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You can now schedule a mammogram appointment 24/7 from your computer or cell phone, with no need to call. As the New Year begins, Renown Health is encouraging the community to prioritize their health by setting achievable resolutions and taking steps for better well-being. To make it easier to stick to these goals, Renown Health is proud to announce the launch of online appointments for mammograms, providing greater convenience and accessibility to critical and essential preventative care. Last September, the health system added online appointment scheduling for adult primary care and pediatrics doctor appointments. “Every New Year is an opportunity to focus on our health and well-being,” said Madeline Hardacre, MD, Oncology Wellness Physician, with Renown Breast Surgery Care. “With our new online scheduling tool for mammograms, we’re making care more accessible and affordable, increasing early detection and treatment for breast cancer, improving lives, families and the health of our community.”  Tips for a Healthier New Year Dr. Hardacre and Renown Health clinical experts recommend incorporating these resolutions into your routine for a healthier 2025.  Schedule Preventative Screenings: Early detection saves lives. Regular screenings, such as mammograms and annual physical examinations are essential for maintaining good health. Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to improve physical and mental health. Eat Balanced Meals: Focus on nutrient-rick goods to fuel your body and support your immune system. Prioritize Mental Health: Practice mindfulness, seek support when needed, and take time to recharge. Stay Connected: Building strong relationships contributes to overall well-being.  Convenient Online Mammogram & Primary Care Appointment Scheduling  Renown Health’s new online tool simplifies the process of scheduling mammograms. With just a few clicks at Online Appointments, people can book an appointment at a time and location that works for them.  “Mammograms are a vital tool in detecting early breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable,” added Michelle Chu, MD, an oncology breast surgeon with Renown Breast Surgery Care. “By offering online scheduling, we hope to encourage more women to prioritize this lifesaving screening.” All Encouraged to Use Online Scheduling With Renown’s new online scheduling feature, you can now book your mammography appointments without making a phone call to the office. In addition, people can book online appointments with Renown Medical Primary Care providers. The dedicated team of primary care physicians and pediatricians offer a full range of services—including annual checkups, complete physicals, immunizations, lab work, and referrals to specialists—at multiple locations across northern Nevada. “One of the biggest advantages is that you can set an appointment when and where it’s convenient for you to do so,” said Sierra Kelly-Martinez, MPH, director of the Customer Engagement Center at Renown. “You can schedule that appointment whenever you want, at 9 o’clock at night, while waiting in line at the grocery store or whenever you think of doing it.” “It’s really quite easy and empowering to have control of your own scheduling,” she adds. Who can schedule appointments: Anyone wanting a mammogram. New Renown primary care physician or provider. Renown Children’s pediatrician. How to schedule: Visit ONLINE APPOINTMENTS  Select your insurance provider. Choose the location (or select Any Location). Pick the time and provider that works for you, then schedule your appointment. Accepted insurances: Hometown Health Senior Care Plus Anthem Blue Cross Cigna United Medicare Medicaid “We are always looking for ways to improve the patient experience and make access to our physicians, advanced practice providers and services easier and faster” said Rahul Mediwala, MD, MBA, CEO of Renown Medical Group. “Our new online scheduling tool is just one of the many ways we’re working to make healthcare more convenient for our patients. Over the next year, we will be increasing the number of Renown physicians and medical providers who have online appointment availability, as we look to improve the health of our community.”  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. 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 Kickstart the New Year With Better Health and Schedule an Online Mammography Appointment

15-year-old Giovanni Melgarejo exemplifies the power of strength and courage as a child living with one of the world’s rarest congenital syndromes A video introducing Gio and his journey can be found here.   Renown Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) are excited to announce Giovanni “Gio” Melgarejo as the 2025 Champion Child. Gio spent the first three months of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Renown Children’s Hospital with multiple health complications. Given a week to live after coding, he defied the odds. After spending significant time at both Renown Children’s Hospital and the University of California, San Francisco Children’s Hospital, he finally got a diagnosis – CLOVES, a very rare congenital syndrome that presents itself with skin, spinal, bone or joint abnormalities and vascular overgrowths. “At Renown Health, we witness incredible stories of resilience every day. Gio and his family’s journey is truly extraordinary,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “Overcoming tremendous health obstacles with courage, determination, and a bright spirit, Gio inspires our medical team and everyone who has the privilege of knowing him. This is a testament to the power of exceptional care, unwavering family support and a child’s incredible strength. We are honored to be part of Gio’s journey and proud to see Gio representing the youth in our community as Renown Children’s Hospital’s 2025 Champion Child.”   Gio is one of 200 people in the world who have been diagnosed with CLOVES. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), the syndrome can occur as a result of a genetic mutation, either inherited from a parent or randomly when cells divide. Like what Gio experienced, symptoms can start making themselves present when the child is a newborn or infant. Because of how rare the condition is, GARD reports that it can take up to six years to receive an accurate CLOVES diagnosis. Despite this long journey, Gio and his family never gave up in their pursuit of an answer and treatment.   Gio’s road to recovery has been full of ups-and-downs. From complications related to CLOVES, including skin bleeding, blood clotting, infections and soreness, to a battle with sepsis and relearning to walk, sit up and eat on his own, he has exemplified hope and determination through it all. After several years of hospital visits and intensive physical therapy, paired with the help of his loving family and compassionate healthcare teams, Gio can do most things that many kids his age can do. Today, he is a happy, funny, artistic and charismatic boy with a mind for business.   During these many visits to the hospital, the Melgarejos got to know the nurses and doctors in the pediatric units. Natasha Melgarejo, Gio’s mom, reflects on the best-in-class standard of care he always received at every visit at Renown Children’s Hospital.   “Throughout his young life, Gio has had a rollercoaster of good and bad health days. With the support of all of us, knowledgeable medical and nursing staff and the many resources that case workers have provided, he has made unbelievable progress,” said Natasha Melgarejo. “His care team has helped him learn to walk, ensured he has access to customized shoes and a wheelchair when he needs it and even assisted him in riding a bike. It was always nice to know he was in good hands every step of the way.”   “Seeing Gio grow into the strong young man he is now has been a privilege to witness,” said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP, Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital and Chair of Pediatrics, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “It is no surprise to me that Gio was chosen as our next Champion Child. He will be an incredible ambassador for Renown Children’s Hospital within our community and beyond.”   Through Renown Children’s Hospital, Gio and over 100,000 area children have access to more than 100 pediatricians, including 16 specialists and other subspecialties previously lacking in the community, as well as a pediatric emergency room, pediatric ICU and contemporary healthcare services at Renown Children’s Hospital. Prior to 2016, about 30% of all pediatric patients had to leave northern Nevada to receive the specialty care they needed. Now, thanks to donor support, Renown estimates that 97% of all pediatric patients and their families can receive both general and specialty pediatric care locally. The next nearest children’s hospital in the state is seven hours or 438 miles away in Las Vegas. In 2024, Renown Children’s Hospital was verified as the first level II pediatric trauma center in northern Nevada by the American College of Surgeons, a historic first for northern Nevada.   Renown Children’s Hospital is proud to be the only CMNH hospital in northern Nevada, one of only 170 premier children’s hospitals in North America. Gio will serve as Renown Children’s Hospital’s CMNH Champion Child for the next year, shining as the face of the hospital in the community and sharing his inspiring story. Renown Health Foundation oversees the local CMNH programs and its fundraising. One hundred percent of all funds raised by CMNH partners stay local to support children and families in our community. Your generous support affords much-needed items to help our littlest patients cope with the potential stressors associated with hospitalization and illness. To donate, visit renown.org/donate.

Read More About Renown Children's Hospital Announces 2025 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion Child

Convenient Online Scheduling and 13 Locations Offer Quick and Accurate Diagnostic Results. Renown Health Lab Services announces the historic milestone of completing more than five million clinically indicated lab tests, critical for patient care diagnosis and management in 2024 across 13 locations. The team of more than 300 lab professionals play vital roles in collecting, processing and analyzing samples and providing diagnostic testing to support public health and patient care across northern Nevada. “With 70% of all medical decisions informed by laboratory results, completing over five million clinically indicated tests in one year is a significant accomplishment,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO, Renown Health. “Reaching this milestone means thousands of patients, their physicians and medical providers have received timely and accurate lab results, which may help diagnose early detection of disease and enhance treatment plans. I am very proud of our Lab and Pathology team. The team’s dedication to accuracy, efficiency and patient-centered service has positively impacted clinical care, ensuring safer and healthier lives for many families across our region.” Expanding Lab Services with Renown Pathology “As the region’s sole not-for-profit academic healthcare network and trauma center, our laboratory and pathology services are the trusted and preferred choice for thousands of physicians and patients alike,” says Chris Nicholas, FACHE. “Renown employs pathologists, phlebotomists, lab assistants and lab technicians, clinical lab scientists, cytotechnologists, pathologist assistants and histotechnicians — all of whom play vital roles in collecting, processing and analyzing samples. For us, this milestone is more than numbers, it represents lives impacted, healthcare improved and a commitment to excellence in diagnostic testing. Our congratulations to the Pathology and Lab team.” “Pathology and Lab Sciences are the backbone of modern medicine, bridging science and clinical care, said Christie Elliott, MD, department chair for Renown Pathology, and interim chair of the Department of Pathology at University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “Our dedicated team works behind the scenes to provide definitive diagnoses that guide critical medical decisions for patients. We also enjoy teaching medical students in their clinical years. Congratulations to the entire team on completing over five million lab tests in one year and maintaining the highest standards for accuracy and efficiency. You are appreciated!” Quick Online Lab Appointment Scheduling or Walk-In Convenience “To further enhance the patient experience, we offer online lab appointment scheduling, making it fast and easy for individuals and medical providers to obtain the tests they need,” says Amy McCombs, MSN, RN, Chief Operations Officer, Renown Regional Medical Center. “We encourage people to make their health a priority this year. Establishing care with a primary care provider, getting annual checkups and lab results help detect potential health concerns early, before they become more serious. Here at Renown Health, patients benefit from a seamless experience where their care team and lab services are perfectly aligned for fast, coordinated care.” “People can easily schedule their lab appointments online through our website at renown.org or through MyChart,” says Justin Lloyd, MBA, Director of Lab Services. “You can also walk-in any time or call 775-982-5000 to schedule an appointment. We have 13 lab locations in Reno, Sparks, Fernley, Fallon and USA Parkway ready to serve you, 6 days a week, Mon-Fri. from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sat. from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. With both online scheduling and walk-in availability, it’s easier than ever to fit lab work into your schedule. Additionally, for those without insurance, Renown Health offers a 30% discount on all lab services because high-quality care should be accessible to everyone.” Renown Health recently introduced an online appointment scheduling system, designed to make booking your primary care or pediatric appointments as easy as ordering a cup of coffee. You can now book primary care appointments with Renown Medical Group anytime, anywhere, no phone calls required. Our dedicated team of primary care physicians and pediatricians offers a full range of services, including annual checkups, physicals, immunizations, lab work and referrals to specialists. Take charge of your health today by booking a primary care appointment or learning more about Renown Health’s lab services. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 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®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers.

Read More About Breaking Records: Renown Health Labs Conduct More Than Five Million Tests in 2024

Renown Health, in collaboration with the State of Nevada and Washoe County, proudly announces the opening of the Renown Crisis Care Center. Officially opening its doors to the community tomorrow, on Thursday, Feb. 20, this facility is a critical component of the Washoe Crisis Response System, which integrates crisis response services to ensure individuals have access to psychiatric support when they need it most. The Renown Crisis Care Center provides a short term, 23-hour behavioral health crisis intervention in a specialized, therapeutic environment, offering faster access to care, targeted treatment, and a calmer setting- unlike emergency departments which are often not equipped for dedicated mental health support. The Renown Crisis Care Center fulfills the crucial need for a "safe place to be," offering immediate care, 24/7 crisis intervention, assessment and stabilization services in a safe and supportive environment on the campus of the Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health (NNAMHS) Location at 480 Galletti Way in Sparks, NV. "Our communities in Nevada are experiencing a severe mental health crisis, with many struggling to access timely psychiatric care," said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. "The need for immediate, specialized behavioral health services is urgent. We are proud to partner with the State of Nevada and Washoe County to establish the Renown Crisis Care Center in Sparks, providing compassionate, timely care for our community. Together, we are expanding resources and access to strengthen our mental health infrastructure, ensuring no one in crisis is left without support." He adds, “The Renown Crisis Center also provides first responders- law enforcement, emergency medical services personnel, firefighters, and crisis intervention teams, with a dedicated, specialized facility to bring individuals in mental health crises, 24 hours a day, ensuring they receive appropriate care while freeing up resources and emergency departments for other critical needs." “Mental health crises require immediate, specialized care in the right environment- one that is calm, supportive, and equipped to provide the appropriate interventions,” said Takesha Cooper, MD, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for Renown Health and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “The opening of the Renown Crisis Care Center ensures that individuals in crisis receive expert care from behavioral health professionals, rather than being placed in busy emergency departments or law enforcement settings that are not designed for these needs. Most people are stabilized within the first 23 hours. Individuals who require more extended stabilization may stay for an additional amount of time as determined appropriate by clinical staff. All patients receive support to transition back into the community with ongoing care if needed.” Dr. Cooper adds, “Over time, the Renown Crisis Care Center will integrate our teaching mission by training UNR nursing, social work, residents and medical students, expanding the workforce and preparing the next generation of mental health professionals to deliver high-quality, evidence based and compassionate care.” "This project is a shining example of what can be accomplished when not-for-profit public and private entities come together to address the critical health care needs of our community," said Steve Shell, MBA, vice president of Behavioral Health at Renown Health. "We are deeply grateful to the State of Nevada, Washoe County, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, and our community partners for their collaboration and support in making the Renown Crisis Care Center a reality. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this much-needed resource to northern Nevada." The Living Room Model Ensures Safe and Comfortable Place for Crisis De-escalation The Renown Crisis Care Center helps ensure that a person experiencing a behavioral health crisis in our community who cannot be de-escalated through a phone call to 988 or interaction with a mobile crisis team has a safe and effective place to receive stabilizing short-term care in a comfortable, living-room-like setting.  The Renown Crisis Care Center offers the following services to individuals 18 years of age or older who walk in, are referred by local community providers or are transported by law enforcement or other first responders: Comprehensive assessments performed by a multidisciplinary team, including Registered Nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Family Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatrists. 23-hour crisis observation and stabilization to alleviate immediate distress.Connections to community resources, including inpatient psychiatric or detox beds, outpatient behavioral health care and primary care. Connections to community resources, including inpatient psychiatric or detox beds, outpatient behavioral health care and primary care. Support from Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists. Care coordination to ensure a smooth transition to appropriate services. Transport to an emergency room for advanced medical care if needed.  Access to a Renown Patient Financial Assistance representative to support individuals who may qualify for financial assistance programs. Renown’s Commitment to Community Well-Being Renown Health’s commitment to community-based prevention has been pivotal to addressing need in a state that also posts high adult and youth suicide rates. Addressing these pressing community health needs, the Renown Community Health team convenes area non-profit organizations, state agencies, service providers, funders and concerned community members in the "Connect Washoe County" collaborative to share data, develop and fund interventions and measure improvements made in adult and youth behavioral health.  “A person’s ability to live a fulfilling life often depends on their mental health,” says Kerry Kelly, MPH, Manager, Community Health. “The opening of the Renown Crisis Care Center directly aligns with our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a survey recently conducted with Northern Nevada Public Health and our community partners, to better understand the most pressing health care needs of our community. As the community’s only not-for-profit, academic health system, our Implementation Plan for the 2025-2027 CHNA focuses on improving access to healthcare services and mental health services. This has resulted in developing innovative programs like this one, which will have a significant impact on improving the health and well-being of individuals and families in our region. We thank our partners for leveraging their resources and expertise to create this vital service that strengthens our ability to meet the evolving health needs of northern Nevada.” About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest locally governed, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.

Read More About New Renown Behavioral Health Crisis Center Opens in Sparks to Provide Short-Term Stabilization and Care

Renown Health is proud to announce that Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO and Anna Loomis, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, have been recognized as a “highly successful duo” in their 2025 list by Becker’s Hospital Review. Anna Falvey of Becker’s writes, “These dynamic CEO-CFO duos collaborate to develop innovative yet actionable strategies for their hospitals and health systems. Leveraging their leadership expertise, visionary thinking and financial acumen, these executives play a vital role in advancing healthcare delivery within the organizations. This list recognizes CEO and CFO teams for their dedication to enhancing healthcare.” In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted that, “Combining Dr. Erling’s strategic vision with Ms. Loomis’ financial expertise, Renown is advancing its mission to improve health through economic recovery, sustainable growth and innovation. Under their leadership, Renown generated healthy volume growth and a strategic partnership with University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. The duo emphasizes aligning clinical and financial goals to enhance patient care and operations, expand service access and ensure long-term financial resilience. Renown's financial position has seen significant year-over-year improvement by focusing on margin enhancement and increased state provider fee funding. Together, they instituted monthly operations reviews with leaders in every service area and hospital to track people, clinical quality, service and financial dashboards. This approach has been pivotal to the recovery strategy, achieving a $107 million financial turnaround in one year without workforce reductions. Other key initiatives include reducing contract labor, decreasing length of stay, focusing on patient throughput, fostering stronger relationships with patients and purchasers, and building resilience to ensure sustainability and growth of Renown’s safety net mission.” Becker’s announced their list of 30 CEO-CFO leaders for 2025, stating, “For hospitals and health systems to thrive, CEOs and CFOs must work hand in hand, aligning their visions and strategies for long-term success. In recent years, healthcare organizations nationwide have navigated complex challenges like workforce shortages and the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic. These dynamic CEO-CFO duos have tackled those issues head-on, blending innovation with results-driven decision-making to foster resilience, growth and sustainability within their healthcare organizations.” “What an honor to be recognized alongside Anna Loomis, our Chief Financial Officer, by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the nation’s top CEO-CFO duos! It is a such a pleasure to work with Anna. She is positive, approachable, innovative, and a resilient leader. Her proven track record of financial stewardship and her deep understanding of the complexities of the healthcare landscape make her an ideal fit for our team,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “Our organization plays an essential role as the only not-for-profit, academic health system in Nevada. Together, we will continue to make healthcare more affordable and to advance our mission to save lives, nurture minds and care for all people.” “We are working diligently across the board, to advance healthcare excellence and deliver exceptional value to our community,” said Anna Loomis, Chief Financial Officer. “A strong partnership between a CEO and CFO is crucial for every organization’s success. The partnership that Dr. Erling and I have created with our Board, Finance Committee and Finance team has been vital in aligning Renown’s vision and strategic plan with our financial strategy. Our collaboration ensures that strategic decisions are financially sound and support Renown’s long-term objectives. We have open and transparent communication, and that helps to foster our People First approach at Renown. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Renown team, and we are honored to be nationally recognized.” Ms. Loomis oversees all aspects of financial management for Renown Health including budgeting, financial planning, revenue cycle management, supply chain and strategic investments for Nevada’s #1 ranked health care organization. With over 20 years in finance leadership and strategy, Ms. Loomis is leading several transformative efforts to strengthen the organization and build partnerships. “When the CEO and CFO are aligned, it helps align and inspire our entire organization of 8,000 caregivers,” said Sandeep Randhawa, MS, Chief People Officer, Renown Health. “This trust is essential for securing investment in our future as a health system, maintaining employee morale and supporting our 161-year legacy and a positive reputation in our community. We are indeed very fortunate to have both Dr. Erling and Ms. Loomis leading our team. They are a dynamic duo!” The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list and curated it to highlight the accomplishments of these leaders. Leaders and organizations cannot pay for inclusion on this list. 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.   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 8,000 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®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers. Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today.

Read More About Renown Health’s CEO-CFO Duo Recognized As “Highly Successful” in Enhancing Healthcare and Strategic Partnerships By Beckers’s National Hospital Review

The American Hospital Association’s #HAVhope, or Hospitals Against Violence Day, highlights how America’s hospitals and health systems combat violence in their workplaces and communities. The first Friday of June is the American Hospital Association’s #HAVhope Friday, a day organized by Hospitals Against Violence (HAV) to highlight the work hospitals and health systems across the nation are doing to build safe workplaces and communities for their employees. This year, June 3 marks the sixth annual #HAVhope Friday and focuses on the healthcare industry’s continued work toward partnerships, innovations and creative thinking, all focused on workplace safety and respect. June 1, 2022 was a tragic reminder why #HAVhope is an important message to share after four people were killed and several others injured at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. In recent years, workplace violence against healthcare workers has been on the rise. According to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 2018 report, about 75 percent of nearly 25,000 reported annual workplace assaults occur in healthcare and social service settings. Those who don’t work in healthcare may be surprised to learn that violent altercations are common. “As a health system leader, I am impressed by the support Renown’s employees show one another. However, I know that it is my responsibility to protect our team. Renown Health has a zero tolerance for any person engaging in an intentional act that threatens the safety, health, life or well-being of another person,” said Dr. Thomas Graf, Renown Health CEO. “I encourage all patients and members of our community to support care providers by ensuring they feel safe at work.” Hospital settings can create fear and stress for patients and their families. Pain, stress, mind-altering medications and difficult prognoses can amplify these feelings. While inappropriate responses may be understandable, violence cannot be tolerated. At Renown Health, we take violence seriously and support our employees in reporting any violent occurrences. Acts of violence can include the following: anger-related accidents; arson; displays of anger; physical assaults including battery, grabbing, punching, kicking, pushing/shoving; sabotage, pranks; sexual assault; stalking/surveillance; theft; threats - shaking fist, verbal or written, violating personal space; throwing objects; vandalism, property damage; and verbal assaults.   “In order to support our employees, we have clear, mandatory policies and protocols for reporting and investigating violent incidents,” said Amy McCombs, Vice President of Quality and Acute Care at Renown Health. “Recently, 20 Renown employees participated in a workplace violence prevention program with AVADE. This program gave participants the tools they need to help prevent violence at work.” Renown Health has several systems in place to support and protect employees. For example, staff orientation includes classes to prepare employees to prevent and de-escalate verbal or physical abuse. Renown also offers ongoing education to train staff to respond to violent situations. If an incident does occur, our violence prevention task force reviews incidents and ensures the impacted employees receive resources and counseling to help them process what has occurred. Renown Health values partnerships with community organizations including local law enforcement agencies like the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Reno Police Department. Renown Health maintains a close relationship with these partners, and we alert them when our care teams experience an increase in violent incidents. (Pictured Above: Participants in Renown’s violence prevention training program) 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 Today, and Every Day, Renown Stands Up Against Workplace Violence

Three scholarship recipients honored with Cherie Elvin Memorial Scholarship for 2016 Reno Air Race tragedy; Ten others recognized with nursing scholarships by Renown Health Foundation donors. Thirteen area nursing students were the stars of the show today at an event celebrating nursing education. Renown Health leaders held the 2022 Nursing Scholarship Award ceremony to recognize future nurses making a genuine difference in the lives of others, and awarded scholarships to help them pursue their education. Scholarships were presented to thirteen nursing students who are also working at Renown Health and currently pursuing their nursing degrees. Today’s financial awards build on scholarship support from The Cherie Elvin Memorial Fund, which was created by the Elvin Family as a legacy to honor their mother, Cherie, who died at the 2011 Reno Air Races.  Melodie Osborn, RN Chief Nursing Executive; Jana Elliott, RN, DNP, Chief Nursing Officer for Renown Regional; Erin VanKirk, RN, Director of Nursing Education and Alicia Glassco, RN, Director of Medical-Surgical Nursing, presented the scholarships with Thomas Graf, MD, interim CEO of Renown Health during the event held at Mack Auditorium at Renown Regional Medical Center this morning. Members of the Elvin family attended the event via video link, and spoke to the group after watching a clip from Broken Propeller, an online documentary film by producer/director Christine Lazzarini that honors the heroes who responded to the tragedy on September 16, 2011. It was on that day that The Galloping Ghost, a highly modified North American P-51D Mustang racing aircraft, crashed into spectators while competing at the Reno Air Races in killing the pilot, James K. "Jimmy" Leeward, and ten people on the ground. Sixty-nine more people on the ground were injured. It was the third-deadliest airshow disaster in U.S. history.  The 2011 air race crash had an immeasurable impact on the entire Elvin family. Cherie, 73, lost her life, while Chuck, her husband of 52 years, their two sons and daughter-in-law all lost part of their right legs. The family received treated at area hospitals and is still grateful for the care, kindness and support received in northern Nevada. Cherie's son, Bill, and daughter-in-law, Rachel, spoke to the group saying, “As the Elvin family we honor and remember Cherie and work to support nurses in our community.” The care the family received from the physicians, nurses, hospital care providers, EMS teams, and the community inspired the Elvin Family to increase their funding from one scholarship to three scholarships.  Cherie Elvin Memorial Fund scholarships were presented to Alexis Perkins, Katelynn Mahone, Veronica Wentker, who all attend the nursing program at Carrington College.  To recognize the dedication and sacrifice, and to encourage others to pursue a nursing education, the nursing leadership team and Renown Health Foundation donors, for the first time, also awarded scholarships to ten additional recipients for a total of 13 awards. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000 and awarded to employees who are committed to working at the bedside, convey the fundamental qualities of a nurse and look to connect with patients recovering from traumatic situations. Kami Sherpa, who is a critical care technician in Telemetry, wants to work as a registered nurse in Telemetry or the Intensive Care Unit when she graduates. She is currently attending the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno. Kami wrote, “I lost my grandad at a very young age. When he died, I decided to become a nurse and to do my best to make every person’s hospital stay a good one. I am the first person in my family to go to school and to earn a bachelor’s degree. This scholarship means so much. I know my mom and my grandma will be proud. I promised them I would take care of people in need and ease their pain. Nursing is my passion in life.” Nursing is an extremely rewarding career, and it has the added benefit of being in high demand. However, getting through nursing school takes a lot of hard work—and it can be expensive. According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019, there were approximately 3 million people working as registered nurses in the U.S. Demand for the role is expected to increase by 7% from 2019 to 2029. The average cost of nursing school can vary widely. The cost for a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) can be comparable to any other four year degree. According to U.S. News, the average cost of tuition for the 2020-2021 school year was $9,687 for a four year public school, and $35,087 for a four year private school. Some may pursue other pathways, such as an online RN to BSN program, which can sometimes be more affordable ranging between $25,000 to $80,000 in cost. While this may seem costly, the median annual salary for an RN in 2019 was $75,330. “There has never been a more important time to recruit and retain qualified candidates to become nurses,” said Thomas Graf, MD, interim CEO of Renown Health, as he announced the increased commitment of donors to Renown Health Foundation.  “Your journey to become a nurse includes a lifelong commitment to learning and showing up as your best self,” said Jana Elliott, Chief Nursing Officer for Renown Regional Medical Center. “Treat each patient as the most important person in the world to you. There is no more important or fulfilling work than to serve as a nurse.” She added, “You are on an incredible journey filled with joy, fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose. Being a nurse requires a passion for people, a profound belief in serving others; trust in your teammates, the ability to embrace change, flexibility and true grit. It is an incredible privilege to be a nurse and to serve others in what is, perhaps, their greatest time of need.  The scholarship recipients of the 2022 Renown Health Nursing Scholarships are: Jion Manicdao Emily Thomas Christian Roberts Blake Conger Alaina Galyean Sadie Chalupa Jillian Dutra Leslie Zolan Kami Sherpa Erin Kristin Ramos Renown Health values and encourages employees to continue their education and supports career aspirations and goals. The education assistance program offers loan reimbursement and repayment opportunities as well as educational and financial guidance from experts. College tuition, certification and certificate reimbursement is provided for employees who are currently enrolled in college/university or taking the extra steps to receive a professional certification or certificate. In addition, the organization supports employees who have previously completed their education and are now managing the burden of student loans.  Renown Health is currently hiring registered nurses and other positions at https://careers.renown.org/ As a not-for-profit health system, Renown relies heavily on community funding. To donate to the Renown Health Foundation and nursing education, please call 775-982-5545 or email foundation@renown.org.   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 Thirteen Area Nursing Students Recognized With Scholarships

Innovative anesthesiology practice improves diagnosis, medical management and quality of life for patient. If you are preparing for a surgical procedure, you have probably given a lot of thought to the education, training and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure. But you may not have thought much about the physician anesthesiologist or the importance of his or her medical expertise in your procedure — before, during and after — to keep you safe and comfortable. "Our leadership team has thought a lot about physician anesthesiologists over the past year,” says Sy Johnson, MBA, President and Chief of Staff for Renown Health. “As the region’s only not-for-profit integrated healthcare network and trauma center, we are trusted and chosen by patients as the top provider of inpatient care, including surgeries, for northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. To serve the needs of hundreds of surgeons and thousands of patients with safe, high quality and effective anesthesia coverage, we now employ fifty-six anesthesiologists through our Department of Surgery and have established Renown Medical Group Anesthesiology, a new local practice for northern Nevada.” “Renown Medical Group anesthesiologists provide 24 hour surgical and procedural coverage based on clinical skill sets, surgeon preference and patient preference. Patients who choose Renown for their care can feel certain that they are receiving anesthesia care from a physician anesthesiologist who has attained board certification. Renown Health hospitals are pleased to provide patient care exclusively by physician anesthesiologists,” says Thomas Graf, MD, FAAFP, CEO, Chief Clinical & Quality Officer of Renown Health and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “We are the doctors trained to administer and manage anesthesia given to a patient during a surgical procedure to ensure anesthesia care is as safe and effective as possible,” says Nariman Rahimzadeh, MD. Dr. Rahimzadeh serves as Medical Director and Chief of Staff for Renown South Meadows Medical Center, is a member of the new group and has practiced in Reno for fifteen years. “We also play a key role in taking care of patients who are having minor surgery or who may not require general anesthesia, such as women in labor who need to be awake and alert but require effective pain management.” “Our innovative anesthesiology practice is now staffed by fifty-six anesthesiologists. We are serving patients and surgeons at Renown Health hospitals with one fully integrated model of care to improve diagnosis, medical management and quality of life,” says Christos Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS; Chair, Department of Surgery and Vice President at Renown Health. “We strive to advance anesthesia through clinical excellence, education, innovation and people. Our nationally recognized medical staff and dedicated support team perform the majority of anesthesia procedures in our market, and evaluate, monitor, and supervise patient care before, during, and after surgery to deliver effective anesthesia and ensure optimal patient safety.” “Physician anesthesiologists have 12 to 14 years of education, including medical school, and 12,000 to 16,000 hours of clinical training,” adds Scott Parkhill, MD, FASA, who serves as a Medical Director and Vice Chief of Staff at Renown Regional Medical Center and is a member of the new group. “Physician anesthesiologists in the United States complete a four-year undergraduate college degree that includes satisfying pre-med requirements. Like other medical doctors, they must follow undergraduate education with four years of medical school. After medical school, a physician specializing in anesthesiology completes a four-year anesthesiology residency program. Following completion of a residency program, residents are eligible to sit for the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) exam. We are pleased that all of our Renown Medical Group anesthesiologists are board certified.” Adds Kelsey Larsen, MBA, Chief Operating Officer for Renown Medical Group, “We are thrilled to welcome and employ forty-two physician anesthesiologists who started with us on April 1. An additional nine physicians joined last week and five other physicians have requested to start over the summer for a total of 56 anesthesiologists that have joined Renown Health to provide services to patients.” Patients served include those at Renown Regional Medical Center, the only Level II Trauma Center between Sacramento and Salt Lake City, and named #1 Hospital in the State of Nevada by U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings for 2021. Physician anesthesiologists will also provide services to patients at Renown South Meadows Medical Center, named #1 Best Hospital for 2020 by U.S. News & World Report; and to patients at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, northern Nevada’s only Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited hospital, specializing in the treatment of patients with brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke. Renown Health is integrated with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Nevada’s first medical school, which serves to enhance the health of the community through increased access to care, innovative health care delivery, expansion of clinical research and training for the next generation of physicians and health care professionals. 51 ANESTHESIOLOGISTS WHO JOINED RENOWN IN APRIL 2022: Samuel Beck, MD Heber Becker, MD  Peter Billharz, MD  Kara Bjur, MD  Brian Brewer, MD Brian Buehler, MD Carrie Buehler, MD Catherine Burton, MD Joshua Cartinella, MD  Nicholas Cirac, MD  Gordon Curry, MD  Scott Dougan, MD  JoAnn Ellero, MD  Daryl Fenio, MD  Dirk Fletcher, MD  Tobey Gansert, MD  Benjamin Garol, MD  Jeffery Grudzinski, MD  Keith Hanson, MD  Min Hein, MD  Mark Janes, MD  Scott Jeannes, MD  Kevin Lasko, MD  Sarah Lim, MD  Jay Markin, MD John Marshall, MD  Eric Moody, MD  John Mortensen, MD  Jobin Nash, MD Mel Nutter, DO      Scott Parkhill, MD   Nariman Rahimzadeh, MD   Suresh Raman, MD   Shaina Richardson, MD   Alan Sarabia, MD   Heidi Sarabia, MD   Mitch Seman, MD   Daniel Sorensen, MD   Ryan Stites, MD   Aaron Wallace, MD   Duncan Browne, MD   Tyler Hartley, MD   Jie Lan, MD  Pamela Russell, MD  Scott Reineck, MD   Brian Landreth, DO      Kara Sievert, MD   Chiaki Nakanishi, MD  Philip Phu, MD  Matthew Sabatini, MD   Robert Kyper, MD  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 56 Anesthesiologists Join Renown Health to Provide High Quality Services to Area Patients and Surgeons

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

“Amazing! Phenomenal! Thank you for always showing genuine concern. You are kind, considerate and caring. You are interested in me. You are the best doctor I have ever had. I trust you with my life. You act on things, right away. You are awesome. You have saved my life, and my family. You are knowledgeable, thorough, intelligent and compassionate. You are my favorite. You are my angel baby. You have made me better. You always make me feel like a success, even if I could have tried harder. I love you. I thank you.” These are some of the comments made by patients regarding their doctors and advanced practice providers honored this morning by Sy Johnson, President and Chief of Staff for Renown Health. In honor of Healthcare Week, Renown Medical Group, the largest medical practice in northern Nevada, honored 46 physicians and advanced practice providers at the Dr. John Spellman Excellence in Patient Communications Award Celebration. This new annual award, supported by the Renown Health Foundation charitable organization and a donor family, honors physicians and advanced practice providers who demonstrate exceptional communications skills in their clinical practice, as awarded by their patients. Recipients of this award are ranked in the top ten percent nationally in provider communication for 2021, as measured by over 11 thousand patients who responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CG-CAPHS) or Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems patient experience survey between October 2020 and June 2021. Patients were asked if their medical providers explained things in a way they could understand; if they listened carefully; if they showed respect for what they had to say; if they spent enough time with them; if they read their medical records; if they ordered tests and followed up with them on their results; and to give them a rating on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 was the highest score. “As honorees, your patients have given you a 10, an A+ and you set the gold standard for excellent communications with patients-scoring in the top 10% nationally,” said Rahul Mediwala, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Medical Group. “I love what I do, and it’s wonderful to know that my patients appreciate the care I provide,” said Christina Alsop, DNP, one of the providers honored today. The awards were given in remembrance of Dr. John W. Spellman, human rights advocate, scholar and professor, 7/27/1934 to 6/25/2021 by his family. The Recipients of the 2021 Dr. John Spellman Excellence in Patient Communications Award are: Alsop, Christina Barangan, Caroline J. Basho, Shruti Bloch, Melissa P Bryan, Janice K. Budhecha, Sonia Burgio, Pamela A. Cavin, Lisa C. Dimpel, Ashley J. Dorsa, Denise J. Galanopoulos, Christos A. Galdo, Bella B. Grudzinski, Courtney Dianne Hansen, Benjamin Hardacre, Michael C. Healy, Sara Anne Kermode, Charlotte A. Kiser, Michele J. Klippenstein, Matthew Landis, Philip H. May, Whitney Medina, Mary Beth E. Mindeguia, Catherine E. Miyagawa, Dean Moore, Willa F. Morris, Katelyn Morton, Lillian Nielsen, Lorri Nylk, Janina Park, Susan J. Patel, Bejal Powers, Cindy M. Roumanas, Athan Safdi, Adam Sandefur, Lauren L. Schnell Blitstein, Jamie M. Silverhart, Julie A. Stodtmeister, Russell T. Sutton, Jennifer B. Tay, Jennifer Thyssen, Katherine A. Wagner, Karen Wiese, Matthew C. Wilson, Kristin L, Zucker, Jacob P. Patients served include those at Renown Regional Medical Center, the only Level II Trauma Center between Sacramento and Salt Lake City, and #1 Hospital in the State of Nevada in U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings for 2021. Physicians and providers also provide services to patients at Renown South Meadows Medical Center, named #1 Best Hospital for 2020 by U.S. News & World Report; and to patients at RenownRehabilitation Hospital, northern Nevada’s only Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)- accredited hospital, specializing in the treatment of brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke. Renown Health is integrated with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Nevada’s first medical school, which serves to enhance the health of the community through increased access to care, innovative health care delivery, expansion of clinical research and training for the next generation of physicians and health care professionals. Almost 700 Renown Medical Group primary care and specialty providers are currently accepting new patients and accept most health insurance plans, including Renown’s not-for-profit insurance plan, Hometown Health. To find the doctor or provider that is best for you visit renown.org, or self schedule with your established provider at MyChart or call the Renown Customer Engagement Center at 775-982-4100. Renown Health is currently hiring in all areas. Search for a new career opportunity and apply online at careers.renown.org. 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 Honoring Excellence in Patient Communications

Get to know Renown’s new CEO in his letter to employees and care providers. Today marks Dr. Brian Erling’s first day as Renown Health’s President & CEO. Dr. Erling sent the following letter and this video to Renown’s employees and care providers. We are pleased to share it with our community. Hello! Today marks my first day as your Renown Health President and CEO, so I thought I would kick off the occasion with a note. Throughout the interview process, I have been beyond impressed with the passion and purpose demonstrated by all who I have met, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the warm welcome that we have received. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you, but it may take some time to get to all 7000 of you, so I thought I would share some information not included in the initial announcement. A bit about where I come from and what I believe, which informs how I approach leadership. Healthcare has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Minnesota and started my healthcare career as a nursing assistant during high school, and then as a monitor tech during college. After medical school and training, I went on to spend the next dozen years in the ED of a Level I trauma center in west Denver. I met my wife, Jessica, while attending medical school in Baltimore. She was working as a nurse in the surgical ICU and I was smitten. I offered to help her with a 3 am turn and bed linen change for our trauma patient, and the rest was history. We have three kids ages 17-22. I may wear a suit, but first and foremost I am a husband, father, clinician and a caregiver. Over the last 20+ years, I have worked my fair share of nights, weekends, and holidays, and I know the sacrifice you and your families make to care for our community. I will never take it for granted. I have been the sole provider covering a busy night shift, and I know that the trust and collaboration with your immediate team matters more than anything I am putting in this email. In fact, being part of a high performing, mission-driven team is my number one motivation. It’s what gets me up in the morning and why I work in healthcare. I have provided clinical leadership for a large, regional health system and understand that quality, safety, and innovation comes from the people doing the work, not from a corporate office. But you also need strong managers and leaders to facilitate and prioritize the work, and to provide support and inspiration. I view our greatest resource to be our people (each of you). Fancy robots, imaging equipment, etc. are essential, but they are not why our patients choose us. They come for your brand of hometown, trusted care. I am very excited about the new partnership with Renown and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. While still in its infancy, it provides the platform for us to be the center for training, research, and tertiary care for the region (and beyond). Most health systems would love to have their own health plan. The reality is that you cannot meaningfully improve the health of the population without managing value and risk. We are fortunate to have Hometown Health as part of Renown Health, and in our community, and I am excited to work with them to fulfill the mission of the organization. I have worked in for-profit and not-for profit healthcare. Renown is unique in the market as the only nonprofit health system in the market. What that means is that we invest every penny earned back into caring for our community. We don’t send money to shareholders in California or Pennsylvania, we invest it right here in Nevada. That is the kind of organization that I want to work for and where I want my family to get care. Some of you may have noticed that healthcare leaders have an impressively short half-life. I recall not being terribly impressed with one of our hospital leaders early in my career, and one of my senior partners told me to “just wait, he’ll be gone in a year or two.” She was correct. In fact, I had five CEOs in the time I was practicing in Denver. It’s difficult to create and move an organization toward a unified vision when your leader changes every few years. As my track record will support, this is not my style. I have been in Colorado for over twenty years and now look forward to making Reno and Renown my home for years to come. We are in an unprecedented time in healthcare, as all U.S. health systems are experiencing skyrocketing expenses and insufficient revenue growth. Renown is not immune to these pressures, but we are well positioned in the market to weather the storm. By focusing on continuous clinical and operational improvement, Renown will continue to set the gold standard for community health system performance. I appreciate you taking the time to read this message. I look forward to meeting with and learning from all of you. When you see me in the hallway or out and about, please come up and say hello. The work we do is hard, but I try to make it fun when I can, and I definitely like to play hard outside of work. I have been snowboarding the Rockies for the last 20 years and am excited to ride some new trails. When I see you around, let me know if you have some favorite terrain to recommend. Here, at your side, and ready to FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT! Brian Erling, MD, MBA President & CEO, Renown Health About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’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®.

Read More About New CEO of Renown Health, Dr. Brian Erling, Shares Thoughts With Physicians And Colleagues on His First Day

Three-day medical education conference advances research, education, prevention and treatment. Physicians and medical professionals from across the country will convene in Lake Tahoe from Friday, Nov. 4 to Sunday, Nov. 6 to explore the most recent advances and established guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke and diseases or problems associated with heart disease. Hosted by Renown's Institute for Heart & Vascular Health and the Nevada Academy of Family Physicians, the 32nd annual three-day Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine conference will bring together national experts to explore challenges and solutions to cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. "The driving force behind this collaborative event is the shared missions of all our organizations, across the country, to advance progress in cardiovascular research, education, prevention and treatment," says Jayson Morgan, MD, FACC, Director of Cardiovascular Services at Renown. "We will be joined by colleagues from across the country including Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, UC San Francisco School of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of Washington Medical Center, University of Chicago Medicine and locally- with experts from Renown's Institute for Heart & Vascular Health/UNR Med and Northern Surgical Associates - to discuss contemporary trends in providing excellent cardiovascular care and prevention." New research will be presented each day from experts across the country, including the following topics: “What the Fentanyl? Making Sense of a Deadly Epidemic” “COVID-19: Return to Sport or Strenuous Activity Following Infection” “Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Evolving Data, Evolving Guidelines, Evolving Practice” “Coronary Microvascular Disease in Women: Signs, Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment” “Lipoprotein (a): A Risk Factor for Atherosclerosis and an Emerging Therapeutic Target” “Gut Feeling: The Increased Importance of GLP-1 Therapies for Personalized Obesity Management” "Primary Care Perspectives: Peripheral Vascular Disease” “Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation and Sudden Cardiac Death in Women” “Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure in 2022: What Do I as a Primary Care Provider Need to Know?” “Can a Patient be Low Risk without a Calcium Score?” “Obesity & Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction: How Does Bariatric Surgery Change the Landscape?” To make an appointment with a provider at Renown's Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, request that your primary care provider make a referral. For more information on Renown's Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, visit renown.org/Health-Services/Heart-Care. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’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®.

Read More About Leading Experts Convene in Tahoe To Focus On Scientific Advancements And The Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease, The #1 Cause Of Death Globally