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We plan for the birth of a child, weddings and retirement, but rarely do we discuss how we want to be cared for at the end of our lives. Getting through this challenging conversation and completing an Advance Directive can give you peace of mind that your loved ones will not have to make difficult choices on your behalf. The best time to complete an Advance Directive is now – don’t wait until a life-limiting illness or crisis occurs to discuss your views about end-of-life care and to learn what choices are available. By preparing in advance, you can help reduce the doubt and anxiety related to decision-making for your family if you cannot speak for yourself. What are Advance Directives? An Advance Directive is a document that states your choices about medical treatment and names another person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. This document allows you to make legally valid decisions about future medical care.  “Completing your Advance Directive is a gift you give your family,” says Director of Palliative Care, Mary-Ann Brown RN, MSN. “The stress associated with these difficult decisions is decreased if everyone knows what is important to you and what you want at the end of life.”

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

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Physiatry (fi-zahy-uh-tree), also referred to as physical medicine and rehabilitation, encompasses the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disabilities or injuries related to the brain, nerves, bones and muscles. The goal of this specialty is to maximize physical functioning, greatly decrease or eliminate pain, foster independence and improve quality of life for those suffering with a disability, chronic pain and physical impairments. Who Is It for? Physiatry can help patients with functional deficits and secondary medical conditions as a result of the following: Amputation Brain Injury Osteoarthritis Spasticity and Movement Disorders Spinal Cord Injury Spine Pain Sports-Related Injuries Stroke Some of these medical conditions can often cause chronic pain or impede physical functioning, ultimately affecting a person’s overall well-being and making it difficult for them to sustain a desired quality of life.

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Grab your skis, goggles, coat – and don’t forget that helmet. Skiing and snowboarding are fun activities for all ages but come with the risk of injury. Read on for tips to make it a safe day on the mountain. Daydreaming about your next trip to the slopes? We talked to Jared Worchel, DO, about his top tips for gearing up. Get the Gear Before you head out to ski or snowboard, make sure you have all your gear ready and in good condition. Everything should fit correctly so that it keeps you as safe as possible. Wearing proper gear will also help keep you warm. Items to check on before you head out include: Boots Bindings Goggles Poles Helmet Outwear Gloves Pack water and snacks in case the drive takes longer than you except due to weather or traffic. You’ll also want to make sure that your cell phone is fully charged before you head out in case you need to contact friends of staff for help while on the mountain.  Helmet, Helmet, Helmet Having a helmet that fits correctly is the most important thing you can do to prepare for a safe day on the mountain. According to a National Ski Areas Association study, helmet use has increased over the last 15 years, with 80 percent of skiers and snowboarders using helmets. Schubert would like to see that number increase to 100 percent. “If you have a head injury it could take you out for the rest of your life,” Dr. Worchel said. “The most important things to think about when fitting a helmet are making sure that it really fits you appropriately. You want to go into a store and try on as many different helmets as they have available. I know it’s tempting to buy one online, but you’re never going to know if it fits correctly.” If you are in an accident, your helmet’s fit can help protect you. Dr. Worchel has some tips on fitting: A helmet should fit low and snug over the head. Make sure that the helmet doesn’t wiggle or feel loose. Look for a model that has adjustability in the back, which will help you make sure it fits snugly. F ind a helmet with a chin strap that will help it stay in place throughout the day.

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Urology Care Renown Urology care diagnoses and treats conditions related to the bladder, kidney, prostate and reproductive organs. When medicine, lifestyle changes and other non-surgical treatments don't cure painful urological conditions, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive robotic surgery.  Conditions we treat: Kidney stones Difficulties with urination Sexual dysfunction Family planning Cancer care Urological Conditions Commonly Treated with Robotic Surgery With robotic surgery, a few incisions are made to repair your urological condition instead of large, open incisions. Patients experience reduced operating time, quicker recovery and less pain after surgery compared to traditional and laparoscopic surgery. Bladder cancer Kidney cancer Prostate cancer

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Kick off 2024 with us as we celebrate the team behind our very own Renown Health Foundation!  When you visit Renown Health, you take a look around and can’t help but notice the robust programs in place. You look left and see our thriving Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Renown, making a lasting impact on pediatric healthcare in our region. You look right and see the advanced William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, providing leading-edge treatments right here in our community. You look around you and notice an influx of smiling nurses from the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) who receive tuition assistance, thanks to generous donations to the Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic Practice Partnership. Then, you think to yourself: “These programs must need a lot of money and support. So, how on earth is this all possible?”  What you may not know is that these programs are funded by the generosity of our community, all made possible by the work of Renown Health Foundation. As the largest not-for-profit health system in northern Nevada, our mission to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of everyone we serve flourishes because of the donations, sponsorships, endowments and more that our Foundation brings in from philanthropists all over the region.  Making It Happen  The reach of Renown Health Foundation has proven to be virtually limitless, with a clear focus on supporting and raising funds for programs and initiatives that enhance the lives of our patients and their families, all for the betterment of our community for years to come.  Under their growing umbrella, the dedicated team at the Foundation makes miracles happen through administering a wide range of philanthropic programs, including: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), a nonprofit organization that supports the health of 10 million children in the U.S. and Canada every year. Renown Children’s Hospital is proudly recognized as a member of CMNH. Gerald "Jerry" Smith Academic Practice Partnership, a partnership between Renown Health and the UNR Orvis School of Nursing to provide 24 nursing students a year with full-ride tuition assistance and a guaranteed career in nursing at Renown. Fianna’s Healing Garden, a healing garden bringing serenity to all at Renown Regional Medical Center, built from the vision of Fianna Dickson Combs. Miracles at Montreux Golf Tournament, an annual golf tournament that takes place at Montreux Golf & Country Club and consistently raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for Renown Children’s Hospital. A full slate of individual giving programs, including Legacy Giving, Employee Giving and Leadership Giving.  But it doesn’t stop there – the Foundation is helping our health system build more ways to care for our community by securing major gifts to fund advanced healthcare facilities and innovative healthcare solutions:  William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, the premier oncology institute in the region providing a large array of personalized cancer care services, including Medical Oncology, Infusion Services, Clinical Research and more. Renown Institute for Robotic Surgery, offering the latest advancements in surgical technology with robotic-assisted surgeries, which ensure precision, faster recovery and improved outcomes. Sophie’s Place, a state-of-the-art music therapy room currently in construction at Renown Children’s Hospital. This new space will be specially designed for children and their loved ones to enjoy the healing power of music and engage in the arts. Conrad Breast Center, the latest addition to the planned Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Medical Center which will include breast imaging, infusion and surgery services along with a wellness center. Jeanne and Raymond Conrad donated a $5 million lead gift to support this important project and the Foundation team is currently working to raise an additional $6 million in 2024. It may go without saying that a day-in-the-life of these spirited team members is never a dull one. Every day brings on a new challenge to face and a goal to meet.  “A day at the Foundation is a day full of emails, calls and visits with friends of Renown,” said Abbey Stephenson, Planned Giving Officer. “Our main goal is to raise funds to support the mission of Renown, and most of our outreach efforts are to encourage philanthropy and donations. We have a very collaborative team, so we can often be found in each other’s offices strategizing about fundraising initiatives, communications and next steps with specific supporters.”  “For me, a typical day involves making sure I have a donor scheduled for coffee or lunch, working on proposals that may need research and preparing presentations,” added Jerry Cail, Major Gifts Officer. “Staying connected, I send thank you notes for any donations-usually once a week and make at least three ‘Grateful Patient’ calls to set appointments. I always make sure I am ready to contribute to any meetings I have for the Foundation."  While the scope of the Foundation’s charitable efforts goes beyond hospital walls, they also thrive right here in our own health system. Through our Grants Program, Renown’s departments and programs can leverage the connections and skills Renown Health Foundation has in order to secure funding from a multitude of grant sources.  "Grant funds from foundations, and local, state and federal governments benefit the patients and communities we serve to further our mission, vision and values,” said Pam Citrynell, Development Officer. “Past grants have supported the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, facility development, pandemic recovery, research and clinical trials, physician and researcher recruitment, community health programs and educational training for our healthcare professionals.”  Every Foundation team member lives their passion every day while at work, frequently expressing gratitude for the immense impact they have the opportunity to make.  “I love coming to work because I get a very real opportunity to make a genuine difference and meet some fantastic people who believe in and support our mission,” said Leah Nelson, Director of Community Giving. “I have had the honor of meeting donors and the families they support. I couldn't be prouder of what our team has accomplished over the years and am excited for what is to come.”  The impact of the Foundation team’s tireless efforts extends far into the future, securing Renown’s lasting legacy in contributing to the continued health and well-being of our community.  “Philanthropy is not only a financial science but a very specific methodology where connecting resources are paramount; it requires careful intelligent management coupled with lots of hard work, patience, and vision,” said Yvonne Murphy, Development Officer. “The work that the foundation does every day makes resources available to enhance the healthcare experience for all those who seek care at Renown. Our work impacts not only this present moment but in fact is a legacy that will bless this community beyond our lifetime.”

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Chemotherapy Treatment with HIPEC Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, or HIPEC, is a highly specialized surgical procedure that involves the administration of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen during surgery. This targeted approach allows for maximum exposure of cancer cells to the chemotherapy drugs while minimizing the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. During the procedure, the patient lies on a special cooling blanket to keep their body temperature at safe levels, and the surgeon gently rocks the patient back and forth on the operating table for about 1.5 to 2 hours. What kind of cancer does HIPEC treat? Appendix cancer Colon and rectal cancer Gastric (stomach) cancer Mesothelioma Ovarian cancer Peritoneal cancer Am I a HIPEC candidate? Talk to your doctor about whether or not HIPEC is the right treatment option for you. This procedure can improve outcomes and provide more treatment options for patients who have been diagnosed with advanced stage cancer.

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