing disparities persist across various facets of breast cancer screening and treatment; however, genetic screening is clearly a powerful tool to help facilitate early intervention for those at higher risk,” said Jamie Schnell Blitstein, APRN, a primary care nurse practitioner at Renown Health and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “By placing a heightened focus on risk, we underscore the pivotal role of preventative breast cancer screening.” Despite the availability of effective methods for early screening, co-authors of this research found that 78 percent of women with a family history of breast cancer had their risk ascertained only after a breast cancer diagnosis. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  “These findings that can profoundly impact how healthcare is delivered were only made possible by all the participants who were willing to consent to research,” said Alex Bolze, PhD from Helix and co-author of the publication. “Broad-scale collaboration projects like these between Renown Health and UNR that engage large populations where participants share both their genetic information as well as electronic health records drive advancements in preventative medicine, as well as fundamental biological research.”   The research paper was officially accepted on Jan. 29, 2024, and will be published by Elsevier, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The contents of the paper will appear in the international journal Genetics in Medicine Open. Read the full article by visiting sciencedirect.com. The Healthy Nevada Project is currently recruiting new study participants. Free to all Nevadans with a saliva sample or blood draw, participants and their referring providers receive access to whole-exome sequencing and clinical grade results that help provide insight into their unique genetic risks tied to heart disease and certain cancers. If you are interested in enrolling in the study, schedule a Virtual Consent Appointment through MyChart or contact the Renown Institute for Health Innovation at RenownIHI@renown.org or (775) 982-6914 to be connected to a Genomic Representative. 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 largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers. About Helix Helix is the leading population genomics and viral surveillance company operating at the intersection of clinical care, research, and data analytics. Helix enables health systems, life sciences companies, payers, and government partners to accelerate the integration of genomic data into patient care and public health decision-making. Learn more at helix.com.

Read More About Research Shows Genetic Approaches to Breast Cancer Screenings Yield More Accurate Results

Semanas después de que la única farmacia abierta las 24/7 de la semana en Reno-Sparks anunciara que ya no estaría abierta durante la noche, Renown da un paso adelante para satisfacer las necesidades de la comunidad, ofreciendo la tranquilidad de saber que en cualquier momento, de día o de noche, las personas pueden tener acceso a sus medicamentos esenciales en la farmacia del primer piso del hospital Renown.   Reno, Nev. (24 de abril del 2024) – Renown Health se complace en anunciar que a partir del lunes 29 de abril, Renown Pharmacy de la calle Pringle ampliará su horario para servir como la única farmacia abierta las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana en el área para atender a todos los clientes. La farmacia Renown ubicada dentro del Renown Regional Medical Center llenará el vacío que quedó en la comunidad después de que Walgreens en N. Virginia Street en Reno anunciara que ya no operará en un horario 24/7.   El acceso “a todas horas” a la farmacia de Renown permitirá a los pacientes después del alta de cualquier hospital del área la posibilidad de obtener sus medicamentos recetados en cualquier momento, además de otorgar a todos los miembros de la comunidad la oportunidad de recoger sus recetas cuando sea más conveniente para ellos.   "Estamos orgullosos de poder dar un paso adelante para brindar acceso las 24 horas del día a medicamentos y servicios de atención médica esenciales para nuestra comunidad que esta en crecimiento", dijo Brian Erling, MD, MBA, Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de Renown Health. “Entendemos la importancia de la accesibilidad a los medicamentos y al apoyo en cuanto la atención médica, especialmente en momentos de necesidad urgente. Nuestra decisión de operar nuestra farmacia las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, refleja nuestro compromiso de atender las necesidades de nuestra comunidad y garantizar que las personas tengan un acceso conveniente a la atención que necesitan, día y noche”.  “Nos sentimos profundamente agradecidos por los años de dedicado servicio farmacéutico que Walgreens ha ofrecido en Reno-Sparks. Hoy, con gran entusiasmo, anunciamos que Renown expandirá este legado, proporcionando a nuestra comunidad acceso a medicamentos recetados todos los días, a cualquier hora", expresóAdam Porath, Pharm.D., BCACP, BCPS, FASHP, Vicepresidente de Servicios de Farmacia de Renown Health. "Con nuestros servicios farmacéuticos disponibles 24/7, aspiramos a ofrecer paz y seguridad a nuestros clientes y a la comunidad en general, asegurándoles que pueden contar con nosotros en cualquier momento, ya sea de día o de noche, para cubrir sus necesidades de medicamentos y recibir asesoramiento experto en la gestión de sus tratamientos. Nuestro equipo de farmacéuticos y técnicos, altamente capacitados, está listo y deseoso de servir a nuestra comunidad desde Renown Pharmacy en el Renown Regional Medical Center, a partir del lunes 29 de Abril”.  “En tiempos de enfermedad, el acceso oportuno a los medicamentos es crucial para un tratamiento eficaz y una recuperación rápida. Ya sea que se trate de controlar enfermedades crónicas o abordar síntomas agudos, cumplir con los cronogramas de medicamentos prescritos puede afectar significativamente los resultados de salud”, dijo Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Director Médico de Renown. “Creemos que al ampliar el horario de nuestra farmacia, podemos apoyar mejor la salud y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad, asegurando que reciban la atención que merecen cuando más la necesitan. Invitamos a nuestra gente a aprovechar nuestra farmacia y experimentar la conveniencia y confiabilidad de nuestros servicios 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana”.  Renown Pharmacy - Pringle está convenientemente ubicada en el primer piso del Renown Regional Medical Center en Reno. Renown Pharmacy está cerca de Starbucks y se especializa en productos farmacéuticos difíciles de encontrar a costos más bajos, como ciertos medicamentos que normalmente no se encuentran en otras tiendas minoristas.  Puede transferir sus recetas a cualquiera de las tres farmacias de Renown llamando a la ubicación más conveniente y permitiendo que nuestro personal farmacéutico experto complete el proceso. Además, puede solicitar resurtidos y verificar el estado de su receta en la aplicación MyChart. Renown Pharmacy-Pringle, 75 Pringle Way: 775-982-7737  Renown Pharmacy-South Meadows, 10101 Double R Blvd.: 775-982-5366  Renown Pharmacy-Locust, 21 Locust St.:  775-982-5280  Para obtener información completa sobre farmacias, visite: renown.org/pharmacy.  Renown Health continúa expandiéndose y contratando puestos clínicos en demanda, incluyendo puestos en Renown Pharmacy. Visite renown.org/careers para obtener más información.  Acerca de Renown Health  Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada más grande de la región, administrada localmente y sin fines de lucro, que sirve a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,400 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación que se ha mantenido a lo largo de los años. La organización está conformada de un centro de trauma, dos hospitales de cuidados intensivos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias, además de una compañía de seguros para la comunidad, sin ánimo de lucro y administrada localmente, Hometown Health. Para más información, visite es.renown.org.

Read More About Ante La Falta De Una Farmacia 24 Horas Al Día, 7 Días A La Semana En Nuestra Comunidad: Renown Pharmacy-Pringle Abrirá 24/7 A Partir Del 29 De Abril

Wearing headphones or earbuds is a daily activity for many of us. Listening to music, podcasts, meetings, phone calls; there are endless reasons to stick them in or on your ears. However, if your ears start to feel plugged, full; or you feel dizzy, lightheaded or hear ringing in your ears; you may be experiencing ear wax build up where your ear canals become blocked and affect your hearing. If you’ve tried to clean your ears (please don’t use Q-Tips®), but still have symptoms, pain, or hearing loss, it’s time to see your physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or visit Renown Urgent Care. “Ear wax isn’t dirty. It’s normal,” says Ryan Bristol, APRN, Advanced Practitioner of Nursing at Renown Urgent Care. “Ears are self-cleaning miracles, and naturally clean themselves with the help of jaw movement and skin migration. However, wearing headphones or earbuds for hours blocks earwax from naturally draining from the ear. Additionally, the dirt and bacteria that these headphones often carry can cause an infection on their own, and earwax buildup can trap dirt in the ear and block the canal completely. The snug fit of headphones can create a conducive environment for the accumulation of ear wax. It's crucial for individuals to be mindful of this and take necessary precautions to prevent complications." “Individuals experiencing symptoms such as ear pain, decreased hearing, or a sensation of fullness in the ears are encouraged to seek evaluation and treatment at their nearest urgent care facility,” says Rahul Mediwala, MD, CEO of Renown Medical Group. “By addressing ear wax build-up promptly, individuals can mitigate the risk of complications and maintain optimal ear health. Fortunately, prompt, pain-free and effective treatment is available at Renown Urgent Care. We offer professional ear wax removal procedures performed by trained staff, providing relief to those experiencing discomfort or hearing impairment due to excessive ear wax build-up.” The experts at Renown Health gave us some background. What is ear wax and why is it healthy? Ear wax is a protective substance called sebum made of fat, skin cells and sweat. Ear wax is produced by glands in the ear canal. It helps protect the ear from germs and dirt and prevents the sensitive skin of the ear canal from becoming irritated. It is normal and healthy to have a thin lining of ear wax on the canal. Ear wax will sometimes accumulate and move to the outer ear canal, where it would typically fall out or be wiped away. This is also normal. When should I seek care? An ear canal has too much wax if the ear feels plugged or hearing is affected. The accumulation of wax happens very gradually, so ears do not necessarily feel waxy. The problem is usually noticed because of changes in hearing. Over the counter remedies may offer relief. However, in some cases, the earwax has built up or become impacted, and ears need to be treated. What is the treatment? At Renown Urgent Care, we offer professional ear wax removal procedures performed by trained staff, providing relief to those experiencing discomfort or hearing impairment due to excessive ear wax build-up. Wax is flushed from the ear canal using a syringe filled with warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Most patients find the procedure is fast, pain free and effective. How can I prevent earwax buildup from headphones and ear buds? Most people who wear headphones or use earbuds occasionally or intermittently don’t have difficulties with excessive ear wax. Wax accumulation also depends on the size of the ear canals and the productivity of the oil glands in the ear canal. You can choose to use over the ear headphones. If you prefer to use in-ear headphones, the best modes of excess ear wax prevention are to: Clean headphones and earbuds regularly with a cloth or disinfectant wipes; Avoid sharing headphones or earbuds with other people; Take breaks from headphones and earbuds so ears can breathe and get back to normal; Pay attention to your ear health. Should we talk about Q-tips? Yes! Q-tips (and similar products) are rarely helpful for managing ear wax. The cotton on the end of the Q-tip is usually unable to pull the wax out of the canal. Worse, they can push the wax deep inside the ear canal, and it can end up impacted. Where should I seek care? Individuals experiencing symptoms such as ear pain, decreased hearing, or a sensation of fullness in the ears are encouraged to seek evaluation and treatment at a medical facility. By addressing ear wax build-up promptly, individuals can mitigate the risk of complications and maintain optimal ear health. Renown Urgent Care sees patients 365 days a year for medical concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening at many locations across northern Nevada. Book ahead to reserve a time slot at one of our ten urgent care locations. If you do not see time slots that work for you, you can still go to any location that has "walk-ins available" listed. For more information, or to book an appointment, go to renown.org/Health-Services/Urgent-Care. Renown Health is the region’s locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,200 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.

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