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Pictured left to right: Erin VanKirk, MSN, RN, Renown Health Director of Nursing Education; Mitch Krebs, Program Director at Helmsley Charitable Trust; Dr. Graf, Renown Health CEO; Greg Walaitis Renown Health Chief Development Officer. Renown Health will use the grant to build the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center to improve the health system’s training abilities The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $3.1 million to Renown Health for construction of a new simulation and innovation center that will greatly expand the health system’s ability to train healthcare providers throughout northern Nevada. The new center will be named the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center. Expected to open in April 2023, the center will feature three simulated patient rooms, classroom space, computer labs and a conference center, allowing trainers to run current and future healthcare professionals through real-life acute, outpatient, telemedicine and specialty care scenarios. The new center will let Renown Health train substantially more nurses, physicians, community clinical partners, medical students and rural providers while improving medical and nursing expertise to support staff throughout northern Nevada. “The Helmsley Charitable Trust is excited to fund this new simulation center, which will provide healthcare professionals across rural Nevada with state-of-the-art training in a variety of situations they’ll encounter,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “The project fits with our goal to level the playing field by giving rural residents access to top-notch healthcare, regardless of their ZIP code.” “Simulation education has become standard practice for many of our healthcare personnel,” said Erin Van Kirk MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Education. “This lab will provide expanded opportunities in a controlled setting where physicians, nurses, and students can gain valuable experience in providing the best care possible.” Renown Health has outgrown its current simulation lab, which opened in 2016 in Renown Regional Medical Center. The new, larger, state-of-the-art simulation and innovation center will increase Renown Health’s training capacity from 1,500 to 2,500 each year. The new facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art simulation mannequins and other equipment that includes a telemetry monitor, IV and epidural equipment, a code cart, a defibrillator, a balloon pump, ventilators and a cooling machine. The center will also support Renown Health’s recently established partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, expanding training modules focused on rural health and virtual care through telemedicine. “The facility will help Renown Health respond to our region’s growing population by allowing us to support the training and competency necessary for our care providers to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve,” said Melodie Osborn, RN, MBA, Chief Nursing Executive at Renown Health. “This generous grant for the new simulation and innovation center from the Helmsley Charitable Trust is truly an investment in the bright future we envision for Renown, our care teams and the community.” About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org. About the Helmsley Charitable Trust The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $3 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $500 million to organizations and initiatives in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, and Nevada. For more information, visit helmsleytrust.org.

Read More About Helmsley Charitable Trust Grants $3.1 Million to Renown Health

Experienced physician, researcher, mentor, and educator to lead obstetrics and gynecology department at the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health. James M. Alexander, M.D., an experienced leader and clinician in OB/GYN, is regularly in the room at the beginning of something new, so it’s fitting that he is one of the first jointly appointed senior clinical leaders of Nevada’s first integrated health system. As the chair of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health, Dr. Alexander will lead the medical and surgical services, academic advancement, research, and teaching programs for the healthcare system. A 50-year affiliation agreement signed in 2021 solidified the integration of the UNR Med, Nevada’s first medical school, with Renown, northern Nevada’s most extensive health system. “The affiliation offers a remarkable opportunity to advance health and health care through medical education, clinical research, and patient care for our community and our state,” Dr. Alexander said. “By integrating our teaching, research, and patient care, we can make a difference for women and children in Nevada and beyond.” He is one of the first of several planned joint-chair hires for UNR Med and Renown. “Dr. Alexander is a dedicated obstetrician and gynecologist who takes great pride in his work as a researcher and mentor,” said Melissa Piasecki, M.D., UNR Med Acting Dean, and Renown Chief Academic Officer. “He has a deep commitment to improving women's health and fostering the careers of future physicians in this specialty. Our school of medicine and health system are very fortunate to have recruited Dr. Alexander and will benefit from the growth of clinical services, medical education and clinical research in obstetrics and gynecology under his direction.”” A 1991 graduate of the University of Texas at Houston, Dr. Alexander most recently chaired the OB/GYN department at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. He completed his residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern. He was recruited to the faculty at UTSW after finishing his fellowship and held several leadership positions there, including chief of the obstetrics service. Dr. Alexander established himself as a clinical investigator at UTSW and served as co-investigator on several studies conducted by the Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. He has published widely on obstetrics and maternal fetal medicine topics, including cesarean delivery, prematurity, obstetric complications, labor management, and obstetric anesthesia. He has contributed to the leading textbook on obstetrics, “Williams Obstetrics.” Following his tenure at UTSW, Dr. Alexander held the positions of division director of maternal fetal medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as well as director of maternal fetal medicine and obstetrics at the Billings Clinic. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine and currently serves as an examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Shaping the future of healthcare in our state has never been more important than it is now,” said Rahul Mediwala, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of the Health Services Division at Renown Health. “I do not doubt that Dr. Alexander will apply his skills, enthusiasm, and guiding leadership to improve our community's health through increased access to care, innovative health care delivery, and expanding clinical research.”     About 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 healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About James M. Alexander M.D., Named First OB/GYN Chair for Nevada's First Integrated Health System

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

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

Recognized as national leader in LGBTQ+ care by Human Rights Campaign Foundation for 2022 All people who need medical care should be able to see their doctor or have a hospital visit without worrying about being mistreated, harassed or denied service outright. Data from the national CAP survey shows that LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination in healthcare settings; and that discourages them from seeking needed care. These results highlight the importance of protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in healthcare. Renown Health and UNR Med caregivers, supported by community LGBTQ+ and Transgender Allies and partners, are working to bridge the gap for LGBTQ+ patients and families, and to become a more inclusive organization. This week, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognized Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev. as the first and only hospital in Nevada designated with a perfect score, and at the highest level of support as “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader.” The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. We constantly strive to be among the best in the nation for quality, safety and patient experience," said Dr. Thomas Graf, interim CEO and Chief Clinical and Quality Officer. "This recognition confirms what the Renown Health team is dedicated to – providing the best patient care possible. Quality and safety are the responsibility of every employee and physician at Renown, and we are proud that the Renown Regional Medical Center team has been chosen among the best in the state and nation for our commitment to LGBTQ+ patient-centered care.” “Renown Health is proud to join the state of Nevada, which also earned top rankings on the Human Rights Campaign State Equality Index, and the City of Reno on the Municipal Equity Scorecard for LGBTQ+ equality,” said Sy Johnson, MBA, interim president and Chief of Staff. “The Human Rights Campaign HEI offers a powerful way for organizations to affirm that they are committed to LGBTQ+ patient-centered care and extend non-discrimination protections to our LGBTQ+ employees, who play a key role in ensuring sensitive, knowledgeable LGBTQ+ care.” “We at UNR Med are so proud to be partners with Renown in this effort,” said Nicole Jacobs, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion; Clinical Psychologist / Professor; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UNR Med. “The designation of being an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity Leader demonstrates Renown’s strong commitment to advancing equitable healthcare in Nevada, our core and shared values and our shared mission of addressing the healthcare disparities in our backyards.” A record 906 healthcare facilities actively participated in the 2022 HEI survey and 496 of those earned an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Equality Leader” designation. Renown Regional Medical Center is the first and only hospital in Nevada recognized by the Human Rights Campaign. No other hospitals in the state met their stringent standards for the 2021 rankings. “Every person deserves to have access to quality healthcare, be respected and heard by their doctor and feel safe in the facility where they are receiving care,” said Tari Hanneman, (she/her) Director of Health & Aging at The Human Rights Campaign. “The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affirmed by their healthcare providers and feel safe seeking services. Our HEI active participants are truly pioneering the healthcare industry by implementing robust, comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that hopefully, because of their work, will become standard practice The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support Employee Benefits and Policies Patient and Community Engagement Suzanne Hendery, MA, APR, Chief Customer Officer, who led Renown’s application process, noted the remarkable progress reflected in the team 2022 HEI submission includes: Updated Medical Records with Preferred Name and Pronouns. Kathleen Zaski, BSN, RN, Director of IT Applications explains why this is so important. “Your name and identity are core to who you are as a person, and here at Renown, we aim to take care of you as a whole person and to provide the highest level of quality care to our community – all while ensuring the experience is exceptional and tailored to the individual. Our medical records system supports our doctors, nurses and care team in capturing this vital information. We are now able to capture every person’s preferred name, sex and sexual orientation to better care for them.” Allowing visitation without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. Whitney Hansen, PhD, Director of Service Excellence says, “I know how important it is to our patients and their families that Renown serves our entire community and that we provide a welcoming, safe space and sense of belonging to all. We are proud of Renown’s visitor policy, inspired by family members, who requested that the policy encourage two family members per day be able to visit a loved one hospitalized at Renown.” Gender Neutral Restrooms. Chris Baker, CHFM, Director Facilities Engineering, whose team has created over 48 gender-neutral restrooms across Renown says, “Ensuring that private restrooms are equally available to everyone on our campus is just one way we can provide a more inclusive, caring space for the people we serve.” In addition, Renown clinicians and caregivers received recognition in the following areas: Every staff member receives training in LGBTQ+ patient-centered care Both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are included in both the patient non-discrimination policy and in Renown’s employment nondiscrimination policy Offering transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits to employees and members of Renown’s not-for-profit health plan, Hometown Health Providing substantial support and awarding grants to area organizations addressing diversity and inclusion, LGBTQ+ community Pride events and collaboration with LGBTQ+ organizations as an ally “I’m extremely proud of the people I get to work with every day who make achievements like this possible, says Brian Colonna CHC, CHPC, CHRC, Director of Compliance. “This is a meaningful designation, said Bethany Sexton, MA, Chief Transformation Officer. “I feel so proud to be part of a team and organization that helps translate our mission as an organization into action that matters for every member of our community.” Mitch Harper, Director of Network Performance, said, “We have just begun on this journey. We recognize there is still so much more to improve upon in becoming an inclusive organization. We are working to create a safe and welcoming environment for our community and our employees. Access to basic human services should not be contingent on an individual’s skin color, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or beliefs.” Sean Savoy, Manager of Spiritual Care at Renown said, “Good news indeed! So glad that Renown Health has achieved this milestone with HRC – a leader in civil rights for sexual orientation-gender identity minorities. I look forward to the continuing work around striving to achieve clinical equity, cultural competency, and respect for our LGBTQIA patients and employees.” For more on LBGTQ+ care and providers at Renown, visit renown.org/diversity/lbgtq-at-renown/ Join the Renown team Renown Health is now hiring key roles in our organization to support the health and well-being of our community. To join the Renown family to Fight the Good Fight, apply on line at careers.renown.org/ About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Regional Named Health Equity Leader for Nevada

Hospital-at-home monitoring allows patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. Renown Health announced today that they are one of the first institutions to home monitor patients who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, as the integrated health network continues to seek innovative solutions to improving the health- and healthcare of those who live in Nevada. This week, six patients at Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center diagnosed with COVID-19 were outfitted with this remote ‘hospital at home’ monitoring system. Renown clinicians plan to use the system to monitor upwards of 1,000 hospitalized patients and lower acuity patients from their homes.  “We at Renown are proud of our national reputation as an innovator in implementing new models, technology and systems of care for the community,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO. “We are working with some incredible partners to transform care and demonstrate value in a way that appeals to patients and helps clinicians improve outcomes and reduce costs. Renown’s Hospital-at-Home model of care technology enables patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. There is now compelling evidence that well-monitored, at home treatment can be safer, cheaper and more effective than traditional hospital stays, especially for patients who are elderly, frail or vulnerable to complications.” “This type of technology is a game-changer in improving patient care,” says Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Services. "Given the demand on our hospitals during this COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to provide appropriate patients with this telehealth solution which uses wearable, continuous pulse oximetry, assisting our management of patients with COVID-19, and allowing patients the convenience of being in their own homes.” Designed to track the blood oxygen saturation and respiration rate of patients who are hospitalized or quarantined at home, the system uses pulse oximetry with a proprietary remote data capture and surveillance platform accessible from a patient's Android or iOS smartphone or smart device.  The remote monitoring system is designed for easy, initiative use. Patients wear a small metal finger cuff and are provided with a multi-day supply of single-patient-use sensors and access to a mobile app. Monitoring data collected by the sensor is shared with the patient’s smartphone using a secure Bluetooth® connection. Twice daily, or as directed, the program is configured to actively notify patients to answer questions such as, "are you having trouble breathing?" and "what is your temperature?” and pushes these responses along with the monitoring data to clinicians at Renown for evaluation. “Renown is working with a number of exciting technology companies who provide hospital-at-home technology, especially as they respond to the needs of our community through the COVID-19 pandemic, and work to make healthcare more affordable by offering services in lower-cost settings,” says Ty Windfeldt, MBA, Chief Operating Officer- Health Services. “One of the benefits of offering Hometown Health- our own not-for-profit health plan; a medical group; an accountable care organization and a clinically integrated network, is that even though Medicare does not pay for acute services offered outside of hospitals for fee-for-service beneficiaries, we are able to invest, pioneer and design innovative models for care and delivery that other health systems cannot.”  "Our patients at Renown have the most sophisticated and reliable respiratory monitoring available anywhere," says Jason Farnsworth, MBA, Director of Respiratory Care Services at Renown. "We know that continuous physiologic monitoring improves outcomes and saves lives. The ability to extend that capability to patients in non-traditional settings and at home during this crisis is transformative. Our teams are excited to be able to delight patients and their families – and ensure they receive the clinical support they need by using this technology and monitoring.” “To know that we can provide quality care for patients recovering from COVID-19, and help ease their transition back to their normal lives, where they can recover in the comfort of their own homes, is fantastic,” says Mitchell Fong, Director of Telehealth Services at Renown. “Patients have shared that they enjoy being at home, sitting in their favorite recliner, enjoying a home-cooked meal and even transitioning back to remote work. If we can help people feel better, we feel better.”  For the fourth year in a row, Renown Health earned the “Digital Most Wired” honors by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). Renown also received the 2020 Most Wired Certified Level 7 Special Recognition. The CHIME annual survey accesses how effectively health care organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and expand access to care in their communities. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center was named #2 Best Hospital in Nevada. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety and volumes. Hospitals earning a high performing rating were significantly better than the national average. WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RESPIRATORY OR INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS OR POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19: Renown is encouraging people to use online tools first, such as virtual visits covered by many insurance companies, including Teladoc, for those insured by Renown’s health plan, Hometown Health. For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at https://www.renown.org/covid-19/. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Health, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project® . For more information visit renown.org.

Read More About COVID-19 Patients Enjoy Renown's 'Hospital at Home' Remote Patient Monitoring

Beginning April 29, Renown Pharmacy – Pringle Will Be Open 24/7 Weeks after the only 24/7 pharmacy in Reno-Sparks announced it is no longer open overnight, Renown steps up to fill the community’s need, offering peace of mind knowing that any time, day or night, people can fulfill their essential medication prescriptions at Renown Pharmacy. Renown Health is pleased to announce that beginning on Monday, April 29, Renown Pharmacy - Pringle will expand hours to serve as the only 24/7 pharmacy in the area to serve all customers. The Renown Pharmacy located inside Renown Regional Medical Center will fill a gap left in the community after Walgreens on N. Virginia Street in Reno announced that they will no longer operate on a 24-hour, seven day a week schedule. Renown’s “all-hours, around the clock” pharmacy access will allow patients post-discharge from any area hospital the ability to fill their pharmaceutical prescriptions at any time, along with granting all community members the opportunity to pick up their prescriptions when it is most convenient for them. “We are proud to be able to step up to provide round-the-clock access to essential medications and healthcare services for our growing community, said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “We understand the importance of accessibility to medications and healthcare support, especially during times of urgent need. Our decision to operate our pharmacy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, reflects our commitment to serving the needs of our community and ensuring individuals have convenient access to the care they need, day and night.” “We are grateful for the pharmacy service that Walgreens provided the Reno-Sparks area for many years. We are excited that Renown can now provide our community with access to 24/7 Rx care,” said Adam Porath, Pharm.D., BCACP, BCPS, FASHP, Renown Health Vice President of Pharmacy Services. “By offering continuous pharmacy services, we aim to provide peace of mind to our customers and community- knowing that they can rely on us, any time, day, or night, to fulfill their prescription needs and offer professional guidance on medication management. Our talented team of pharmacists and techs are eager to serve our community with the Renown Pharmacy at Renown Regional Medical Center, starting Monday, April 29.” “In times of illness, timely access to medications is crucial for effective treatment and swift recovery. Whether its managing chronic conditions or addressing acute symptoms, adhering to prescribed medication schedules can significantly impact one’s health outcomes,” said Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health. We believe that by extending our pharmacy hours, we can better support the health and well-being of our community, ensuring they receive care they deserve when they need it most. We invite our people to take advantage of our expanded pharmacy and experience the convenience and reliability of our 24/7 services.” Renown Pharmacy - Pringle is conveniently located on the first floor of Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno. The Renown Pharmacy is near Starbucks and specializes in hard-to-find pharmaceuticals at lower costs, such as certain compound medications not typically stocked at other retail locations. Prescriptions can be transferred to any of Renown’s three retail pharmacy locations by calling the most convenient location and allowing expert pharmacy staff to complete the process. You can then request refills and check your prescription status in the MyChart app. 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 For full pharmacy information, visit: renown.org/pharmacy/. Renown Health continues to expand and hire in-demand clinical positions, including positions at Renown Pharmacy. Visit renown.org/careers to learn more.     About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

Read More About Filling The Community’s Need for a 24/7 Pharmacy

Renown Children’s Hospital pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Mitchell Strominger hosts state-wide virtual event to provide routine vison screenings for children and Walk with a Doc. Renown Children’s Hospital pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Mitchell Strominger is set to host a virtual Walk with a Doc event on Sunday, June 14 at 10 a.m. for elementary school children and their parents. During this free event, Dr. Strominger will give a brief, kid-friendly talk about the importance of routine vision screenings and show parents how to conduct a vision screening with their kids at home. He will close out the morning session with a live Q&A. Following the event, families are encouraged to get outside and enjoy a walk in the great outdoors. The event is sponsored by Renown Children’s Hospital and free to participants, however you must register to receive the link to attend. “Vision is important for learning, experiencing new things and interacting with others, which is why it’s critical for children to get vision screenings early and routinely,” said Dr. Strominger. “The best time to screen a child’s vision is kindergarten through third grade as the cells in the brain responsible for vision are continuously developing up until age eight. If we detect vision problems early, we here at Renown Children’s Hospital have the expertise and technology to correct these vision problems and enable children to live healthy, productive lives.” Individuals who register for this event will be emailed a vision-screening sheet to help facilitate an at-home screening, as well as a form to send back to their child’s pediatrician or pediatric ophthalmologist upon completion to determine the best course of action. Dr. Strominger added, “Many parents and schools have put off vision screenings due to COVID- 19 school closings, hesitations of safely leaving their homes or potential financial costs. I am pleased to host this virtual event on behalf of Renown Children’s Hospital, to engage kids and parents in a conversation on the importance of vision and to remind the community that we are here to help and provide the care they need, both in-person and virtually—be it over a smart phone, tablet or computer screen.” This virtual event will take place in the newly renovated Fianna’s Healing Garden which re-opens later this month and has been funded 100% by donations through the Renown Health Foundation. Located in the heart of Renown Regional Medical Center, the healing garden serves as place to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the outdoors. Dr. Strominger is one of 26 pediatric subspecialists recruited to Renown Children’s Hospital since 2016, thanks to the Pennington Foundation's $7.5 million donation made to the non-profit Renown Health Foundation to expand children’s health services. June marks the four-year anniversary of the Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (Nevada APP) participation in the national Walk with A Doc event. Dr. Strominger is the secretary and treasurer for the Nevada AAP. From pediatric specialties, 24/7 ER care and surgery, to imaging, pediatric ICU and child life specialists, Renown Children’s Hospital is dedicated to helping kids feel welcome, safe and well cared for. Through each visit, parents can expect the highest level of care for their child’s health and well-being from birth and beyond. To support Renown Children’s Hospital and help local children in need get access to vital health services like routine vision screenings, please visit the Renown Health Foundation.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, Renown Children’s Hospital, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Elementary Schoolers: Take Part in Free Virtual Vision Screening

Adam D. Porath, Pharm.D., BCACP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology is promoted to serve future generations and improve the health and well-being of Nevadans. Renown Health is excited to announce Dr. Adam Porath has been promoted to vice president, pharmacy to lead clinical pharmacy and pharmacy operations and ensure excellent care for patients and families.  “We are pleased to promote an experienced and talented leader like Dr. Adam Porath,” said Dawn D Ahner, DSc, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer, Acute Services. “Adam will continue to foster a culture of caring and excellence, while ensuring the highest level of pharmacy practice and experience for both care providers and patients.”  Dr. Porath has served in roles within pharmacy at Renown since 2006. Since June 2020, he has served as Interim Director of Pharmacy where he has led strategic planning for pharmacy operations, precepted students and residents, identified business growth opportunities, developed novel clinical pharmacy services and oversaw quality assurance of pharmacy operations. He began his career as a pharmacy practice resident at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno.  “I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve the medical community and patients of Renown Health,” said Dr. Porath. “What a source of pride it is to be able to deliver the high-quality, compassionate patient care Renown is known for, and to help serve and lead in the pharmacy profession.” Dr. Porath received his doctor of pharmacy degree from Idaho State University. He is a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist with added qualifications in cardiology and board certified ambulatory care pharmacist. Dr. Porath has a BS in Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno.  Dr. Porath serves as adjunct clinical faculty for several colleges of pharmacy including the University of New England, Oregon State University, University of New Mexico, Idaho State University and University of Wyoming. He has been published in several peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, Clinical Infectious Diseases, and the Canadian Medical Association Journal.  Here in Nevada, Dr. Porath successfully lobbied the Nevada Legislature on behalf of the Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists (NVSHP) to pass Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) legislation in 2011, permitting Nevada pharmacists to adjust drug therapy per physician-signed protocol in any practice setting, as long as the pharmacist is under a physician’s direct supervision. Currently, 48 states permit some degree of CDTM. In 2017, Adam helped to pass further expansion of the pharmacy practice act. He is currently serving as a director at large of the NVSHP board. Dr. Porath has served as a state of Nevada delegate to the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) House of Delegates since 2012. In 2018, Dr. Porath was appointed to the Nevada Attorney General’s statewide partnership on the opioid crisis. In 2019, he was appointed to the ASHP Council on Public Policy.  In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center was named #2 Best Hospital in Nevada. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety and volumes. Hospitals earning a high performing rating were significantly better than the national average.  About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project® . For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Health Welcomes New Vice President, Pharmacy

Paul J. Hauptman, MD, has been named Dean of The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Chief Academic Officer for Renown Health. Dr. Hauptman is a nationally recognized investigator in outcomes assessment in advanced heart failure, the evaluation of cardiac care delivery and clinical trials. Dr. Hauptman currently serves as Dean at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine-Knoxville and Chief Academic Officer at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. He begins his appointment on Oct. 17, 2022. The selection of Dr. Hauptman came following a nationwide search. “Dr. Hauptman has an impeccable background in all of the areas that we felt were essential in finding our new Dean,” University President Brian Sandoval said. “He has a passion for and a deep understanding of how we should be training Nevada’s next generation of physicians. He has vast experience in administering and delivering clinical programs that can have a profound impact on our local communities. He has incredible credentials in the research arena. He clearly articulated a compelling vision on how he hopes to magnify and grow the educational and research endeavors of our School of Medicine. Equally important, it was very clear that he felt that as we expand upon current educational and research initiatives to enhance our School of Medicine’s impact, he is committed to working collaboratively across the community in order to meet its greatest needs. On behalf of the entire University, we are excited to have Dr. Hauptman as our new dean. We want to offer Dr. Hauptman and his family a warm welcome to the Wolf Pack Family.” "The appointment of Dr. Paul Hauptman as dean is a great step forward for the Medical School and for Renown Health. His record of leadership, scholarship, scientific expertise and enthusiasm in building academic and clinical excellence, creates an even higher standard for medical education and quality health care in the next decade. In addition to his talent as a physician and professor, Paul brings a deep humanity and commitment to the study and practice of medicine. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Hauptman to Nevada and know he will do much to advance health and health care through world-class medical education, clinical research and patient care for our community and our state,” said Thomas R. Graf, MD, FAAFP, Chief Executive Officer of Renown Health. Dr Graf also serves as Chief Clinical and Quality Officer at Renown, and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs for University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. As Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Hauptman will support and advance the academic and clinical integration established under the affiliation between UNR Med and Renown Health. This affiliation benefits the community by recruiting top-tier physicians and health care professionals, improving access to and developing new models of innovative care, and investing in clinical research. As pillars of health care in northern Nevada, both organizations provide key services for underserved populations, and collaborate to educate, train and employ the next generation of doctors and health care professionals. Together, they support the health of local and rural communities, the state and the nation. “I am delighted to have this opportunity and honored to lead the School of Medicine and the academic mission of Renown Health for the betterment of our students, trainees, physicians, patients and community-at-large. This is a pivotal time for medical education and the delivery of quality healthcare, and I will be steadfast in ensuring student success and the growth of research that can meaningfully impact patients. I will do my best to build upon the legacy of Dr. Schwenk and look forward to collaborating with President Sandoval, Provost Thompson, and Dr. Graf and the Renown team. I am all in for the silver and blue – and purple!” A first-generation American and college graduate, Dr. Hauptman received his M.D. degree from Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Medical College) and completed his internal medicine training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston and cardiology fellowships at both Mount Sinai Hospital (New York) and Brigham and Women’s. Dr. Hauptman was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and an attending physician in the Division of Cardiology at the Brigham (1993-1998) and subsequently served as Director of Heart Failure & Transplant and Assistant Dean of Clinical and Translational Research at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where he held an adjunct position at the College for Public Health. .Program Advancing Access to Careers in Science Scholars fund, Disparities Awareness Month and the Women in ScienceHe has received research grants from the American Heart Association and National Institutes of Health and has served as a reviewer for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and as a consultant to the Circulatory System Devices Panel and Medical Device Advisory Committee of the FDA. He also has extensive clinical trial experience as site Principal Investigator and an active member of steering, clinical events and data & safety monitoring committees. He previously worked as the part-time Medical Director of a medical device company (Biocontrol Medical, 2007-2011). After serving as Associate Editor at the European Journal of Heart Failure and Circulation: Heart Failure, he was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Cardiac Failure for six years (2015-2020). At the University of Tennessee, Dr. Hauptman has been deeply invested in the expansion of research capabilities, faculty development and health equity issues through initiatives such as the Academic Leadership Academy, a  In recognition of his work as a mentor and patient advocate, Dr. Hauptman was named Teacher of the Year and received the Caring Physician Award from Saint Louis University. His major research interests have involved the assessment of outcomes in advanced heart failure, patient-physician communication and trends in cardiovascular care. He is the author of numerous abstracts, articles, book chapters, consensus guidelines and reviews. About UNR Med & Renown Health The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada’s first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu. Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Paul Hauptman, MD, Named Dean of The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Chief Academic Officer for Renown Health

The annual Art for Recovery event features artwork from 13 local artists inspired by the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute mission. Sales will benefit the Institute. Renown Health Foundation hosts Art for Recovery at the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 4-7 p.m. The annual fundraising event is free, open to the public and benefits the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown, located at 85 Kirman Ave. in Reno, Nev. The family-friendly event features an art auction, live DJ, craft vendors, activities for kids and refreshments. Established in 2018, the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown focuses on expanding community access to prevention and intervention services for mental health disorders and alcohol and drug addiction, with the goal of decreasing stigma and encouraging more people to seek help. The annual Art for Recovery fundraiser features the artwork of 13 local artists who have created pieces inspired by the Institute's mission. Each work of art addresses themes of hope and resilience. “We look forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating local artists, supporting our healing programs and bringing awareness to addiction recovery during the annual Art for Recovery event. This event shows that not only are our providers here to help our patients get through life’s challenges, but our community is here to support, too,” said Steve Shell, vice president of the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown. Participating artists include Bryce Chisholm, Naomi Ferrall, Amy Lawrence, Jessamyn Parker, Emily Reid, Arthur Richmond, the Robison Family (Paula, Elsa, Rosemary and Nathan), Cooper Sandoval, Trisha Shepherd, Sam Sprague, Cat Stahl, Julie Steiner and Jim Tuxon. Read the inspiration behind every donated piece of art here. Local 12-year-old artist Cooper Sandoval is donating a work of art titled, ‘Time.’ Cooper shares that his inspiration comes from the hope of time. “No matter how bad of a day it is, I always know that things will get better with time,” said Cooper. Bidding for the highly anticipated art auction is now open and concludes Sept. 23 during the free outdoor event. Funds raised will support improved patient care services at the Institute. To view and bid on the art pieces, visit www.renown.org/artforrecovery.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Local Artist Auction Benefits Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute

Tent serves as respiratory illness evaluation and screening center. WHAT: A Temporary Deployable Medical Structure is being erected outside the Renown Regional Emergency Department as another way to screen and evaluate community members suspected of having respiratory illnesses, and to enhance prevention and limit exposure.  Media is invited to tour the tent before it opens to learn the latest on how Renown Health doctors, nurses and staff are responding to an increase in COVID-19 cases and continue to ensure the safety of patients, staff and our community. WHEN AND WHERE: Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in the parking lot outside the Renown Regional Medical Center Emergency Room at 1155 Mill St. in Reno. All media must wear a facemask and physically distance themselves. Parking is available in the valet circle at the Tahoe Tower entrance of Renown Regional and is most convenient. Please call or text 775-691-7308 upon your arrival and a member of our team will escort you to the tent. WHY: Across the country, and as a region, we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases including increases in hospitalized patients. The Renown Health team continues to safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illnesses, including those at risk for COVID-19. As a way to limit the exposure and to assure health and safety measures for other hospital patients and providers, Renown is again working with the Washoe County Emergency Manager, the State Public Health Preparedness Team, REMSA, the Reno Fire Department and others to re-erect a Deployable Medical Structure outside the Renown Regional Emergency Department in order to screen and evaluate community members suspected of having respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.  WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19: If you have symptoms related to COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider’s telemedicine program or visit www.renown.org/covid-19/ before scheduling an appointment or seeking care in person. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical attention. For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at renown.org/covid-19/. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath and Neurosciences. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project® . For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Re-Erects Deployable Medical Structure as COVID-19 Cases Rise

This week, many of the nation’s health care systems in communities across the U.S. began vaccinating physicians and health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19. Many of these health care heroes have been on the front-line of this pandemic and working around-the clock over the last ten months. Vaccinations signal hope for the future Here in Washoe County, today is the highly anticipated start date of what public health and medical experts hope is a nationwide wave of vaccinations that signal the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Today’s good news from Renown coincided with a dark new milestone for Washoe County—384 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, and over 13,579 active cases in our population of nearly 500,000. COVID-19 positivity test results and hospitalizations continue to be high across the country, our state and here in northern Nevada; straining hospital capacity, physicians and healthcare workers.  Today we saw a bright light at the end of this dark tunnel. Renown began vaccinating health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19, and invited media to view the first vaccinations of those on the front-line of COVID-19. One vaccine, a Herculean effort of thousands “Although the vaccination process as you see it here looks relatively simple, it took a herculean logistical effort to implement the COVID-19 vaccination process that has begun today,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown Health. “Today, thanks to the synchronized efforts of thousands of people and organizations across the country, we give thanks for this vaccination provided to Luis Martinez, an excellent ambassador for the thousands of healthcare heroes caring for patients with COVID-19. The health and safety of our staff is our top priority, and we remain steadfast in our determination to fight the good fight for our community.”  Luis, on the front-line of the COVID-19 pandemic, receives 1st vaccine from Renown Luis Martinez received the 1st of his Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine which received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration last week. He will receive the second and final vaccination in the series in 21 days.  The first dose of vaccine was given to Luis outside of his vehicle so cameras could capture the experience. Renown’s COVID-19 Vaccination process includes pre-scheduling physicians and employees through the Epic MyChart electronic medical record used by Renown. Employees are masked, and in their personal vehicles, as they drive through the vaccination site. Each physician and healthcare worker provides their verification, identification, documentation and consent. They then extend their upper arm to receive the Pfizer vaccination. Following the receipt of the vaccination they have a 15-minute observation period to assure they do not experience any immediate side effects. These Tier 1A healthcare employees were encouraged to schedule their vaccination after their completed work schedule to have time to rest. As with all vaccinations, there is a potential for injection site reactions (redness, swelling and pain) as well as fever, fatigue, headache, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and/or joint pain. Fever is not an infrequent side effect, especially on the 2nd dose, so these vaccinated employees will self-monitor their temperatures, as they cannot work at Renown with a fever. In addition to Luis, you’ll see, first in his truck- Dr. Bret Frey, representing the Medical Staff and Emergency Medicine physicians at Renown; Nurse Matt Polak, Supervisor of Clinical Nursing of Renown’s Respiratory Intensive Care Unit representing Renown nurses; Holly Irwin, a Clinical Respiratory Therapist in her vehicle; Alexis Bertauche, Respiratory Specialist in his vehicle; Eric Whitney, the supervisor representing the 168 members of Renown’s Environmental Services team who have performed extensive disinfecting measures throughout the pandemic, physician representatives from partners at UNR School of Medicine, Reno Orthopedic Clinic, the Surgery Center of Reno and across the community.  Brighter days ahead for Luis Luis has been working in Renown’s Alternate Care Site in the Mill Street parking structure since it opened to patients in mid-November. He’s been at Renown since 2016, where he started as a phlebotomist and was encouraged to explore career advancement in the medical field. He applied to work as a technician on Renown’s Clinical Decision Unit- a short stay unit within the hospital for people who need clinical care, but do not need to be admitted to the hospital. Luis worked with patients and clinicians in the Clinical Decision Unit for a year before requesting to work in Renown’s innovative Alternate Care Site, built for patients recovering from COVID-19, for additional care before they returned home. Luis was scheduled to take the Medical College Admission Test® in April of this year to fulfill his dreams of becoming a doctor, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to change his plans. He plans to reschedule his medical school admission exam in February. He is excited to begin his training, possibly at UNR School of Medicine, and hopes one day to be a physician caring competently and compassionately for those in need.  Luis has so much to look forward to, after such a difficult year. Luis turned 33 in October, and on his birthday, contracted COVID-19 after attending a family party. He experienced fever and noticed how dramatically the COVID-19 virus affected his breathing, his lungs, and his energy level. After spending time at home recovering, Luis recovered, tested negative, and returned to work. As a result of his experience and his interest in medicine, Luis has done a lot of research on the vaccine.  Luis is bilingual and volunteers with CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada, a non-profit organization that provides free medical equipment, supplies, and prescription assistance to underserved populations when he is not working at Renown.  Vaccine one more tool to help fight pandemic “The best protection from COVID-19 will be a combination of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often,” says Amy McCombs, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNML, vice president of Quality for Acute Services for Renown, and the champion of the vaccination effort for Renown. “No one tool alone will stop this pandemic, it will take a combination of all of us using all of these efforts to fight the spread of this virus. Though there has been positive news about vaccine development, no one knows when those vaccines will be ready for widespread use. In the meantime, everyone must remain vigilant, take precautions and follow public health orders.”  “This vaccination is a game-changer in terms of improving the health of our community,” said Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Services, Renown Health. "Given the demands of this COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to be able to provide this vaccination to help in the fight. We will follow CDC recommendations for a tiered approach to vaccine distribution. Our goal is that by spring, all Renown physicians; employees and their family members; and all Hometown Health members and Renown patients interested in receiving the vaccine will have an opportunity to be vaccinated.” The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory for all Renown employees, but is strongly advised. Renown is covering all costs of the vaccine, and it is being offered free of charge to employees. Register for Renown Epic MyChart now. To streamline the notification, consent, scheduling and reminder process for vaccine distribution, as well as to post to Web IZ Nevada’s Statewide Immunization Information System, all who are interested in receiving the vaccine through Renown will need to enroll and obtain an Epic MyChart account.  Stay Up-to-date on COVID-19 Renown Health is prepared to safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illness, including COVID-19. To stay up-to-date on communications regarding Renown’s distribution of the COVID19 vaccine, FAQs and the scientific evidence behind the vaccine, visit https://covid.renown.org/ Join the Renown team Renown Health remains committed to hiring key roles in our organization to support the health and well-being of our community. To join the Renown family to Fight the Good Fight, apply on line at https://careers.renown.org/ Support the Renown team Renown Health, a charitable, not-for-profit organization, is so grateful for our community’s support during these unprecedented times. To donate to Renown patients or providers, visit https://www.renown.org/donations-covid-19/.   About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org. About the Washoe County Health District The Washoe County Health District has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.

Read More About First COVID-19 Vaccines Administered to Physicians Today