2014-11-09 HealthCare Quarterly

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RESEARCH IS THE HEALING EDGE OF CANCER TREATMENT.

UNITED TO REDEFINE CANCER CARE Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada treats more patients than all other Nevada treatment centers combined. For two decades, we have been affiliated with the world-renowned UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and The US Oncology Network – one of the nation’s largest networks of community-based oncology practices.

UNITED WE HEAL • Through our affiliation with The US Oncology Network, you can put the knowledge and experience of nearly 1,000 physicians nationwide on your side.

• Your individual treatment plan will draw on nearly 1,300 clinical research trials involving more than 56,000 patients.

RIGHT HERE IN NEVADA • Comprehensive is the only oncology-specialized practice in the state of Nevada to be affiliated with both UCLA and The US Oncology Network.

• Comprehensive is now conducting more than 170 Phase I, Phase II and Phase III clinical research studies in Nevada.

• As one of the leaders in UCLA’s research network, Comprehensive delivers the same groundbreaking treatments in state and close to home, without patients ever needing to travel to UCLA. • More than 4,000 out-of-state patients come to Comprehensive each year to secure the strongest possible allies in their fight against cancer.

• Comprehensive has helped develop 49 FDA approved cancer therapies.

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Diagnosis: Throat Cancer

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Ask your doctor about Comprehensive. Visit cccnevada.com for more information or call 702.952.3350 to schedule an appointment today.

United in Healing

The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health. © 2014 McKesson Specialty Health. All rights reserved.

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features

Our November Babies of the Month

Photographer: J and J Photography

Zackary & Mason’s Story Zackary and Mason’s parents had been trying to conceive for eight years when they decided to see Dr. Littman at Red Rock Fertility. It was a challenging case. Mom came to us at an advanced maternal age and her fallopian tubes were blocked. Dad had a history of varicoceles (a form of varicose veins in the testes that leads to low sperm and testosterone levels). However, after just one cycle of IVF, they were pregnant. All those years of struggling with infertility were finally over and they were blessed with not one, but two beautiful bundles of joy. Congratulations Mom and Dad on your amazing journey and your two beautiful babies of the month, Zackary and Mason!

To learn more about Red Rock Fertility, visit us online at www.redrockfertility.com Red Rock Fertility Center is Nevada’s 1st and only boutique-style center specializing in personalized physician care and expertise in an intimate, cozy setting. Giving the gift of life all year long.

Eva Littman,

M.S.N., W.H.N.P.-C.

Practice Director, Trained at Duke & Stanford Universities

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Received Master’s Degree in Nursing from Vanderbilt University with the Highest Honors

“Voted 2012, 2013 and 2014 Top Infertility Doctor”

6410 Medical Center Street, Suite A • Las Vegas, NV 89148 870 Seven Hills Drive, Suite 103 • Henderson, NV 89052

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Shannon L. McGrath,

M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

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32 CONTENTS

32 NEW PALS Hospice’s pet therapy program brings comfort to patients

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GOOD TURN CCCN residency rotation is helping keep medical professionals here

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SCALPEL OR SCREEN The doctor is still in, but perhaps he’s at a monitor instead of a table

42

SMALL MIRACLES More same-sex couples are seeking fertility treatments

44

A CLASS BY ITSELF An innovative approach to joint care

38 COLUMNS 16

EDUCATION Jessica Doolen, Ph.D., Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas

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LEGISLATIVE Daniel Mathis, Nevada Health Care Association

20

LAW Stacy Rocheleau, Right Lawyers

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VOLUNTEER Q&A George Schwab, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals

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COMMUNITY

WORKPLACE

TECHNOLOGY

Myrna Rice photo by Steve Marcus

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MAKING THE ROUNDS Southern Nevada health care events

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CALENDAR Upcoming events and classes

56 Mark Leo, M.D., Urology Specialists of Nevada Andrew Cash, M.D., Desert Institute of Spine Care

PATIENT SUCCESS PROFILE Matt Crigger, Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center Kevin Gallagher, Comprehensive Cancer Centers

Bill Vena, Matt Smith Physical Therapy

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THE NOTES News and notes from the health care community

WELLNESS Rosemary Thuet, R.N., MountainView Hospital

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ADMINISTRATION John Rhodes, M.D., Southwest Medical

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DEPARTMENTS

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DOCTOR Q&A Samir Qamar, M.D., MedLion Direct Primary Care

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HEALTH

72

Health and nutrition news

BY THE NUMBERS Health care facts and figures

LOOKING BACK VA and Air Force medical services

FALL 2014

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HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES AND EMERGENCIES.

FROM TODDLERS TO TEENS, THE PERFECT ER. We offer the region’s largest, most comprehensive ER designed just for kids (and teens). You’ll be comforted to know your child will be seen by emergency physicians who specialize in pediatric medicine 24/7.

Visit SunriseChildrensHospital.com or call (702) 233-KIDS (5437).

Specialists from Head to Toe

Remember, you can text “ER” to 23000 to learn average wait times in our ER. Message and data rates may apply. For more info visit texterhelp.com

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5/2/14 9:31 10/30/14 2:00 AM PM

FROM THE EDITOR

I

t’s a common refrain in the magazine business, and it’s just one part of a cycle of emails, phone calls, writing, editing and more emails that leaves no room for anything else, like getting sick: “We still need your column.”

Folks in the publication world are taught to take the “dead” part of “deadline” pretty seriously when it comes to moving pages to the printer.

Sick is no excuse.

And yet there I was, stretched out on my couch, tissues and orange juice within arm’s reach, while this, my first issue of Health Care Quarterly, was preparing to go to press.

(Ah yes, hello. It’s my pleasure to step into the role as editor, and it’s my pleasure to meet you. I’d shake your hand, but I’m sure you understand if I decline.)

The U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health report that workers who show up sick cost their employers an estimated $150 billion a year in lost productivity; much more than the absenteeism would cost. We visited with Dr. Samir Qamar, inventor of the MedWand, for this issue. The MedWand is a device that helps doctors determine if you should stay home — and more. It measures vital functions, has a camera for looking at your eyes, ears and throat, and it’s something that you hook up to your own computer. It’s a handheld medical device that anyone can use and has even caught the attention of the Pentagon.

One thing that people can do to avoid getting sick is to stay current with vaccinations. I still remember getting my shots as a child — at least there was candy involved — but what used to be a straightforward procedure has become mired in controversy. Attorney Stacy Rocheleau has an interesting take on it in the pages of this issue; what happens when divorcing parents don’t agree on vaccinations?

Of course, interacting with others means exposure to colds. Remember to wash your hands frequently, especially after answering someone’s phone or using their keyboard. And while we’re talking about the office, how’s the setup at your desk? Even if you’re feeling your best, you’ll be more comfortable, and presumably more efficient, if your chair and keyboard are adjusted correctly. Keep on reading, as Bill Vena of Matt Smith Physical Therapy has some tips.

One of the great comforts to me on my day of rest was having my dog nearby. Pets are such a joy (well, until they stretch and jam their paws in the small of one’s back, but we shall overlook such inconveniences). In our cover story, Holly Silvestri writes about a wonderful program at Nathan Adelson Hospice that brings patients and pets together. You’ll meet Oliver the labradoodle and Levi the min pin; they’re among 18 dogs participating in a program that brings comfort and smiles to the patients at the hospice.

And there’s so much more in this issue, from robotic surgery and recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack to keeping kids fit. So grab a tall glass of OJ, put the phone on vibrate, and kick back; Health Care Quarterly is here to help you stay well.

Craig Peterson Editor of Custom Publications craig.peterson@gmgvegas.com

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The Valley Health System Five hospitals.

One passion.

Quality care.

The Valley Health System hospitals are conveniently located throughout Las Vegas and provide comprehensive care.

For a FREE physician referral Call Direct Doctors Plus® 702.388.4888

Emergency Care All of The Valley Health System hospitals offer: • ER Wait Times Online • Text EZ to 379248 • erjustgoteasier.com ER wait times and ER Reserve available on your smart phone, laptop, tablet and computer any time. ER Reserve lets you request a time in the ER when you need emergency care for non-life-threatening conditions.

• Certified Advanced Primary Stroke Centers • Certified Chest Pain Centers • Robotic, minimally invasive surgery

Specialty programs: • Maternity care & neonatal intensive care units

• Children’s Medical Center

• Diabetes treatment centers • Wound care services • Surgical weight-loss center

www.valleyhealthsystemlv.com

Centennial Hills Hospital • Desert Springs Hospital Spring Valley Hospital • Summerlin Hospital • Valley Hospital

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Hills Hospital Medical Center 1 Centennial 6900 North Durango Dr. • 702-835-9700 Springs Hospital Medical Center 2 Desert 2075 E. Flamingo Road • 702-733-8800 Valley Hospital Medical Center 3 Spring 5400 S. Rainbow Blvd. • 702-853-3000 Hospital Medical Center 4 Summerlin 657 Town Center Drive • 702-233-7000 Hospital Medical Center 5 Valley 620 Shadow Lane • 702-388-4000 ER Wait Time is an average provided for informational purposes only. ER Reserve should be used only if you decide your care can wait until the time you select. Do not wait if your symptoms or conditions worsen or if you need immediate care since delays may complicate your condition. If you are unsure of your condition or if your condition worsens, then please go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. Some insurance plans may not cover an ER visit if it is deemed urgent care or may apply a different copay. Please check your covered benefits with your insurance provider for details. Text message and data rates apply.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of The Valley Health System.

The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

Follow our hospitals on

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PUBLISHER TRAVIS KEYS (travis.keys@gmgvegas.com)

EDITORIAL EDITOR OF CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS CRAIG PETERSON RESEARCH LIBRARIAN REBECCA CLIFFORD-CRUZ RESEARCHERS PASHTANA USUFZY, TRISTAN AIRD

ART ART DIRECTOR MICHELE HAMRICK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS L.E. BASKOW, CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, STEVE MARCUS, SAM MORRIS PHOTO COORDINATOR MIKAYLA WHITMORE

ADVERTISING PUBLISHER OF ONLINE MEDIA DONN JERSEY ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, ONLINE MEDIA KATIE HORTON ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, LAS VEGAS MAGAZINE AND VEGAS2GO JAMAL PARKER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, LAS VEGAS WEEKLY MARK DE POOTER ADVERTISING DIRECTOR JEFF JACOBS ACCOUNT MANAGERS KATIE HARRISON, BREEN NOLAN, SUE SRAN ADVERTISING MANAGERS SHELLEY BRUNER, FRANK FEDER, KELLY GAJEWSKI, KENNETH HARMON, TREVOR LAYNE DIRECTOR OF SALES OPERATIONS STEPHANIE REVIEA PUBLICATION COORDINATORS KASHMIR OWENS, KAREN PARISI DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER EMMA CAUTHORN

PRODUCTION VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING MARIA BLONDEAUX ASSISTANT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PAUL HUNTSBERRY PRODUCTION MANAGER BLUE UYEDA PRODUCTION ARTISTS MARISSA MAHERAS, DARA RICCI TRAFFIC SUPERVISOR ESTEE WRIGHT ART DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING AND MARKETING SERVICES SEAN RADEMACHER GRAPHIC DESIGNER CARLOS HERRERA TRAFFIC COORDINATORS MEAGAN HODSON, KIM SMITH

DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION RON GANNON ROUTE MANAGER RANDY CARLSON FULFILLMENT MANAGER DORIS HOLLIFIELD CIRCULATION RESEARCH SPECIALIST CHAD HARWOOD

MARKETING AND EVENTS DIRECTOR MICHAEL URIARTE EVENT MANAGER KRISTIN WILSON

GREENSPUN MEDIA GROUP CEO, PUBLISHER & EDITOR BRIAN GREENSPUN CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ROBERT CAUTHORN EXECUTIVE EDITOR TOM GORMAN MANAGING EDITOR RIC ANDERSON ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS DELEN GOLDBERG CREATIVE DIRECTOR ERIK STEIN VEGAS INC 2360 CORPORATE CIRCLE, THIRD FLOOR HENDERSON, NEVADA 89074 | 702.990.2550

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6/4/15 5:38 PM

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My efforts need to be concentrated on the best patient outcomes, not worrying about accounting controls or day-to-day financial transactions.

I want to work with a bank that has the best products, the best training, the best people and the best experience – and that’s City National.

City National is The way up® for my business.

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Call (702) 425-6559 or visit cnb.com to find a business banker near you.

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E D U C AT I O N

SIMULATION CENTER HELPING MAKE BETTER MEDICINE A REALITY

By Jessica Doolen, Ph.D., FNP-C, CNE, RN

M

any students in health care and medicine learn best through hands-on training. Whether inserting an intravenous line, completing a surgical suture or feeling for abnormalities in the body, experience trumps book learning when the objective is to master a skill.

And for many of the nursing and medical students I have taught during my tenure, the first hands-on experiences with patients are often anxiety-ridden.

I have heard many unnerved students pose the same two questions: “What if I make a mistake,” and “What if this person dies because of me?”

Although reassurance helps, continued practice and experience prove to be the best tonics. But for many years, securing that level of hands-on training proved challenging.

Then, in 2009, the Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas began offering education via medical simulation.

The 31,000-square-foot facility serves medical students from the University of Nevada School of Medicine and nursing students from Nevada State College and UNLV. Here, students receive extensive hands-on training. And if a “patient” expires, the instructor presses a reset button and the students can try again.

All three schools pooled their resources to create the Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas, which has up-todate simulation technology and is the largest facility of its kind west of the Mississippi River.

The center, on UNLV’s Shadow Lane Campus, houses five high-fidelity simulation suites, a surgery simulation laboratory, 12 standardized patient clinic rooms, a 12-bed hospital ward and two skills laboratories. Fidelity denotes the level of realism. The five high-fidelity simulation suites replicate a birthing room, two adult hospital rooms, a two-bay emergency department suite and a pediatric hospital room. Lowfidelity items include arms for practicing blood draws and heads for inserting intubation tubes. Mid-fidelity items includes torsos connected to a device that enable students to hear normal and abnormal heart sounds.

High-fidelity items include anatomically correct mannequins that can excrete bodily fluids and provide physical and verbal reactions.

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Nursing students can practice inserting intravenous lines on low-fidelity arms connected to a virtual IV computer program. The program shows where the needle enters the vein and alerts the student if the insertion is incorrect. Injections are practiced on silicone pads, infusing fake blood and other IV fluids are rehearsed using low- and mid-fidelity body parts. In the hospital ward, students work with oxygen delivery systems and automated medication dispensers.

Medical residents have access to a surgical skills lab that contains general surgery residency and simulation training programs for UNSOM students. The training modules range from tying surgical knots to full procedures such as a cholecystectomy, or the removal of a gallbladder.

High-fidelity also includes specially trained actors called standardized patients who portray an array of physical conditions and mental health ailments. UNLV nursing students work with these “patients” as part of their psychiatric nursing courses. The students practice interview skills to assess a standardized patient’s condition, which could be anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Interactions with standardized patients are live-streamed to a debriefing room. The students critique each other, and then the actor — still in character — shares how the students’ interview questions and actions made him or her feel.

Collaboration is another benefit of the simulation center.

Nursing students, medical students and medical residents are learning in one place. This creates opportunities for the students to participate in mock collaborative codes, and to join research studies focused on enhancing inter-professional communication.

Many graduated students have expressed appreciation for their simulation training. I’ve heard from some nursing students who said they handled their first patient emer-

FALL 2014

6/4/15 5:45 PM

College of Nursing students inside the Nursing Skills Simulation lab at the Shadow Lane Campus.

gency calmly and efficiently because it mirrored one of the simulation scenarios. Others shared how they felt like part of the team on their first day because of the numerous hands-on experiences they received. One of the professors at UNLV noted an increase in the number of student nurses interested in pursing careers in mental health because of the standardized patient interactions.

Local staff nurses have shared positive notes as well. One said she can always tell which nurses received training at the simulation center — they exhibit greater confidence and step up when needed.

Simulation education contributes to enhanced patient care because students are not learning their skills while treating people. If something goes wrong during a simulation scenario, no one is harmed and students learn to correct and avoid their mistakes. It provides the hands-on education that transforms students into professionals, readying them for the challenges they will face. And, it has caused more of my students to ask, “Wow. Can I do that again?”

Jessica Doolen, Ph.D., FNP-C, CNE, RN, is the education director for the Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas.

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6/4/15 5:46 PM

L E G I S L AT I V E

HOW NEVADA IS RESPONDING TO THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF SOME OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS

By Daniel Mathis

F

ollowing a hospitalization for injury or illness, many patients require continued medical care, either at home or in a specialized facility.

Post-acute care is the range of medical care services that support a person’s continued recovery from illness or management of a chronic illness or disability. For Nevadans in need of such care, changes are coming.

Increased demand One change is the arrival of the Baby Boomers and the demand for supportive services and senior housing. Through the federal Affordable Care Act, we have seen the number of Nevadans getting medical coverage through insurance and Medicaid explode. Thousands of people now have coverage, and the expectation is that in the next open enrollment period to obtain health insurance, we will see thousands more people seeking medical coverage. Insurance providers are busy working to meet this explosive growth.

Assessing patient needs The second major change on the horizon is the way patients are assessed to determine appropriate placement after discharge from a hospital into independent rehabilitation facilities, long-term care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and home health care.

Each provider type has a different patient assessment form.

There has been national legislation proposed that would consolidate all post-acute care patient evaluation forms into one.

This standardized data would simplify and speed up appropriate placement for the health care providers. The president

“

signed the IMPACT Act, which streamlines quality measures for nursing homes and home health patients. Nevada is working on a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Grant that would fund the consolidation of these patient assessment tools ahead of the national curve.

Behavioral health The third change, and most likely the fastest change to occur, is the way that Nevada deals with behavioral health.

In the past, Nevada’s answer was to provide transportation to locations out of the state or simply continue to admit and readmit into and out of Nevada’s acute care facilities across the state. In the health care community this is called a “return to acute,” and it is the most expensive way to deal with this segment of our society.

State plan amendments have been submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that would establish a behavioral rate for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

(The behavioral rate is the amount by which facilities are reimbursed for the cost of care provided for these particular patients). Hospitals are preparing by equipping beds and employees for behavioral health services. Skilled nursing facilities are also busy equipping beds and training staff to accept appropriate behavioral patients and residents out of the acute setting.

The Affordable Care Act is furthering this change through the Nevada Medicaid Waiver program by combining all waivers and expanding access for the newly insured.

Through this process, we’re hoping an appropriate rate can be established.

There are thousands of people who now have coverage, and the expectation is that in the next open enrollment period to obtain health insurance, we will see thousands more people seeking medical coverage. Insurance providers are busy working to meet this explosive growth.

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How we pay for this The fourth and most complex change on the horizon is the way that skilled nursing facilities are compensated. Without getting lost in the details, these providers are incentivized in a very specific way, and the winds of change may be considered a tornado for what is called the “Supplemental Payment Calculation.”

Through this calculation, skilled nursing facilities compete for additional dollars in four categories: “acuity” (i.e., how sick a patient is) accounts for 50 percent; Medicaid occupancy (what percentage of skilled nursing facility patients are on Medicaid compared to other payer types) is 42 percent; accuracy of the screening and assessment of the health status (i.e, a measure of physical, psychological and psychosocial functioning of a patient) is about 4 percent; and patient assessment accuracy as measured by Nevada Quality Measure Scores takes up the rest.

The proposed change is to increase the impact of the “acuity” to as much as 75 percent, reducing the Medicaid occupancy to as little as possible and in turn increasing the impact of the remaining categories.

This would incentivize skilled nursing facilities to admit fewer low-acuity patients and move them to health care facilities more appropriate for that type of care (e.g., assisted living or residential facilities for groups).

Nevada currently has about 6,000 skilled nursing facility beds, with another 500 beds coming in the next year. There are some regulatory issues that need to be addressed in Nevada’s state codes and regulations to facilitate the smooth transition for patients and residents through Nevada’s continuum of care. As you can see, changes to how we respond to the health care needs of our state’s most vulnerable citizens are imminent and substantial. And over time, I expect that they will benefit Nevadans and improve health care in the state.

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L AW

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DIVORCED PARENTS DON’T AGREE ON IMMUNIZATIONS?

By Stacy Rocheleau

A

s a family law attorney at Right Lawyers, I most commonly litigate custody cases involving issues such as visitation schedules and child support calculations. In addition to these disputes, however, I have noticed another trend on the rise with custody issues. Legal battles between separated and divorced parents increasingly involve disputes over immunizing their children, as a result of public debate over possible negative health effects from immunizations.

The argument against immunizing children first took hold in 1998, when a British doctor published a study associating some children’s vaccines with the development of autism. Analysis of the study revealed that it had been poorly conducted, however, and the study was retracted and the physician’s medical license revoked. A recent investigation of the study by British medical journal BMJ even concluded that the physician behind the study had misrepresented or altered the medical histories of patients whose cases formed the basis of the study. In addition, a report published on July 1, 2014, in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) screened more than 20,000 scientific titles and 67 papers on vaccine safety, and the report found no evidence that immunizations cause autism. The report also indicated serious and harmful reactions from vaccines are extremely rare. Despite these recent revelations, however, the 1998 study was still enough fodder for some parents to question the benefits of immunizing their children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the AAP both urge parents to have their children immunized. They insist that the vaccines are not toxic and have no connection with the development of autism. The CDC attributes recent outbreaks of childhood diseases such as whooping cough (pertussis) and measles to parents failing to immunize their children.

I have seen many separated and divorced parents in Clark County argue about whether they should immunize their children, and some of them seek to settle this question through the court system. I often advise parents to settle these matters privately instead of pursuing potentially drawn-out legal battles, which could possibly delay their children entering the school system as a result of their unvaccinated status. For parents who insist on addressing this issue through the courts, however, it is important that they know their legal options.

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Nevada law requires children to be immunized against certain diseases before being allowed to enroll in school, with two exemptions. Nevada Revised Statutes section 392.435 excuses children from the vaccination requirement “because of religious belief or medical condition.” This is different from other states that allow children to attend school without vaccinations due to preference or personal belief.

There are very limited ways that parents can meet the state’s exemptions for vaccinating children. These include: • Medical Condition Exemption: The medical condition exemption requires a licensed physician to provide a signed statement to the school board explaining why immunizations would be medically harmful to the student.

• Religious Exemption: In order to obtain a religious exemption, the parents must submit a statement to the school board explaining why it is against their religion to have their children immunized. Some states and at least one federal court are not in favor of religious exemption, finding that refusing to immunize children is neglect, not a free exercise of religion.

••• A unique problem arises when divorced parents who share legal custody disagree about whether their children should not be immunized due to religious reasons. As there has been no definitive court ruling on this issue in Nevada, I usually make the following recommendations: • Consider the terms of the final divorce decree or custodial order. If one parent was given the authority to make medical decisions for the children over the other, that parent’s religious beliefs will generally be honored by the family law court.

• Determine parental involvement. This very issue was raised in a recent court case in the state of Virginia. After determining that the final divorce decree gave both parents equal say in making medical decisions for the children, the court weighed which parent was most involved in the children’s medical care. The court decided that the mother, who was opposed to vaccinations, was more involved than the father and granted her right to an exemption from immunizations.

• Remember the best interests of the children. If parents with joint legal custody are given equal decision-making authority for medical decisions, and if both are equally in-

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volved in providing medical care for their children, it is likely that the best interest of the children will serve as the determining factor in a court case. Protecting children from disease and keeping additional students safe and healthy is in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best interest, so all other things being equal, a judge would likely rule for the children to be vaccinated.

As a mother of three, my personal view is that immunizations, absent a medical allergy, are in the best interest of a child. Children who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t receive specific vaccinations can be at risk of catching the measles, whooping cough or worse. Everyone has the right to express their viewpoints in our court system, however parents need to keep the law in mind if they choose to challenge immunizations in court.

Stacy Rocheleau is the founder and managing partner of Right Lawyers.

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C S M C

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

LARGER HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS CAN BE GOOD FOR BOTH PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS

By John Rhodes, M.D.

T

o say the health care system has undergone significant changes over the past decade would be an understatement. From electronic medical records to smartphone apps, technology and innovation have transformed the way care is accessed and delivered. Fortunately, one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of the relationship between provider and patient.

Rapid change and advancements in medicine have accelerated a shift away from small, privately owned clinics to larger health care organizations. This is especially true in Southern Nevada.

I’m an example of this trend. After years of running a smaller family medicine practice here in my hometown of Las Vegas, I recently made the decision to join Southwest Medical Associates, which is one of Nevada’s largest multispecialty medical groups employing more than 280 local health care providers.

I decided to make the move when I realized I can provide excellent care to people in my hometown by working within a larger organization that has the expertise and resources needed to meet their needs.

As someone who helped found and run a smaller local practice, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of providing care while also trying to run a small business. Since I’ve joined my current team, I see the benefits to physicians and patients that can come from being part of a larger organization.

Physicians spend years learning the science and art of meeting the health concerns of patients. Rarely do they receive training in the business side of practice, such as accounting, advertising, human resources, and negotiating reimbursement rates. Larger organizations offer physicians the advantage of focusing their time and attention on providing care and personally interacting with their patients, rather being distracted by the day-to-day issues of operating a business.

Larger health care organizations aren’t just better for physicians — they also benefit patients. By pooling the resources and expertise of tens or hundreds of physicians in a consolidated setting, these organizations can offer patients greater

access to specialized care and the latest and most advanced medical testing and treatment equipment. In addition to these advantages of size and scale, recent studies have also shown that the improved coordination and integration available from larger health care organizations also results in higher quality care and better health outcomes for patients.

Another example of how larger practices benefit both the patient and the practitioner is demonstrated by Southwest Medical’s leveraging its resources to innovate and respond to the ever-changing demands being placed on medical providers. Southwest Medical is able to respond to increased patient demand by introducing a program that has been used in other successful business settings to reduce or eliminate wasted time, money and energy by creating a system that is efficient, effective and truly responsive to the needs of patients. The result at Southwest Medical has been a reemphasis on the “Patient First” mindset so that every step taken adds value and care for the patients we serve.

Southwest Medical has also been able to take advantage of many innovations in health care. For example, we began implementing an enterprise-wide electronic medical record system beginning in the early 2000s at a time when it was cost-prohibitive for most smaller practices to do so.

More recently, we launched an innovative telemedicine program in January called the NowClinic that has already enabled thousands of patients throughout Nevada to benefit from visiting with a Southwest Medical health care provider from the comfort of their own home or other convenient location, using their computer, laptop or even a smartphone.

As a community, we need medical practices and systems that maximize the physician’s gifts, talents, and passions.

External pressures will continue to push physicians for efficiencies and measurable quality. In my opinion, the leading health care business performers have the opportunity to be the foundation for the best medical practice while supporting the top healthcare providers.

Small and agile may seem to be an attractive combination to some. But I’m among those who have come to believe that big and agile is even better.

Dr. John Rhodes is associate medical director of primary care, West Division Southwest Medical.

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WELLNESS

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART: HEART ATTACKS HAVE BEGINNINGS

By Rosemary Thuet, R.N., M.S.N

H

eart attacks are the No. 1 killer of adults in the United States. They have been since the turn of the 20th century.

This trend will continue until we do something about it.

Fortunately we can, since 50 percent of all heart attacks have a beginning.

If interventions take place before an actual heart attack, we can identify and likely correct the coronary artery lesion causing the blockage and preventing a worse incident.

Many times this episode saves the individual and motivates the person to prevent risk factors that led up to this occurrence.

The beginnings may not result in action because, even though they’re identifiable, they are seen by the individual as not being important enough to be checked out in time. Many people believe that they are being ridiculous when they run to the physician for every little pain. What they don’t understand is that most heart attacks at this early stage do not knock them to the ground with severe chest pain.

These beginnings consist of milder chest pains that seem to come and go. They can be deceptive and our daily activities can become more important than checking out a mild chest pain that can easily be put it off by taking two aspirin or Advil.

However, mild discomfort in the middle of the chest may be the first sign that something disastrous is going to occur.

Pay attention and get it checked out.

Heart attacks can present in three ways. The first is cardiac arrest, the second is severe chest pain and the third is mild chest discomfort. The time to prevent damage to the heart is accomplished best by paying attention to mild chest pain.

The mild chest discomfort stage is known as the prodromal stage (a prodrome is just an early symptom of an attack or disease). If we can intervene in the 50 percent of individuals who experience prodromal symptoms, it is possible that we can reduce heart attacks by 400,000, which would take it out of first place as the leading cause of death for the adult population.

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Heart attacks continue to be in first place because Americans allow heart attacks to be a crashing illness. The chance of surviving such a crash is very low and if death doesn’t occur, then there will be permanent damage to the heart, decreasing an individual’s quality of life.

Early heart attack care programs are designed to educate the public to the earliest warning signs of heart attack.

These symptoms can be specific and nonspecific. Specific heart attack symptoms are chest discomfort, chest pressure, chest ache, chest burning and chest fullness. Nonspecific heart attack symptoms are weakness, sweating, nausea and dizziness. These mild symptoms may indicate the onset of a heart attack.

Early recognition and response can save lives. EHAC encourages individuals experiencing these symptoms to not wait until they become severe. At the first signs of a heart attack, seek medical attention.

Chest pain centers are being developed in every hospital across the United States in an effort to focus the community on the heart attack problem by setting up a system of heart attack care that focuses on chest pain as well as chest discomfort.

The Sunrise Health system of hospitals — including Sunrise, MountainView and Southern Hills — has earned accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care for sustaining superior levels of service for patients experiencing a cardiac episode. Combined, they represent a network of accredited chest pain centers in Las Vegas.

The chest pain centers at Sunrise, MountainView and Southern Hills hospitals have demonstrated their expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and completing onsite evaluations by a review team from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.

This medical attention should occur in a hospital emergency department, preferably in one that is a chest pain center. Experts at a center are trained in rapid evaluation, bringing together ED physicians, nurses, cardiologists and technicians who can work together as a team to establish

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a comprehensive management plan for individuals with chest pain.

It is important to get the word out that early heart attack care can make the difference between a pleasurable and enjoyable live versus no life or a life with permanent cardiac damage. It is in our lifestyle to live life

as though we are indestructible or immortal.

We are only brought to reality when we experience a life altering experience. However, we can minimize the damage and change the outcome of a heart attack. The secret is to nip it when it is in the beginning stage. We must listen to our heart.

Rosemary Thuet, R.N., M.S.N., is the MountainView Hospital director of education.

SPECIFIC Heart Attack Symptoms are chest discomfort, chest pressure, chest ache, chest burning and chest fullness.

NON-SPECIFIC Heart Attack Symptoms are weakness, sweating, nausea and dizziness. These mild symptoms may indicate the onset of a heart attack.

Early recognition and response can save lives.

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WORKPLACE

PROPER ERGONOMICS WON’T LET YOU TAKE PAIN SITTING DOWN

By Bill Vena

I

t’s 5 p.m. and you’re feeling stiff. The muscles in your accounted for 33 percent of all worker injury and illness casneck are tense and your shoulders and back are sore es, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. from a day spent hunched over the keyboard. You arrive Through proper attention to ergonomics and job site ashome to hear your partner’s complaints of aching arms, a sessments, employers can avoid that lost productivity. result of lifting heavy equipment all day.

Office chair and desk setup are two of the easiest ways Day in and day out, this scenario persists. to improve ergonomics: The key is adjustability, giving emFor many Southern Nevadans, proper ergonomics prac- ployees of different sizes the ability to customize desk space tices could be life changing. according to their individual As the study of people’s bodies. Chairs should be adefficiency in their work enjusted so the arm and back vironments, ergonomics is rests are supporting you, simple, yet often overlooked with your feet on the ground as an aspect of running a in a 90-degree position. small business and taking Keyboard trays should be care of employees. the right height and tilt, and Matt Smith Physical Therthe location of computer apy often conducts job site monitors can make a huge analyses and sees situations difference. that run the gamut from Education is perhaps the simply needing to adjust an biggest component to avertemployee’s chair or an eming a person from being inployer needing to order a jured on the job. The more new workspace to fit differan employer educates an ent body types. Their experts employee about safety protake into account how much tocols, the better. In addition, a person is lifting, walking another component is the and carrying on the job and employee. Engage employalso what can be done with ees in the education process the work environment or and in following outlined the employee to make sure procedures. If employees Bill Vena shows Tramonica Rodgers everything is ergonomically have been educated and proper body positioning to work correct and less stressful on know there are disciplinary comfortably in the office. the body. Common work-inconsequences for not folduced injuries Matt Smith’s lowing procedures, they’re physical therapists see are related to back pain, postsurgical more likely to follow the rules. knees, hips and shoulders.

If you or your company needs more assistance, businessLest you think this isn’t happening to your business, check es around the valley offer help with workplace ergonomics out these statistics: The Occupational Safety & Health Ad- via assessments and consultations. OSHA also has informaministration says that work-related musculoskeletal disor- tion to assist employers in complying with responsibilities. ders are one of the leading causes for lost workday injury OSHA’s website, www.osha.gov, contains information about and illness. In 2011, 387,820 musculoskeletal disorder cases its regional offices and on-site consultation services.

Bill Vena is a physical therapist and southern operations director for Matt Smith Physical Therapy.

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TECHNOLOGY

FUSION SYSTEM REVOLUTIONIZING THE FIELD OF PROSTATE DIAGNOSES

By Mark Leo, M.D., F.A.C.S.

S

ince the 1980s, men have undergone prostate biopsies by relying on ultrasound. The procedure for determining which patients may require a biopsy was based on elevated levels of the prostate-specific antigen (or PSA) test, and then directing those patients to urologists for what amounts to a “random” sampling of the prostate using in-office ultrasound.

PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) prostate tissue. A small amount of PSA normally enters the bloodstream. Prostate cancer cells usually make more PSA than do benign cells, causing PSA levels in your blood to rise. But determining what a high PSA score means can be complicated. PSA levels can also be elevated in men with enlarged or inflamed prostate glands.

Almost 1 million prostate biopsies are performed in the United States annually. In the past, patients typically went through transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. Until now, almost all of these were performed in the office setting using conventional ultrasound guidance. Only about 30 percent of prostate cancers will actually show up and be detectable on typical prostate ultrasound. Patients, frustrated by confusing reports regarding the usefulness of PSA tests and biopsy results, want better options.

So while ultrasound has been the best and most ideal method for years, it still has the disadvantage of yielding misleading information. Cancers of little medical significance are frequently detected; at other times, incidences of falsely negative biopsies (that is, serious and potentially life-threatening tumors not being detected) can occur. That being said, despite being the most widely available platform thus far for performing prostate biopsies, ultrasound alone

“

has not been a consistently reliable imaging tool to help diagnose prostate cancer.

But now that has changed.

Urology Specialists of Nevada, in partnership with Desert Radiology, is the first and only practice in the state to use a new prostate fusion biopsy technology, which combines MRIs with real-time ultrasound for visualization of suspicious areas within the prostate gland and guidance of the biopsy needles to these target areas.

The MRI Fusion System offers the most advanced diagnostic tools available to pinpoint exact cancer lesion location within the prostate gland and better identify the extent of disease.

We can now see cancers we couldn’t visualize in the past.

This new technology: • Creates a 3-D map of the prostate.

• Identifies suspicious lesions or “targets” on MRI. • “Fuses” or overlaps the 3-D MRI image onto the 3-D ultrasound image of the prostate to create a more accurate image.

• Accurately guides the biopsy needle into the “target” lesion.

• Stores a memory of the exact location of each biopsy sample.

• Can be used in treatment planning and surveillance programs.

In this state-of-the-art procedure for the diagnosis of prostate cancer, men found to have elevated PSA blood tests or suspicious prostate examinations are sent to radiology for a complete multi-measure MRI examination of the prostate. In the past, this type of study required uncomfortable probes to be placed in the patient’s rectum, but this is

Despite being the most widely available platform thus far for performing prostate biopsies, ultrasound alone has not been a consistently reliable imaging tool to help diagnose prostate cancer.

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The MRI Fusion system combines images to give doctors a better chance at identifying cancer.

no longer necessary and is one of the significant advances made recently in MRI imaging of the prostate.

But what does exactly does “fusion” really mean?

The radiologist first carefully examines MRI images. The suspect areas are marked so that the urologist can easily identify them later at the time of biopsy. The images downloaded to the MRI Fusion system. The system then creates images that are “fused” or overlapped with the ultrasound image of the prostate, creating a 3-D map of the prostate. Because it can be used to target specific areas, this means better and more accurate biopsies. It offers enhanced visualization of tumors, details the exact size and location of both suspicious tissue and discrete tumors and stores a memory of the exact location of each biopsy sample, which can be used for treatment planning and future surveillance.

The MRI Fusion System is capable of using a number of different methods for highly effective detection of significant cancers. Combining two, three or even four of these methods in the same study have allowed suspicious areas to be identified with great accuracy.

With the active surveillance of many of these prostate cancers, this technology allows for better accuracy in following specific lesions, and by targeting specific areas only, leading to very directed and limited repeat biopsies, it significantly improves patient comfort. It may ultimately decrease the potential for complications and disease symptoms as well.

Since there is the potential to perform fewer biopsy samplings, the time for the procedure is reduced and the risk of infection is significantly lowered.

An even more exciting possibility is the concept of “focal therapy” of cancers identified through the fusion technology. Focal therapy is a term for non-invasive techniques for destroying small tumors inside the prostate — leaving the gland intact and sparing most of its normal tissue. In appropriate situations, this focal therapy can offer several advantages for men with early prostate cancer. Focal therapy can effectively destroy specific areas of cancer within the prostate while preserving normal prostate tissue and function. This raises the possibility that certain cancers can be treated focally, avoiding total gland treatments, which are often associated with undesirable complications such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Focal therapy is often performed on an outpatient basis or with a single overnight hospital stay.

With the potential for improved accuracy, improved patient comfort, decreased risk of complications such as infection, better surveillance options, and the prospect of allowing for less invasive treatments, the MRI Fusion biopsy is truly a “better biopsy.”

The MRI Fusion system, available locally only at Urology Specialists of Nevada, is approved and covered by most major health insurance plans.

Dr. Mark Leo is the Urology Specialists of Nevada director of operations.

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TECHNOLOGY

REVOLUTIONARY OPTION FOR THE SI JOINT PROVIDES RELIEF FROM SOME LOWER BACK PAIN

By Andrew Cash, M.D.

T

hrough numerous studies, it has been determined that up to 85 percent of all people have lower back pain at some point in their life — making it second only to the common cold as a reason for a visit to a physician. A major yet often overlooked source of that pain is the sacroiliac joint.

The sacroiliac joint is at the base of the spine, connecting the tailbone to the pelvis. Damage and pain can come from normal wear and tear, or through injury. The discomfort can stretch from the lower back down to the lower buttock region and the upper legs.

Studies have shown an estimated 15 to 40 percent of all low back symptoms originate from the sacroiliac joint — but the diagnosis of a problem stemming from there is frequently overlooked because of the multitude of causes of low back pain symptoms. Many patients are directed to receive lumbar spinal treatments, even though the source of their symptoms may originate in the sacroiliac joint — in many cases, leaving these patients with little or no relief.

Other potential causes of sacroiliac joint problems include degenerative disease, history of trauma, or pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, the sacroiliac joint may be disrupted due to lack of joint continuity, a traumatic event or repetitive trauma; patients may also suffer from sacroiliitis, which causes swelling. These symptoms and pain restraints can result in debilitation and a lower quality of life in suffering patients.

To treat and combat this condition, the innovative SI Joint fusion with the iFuse Implant System® is available at the Desert Institute of Spine Care. The procedure offers hope and pain relief to many suffering from sacroiliac jointsparked back pain.

There are numerous diagnostic steps to identify patients who will benefit from this procedure. A variety of tests may help reveal the sacroiliac joint as the cause of low back pain symptoms.

Additionally, an X-ray, CT-scan or MRI can be fundamental in determining the diagnosis.

However, the most relied-upon method to accurately determine whether the sacroiliac joint is the cause of pain is to inject the joint with a local anesthetic and observe and record the results.

The good news is that the condition can be treated by SI Joint fusion, a minimally invasive surgical treatment that stabilizes the area by inserting three small titanium implants across the joint. The triangular implants are coated with a porous, titanium plasma spray that acts as an interference surface, designed to help decrease implant motion and provide immediate fixation and long-term fusion. The implants are able to produce a much stronger construct than conventional orthopedic screws used to treat sacroiliac joint disorders.

The SI Joint fusion with the iFuse Implant System has offered relief and numerous patient benefits including: • Tremendously less invasive than traditional open surgery • Minimal soft tissue disruption, leading to a faster recovery • Minimal incision size, leaving a small, hidden scar • Minimal tendon irritation, meaning less pain • Minimal blood loss, meaning that there’s no transfusion necessary • Decreased length of stay; the iFuse procedure typically takes about one hour and minimized recovery time in a surgery center Recently expanding my practice to include a surgery center, Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, I am excited to add the SI Joint fusion with the iFuse Implant System to the numerous minimally invasive procedures offered to patients at my practices in the Las Vegas Valley, including the Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion procedure.

As with all surgical procedures and permanent implants, there are risks and considerations associated with surgery and use of the iFuse Implant. Physicians should review the publication iFuse Instructions For Use for a complete discussion of contraindications, warnings, precautions, and risks.

Patients should discuss these risks and considerations with their physician before deciding if this treatment option is right for them.

To learn more about the iFuse Implant System please visit www.si-bone.com. For more information on the Desert Institute of Spine Care, please visit www.disclv.com.

Dr. Andrew Cash is a fellowship trained and board certified orthopedic spine surgeon as well as the founder of the Desert Institute of Spine Care in Las Vegas.

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We are pleased to introduce Dr. Stephen E. Solomon who is board certified in Pediatric and Adult Neuro-Ophthalmology. We are also excited to announce the grand opening of our new Southwest office located at 9455 West Russell Rd. This office, as well as all the others, offers advanced diagnosis and treatment of both adult and pediatric eye diseases, Refractive LASIK and Cataract laser surgery.

Call 702-896-6043 to schedule your appointment today.

We accept most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid.

2598 Windmill Parkway Henderson, Nevada 89074 9455 West Russell Road, Suite 1 Las Vegas, Nevada 89148 2020 Goldring Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89106 893 Adams Boulevard Boulder City, Nevada 89005 3640 S. Highway 160, Suite 101 Pahrump, Nevada 89048 1301 Bertha Howe Avenue, Suite 1 Mesquite, NV 89027 *Not all physicians shown

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Pet therapist Karen Bryant and Oliver, a 7-year-old labradoodle, visit with Myrna Rice at the Nathan Adelson Hospice in MountainView Medical Center.

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NEW PALS NATHAN ADELSON HOSPICE’S PET THERAPY PROGRAM LEAVES A MARK ON PATIENTS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS

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By Holly Silvestri small smile crept across the face of Myrna Rice as she lay in her room at Nathan Adelson Hospice and gently touched the sweet pet therapy dog, Oliver. With his tail wagging and a

calm demeanor, Oliver was hard at work showing compassion and comfort to patients and their loved ones as he made the rounds at one of the hospice’s in-patient facilities.

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Photo by Steve Marcus

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Pet therapist Debbie Sonneman and her dog Levi, a 4-year-old miniature pinscher, visit with Rice.

Continued from page 33

“The pets pay attention to them and love them,” said Rice’s friend, Charlotte Lee, who was visiting Myrna. “They are so cuddly and sweet. It gives them a little joy.” Oliver and his owner, Karen Bryant, are one of 18 pets and therapists who make up the Pet Therapy Program at Nathan Adelson Hospice, the largest nonprofit hospice in Nevada. The program has been in existence for about a decade and requires the animals to go through a training process to make sure they are docile and have the right demeanor to visit with hospice patients, said Lisa Browder, who manages the Bonnie Schreck Memorial Complementary Therapies Program at the hospice.

Studies have long shown the health benefits of owning pets, ranging from reducing anxiety to lowering blood pressure to easing depression. And over the past several years, this type of therapy has made its way to hospice settings. Proactive with its complementary therapies program, Nathan Adelson Hospice

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has been at the forefront of bringing pets to the bedside to comfort those during their end-of-life care.

“If they come into one of our in-patient units and have to leave their pets behind at home, it’s a wonderful feeling for them when our volunteer pet therapists bring their dogs to visit,” Browder said. “A study on pet therapy discovered that, after pet visits, patients had lowered blood pressure, lowered heart and respiratory rates, and they slept better. It’s a wonderful program that makes a real difference in their care and comfort.”

The pets in the program are currently all dogs, since the sole cat — Maury — retired after four years of service. The breeds include:

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bichon/poodle mix; Shih Tzu; poodle; labradoodle; lab; cocker spaniel; Doberman; Cavalier king Charles spaniel; golden retriever; German shepherd; pug, and min-pin. Part of the training involves a series of tests with the animals to make sure they aren’t excitable around patients and aren’t jumpy if a plate falls or another loud noise occurs in the hospice setting. The animals are also required to pass basic obedience commands like “sit,” “come” and “stay.” They must be tolerant of other dogs — so any snapping or growling is a fail.

Pet therapist Bryant said she pursued this type of volunteer work after witnessing such a program when her mother was under hospice care. A good-natured dog visited them and she told herself, “I would do that if I had time to volunteer.” Eventually the time came, and she is proud that Oliver is making a difference for patients and their loved ones.

“He connects and makes eye contact,” she said. “People project what they need out of him. He gives them unconditional attention and love and brings solace to people. He brightens their mood.”

Just as the Pet Therapy Program has grown tremendously over the last decade as quality-of-life efforts abound, Nathan Adelson Hospice has implemented other therapy programs as well. Among them are massage, Reiki, art therapy, reflexology, music and aromatherapy. Browder noted that a recent National Institutes of Health survey found that 53 percent of respondents

identified one or more complementary and/or alternative therapies that they used in addition to their doctorprescribed medications.

“Imagine how nice it is Anna Dow, a hospice visitor, for them to discover that greets Oliver, who had to they don’t have to choose pass a series of tests to be in one or the other,” Browder the hospice program. said. “When they come to us, they can have both. Or it may be a case of a patient who simply prefers non-pharmaceutical interventions.”

She added, “Ten years ago, most of these things were considered unconventional and a waste of time. Today, they’re rapidly becoming mainstays, and more and more organizations see the difference they can make, not only to physical symptoms but to mind and spirit.”

Nathan Adelson Hospice was founded 36 years ago and named after a hospital administrator in Las Vegas who died a painful death. In 1978, Nathan Adelson Hospice began providing home care hospice service in Southern Nevada with the mission to offer patients and their loved ones comprehensive end-of-life care and to influence better care for all in the community. In 1983, Nathan Adelson Hospice opened an in-patient hospice in Las Vegas, and today the hospice is recognized as a national model for superior hospice care.

The hospice also is home to the Center for Compassionate Care, a nonprofit counseling agency providing individual, group and family counseling services to address grief, loss and issues related to surviving life-threatening illnesses.

Holly Silvestri is a principal at the Ferraro Group.

Photos by Steve Marcus

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GOOD TURN

CCCN RESIDENCY ROTATION IS HELPING KEEP MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

By Brian Vicuna, M.D.

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he future of health care in Nevada depends on groundbreaking research, nationally recognized physicians and high-quality education coupled with hands-on experience.

Earlier this year, the Nevada Board of Regents asked Gov. Brian Sandoval for nearly $46 million to shape and enhance the future of medical education in Nevada. Nearly $10 million would be allocated to graduate medical education, an area the governor sees as vital for the growth of our community.

As the potential of this funding looms and the collective health community continues to work toward improved care, we can use the centers of excellence already operating in Southern Nevada to equip the next wave of physicians with world-class experience, ultimately attracting them to stay and practice in state.

A new residency rotation Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) is a multidisciplinary oncology group comprising medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, breast surgery and clinical research with 11 treatment centers and offices in Southern Nevada. For more than 35 years, the practice has provided oncology services to local residents and visitors from out-of-state.

Prior to this year, there was a lack of hematology/oncology training in Southern Nevada. CCCN stepped in to help fill the void, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the latest advancements in cancer treatments and research through national affiliations with the U.S. Oncology Network and UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.

It’s through residencies that physicians develop their respective passions in the specialty or subspecialties that ultimately become their careers. Some specialties include internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics and surgery. In internal medicine, further training and fellowship is needed to sub-specialize in hematology/oncology cardiology and several others.

CCCN recently announced a brand new hematology/oncology residency rotation for internal medicine residents at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. UNSOM’s Internal Medicine Residency Program in Las Vegas started in 1979 and has enjoyed a 60 percent expansion rate over the past three years. The program’s current 78 residents make it the largest

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program in the state. These residents have a 98 percent board pass rate over the past three years.

The CCCN hematology/oncology rotation is open to secondand third-year UNSOM internal medicine residents enrolled in the school’s graduate medical education program. Each rotation lasts a total of four weeks and will host two residents per month.

Prior to the CCCN program, residents had no local options that exposed them to hematology, radiation oncology and breast surgery. Residents now can experience various aspects of the oncology specialty within one medical group.

In addition to equipping residents with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed, CCCN’s program also introduces budding internists to the world-class cancer care facilities and professional opportunities available here in Southern Nevada.

Meet Pannaga One of CCCN’s first residents in the newly announced rotation was Pannaga Malalur. For as far back as she can remember, Malalur has always been destined for a career in medicine.

She recalls the day she went shopping with her dad at a book store in her hometown of Fremont, Calif., where she picked up books about the discovery of medicines and vaccines.

Malalur went to medical school at the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences in Bellary, India. In 2013, she moved to Las Vegas — having never visited before — and enrolled in UNSOM’s internal medicine internship program.

Each year, over her three-year program, she’ll experience 13 different rotations, where she’ll be exposed to in-patient and out-patient clinics as well as specialty centers. Going into her enrollment at UNSOM, she had two primary specialty interests: gastroenterology and oncology.

Her rotation at CCCN was the first rotation that she’d completed at an out-patient facility that is not on the University Medical Center campus. This experience has been invaluable to Malalur because, she said, she “gets to see things outside of the hospital” and work with renowned oncologists, with exposure to medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology and breast surgery.

“You don’t get a perspective of what an oncologist’s true lifestyle is until you’re immersed in it,” she said. “It helped expose

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me to the different patients oncologists see, what treatments are done and you also get to see the patients that are doing really well with their treatments. It’s very rewarding and uplifting.”

Malalur initially never imagined staying in Nevada long-term.

She always envisioned going back to California until she realized the huge potential and resources available in our community. Now after her rotation experience, Malalur plans to pursue a three-year fellowship in oncology. She now is strongly considering staying in Las Vegas because she likes the city, likes the people and sees a “huge potential for medicine and Southern Nevada.”

Stories like Malalur’s result from a proactive effort. By offering quality, diverse experiences to our medical residents, we can show them the true benefits of being long-term residents of Nevada.

Dr. Brian Vicuna is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.

Resident Pannaga Malalur examines patient Josefina Batacan as Dr. Brian Vicuna looks on during an office visit at the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.

Photo by Steve Marcus

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SCALPEL OR S

Dr. Arnold Chung of MountainViewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Las Vegas Institute for Robotic Surgery.

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SCREEN THE DOCTOR IS STILL IN, BUT PERHAPS HE’S AT A MONITOR INSTEAD OF A TABLE

By Jennifer McDonnell

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hen Char D’Ambra was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014, the soon-to-be grandmother was in shock.

“I remember talking with my pulmonary doctor, Dr. Jan Pring, about my options and I decided I wanted to have surgery to remove the tumor as I want to be around for my granddaughter for many years,” she said. “Dr. Pring than told me about the thoracic surgery that Dr. Arnold Chung was doing here in Las Vegas and I jumped at the chance to meet with him for a consultation.”

D’Ambra is one of nearly 100 patients (as of publication) who have been able to take advantage of robotic thoracic lung surgery at MountainView Hospital. MountainView’s Las Vegas Institute for Robotic Surgery is the first and only robotic thoracic surgery option in Southern Nevada.

“Dr. Chung was absolutely wonderful and explained the entire procedure in terms that my husband and I could understand,” D’Ambra said. “He did all the necessary tests to see if I was a good candidate and (how) determined I was.”

MountainView began offering the specialized surgery in September 2013 when Chung, a surgeon with MountainView Hospital Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates, completed a wedge resection and lobectomy with lymph node dissection using the da Vinci Si Surgical System. A lobectomy is a type of surgery in which one lobe of a lung is removed, often used to treat lung cancer.

It can be done several different ways. One procedure can be done through an open lobectomy, in which the lung is removed through a long incision on the side of the chest, known as a thoracotomy. This procedure can be extremely painful because ribs often have to be spread or broken to reach the lungs.

A Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) is when a lobe of the lung is removed through three or four small incisions in the chest. The surgeon uses instruments and a small video camera during the surgery.

During a robotic lobectomy, the surgeon accesses the area through tiny incisions and uses the da Vinci to enhance his range of motion, provide greater dexterity and an enhanced 3-D visualization of the surgical area. Chung performs traditional surgeries and VATS, along with robotic lobectomies.

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Among the symptoms that might indicate early lung cancer: a While robotic procedure may sound like a robot is performing cough that does not go away or gets worse; chest pain that is worse surgery, that is far from the case, said Eleanor Markle, RN, robotics program manager at MountainView’s Las Vegas Institute for Ro- with deep breathing, coughing or laughing; feeling tired or weak; and infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go botic Surgery.

“The surgeon is in control the entire time,” she said. “A better de- away or keep coming back with wheezing.

People are more at risk for lung cancer if they are a current or scription would be robotic-assisted surgery.” former smoker and smoked at least 10 or more cigarettes a day for During a procedure, the surgeon sits at a console in the surgical at least 20 years. suite. That console gives the surgeon a 3-D visualization of the However, not everyone who develops lung cancer is or was a surgical area. The surgeon holds highly sensitive controls that will smoker, according to Chung. He said often times the stigma of be used to move the instruments that are attached to the robotic lung cancer keeps people from seeking help when troublesome system, she said. symptoms arise. Instead, lung cancer is often caught during routine “Robotic-assisted surgery allows for greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity and access,” Markle said. scans and post-operative work in the course of other procedures.

Jean Lisciandro was undergoing routine pre-screening to have D’Ambra said in her case, the surgery and recovery were fast her gallbladder removed when her surgeon told her she had a susand she had minimal incisions. picious nodule on her right lung that needed to be checked out.

“The staff and post-surgery were wonderful,” she said. “I tell “It was frightening, because I never ever expected anything to be anyone who will listen in the same situation to go see Dr. Chung; wrong with my lungs,” she said. “I’m not a smoker.”

I’m just so thankful he was there when I needed someone.”

For Lisciandro, the decision was easy. A shorter hospital stay, Chung, the only fellowship-trained and robotic-trained the possibility of less pain, less scarring thoracic surgeon in Las Vegas, moved and a faster recovery seemed like bento the valley in 2012 as he knew the efits added on to the precise surgery. opportunities to have an effect on the During a procedure, the surgeon sits at During that surgery, a wedge reseccommunity would be great. tion (in which a small piece of the lung Chung is passionate about his patients a console in the surgical suite. That console is removed) tested positive for lung and making sure they have the latest gives the surgeon a 3-D visualization of cancer, and a lobectomy was performed technologies and surgical techniques and a portion of Lisciandro’s right lung available to them. the surgical area. The surgeon holds highly was removed.

“The post-operative recovery period for “It’s amazing what Dr. Chung can do. I lobectomies and wedge resections can be sensitive controls that will be used to knew it was a major surgery, and I could long and is usually painful,” said Chung. be in the hospital for a long time, so for “However, with the advanced technology move the instruments. me to be actually out of the hospital at MountainView, we are able to treat after three nights, that’s pretty good,” patients using minimally invasive techshe said. niques and with the robotic capabilities, A year out, Lisciandro said her primary care physician told her we are able to get them on the road to recovery faster.” she is in great shape.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for “To be the first person in Southern Nevada to have a robotic men and women in the United States. Each year, there are about lobectomy — I was very fortunate,” she said.

228,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S., according to the AmeriTo try and catch people in the early stages of lung cancer , can Cancer Society. In Las Vegas, the statistics are even more MountainView began offering a Lung Cancer Screening program astounding. Yearly, there are at least 1,300 lung cancer deaths in in 2013. The screenings are performed by Red Rock Radiology, a Nevada, more than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined. department of MountainView Hospital. Patients determined to In Nevada, lung cancer also affects women more than men be at high risk by their physician can be referred to receive a lowand has been determined as the No. 1 cancer problem among dose CT scan. women in the state, according to a 2012 UNLV report. Each year, The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) found 20 percent more than 850 new cases are diagnosed in Nevada women, while fewer lung cancer deaths in participants screened with a low-dose there are more than 620 deaths related to lung cancer in Nevada CT scan versus those screened with a chest X-ray. It is important women each year. for each person who is considering having a screening scan to “Lung cancer is a serious health issue in our state and nationknow that these exams may not detect all lung cancers. wide,” Chung said. “Unfortunately because of the late onset of “Lung cancer is a serious health issue in our state,” Chung said. symptoms when someone has lung cancer, patients are often “Our hope at MountainView is that we are able to help contribute diagnosed in later stages, when medical intervention is less likely to the solution and to the quality of life of our patients.” to provide benefit.”

Y M

C t

Jennifer McDonnell is vice president of communications and marketing at MountainView Hospital.

To learn more about robotic thoracic surgery, visit www.MountainView-Hospital.com

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You can become a HealthCare Partner too!

Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 – December 7 Choose a Medicare Advantage plan that allows you to see a HealthCare Partners Provider today.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO BECOME A HEALTHCARE PARTNER AT HCPNV.COM.

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SMALL MIRACLES MORE SAME-SEX COUPLES ARE SEEKING FERTILITY TREATMENTS

Dr. Eva Littman, founder and practice director of Red Rock Fertility Center.

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Most fertility clinics across the country are now acceptarla Jimenez knew for years that she wanted to be ing of all lifestyles, she said, including Red Rock Fertility. a mother.

The idea of bringing life into the world and serv- This makes it easier for same-sex couples to seek treatment.

“The hangups are few and far between today, as far as ing as a source of love and guidance for another inseeking fertility treatment,” she said. dividual only became stronger as she grew into adulthood.

Jimenez and Burton, both civil engineers with the U.S. “As I grew older, I felt there has to be something more to life, Air Force, quickly developed a strong relationship that something more meaningful,” the 28-year-old said.

She knew she faced unique issues in achieving this dream eventually led to their marriage in Massachusetts during simply because her loving spouse and equally eager parent- the summer of 2013.

“It was love at first sight,” Jimenez said, adding that they to-be, Brittney Burton, is a woman. While same-sex couples in past years might have mulled over adoptions or forgoing have been together for two years.

As their relationship developed, their discussions of life the dream of having their own children entirely, the Las Vegas couple didn’t hesitate to seek fertility treatments at Red Rock plans soon included having children. Fertility treatments were the preferred option early on, Jimenez said, noting Fertility Center.

Now Jimenez and Burton are parents of a twin boy and girl, that adoption didn’t fulfill her dreams of experiencing pregnancy and raising a child she born Sept. 20. had carried.

“The outcome was amazing,” Jimenez admits that before she said. “It was all worth it.” their first visit, she wasn’t sure The couple reflects a rapidly what to expect. rising trend reported by fertili“I was optimistic, and I was a ty experts across the U.S. Samelittle scared too,” she said. sex couples are seeking fertilThe couple chose to pursue ity treatments to have children, the intrauterine insemination which many consider a result of (IUI) procedure, involving inincreasing societal acceptance trauterine insemination from a of same-sex relationships and a random donor. growing confidence among these Determining who would carcouples that they have an equal ry the baby was a quick choice, right to build families.

Jimenez said.

For same-sex couples consid“ We both wanted a baby, ering fertility treatments, there y Burton ne tt ri B but only I wanted to carry it,” d is a strong likelihood that they ez an rl.

Karla Jimen in boy and gi tw a of s nt Jimenez said with a laugh. “It can successfully build the family re are proud pa wasn’t a disagreement.” of their dreams, said Dr. Eva LittPreparation for the proceman, founder of Red Rock Fertility. dure was highly involved, she said, involving regu“The success rate among same lar blood testing and ultrasounds, taking fertility medicasex couples is very high, because most of the time these aren’t infertile couples. They just can’t tions and making lifestyle changes to improve her body’s conceive through traditional intercourse,” Littman said. “We overall wellness.

After she underwent the procedure in February; a happy had upward of 25 same-sex couples as patients this past year, phone call from the clinic came on Valentine’s Day. and they all had success after receiving fertility treatments.”

“We were bummed out and really sad,” she recalls of their Red Rock Fertility Center is definitely experiencing this lingering concerns over the procedure. “Then we got the pattern of increasing same-sex fertility patients, she adds.

“Same-sex couples used to be about 5 percent of our patients, call, and they said it worked.”

After going through the months of testing and preparaand now they are about 10 percent,” she said.

Littman notes that many same-sex couples visit the clinic to- tions with her wife always at her side, Jimenez said she gether and are open about their relationship and their lifelong already has many ideas of adventures they will have with plans. In previous years, it was more common for one partner their new family members.

She would recommend the process to any other same-sex to visit the clinic as an individual, revealing only after successcouple, she said. ful treatment that he or she was in a same-sex relationship.

“We’re really excited to do everything with our children,” “I think sometimes they’re nervous that fertility clinics are not going to take them on as patients,” she said, acknowledg- she said. “Teaching them sports, having family time. We’re excited about it all.” ing that she still occasionally sees those cases today.

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IN A CLASS

BY ITSELF A NOVEL APPROACH TO JOINT CARE IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

By Vicki Rueda, MSN-ED, RN, ONC

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hile more than 10,000 Americans celebrate their 65th birthday every day, health care leaders seek new and innovative ways to meet the needs of an aging population.

While orthopedic and spine conditions affect people of all ages, these types of injuries are increasingly prevalent in older generations.

In 2013, more than one million Americans had total hip or total knee replacement surgery. ¶ Sunrise Hopsital & Medical Center has created a comprehensive orthopedic and spine program to address the needs of this patient poulation. As you can imagine, patients are often apprehensive about having major surgery. By bringing together experts from nursing, pain management, rehabilitation, nutrition and case management, the FLEX Program at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center offers patients a unique hospital experience to address their concerns and prepare them for surgery. ¶ It’s a multidisciplinary approach — even the housekeeper meets with patients prior to surgery to dicuss room maintenance — to orthopedic and spine care. Continued on page 46

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This team of experts is brought together by a dedicated orthopedic and spine coordinator who acts as a navigator for patients and family members throughout their journey.

“We understand that surgery is a major decision for any patient to make,” said Sheri Pentz, orthopedic and spine coordinator at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center. “We are here for our patients and their families as a resource before and after their hospital stay.”

The FLEX Team is introduced to patients during a pre-operative class, free to all Sunrise patients who are having an orthopedic or spine procedure and held several times throughout the week to fit busy schedules.

“The pre-operative class is the perfect opportunity for patients to ask questions of the team and to fully understand what to expect when they arrive at the hospital,” said Pentz.

“I was afraid to have back surgery,” said a recent patient. “After meeting with the team, I felt like I knew what to expect and could communicate with my loved ones about the care that I would need when I got home from the hospital.”

Because orthopedic and spine surgery tends to have a long recovery process, a patient’s caretaker is essential to healing. Patients are asked to identify a “coach” who will be there both during their hospital stay and when they go home. This coach could be a spouse, a friend or anyone assisting in the recovery process.

The coach attends the pre-operative class with the patient and is exposed to the same level of education and training. Often, patients comment that they are surprised when they see the same people in the hospital that they met during the pre-operative education class.

The orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons who operate at Sunrise are joined by more than 20 certified orthopedic nurses who deliver care on the unit. A certified orthopedic nurse is required to complete 100 hours of continuing education to maintain certification and provide the best possible care. The Orthopedic Nursing Certification Board (ONCB) recognizes the FLEX Program at Sunrise for orthopedic excellence and for being a program of distinction. Certification shows that these nurses are committed to life-long learning and a high level of knowledge that contributes to excellent patient care and safety.

While many of the program’s patients live day in and day out with some form of back or joint pain, they are more concerned about the pain that they will experience after surgery. Sunrise is the only hospital in Southern Nevada that currently offers patients the ability to meet with a certified pain management team.

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“It is important for patients to have a realistic view of their pain,” said Leslie Hunter-Johnson, Certified Pain Management Nurse at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center. “By having a conversation both before and after surgery, we are able to better manage pain and improve the patient’s overall experience.”

And while comfort is a concern, patient safety is the top priority at Sunrise.

“Pain medications, coupled FLEX Orthopedic with limited mobility after and Spine Program surgery, place all of our oreducation classes are thopedic and spine patients free to patients at at a high risk for falls,” said Sunrise Hospital & Pentz.

“Sunrise has an exMedical Center. tensive falls prevention program in place to ensure that the safety of our patients is at the forefront of everything we do.”

Wound care is also a key concern for patients and family members. A patient who has never had major surgery may not know how to care for an incision site or how to prevent infection. The wound care team educates patients and coaches so that the healing process starts right away. Rehabilitation also starts on day one, as physical and occupational therapists meet with patients to regain mobility after surgery. Sunrise offers the only accredited inpatient rehabilitation unit in Southern Nevada.

As a result of developing this comprehensive program, Sunrise was the first hospital in Southern Nevada to earn the Joint Commission’s Seal of Approval® for disease-specific care in the areas of total hip replacement, total knee replacement and spine surgery.

This certification recognizes Sunrise’s dedication to continuous compliance with the Joint Commission’s rigorous standards. During the survey, a Joint Commission expert evaluated Sunrise for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families, including infection prevention, pain control, leadership, and medication management. This is yet another way that Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center continues to lead the way in delivering the best possible care to patients in Southern Nevada If you would like to learn more about the FLEX Program at Sunrise Hospital, or for a tour of the facility, call 702-892-3672.

Vicki Rueda, MSN-ED, RN, ONC is the director of nursing services for orthopedics, neurology and trauma (ONTS) at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center.

Photos by Steve Marcus

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I SURV IV ED BECAUSE OF

NEVADA’S ONLY LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTER Ron had been on a morning bike ride near his northern Arizona home when he was clipped from behind by a drowsy driver. The impact sent him flying 35 feet, and shattered his pelvis. He was brought over 150 miles to UMC, where the trauma team, against huge odds, ensured he could walk—even ride—again.

Only UMC can provide the highest level of care in the region, making UMC one of our most vital resources.

TOGETHER, WE SHINE. umcsn.com

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THE NOTES

Rod Davis, senior vice president of operations at Dignity Health Nevada, received the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award.

Dignity Health Medical Group Nevada was named an EHE-certified preventive care center. It allows EHE members in the area to have greater access to EHE’s preventive care programs.

Dr. Ashraf Osman, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon and clinical assistant professor at Stanford University, joined the St. Rose-Stanford Clinics Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery program. Osman is double board-certified in cardiothoracic surgery and general surgery and is on the faculty of Stanford’s cardiothoracic surgery department.

Michael Demoratz, director of special projects at Amada Senior Care, was elected to the Commission for Case Manager Certification. Demoratz has more than 30 years of experience and is a licensed clinical social worker and certified case manager.

Thuc Timothy Le joined Roseman University of Health Sciences as an assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences and a researcher.

Le previously worked at Desert Research Institute and the Nevada Cancer Institute.

OSMAN

Dr. Susan Ritter, a family practice doctor, works at Dignity Health Medical Group, affiliated with the Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican hospital system, at 10001 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 203, Henderson.

Kitchell topped off construction of a $160 million, five-story hospital tower at Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican, Siena Campus in Henderson. The new 220,000-square-foot tower, which will increase the hospital’s number of private rooms to 326, is scheduled to open in 2016.

Dr. Christopher Mercado joined Dignity Health Medical Group at 7190 S. Cimarron Road. Mercado will practice family medicine. The group is affiliated with the Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican Hospitals.

MERCADO Dr. Elham Taherian joined Dignity Health Medical Group, affiliated with the Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican hospital system, at its northwest location at 8689 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 105. Taherian is a rheumatology physician.

Dr. Robert Pretzlaff is Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican’s chief medical officer, overseeing medical staff at three hospitals. Pretzlaff most recently was associate director of the UC Davis Health System faculty practice group and chief of pediatric critical care medicine at the UC Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento.

Kareo, a medical office software company, opened an operations center in Las Vegas, creating more than 70 jobs. The company expects to create another 100 jobs by year-end and several hundred by the end of 2015.

PRETZLAFF

Stephanie Miller is assistant administrator and ethics and compliance officer at Southern Hills Hospital. She oversees the environmental services, dietary, imaging, linen, pharmacy, laboratory, respiratory therapy and physical medicine departments. She has been at the hospital since it opened in 2004.

Drs. Howard Baron, Jeffrey Cummings, Nevada state Sen. Joseph Hardy, Russell Nevins and Nicholas Vogelzang were honored Oct. 16 by Las Vegas Health, Education, Advocacy and Leadership of Southern Nevada at the third annual Inspired Excellence in Health Care Awards.

Five nursing homes in Nevada have been awarded HealthInsight Quality Awards. The nursing homes are Highland Manor in Mesquite, Silver Ridge Health Care Center in Las Vegas, Rosewood Rehabilitation Center in Reno, Renown Skilled Nursing in Sparks and Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City. The awards recognize nursing homes for demonstrating excellence in health care.

Kindred Healthcare Inc., a post-acute care services provider, is a strategic partner in the Silver State Accountable Care Organization. Those responsible for the partnership include Linn Billingsley, J. Bruce Wiggins, Edward Mickey Duke, Wayne Salem, Dr. Upinder Singh and Laurence Preston.

Three Fresenius Medical Care Clinics, which help patients with dialysis for kidney disease, won Fresenius Medical Care Center of Distinction awards for encouraging adoption of home dialysis and exceptional patient care.

The honorees were FMC South Pecos, FMC Rainbow and FMC Northeast.

Dr. Chi Pang Wu has joined the staff of Aliante Integrated Physical Medicine. Wu is a chiropractic physician originally from Hong Kong.

Michelle Nalepa and Kayla A. Rowzee are physical therapists at Matt Smith Physical Therapy, 3155 W. Craig Road, Suite 140, North Las Vegas.

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THE NOTES

Dr. Shirley Rodriguez, doctor of osteopathic medicine, joined HealthCare Partners Medical Group‘s Nellis clinic, 821 N. Nellis Blvd., Las Vegas.

Shepherd Eye Center opened at 9100 W. Post Road, Las Vegas. This is the clinic’s fourth location in Southern Nevada. Dr. Brian Alder and Dr. Raymond Theodosis will provide care.

The Southern Nevada Immunization and Health RODRIQUEZ Coalition honored 38 people and organizations for their efforts to protect Nevadans from vaccine-preventable diseases. Those receiving the Silver Syringe award are: Southern Nevada Health District, Caliente Youth Center, Children’s Hospital of Nevada at UMC, Desert View Hospital, Dr. Christina Madison, Dr. Sean McKnight of Allergy Partners of Nevada, Danielle Hayes of HealthCare Partners Medical Group, United Way of Southern Nevada, Southwest Medical Associates, Nicki Mazzone of Centennial Pediatrics, KLAS-TV, Clark County Fire Department, Elsa Von Schulenburg, Nevada Pediatric Specialists and Bernstein Pediatrics. Winners of the Healthy People 2020 award are: A Las Vegas Pediatrics, Anthem Hills Pediatrics - Rainbow, Bright Futures Pediatrics, Centennial Pediatrics, Civic Center Pediatrics, Good Choice Pediatrics, Jurani Clinic – Decatur, Kidfixers Pediatrics, Lake Mead Pediatrics, Milestone Pediatrics, Nevada Pediatric Specialists, Nevada Health Centers - Cambridge Family Health Center, Nevada Health Centers - Eastern Medical and Dental Center, Nevada Health Centers - Martin Luther King Family Health Center, Nevada Health Centers - North Las Vegas Family Health Center, Dr. Renu Batra, Southern Hills Pediatrics, Tendercare Pediatrics and UMC Lied Pediatric Center. Those being honored with the Provider of Excellence Award are: Children’s Urgent Care Pediatric Clinic - Buffalo, Helping Kids Clinic, Mountain View Pediatrics and Dr. Teresita Melocoton of Valley Pediatric and Specialty Center. Allstate Insurance Company has opened a new Henderson office, owned and operated by James Bell. The office is at 1000 Green Valley Parkway, Suite 450.

James Kilber joined the board of directors of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Kilber is executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.

KILBER Dr. Josh Hamilton is associate dean of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Roseman University in Henderson. Hamilton also is president and chief clinical officer at the Hamilton Group, a behavioral health care clinic in Las Vegas.

Nathan Adelson Hospice has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” in health care for 2014, as chosen by Modern Healthcare, a nationwide weekly healthcare business news publication.

The Penta Building Group raised $120,000 for local nonprofit organizations during its 10th annual Charity Golf Classic at the Revere Golf Club in Henderson. Money was raised to support the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, the Women’s Development Center and the Wounded Warrior Project. Penta has raised nearly $1 million for local nonprofits through the tournament.

Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada received $30,000 from the Robert S. and Dorothy J. Keyser Foundation. Half of the grant will pay for equipment at the Paradise Park clinic; the rest will support general operating costs.

Employees of Bally Technologies spent time with children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The visit was part of Bally’s partnership with the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation and marks the company’s second annual trip to the camp.

Michelle Chatigny, Jennifer Martinez, Ondra Berry, Randy Robison and Ken Andriessen have joined the board of directors of the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada.

Chatigny is IGT’s vice president of compliance. Martinez is Konami Gaming’s vice president of human resources. Berry is MGM Resorts International’s vice president of diversity and inclusion. Robison is CenturyLink’s director of legislative affairs. Andriessen is MARTINEZ NSTech’s director of enterprise resources.

Right Now Air, a heating and air conditioning company, donated $8,520 to the Little Miss Hannah Foundation, a charity that helps children with life-limiting rare diseases.

CHATIGNY

BERRY

Yumz Gourmet Frozen Yogurt donated 10 percent of sales Aug. 19 to Ronald McDonald House of Greater Las Vegas, which provides temporary housing for families who travel to Las Vegas to receive medical treatment for their children.

Madeleine Sigman-Grant, a maternal child health and nutrition specialist and professor at University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, won the Western Region Excellence in Extension award. SigmanGrant’s work has focused primarily on child-feeding guidelines, childhood obesity prevention and comSIGMAN-GRANT munity breastfeeding programs.

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THE NOTES

Rick Beavin was promoted to desert region president for senior products at Humana.

He is responsible for overseeing Humana’s Medicare HMO and PPO health plans, prescription drug plans, Medicare supplement policies and private fee-for-service health plans in Arizona and Nevada.

Inspired Excellence in Health Care Awards are being given to Drs. Howard Baron, Jeffrey Cummings, J.D. McCourt, Russell Nevins and Nicholas Vogelzang, as well as state Sen. Joseph Hardy. The awards, sponsored

by Las Vegas HEALS, honor physicians and others for their contributions to Southern Nevada.

BEAVIN

Kenda vonHamm is market director for senior product operations for Humana in Arizona and Nevada. She has more than 25 years of health care experience in the commercial and Medicare markets.

Dr. Jacob Skinner is an OB/GYN at Women’s Health Associates of Southern Nevada. Skinner attended UNLV and University of Nevada School of Medicine.

The Asian American Group honored 10 people with 2014 AAG Awards: Michael Levin, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands; Tom Skancke, president and CEO of Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance; Donna Miller, president of Flying ICU; Dr. James Sanchez, president of Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada; Michael Yang, CEO of Royal Casino Connection; Rone Chang, CEO of Go Global Realty; Jason Awad, chairman of First Security Bank of Nevada; Patricia Lee, a partner at Hutchison & Steffen; Dr. Noel Fajardo of Las Vegas Gastroenterology; and Jie Bu, founder and director of Nevada Arts Academy.

Dr. Jason Jaeger of Aliante Integrated Physical Medicine received the “Researcher of the Year” award at the annual Chiropractic BioPhysJAEGER MOORE ics Research Symposium in New York City. Jaeger and Dr. Bobby Moore, along with Dr. Lyle Burkhardt from Pensacola, Fla., also published “Resolution of Urinary Incontinence Following Chiropractic Biophysics Protocol to Reduce Vertebral Subluxations” in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research health journal. Jaeger and Moore work with Aliante Integrated Physical Medicine.

Southern Hills Hospital earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its knee and hip replacement and hip fracture programs by demonstrating compliance with the commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care.

MountainView and Southern Hills hospitals won HealthInsight Quality Awards for demonstrating high-quality health care and excellence in performance and patients’ perception of care.

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Luis Rivas is a chiropractic physician intern at Aliante Integrated Physical Medicine. Rivas completed his first year toward receiving a Ph.D. in physical therapy at Texas Woman’s University in Dallas. He is a published peer reviewed author and a former professional basketball player, having played in Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

RIVAS

Dr. Kimothy Smith is senior director and Brian Speicher is business development lead at Desert Research Institute to advance the institute’s work within the Applied Innovation Center for Advanced Analytics.

Smith comes to DRI with nearly 30 years of professional experience in biosurveillance, bioforensics, biodefense, biosecurity, molecular genetics and diagnostics. Speicher, a native Nevadan, comes to DRI from the private sector where he engaged in research and development, corporate development and business development.

Nevada State Bank donated $25,000 to Eye Care 4 Kids, a nonprofit group that provided free eyeglasses to more than 1,500 low-income Southern Nevada schoolchildren last school year.

Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, which provides free health care services to uninsured Southern Nevadans, broke ground on a clinic at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Madison Avenue downtown.

The Nevada Hospital Association completed the first phase of its Nevada Broadband Tele-Medicine Initiative, which will connect health care facilities in Reno and Silver Springs and eventually Las Vegas.

Touro University Nevada doubled the size of the Touro Health Center, adding an active aging center, Michael Harter Senior Active Center and expanded student health center. Patients now will be able to take advantage of multidisciplinary specialists in physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, podiatry and social work.

Anthony Golden, a Fisher & Phillips associate, was elected to the board of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada.

Palm Downtown Mortuary and Cemetery unveiled GOLDEN its first dedicated star honoring early Las Vegas civil rights leader Jimmy Gay in its Garden of Dreams.

Gay is remembered for his work to bridge the gap between black and white communities and assisting many blacks with employment. The Garden of Dreams, a permanent monument to the civil rights movement, is made up of 14 stars, symbolizing the 14th Amendment.

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VOLUNTEER PROFILE

GEORGE SCHWAB

VOLUNTEER AT ST. ROSE DOMINICAN HOSPITALS — SIENA CAMPUS

What is your favorite part or best experience about volunteering?

Being able to help nurses.

How long have you been a volunteer at the hospital?

I started in September 2002.

How many hours do you volunteer each week at the hospital?

About 40 hours per week.

How can someone else become a volunteer there?

St. Rose Dominican Hospitals look for individuals who present a solid commitment and show a passion for people from all walks of life. The program requires a 100-hour commitment (which equates to one-4 hour shift a week for about 6 months.), a background check and lab work.

How long do you plan to work as a volunteer there?

As long as possible!

What makes for a good volunteer?

Being dependable, flexible and people oriented.

Are you retired? If so, what was your career?

How long have you lived in Las Vegas?

Since 2002.

What volunteer activities to you take part in at the hospital?

Works intensive care unit and helps answer phones, feed and transport patients, etc.

What other activities are you involved in when you aren’t volunteering?

Love to travel to South America to visit friends. Love to fish and explore.

What is the biggest reward from volunteering?

When a patient say “thank you” and shakes my hand when I deliver a food tray.

What are some of your hobbies?

Fishing and bowling.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

I have been volunteering since my wife passed on in 1994. I have volunteered 9,000 hours with Fort Carson Hospital in Colorado. I love my job at St. Rose-Siena!

Retired from the U.S. Army with 20 years of service. Retired from state of Colorado for 19 years an investigator for the Department of Revenue.

Do you know a medical volunteer who we should know about? Please contact Craig Peterson at craig.peterson@gmgvegas.com.

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PATIENT SUCCESS PROFILE

MATT CRIGGER

DIAGNOSIS: BENIGN BRAIN TUMOR PATIENT OF: DR. MARK STEINHAUER, SUNRISE HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER

M

att Crigger was only 30 years old when he was diagnosed with a tumor in his brain. Crigger worked VIP table security at Tao Nightclub and loved playing in his bowling league on weeknights. He was told by his physician that he had a condition known as an acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous (benign) and usually slowgrowing tumor that develops on the main nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. Because branches of this nerve directly influence your balance and hearing, pressure from an acoustic neuroma can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear and unsteadiness. Approximately 3,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.

After months of experiencing numbness on the left side of his face along with the loss of primary functions such as vision, hearing, and balance, Crigger was finally approved for surgery to remove the tumor — which he and his friends named “Gumby.” While the surgeon was able to successfully de-bulk the tumor in hopes that it would not regrow, this was only the beginning of Crigger’s long and heroic journey. He now faced months of physical therapy and learning how to live in what Crigger called his “new norm.”

After Crigger’s surgery, he arrived at the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center. As the only accredited CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) hospital in Southern Nevada, Sunrise has provided world-class rehabilitation services to residents of Southern Nevada for the past 25 years. Sunrise offers a comprehensive rehabilitation team that includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and recreational therapy, and is also the only facility in Nevada to be CARF accredited for advanced stroke care.

Crigger could not stand up after surgery. He could not walk, or use his left arm. He could barely speak as the entire left side of his face was paralyzed. His head was throbbing and his pain was intense.

“The pressure in my head felt like I was trapped underwater,” said Crigger.

Dr. Mark Steinhauer, medical director of rehabilitation services at Sunrise Hospital, visited with Crigger and shared his plan of care. Crigger was to undergo intense physical, occupational and speech therapy. He began meeting with his physical therapist three times a day.

“The things that we were doing seemed silly so to me because I had performed these simple tasks every day of my life for the past 30 years,” said Crigger.

“And yet, I could not do any of them.”

In addition to learning how to walk again, Crigger learned for the second time in his life how to shower, brush his teeth, put on clothes, and function on a daily basis.

“I remember stacking cups, which was incredibly difficult for me because I had lost all hand-eye coordination,” said Crigger. “It was very challenging.”

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Matt Crigger’s nephew, Wyatt, was there for him during and after Crigger’s surgery for acoustic neuroma.

Despite his frustration, Crigger was motivated to complete his extensive therapy regimen so that he could get back to the things that mattered most in his life.

“I remember thinking that there was no way I was going to miss my sister’s birthday dinner,” said Crigger. “That lit a fire in me to succeed.”

Not only did Crigger attend his sister’s birthday dinner, but he is now bowling again on Wednesday nights. He is also back to work in a different position at Tao, but Crigger’s journey has inspired him to become an activist as well as an entrepreneur.

“Because I had limited mobility, I decided to start a landscaping maintenance business,” said Crigger. “It keeps me active and moving. I also do Bikram yoga and anything I can to live a healthy life.”

Crigger’s journey has also inspired him to become an activist for spreading awareness about acoustic neuroma and its signs and symptoms. He has annual MRIs to ensure that the tumor does not grow back.

“It is my goal to help and inspire others through their emotional roller coaster, surgery, and recovery,” said Crigger. “I am so thankful for the care that I received at Sunrise and for the friends and family who made my recovery possible.”

To read more about Matt Crigger’s amazing journey, log onto www.myanjourney.com.

Photos courtesy Matt Crigger

6/5/15 2:48 PM

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Less than a year after surgery, Crigger traveled to Glamis, Calif., to spend some time riding bikes with his parents in the desert.

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Nevada Drug Card FALL 2014

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PATIENT SUCCESS PROFILE

KEVIN GALLAGHER

DIAGNOSIS: MELANOMA PATIENT OF: DR. WOLFRAM SAMLOWSKI, COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS OF NEVADA

O

n Sept. 4, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda, for patients with advanced melanoma. This approval marks the first time the FDA has given its stamp of approval to a PD-1 inhibitor. PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors are new forms of cancer immunotherapy that empower the body’s immune system to recognize the cancer cells and selectively destroy them through natural means.

Keytruda combats harmful melanoma cells on the skin’s surface by empowering the body’s T cells and triggering an immune response against cancer and is the sixth new melanoma treatment that has been approved by the FDA since 2011, indicating the significant strides made in clinical cancer research in the past few years.

The drug became publicly available at the end of September, but Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) received expanded access to the treatment in June 2014 due to its extensive research program.

CCCN is home to many clinical research trials; in many instances, our physicians and researchers at CCCN are actually among the first to access truly innovative treatment options. CCCN alone participates in more than 170 Phase I, Phase II and Phase III clinical research studies each year and has played a role in developing 51 FDA-approved cancer therapies. These therapies account for nearly one-third of all cancer-related approved therapies to date.

During the expanded access phase of this treatment, Keytruda was given to two patients who had exhausted all standard treatment options.

Since FDA approval, CCCN has enrolled five more patients on this treatment, with plans to start an additional 10. The benefit of Keytruda is that patients can stay on this treatment option as long as the cancer does not progress. Thus far, CCCN has witnessed positive responses, including a patient with significant shrinkage of a melanoma that originated in the sinus.

These numbers and stories were consistent with trial results across the country. Clinical data provided by the FDA from 173 U.S. patients, who took the recommended dosage, showed that the overall response rate was 24 percent, with a positive response lasting upwards of nine months.

This initial success rate led the FDA to recognize Keytruda as a breakthrough therapy in 2013. Its FDA approval came as a result of a study that examined an additional 276 patients that resulted in a response rate of 26 percent and disease control rate of 51 percent.

A Second Courageous Battle Clinical trials can affect patients physically, mentally and spiritually.

Kevin Gallagher is a 61 year-old bartender on the Strip. In 1987, the Reno native visited his doctor when he noticed a growth on the back of his left

Kevin Gallagher undergoes a routine check-up by Dr. Wolfram Samlowski.

calf. Never a sun worshipper and with zero family history of skin issues, Gallagher was shocked to learn he had melanoma. He had one operation to remove the growth on his leg, and for approximately 25 years, was cancer-free.

In 2012, he visited his primary care physician in Las Vegas, concerned about a protrusion near the exact spot where he previously had melanoma. He was advised to see a cancer specialist who diagnosed him with stage III melanoma. He subsequently had the growth and his lymph nodes (where the cancer had also spread) removed. After completing chemotherapy, Gallagher was advised to seek a second opinion for additional treatment options and visited CCCN, where he learned about the expanded access program for melanoma.

To stay proactive against melanoma and following approximately six months of chemotherapy, CCCN recommended that he enroll in its pembrolizumab expanded access program. Gallagher was quickly approved for participation and was scheduled to take eight total injections, approximately three weeks apart. Gallagher began his treatment regimen in July 2014 and to-date has shown new signs of vibrancy and an optimistic spirit.

As he fearlessly battles melanoma, Gallagher has found comfort in knowing that he was among the first in the nation to receive pembrolizumab (Keytruda) before it was approved by the FDA. Since completing his first treatment, Gallagher is “feeling really, really good spirit-wise” and is “incredibly thankful to have access” to care that has provided him with such renewed confidence.

In addition to wanting to improve his physical condition, Gallagher is motivated by his wife and 17 year-old daughter. In his own words, he “has a lot of living left to do and it’s not time to leave them quite yet.”

Gallagher and many others like him across the nation, now have a new, modern treatment option to battle a cancer that once had limited treatment options available.

Dr. Wolfram Samlowski is a medical oncologist with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.

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DOCTOR Q & A

SAMIR QAMAR, M.D. CEO MEDLION DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

T

he feeling usually starts in the middle of the night. You’ve been tossing and turning and suddenly you feel ... off. Maybe it’s a spiking fever or shivering chills. Perhaps it hits your sinuses or your stomach. Whatever it is, it means that your first call of the morning is to your boss. No work today.

The second call is to your doctor, to schedule an appointment — and with any luck you’ll get in that day, but who knows.

What if it didn’t have to be that way?

Dr. Samir Qamar has invented the MedWand, a device that lets doctors examine patients remotely via secure Internet connections. The device measures the heart rate, oxygen levels in the blood, listens to the lungs, has a camera to look into your mouth, throat, eyes and ears, and takes your temperature. It’s the next step in telemedicine.

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is when patients communicate from remote locations with medical providers for medical care. These telemedicine consultations can occur via phone, video conferencing, email, or health kiosks.

Telemedicine is a fast-growing industry — it’s estimated that the global telemedicine market will hit $27 billion by 2016. The growth is being fueled by advances in technology, the current inconvenience of clinic visits, and the general lack of healthcare access. In medicine, technology always outpaces tradition. It’s up to doctors to catch up!

What is your business philosophy?

Even though I’m a physician, I’ve always enjoyed the entrepreneurial spirit as well as technology. Both advance society, sometimes radically.

My personal business philosophy is to create innovative medical delivery models, and enhance these models using technology.

What motivated you to create the MedWand?

Roughly five years ago, I started Las Vegas-based MedLion Direct Primary Care, a fast-growing national chain of medical practices that contracts directly with employers for low-cost, high-quality, Obamacarecompliant medical care. Roughly 30 percent of our consultations are via telemedicine, which helps employees stay on the job. Nearly all telemedicine consultations nationwide, however, are by telephone or online video, which doesn’t allow for patient examination. To me, this is a risky way to practice. Unable to find technology that would allow a doctor to examine a patient remotely, I decided to create it. I interviewed many engineering

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firms, and settled on Cypher Scientific, a phenomenal team of engineers led by Robert Rose, formerly of RED Digital Cinema. The task was to create an innovative telemedicine device that was easy to use by patients, inexpensive, portable, and allowed providers to examine patients remotely.

We accomplished that goal, and begin production in a few months in Silicon Valley. MedWand will change the telemedicine industry, and we’re very excited. MedLion, my other company, will also be offering the MedWand device to all its patients for a complete telemedicine experience.

How can patients benefit?

Imagine being sick in a hotel room while on vacation. Or that your child is sick at home and you’d rather not drive to the clinic. Plug a MedWand into your tablet or laptop, “see” a doctor, and be examined in real time. The doctor can listen to your heart, lungs, and even look into your ears, nose and throat with a high-definition miniature camera. Vital signs, oxygen levels, and even an EKG can be performed. In addition to patient convenience, there are countless other applications. Smaller companies can have onsite “virtual” clinics. We have been invited to the Pentagon to discuss numerous applications for the military, as well as the VA. Maritime and airline industries are interested, as are hotels, nursing homes, schools, and expatriate communities. We’re also working on creating a new telemedicine industry for pets, with a “VetWand”!

How does the process of using the MedWand work?

Does a patient still schedule a time to communicate with his or her doctor?

The MedWand is remarkably easy to use. By design, it only has one button, a lesson learned from Apple’s Steve Jobs’ one button philosophy.

Patients and employees fortunate to get one via their employer or health benefits plan will be able to use it with their regular telemedicine provider.

In the near future, once MedWand’s own physician network is complete, MedWand and its telemedicine service will be sold retail nationwide.

Scheduling depends on individual providers — some offer telemedicine appointments, others offer a “call-in” service.

How can medical professionals benefit?

Medical professionals can now feel more comfortable during telemedicine consultations. Whereas usually telemedicine appointments are strictly verbal dialogues, the MedWand allows providers to actually gather medical data and properly examine patients. This cuts down li-

Dr. Qamar photo by Mona Shield Payne

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The MedWand measures the heart rate, oxygen levels in the blood, listens to the lungs, has a camera to look into your mouth, throat, eyes and ears, and takes your temperature.

ability, improves the quality of the telemedicine visit, and allows medical professionals to “reach” patients in remote or rural areas to improve medical access. In addition, with MedWand’s telemedicine examination capabilities, hospitals can reduce penalty-inducing readmissions, and insurance companies can reduce unnecessary claims.

What training is needed for patients to use the MedWand?

Training, though minimal, is provided by medical professionals who provide the MedWand service. Using a MedWand is easier than using a cell phone, though some basic computer knowledge is required to access the online MedWand platform.

Are there instances when MedWand isn’t suitable?

Any medical condition that is potentially life-threatening is best served at an emergency room rather than a telemedicine appointment. MedWand is designed to process vital signs on a continuous basis, or be used for minor acute medical ailments.

How secure is the information?

Security is a top priority at MedWand. Data gathered or streamed live to medical professionals is not only HIPPA-compliant, but encrypted many steps further to military-grade level. Before being manufactured, MedWand will also go through the appropriate FDA clearance process.

What’s the next step in getting MedWand into the hands of patients?

MedWand devices will go into production in early 2015, and will initially be limited to about two dozen states, including Nevada. Later in the year, full national and international use will be authorized. Interested entities that anticipate larger orders are asked to contact MedWand earlier to ensure delivery. Please visit MedWand.com for updates.

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VEGAS PBS KEEPING KIDS FIT PROGRAM CONTINUES THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD OBESITY

By Latoya Bembry

A

ccording to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Locally, Vegas PBS is doing its part to raise awareness. An integral part of the public television station’s mission is to identify needs in the community and find solutions to those needs. In 2007, the station applied for and received a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to create a program that would address children’s health, their education and their overall growth, development and self-esteem. Thus Vegas PBS Keeping Kids Fit was formed.

“Keeping Kids Fit combines literacy and life skills with important health education in a way that is fun and engaging for both children and parents,” said Jessica Carroll, Ready To Learn coordinator for Vegas PBS. “PBS programs for children, such as ‘Sesame Street,’ ‘Arthur,’ and ‘Dinosaur Train’ have added information about eating good food, active play and dental hygiene along with literacy. Vegas PBS has expanded on the significant impact of this entertaining learning platform and expanded it into our community where the need is great.”

Targeting children ages 2-12 from primarily low-income, African-American and Hispanic/Latino backgrounds, Vegas PBS Keeping Kids Fit hosts nutrition and exercise workshops throughout the school year at approximately 70 Title I Clark County schools. Vegas PBS Keeping Kids

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Fit staff work with content and educational specialists to develop an extensive curriculum to assist teachers and families in providing long-term assistance with healthy exercise and nutrition practices.

Learning kits for both elementary and middle school students along with their families provide a host of resources including exercise equipment, nutritional information and modeling of effective practices. To date, more than 90,560 children, parents, caregivers and teachers have participated in more than 1,116 exercise and nutrition workshops hosted by Vegas PBS. Technology has played a part in Vegas PBS’ strategy for outreach. Through the Keeping Kids Fit Youth Media Project, groups of children record and reflect upon striving for a healthy lifestyle by using video cameras to document their experiences for broadcast and web-based offerings. Through its website, VegasPBS.org/KKF, families can find a list of online resources to supplement the workshop activities.

Individuals can find free access to informational videos, recipes and cooking tips, and healthcare resources. The website to date has generated more than 110,000 views.

“We have the unique ability to supplement our onsite workshops using multiple forms of technology,” said Lee Solonche, director of educational media services for Vegas PBS. “Ranging from television broadcasts to podcasts and online opportunities, we are able to further our reach and accessibility – anyone who wants to take the journey to a healthy lifestyle has the ability to do so.”

A program such as this cannot be sustained without support from the local business community. As an inaugural member of the Vegas PBS Keeping Kids Fit community advisory council, compiled of childhood nutrition experts, educators, health professionals, and outreach partners, former Nevada State Sen. Valerie Wiener is passionate about health and nutrition standards for children, having

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personally experienced struggles with weight management as a child and into young adulthood. After leading the charge for a state plan to address obesity during her years at the State Legislature, working with Keeping Kids Fit was a natural fit.

“The level of energy, commitment and passion each person brings to the program, from the General Manager Tom Axtell, to the many members of the council is inspiring,” said Wiener. “The grant the station was awarded was only for a three-year term. We knew that it was our responsibility to the community to keep the program going regardless of the cut in funding.”

Wiener said, “Vegas PBS was the first PBS station to receive this type of grant in the country, as Las Vegas met the criteria for needed outreach on childhood obesity and the health-related issues it causes. In the last several years, we have set the standard for communities across the country.”

Moving the needle on awareness is a group effort. Parents and teachers leave the workshop sessions with simple tools and ideas to help keep their children and students on track. Rachel Nelson, pre-K teacher at J.T. McWilliams Elementary School, believes these types of workshops help to educate parents on the efforts educators are making to tie in physical activity with skills such as language arts, and math.

“Workshops like these fit in to our goals for parent involvement because we want consistency between school and home,” said Nelson.

“It is believed that good health plus good education equals happy children, parents and teachers,” said Terri Janison, vice president of community development for United Way of Southern Nevada, and a member of the Keeping Kids Fit community advisory council. “As a child advocate for more than 25 years, I have found this statement rings truer and truer each year. This is why I love the Vegas PBS Keeping Kids Fit program. We teach children lifelong health and wellness skills while having fun at the same time. Our community is lucky to have such an incredible program available for our students.”

While the fight against childhood obesity is beginning to show improvement across the country, it still remains a critical issue here at home. According to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the obesity rate among low-income preschoolers declined by small but statistically significant amounts in 19 states and U.S. Territories between 2008 and 2011 — unfortunately Nevada was not among the states showing improvement.

“There is still much work that needs to be done here in Nevada to tackle the childhood obesity rate and push the message that physical fitness and healthy eating is a family affair,” said Solonche.

Latoya Bembry is senior account manager for the Ferraro Group.

Children group photos by Christopher DeVargas

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MAKING THE ROUNDS To include your photos in the next issue, contact Craig Peterson at craig.peterson@gmgvegas.com

Above and right: August was National Immunization Awareness Month. With this in mind, Southwest Medical held a free Back to School Health Fair at its Nellis Health Center, 650 N. Nellis Blvd., on Aug. 2.

The family-friendly fair had a back-to-school theme and included health information booths, sports physicals, refreshments, games, raffles and food trucks, as well as free entertainment. There was a special focus on immunizations from infancy through age 18.

This was the first immunization and health event for August in Southern Nevada, and a great opportunity to make sure your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immunizations are complete and up to date.

Protecting children with immunizations will help keep them healthy and in school, and help protect those around you.

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MAKING THE ROUNDS

Left: Southwest Medical proudly supported the 3rd Annual Dress for Success Power Walk on July 26 at the Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood. Dress for Success of Southern Nevada is the local chapter of this international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and life.

The Power Walk was a fun one-mile walk to support health & wellness, career development and employment retention programs. Similar events take place in more than 40 cities across the country.

In order to gain employment and become self-sufficient, it is crucial that women are healthy and well. Southwest Medical knows compassion, and we have the experience and innovation to provide quality health resources to our community, so it was a natural fit to support and sponsor this program for the women in our community.

Right: Southwest Medical held an Open House Sept. 20 at its Eastern Avenue Health Center, 4475 S. Eastern Ave. The seniorfocused event featured fun and entertainment with helpful information for older adults.

Opportunities included blood pressure checks, flu and pneumonia shots, information about Family Home Hospice and Family Healthcare Services and tours of the cardiology department and the new Center for Sight Office.

Visitors also got to know their new neighborhood providers, Dr. James Joslin and Dr. Karen Gonzalez. Radio station KJUL was broadcasting live from the open house, interviewing Dr. Joslin, Dr. Gonzalez, Dr. Samuel Bauzon and Dr. John Rhodes, Southwest Medicalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new associate medical director of primary care, West Division.

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MAKING THE ROUNDS

Above and right: The annual balloon festival hosted by Southern Hills Hospital raises awareness for a program that helps students considering a career in medicine. Called High School to Healthcare, the program launched in 2011 with West Career and Technical Academy (CTA) and this year started a modified program with Bishop Gorman High School. The goal of the program is to expose students to the large spectrum of health care careers, said Joyce Goedeke, Southern Hills Hospital vice president of marketing and public relations. Students meet physicians, nurses, administrators, dieticians and other hospital staff. As of August 2014, 98 high school juniors and seniors have participated.

Sponsors of the balloon festival include SW Gas, Vegas Balloon Rides, Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, Brown & Brown Insurance, MountainView Hospital, Greenspun Media Group and the Silverton. The Public Education Foundation is the beneficiary for the High School to Healthcare Scholarship fund.

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Photos by L.E. Baskow

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MAKING THE ROUNDS

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MAKING THE ROUNDS

Above and right: MountainView goes to Peru. Donations offered by MountainView Hospital provided nursing students with medications used in Lima and Cusco, Peru, this summer.

As volunteer student nurses traveling with nursing professor Tracey Long, more than 300 patients were treated in free health clinics with local doctors in four remote villages in Lima and Cusco. Requests for vitamins and basic hygiene supplies were common among the people seen in the village clinics. Students gained a new appreciation for their supplies so readily available in hospitals where they train and work in Las Vegas.

Students also assessed the sanitation of outhouses, rain barrels commonly used for drinking water and safety of woodburning stoves.

By serving in an international country, students learned about global and community health through a servicelearning experience. For more information or to join an international service-learning trip Summer 2015, contact Tracey Long at tracey.long@nsc.edu or www.islonline.org

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THE CARDIOVASCULAR DESTINATION

Congratulations to Nevada Cardiology Association’s own Dr. Samuel Green for being honored as one of the 2014 Top Doctors.

From routine cardiac procedures to life-threatening emergencies, Nevada Cardiology Associates strive to serve the entire community with advanced healthcare that’s committed, compassionate, accountable and assured. ✚ ADVANCED NON-INVASIVE TESTING ✚ EP SERVICES ✚ INTERVENTIONAL CARDIAC PROCEDURES

Every dollar counts in your business.

Security, strength and success should be at the top of the list when it comes to managing your money. Meadows Bank delivers on all counts with a ‘5-star rating’ and continually proven track record during the most challenging of economic times. Look to the bank you can trust to provide a healthy outlook for your financial future.

Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 & 7(a) loans Office Buildout Loans Medical/Dental Equipment Financing Online Banking/Cash Management Lock Box/Remote Check Deposit

NEVADA CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES

Mobile Banking All deposits FDIC insured to the maximum limits

3121 S. Maryland Pkwy., Ste. 512 Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.796.7150

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w w w. n e v a d a c a r d i o l o g y. c o m

702.471.2265 | www.meadowsbank.com FALL 2014

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CALENDAR To include your calendar items in the next issue, contact Craig Peterson at craig.peterson@gmgvegas.com

SUNRISE HOSPITAL Registration is required for all events.

Call 702-233-5454 at least 48 hours in advance.

For more, visit SunriseHospital.com MATERNITY CENTER TOUR Get to know our team and tour our labor and delivery suites and Level III NICU. Tours meet in the Sunrise Children’s Hospital lobby. Park in south parking lot and follow signs to Sunrise Children’s Hospital.

Every Sunday, 2-3 p.m.

3186 S. Maryland Parkway ONE-ON-ONE MEDICARE COUNSELING Join a Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Program S.H.I.P. volunteer as they help you navigate through the Medicare process one on one. By appointment only, every 20 minutes. Free. Call 702233-5300 to make a reservation.

Tuesdays, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9, 10 a.m.- noon Sunrise Hospital H2U office, 3131 La Canada St Suite 107 AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS Attend this class and receive a discount on your automobile insurance. $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Bring your driver’s license and your AARP card.

Wednesdays, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10, noon-4:15 p.m.

Sunrise Hospital H2U office, 3131 La Canada St., Suite 107 HEALTHY LIVING UP 2 ME If you or a loved one is living with a chronic condition such as diabetes, arthritis, anxiety, COPD, heart disease, sleep disorders or high blood pressure, please attend this free Stanford University Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. The six-week program teaches how to set personal goals and develop the skills needed to overcome barriers.

Thursday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Sunrise Hospital H2U office, 3131 La Canada St., Suite 107

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BREAST CENTER AT SUNRISE HOSPITAL YOUNG SURVIVORS BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Offered to all women 40 years old and younger who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Free.

Wednesdays, Nov. 12, Dec. 10, Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.

The Breast Center at Sunrise, 3006 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 250 LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER Program helps individuals with cancer look good, improve self-esteem and manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. Free. RSVP at 702-784-1947.

Monday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-noon The Breast Center at Sunrise, 3006 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 250 TAI CHI CLASS Tai chi instructor Terry Tichota has been practicing and teaching tai chi since 1995. $5.

Thursdays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 18, 11 a.m.-noon.

The Breast Center at Sunrise, 3006 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 250

NEVADA NEUROSCIENCES INSTITUTE AT SUNRISE HOSPITAL EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP Come meet other people with seizures.

Meets the second Wednesday of every month.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m.

Sunrise Hospital Auditorium 3186 S. Maryland Parkway MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP Come meet other people with multiple sclerosis. Meets the third Friday of every other month.

Friday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m.

Nevada Neurosciences Institute Clinic, 3131 La Canada, Suite 101

MOUNTAINVIEW HOSPITAL For more information, visit MountainViewHospital.com. Call 702-233-5300 to register at least 48 hours in advance.

ONE-ON-ONE MEDICARE COUNSELING Join a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (S.H.I.P.) volunteer as they help you navigate through the Medicare process. If you need information on Medicare Part D, you will need to bring a list of all of your medications, doses and how often you take them.

Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3, 9:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

H2U MountainView Office 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114 MATERNITY UNIT TOUR Gives expectant parents and family an opportunity to view the private birthing suites, nurseries and postpartum rooms.

A brief explanation of MountainView’s delivery procedures, visitor rules and items to bring is included.

Wednesdays, Nov. 12, Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17, Jan. 7, Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Fridays, Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 13, Feb. 27, 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Dec. 6, Dec. 20, Jan. 3, Jan. 17, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 21, 1-2 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Mark Howard Classroom 3100 N. Tenaya Way AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS Attend this class and receive a discount on your automobile insurance. $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Checks or money orders only. Bring your AARP card, driver’s license and something to write with.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.

H2U MountainView office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114 WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE DONE EXPECTING Participants will benefit by bringing a baby doll or stuffed animal that approximates the size of a newborn for practicing swaddling

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and diaper changing. This class teaches parents how to care for a newborn as well as caring for the mother after delivery. How to quiet a crying baby, car seats, helping mom get needed rest and much more. $25.

Thursdays, Nov. 20, Jan. 22, Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Mark Howard Classroom 3100 N. Tenaya Way SIBLING CLASS This class is geared to the 2-year-old to 10-year-old sibling of a new infant. The purpose is to acquaint children with the hospital environment prior to the delivery of the baby. This will include a tour of the maternity unit. Responsibilities of being an older sibling, along with special characteristics of a newborn, are presented in a playful way. $15 per family group.

Tuesdays, Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Mark Howard Classroom 3100 N. Tenaya Way WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SEMINAR Learn everything you wanted to know about weight loss surgery from an experienced surgeon. MountainView Hospital is a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

Saturdays, Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-noon; Wednesdays, Dec. 17, Jan. 28, Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Mark Howard Classroom 3100 N. Tenaya Way BREAST IS BEST BREASTFEEDING CLASS Learn tips and tricks for successful breastfeeding, the benefits of breast milk, and positioning techniques. Participants will benefit by bringing a baby doll or stuffed animal that is approximately the size of a newborn for practicing different techniques. $25.

Saturdays, Dec. 13, Jan. 17, Feb. 21, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Mark Howard Classroom 3100 N. Tenaya Way

DADDY BOOT CAMP: BASIC TRAINING FOR NEW DADS Learn how to change diapers like a pro.

Swaddling? No problem. Football hold?

Check! Learn all this and more in our hands-on Daddy Boot Camp. This class is designed to prepare new dads to assist in the care of mom and baby after leaving the hospital. $25.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6 to 8 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Mark Howard Classroom 3100 N. Tenaya Way

ST. ROSE DOMINICAN HOSPITALS For information, visit www.strosehospitals.org, or call 702-616-4900 for class reservations and to learn about other programs.

Location Abbreviations FTF Family to Family Connection, Henderson FTF WIC Family to Family Connection, Henderson HEND WomensCare Center, Henderson MAC Siena Campus - MacDonald Room, Henderson RAN Rose de Lima Campus - Annex, Henderson SAN San Martín Campus, Las Vegas SGR Siena Campus - Garden Room Henderson WEST WomensCare Center, Las Vegas NEED ASSISTANCE APPLYING FOR HEALTH INSURANCE? We can help you complete and submit your Nevada Health Link application. Call 702-616-4914 for an appointment.

Every Tuesday, 8 a.m.–noon HEND DIABETES AWARENESS TREATMENT & EDUCATION American Diabetes Association accredited diabetes education. Individual visits with an RN or RD trained in diabetes education available with option for addi-

tional visits done individually or in groups.

Flexibility in individual visit scheduling.

Group classes as follows: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Nov. 11-12, Dec. 9-10, Jan. 13-14, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Jan. 27-28; 5-9:30 p.m.

HEND: Call 702-616-4975 for pricing and registration CARDIAC NUTRITION Learn to eat for heart health from Sharon Nasser, R.D. Free.

Thursday, Jan. 29, 10-11:30 a.m. HEND Thursday, Dec. 18, 3-4:30 p.m. WEST STOP SMOKING WITH HYPNOSIS Step out of that cloud of smoke! Wear comfortable clothes and bring your pillow.

Includes CD. Thursdays, Nov. 20, Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m.

HEND Wednesday, Jan. 7; Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6-8 p.m.

WEST DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? Join the Shepherd Eye Center for a free eye screening, prescription check and education about glaucoma and other eye ailments. Free. Appointment needed.

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.-noon HEND Wednesday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.-noon WEST GOT SNAP? SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Three Square will help you complete and submit your SNAP application free of charge. Call 702-616-4905 for an appointment. Free.

Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-noon HEND WIC HEALTHIER LIVING Join Stanford School of Medicine’s sixweek, Chronic Disease Self-Management Program to regain control of your life with techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; exercise strategies to improve strength, flexibility and endurance; healthy eating; and more!

Mondays, Jan. 12 until Feb. 16, 12:30-3 p.m. HEND

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CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS Call 702-616-4902 for appointment. $10.

First Tuesday: Dec. 2, Jan. 6, 1-3 p.m.

WEST Second Friday: Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9; 3-5 p.m. HEND Third Friday – Nov. 21, Dec. 19, Jan. 16; 3-5 p.m. FTF PRENATAL CLASSES Call 702-616-4900 or log on to www. strosedhospitals/classes for dates, times and to register.

BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS, $20 – HEND BABY BASICS, $30 – HEND & WEST BREASTFEEDING, $30 – HEND & WEST CHILDBIRTH EXPRESS, $35 – HEND INFANT CPR, $20 – HEND & WEST PREPARED CHILDBIRTH, $50 – HEND & WEST SAN MARTIN CAMPUS FREE MATERNITY TOURS — Third Saturday mornings & First Tuesday evenings SIENA CAMPUS FREE MATERNITY TOURS — Third Saturday afternoons & Fourth Monday evenings SMOKING CESSATION FOR PREGNANCY Call the Nevada Tobacco Users’ Helpline: 702-877-0684 SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELP FOR PREGNANCY Call 702-486-8250

SOUTHERN HILLS HOSPITAL ADULT OUTPATIENT DIABETES CLASSOVERVIEW AND NUTRITION Classes are separated into two sessions: Overview, and nutrition and medications.

Registration required. Call 702-880-2700.

Free.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2-3:30 p.m.

Southern Hills Hospital, 9300 W. Sunset Road ADULT OUTPATIENT DIABETES CLASS — MEDICATIONS Registration is required; please call 702880-2700 to enroll.

Friday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m.-noon Southern Hills Hospital, 9300 W. Sunset Road

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UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER UMC WALK WITH A DOC Monthly program focused on getting people moving and informed about their health. Walks open with a 3-5 minute health talk and are facilitated by local physicians who answer your questions throughout the 30-45 minute walk. Free.

Thursdays, Dec. 18, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, 9-10 a.m.

Lorenzi Park, 3333 West Washington Ave. (Meet by the tennis courts) CANCER SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP: Survivors, family and friends are invited to join on the first Tuesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m.

1800 W. Charleston Blvd.

TODDLER STORYTELLER: Join Nevada Cooperative Extension for this new program for children 12-30 months old. Children and parents will play while learning early literacy. Enjoy fun activities, crafts and books with your child.

Mondays, Nov. 10, 17 & 24, 1-2 p.m.

1800 W. Charleston Blvd.

BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS: Calling all dads (new or expectant)! Learn survival techniques from a pediatrician and veteran dads. Talk man-to-man about diapers, feeding, crying, sleeping, holding and playing with your baby.

Thursday, Nov. 6, 6-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 5, 6-8:30 p.m.

1800 W. Charleston Blvd.

INFANT MASSAGE Friday, Nov. 14, 1-2:30 p.m Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1-2:30 p.m.

1800 W. Charleston Blvd.

CHILDBIRTH This class is designed to teach parents about the birth process, including breathing techniques, comfort measures and relaxation. You should complete your Childbirth class in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Cost $35, free to families delivering at UMC.

Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

1800 W. Charleston Blvd.

INFANT & CHILD CPR If you have a child or care for a child, you need to know these life-savings skills.

Must register in person. Requires a $10 deposit, refunded to you when you attend class. No children in class, please. Family & Friends CPR is for people who want to learn CPR but do not need a course completion card in CPR for their job. This course is ideal for schools and students, new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in learning how to save a life. Please call 702-383-2229 for additional details Thursday, Nov. 13, 2-5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Jan. 23, 2-5 p.m.

Saturday, February 28, 9 a.m.-noon 1800 W. Charleston Blvd.

BREASTFEEDING PREPARATION: One of our certified lactation specialist leads this discussion on the benefits of breastfeeding and provides expectant and new mothers with the skills they may need to successfully breastfeed. Birth partners and other family members are welcome to attend. Class should be completed prior to delivery and adults only, please.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6-8:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 12, 6-8:30 p.m.

1800 W. Charleston Blvd.

SIBLING CLASS: This class is designed to ease siblings into welcoming a new member of the family.

Children will have fun while learning and will receive a special I’m going to be a “Big Brother or Big Sister” T-Shirt. Children should be between 3-10 years old to attend.

Thursday, Jan. 29, 4:30-6 p.m.

SENIOR YOGA The first Tuesday of the month, 10-11 a.m.

800 W. Charleston Blvd.

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coordination of care and minimizing stress on patients. CTCA® is also the nation’s first all digital cancer hospital.

We also believe in providing the Mother Standard® of care in the delivery of that treatment. Choosing the right treatment facility is one of the most important decisions a patient and their caregivers will make in their journey with cancer. Each day, cancer patients from across the nation come to CTCA to receive care from a team of highly-skilled clinicians and physicians with expertise in treating all forms of cancer, including advanced stage disease. The hospital’s travel program assists qualifying patients with expenses incurred while traveling for care. Upon arriving at

CTCA, patients receive an individualized, comprehensive treatment plan developed by cancer experts across multiple disciplines who work together as a team.

Advocating for patient empowerment through health literacy, CTCA publishes quality of life data and survival outcomes for the most common cancer types on their website. To learn more about the unique, integrative treatment options available at CTCA, or to speak with an Oncology Information Specialist for more information, visit cancercenter.com or call 888-214-9488.

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Top Doctors Practice at CTCA Medical Director of Radiation Oncology Lanceford M. Chong MD, MPH Specialty: Radiation Oncology Years Practicing: 21 years Medical School: University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine

President of CTCA Medicine & Science Maurie Markman MD Specialty: Medical Oncology Years Practicing: 21 years Medical School: New York University School of Medicine “I joined CTCA from MD Anderson because all of my research and work has been motivated by the thought of giving patients every option to beat their disease.”

Matt McGuire President and Chief Executive

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“Memorial Sloan-Kettering gave me a solid foundation and better prepared me to practice at a cancer center with an integrated team of oncologic specialists.”

Director of Naturopathic Medicine and Shauna Birdsall ND, FABNO Specialty: Naturopathic Medicine Years Practicing: Medical School: 12 years National College of Naturopathic Medicine “Our Patient Empowered Care® model puts the patient at the center of a team of highly motivated oncology care providers, giving the patient more time with their providers improving communication, and offering a high level of care and convenience for the patient.”

“At CTCA, our highly trained healthcare professionals utilize state of the art complementary medicines, resulting in optimal comprehensive cancer care.”

CANCERCENTER.COM © 2014 Rising Tide

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DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW. DOWNTOWN.

BY THE NUMBERS

35.1

Percent of Americans 20 or older who are obese, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

53

Percent of Baby Boomers who say they are “very concerned” about healthcare costs in retirement, according to an Ameriprise Financial study.

78.8

Average life expectancy in the U.S. for a baby born in 2012, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

4,500

Minimum number of documented deaths attributed to Ebola in West Africa as of Oct. 14, according to LiveScience.com.

11 million

Number of Americans dragged under the yearly poverty line due to outof-pocket medical bills. according to a report by the Census Bureau.

$26.7 million

What the Nevada System of Higher Education requested from the Nevada Legislature for a UNLV medical school in August.

$1.1 billion

What a hypothetical UNLV medical school would bring to the Las Vegas area economy by 2030 when combined with philanthropy and research grants, according to a Tripp Umbach study.

Live music nightly beginning at 5p.m.

51

Nevada’s ranking — dead last — in the nation for the number of physicians per 100,000 residents in the categories of general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, specialty surgeons and certified nurse anesthetists, according to a group of health-care experts. Washington, D.C., was included in the rankings.

98

The number of high school students who have participated in Southern Hills Hospital’s High School to Healthcare, as of August.

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LOOKING BACK

VA AND AIR FORCE EXPAND MEDICAL SERVICES

By Rebecca Clifford-Cruz

N

ellis Federal Hospital was dedicated July 8, 1994, as a replacement to the 20-bed medical facility that had served veterans and the Air Force base since 1965.

With a price tag of $76.8 million, the facility had been in development for more than a decade and was the first hospital in the nation built jointly by the military and Department of Veteran Affairs. Equipped with 118 beds, 66 beds were reserved for Air Force servicemen and their dependents, while 52 beds were available for veterans with surgical, psychiatric and intensive care needs.

In 1996, the hospital was officially renamed to the Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center.

O’Callaghan, a former two-time governor and one of the most influential Nevadans of the 20th century (he was the former executive editor of the Las Vegas Sun, also published

by Greenspun Media Group), served in three branches of the armed services: the Air Force, the Army and the Marine Corps.

At 16, he enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve at the end of World War II. During the Korean War, he served with the Air Force and the Army. While in Korea, he was wounded in combat, forcing amputation of part of his left leg. Later, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Valor Device and the Purple Heart. O’Callaghan died on March 5, 2004.

Two years ago, the VA unveiled a $600 million hospital covering 151 acres in North Las Vegas to facilitate the needs of a growing population of veterans in the area.

Top: Bill Morris, past department commander of Disabled American Veterans in Nevada leads a line of picketers in front of the local Veterans Administration Clinic on Oct. 20, 1981.

The march was to protest a plan to fire VA service members and replace them with workers from private companies.

Middle: Mike O’Callaghan, center, stands with officers from the United States Air Force on October 25, 1979.

Left: Lt. Col. (Dr.) Heather Pickett performs acupuncture therapy on Paul Kelly, a retired staff sergeant in the Army, at Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas on May 15, 2013.

Bottom: An early rendering of Nellis Federal Hospital.

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Heather Pickett photo by Leila Navidi. Photos courtesy of the Las Vegas Sun archives.

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