2022-02-24 - Health Care Quarterly (Vol. 35) - Winter Health Care Headliners 2022

Every heart has a story.

We can help you live yours.

Sharing family traditions with your grandkids. That big career move. These moments define your story, and a healthy heart makes it possible. At Dignity Health – St. Rose Dominican, our cardiology team practices personalized medicine, tailoring your care to suit your needs. So, whether you have concerns or are simply due for a checkup, we’ll help you write your next chapter. Learn more and find a cardiologist near you at strosehospitals.org/heart.

2022_CTW-30340_OEP_Print_Las Vegas_Healthcare Quaterly_ENG__7.25x9.75_02-24-22_F.pdf

1

2/11/22

3:25 PM

Senior primary care centered on

Gail

“I can tell my doctor is listening because he asks the right follow-up questions.”

Gail, CenterWell patient C

M

A doctor’s office focused on the needs of seniors:

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Same-day appointments

On-site lab

24/7 access to the Care Team

Schedule a tour at any of our 10 locations to meet doctors who listen and take the time to meet your needs.

Become a patient or schedule a tour today Call 702-996-3638 or visit SeniorFocusedLasVegas.com Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

CenterWell Senior Primary Care accepts select Medicare Advantage plans from Aetna (including HMO Prime), Alignment Healthcare, Humana and Wellcare.

CenterWell does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中 文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711).

GCHKU9REN

@CenterWellPrimaryCare

Your heart health is the center of your well-being The past year has been a whirlwind and it was easy to get distracted from routine healthcare. Ensure that you’ve checked off all your heart care needs so you can rest easy.

Full Spectrum of Heart Care Accepting New Patients Se Habla Español Shadi Daoud, MD, FACC Alfred Danielian, MD, FACC, FASE Jeffrey Levisman, MD, FACC, FSCAI Niuton Koide, MD, FACC Ronny Jiji, MD, FACC Anthony P. Dota III, MD

Publisher MARK DE POOTER (mark.depooter@gmgvega s .co m ) Associate Publisher KATIE DIXON (kat ie.dixon@gmgvega s .co m )

EDITORIAL + ART Special Publications Editor J ENNI FER I NABA Managing Editor/News DAVE MONDT Sta ff Writers HI L LARY DAVI S, CASEY HAR R I SON, BRYAN HORWATH, AR L EI GH R ODG ER S Multi m ed i a Ma na g er YASMI NA CHAVEZ Sta ff Photog ra p hers CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, STEVE MARCUS, WADE VANDERVORT

ADVERTISING Pub li s her of Di g ita l Med i a KATIE HORTON Di rector of Bra nd ed Content EMMA CAU THOR N Senior Ad verti s i ng Ma na g er ADAI R NOWACKI , SU E SRA N Account Exec utives LAU R EN J OHNSON, MI KE MAL L , AL EX TEEL , ANNA ZY MANEK S a l es Ass ista nt APR I L MARTI NEZ Pub li c ation Coord inator DENI SE ARANCI BI A Web Content Sp ec i a li st CLAYT KEEFER

PRODUCTION Vi ce Pres id ent of Ma nufa cturi ng MAR I A BLONDEAUX Prod ucti on Director PAU L HU NTSBER RY Prod ucti on Ma na g er BLU E U Y EDA Tra ffic Ad m i ni strator J I DAN SHADOWEN Prod ucti on Artist MAR I SSA MAHERAS Ma rketi ng Art Di rector BR OOKE EVER SON

DISTRIBUTION Route Ad m inistrator KATHY STR EALU Ful fi ll m ent Ma na g er DOR I S HOL L I FI EL D Ma rketi ng Res ea rc h Ma na g er CHAD HARWOOD

MARKETING AND EVENTS Events Ma na g er SAMANTHA PETSCH

GREENSPUN MEDIA GROUP CEO, Pub li s her & Ed itor BR I AN GR EENSPU N

Find out if you’re at risk for heart disease in less than 5 minutes.

2880 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89128 (702) 962-2200 | LasVegasHeartAssociates.com

4

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

Chief O p erating O ffi cer R OBERT CAU THOR N Ma na g ing Ed itor RAY BR EWER V EGAS INC 2275 COR PORATE CI R CL E, SU I TE 300 HENDER SON, NEVADA 89074 | 702. 990. 2550

From the editor

O

ne of the things I love most about this time of year is the sense of renewal. A fresh, new year is underway and the promise of spring is just around the corner.

In the same vein, it is a perfect opportunity to renew our support and recognition of hard-working health care professionals during this ongoing critical time in our community.

Thanks to the generous support from our sponsor, Comprehensive Cancer Centers, we are proud to present the 16th annual Health Care Headliners awards to showcase the phenomenal talent and dedication of 10 individuals leading the way.

These health care leaders are innovating, educating and transforming the health care landscape for Southern Nevada. Their collective commitment to making positive change in the industry, and in the health of Valley residents, is sure to inspire you.

Another important topic that we are shining light on in this issue is mental health. The Evidence Based Practice of Nevada explains the challenges and opportunities facing the state’s mental health workforce and offers action steps for building a community to address the youth mental health crisis.

MountainView Hospital is working hard to keep residents in Nevada for the care they need.

It recently conducted the first blood and marrow transplant in the state—giving patients a new chance at a healthy life. In this issue, MountainView shares two success stories of its BMT patients.

Homelessness is a serious concern in Southern Nevada, and our youth experiencing homelessness face additional barriers with access to health

care. Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth has been advocating for young people’s rights since its inception, and in this issue, reinforces the importance of health care providers in supporting the health care access bill to help protect and provide care for this vulnerable population.

Providing quality care and access to providers to the community is a core focus at Touro University Nevada. Learn about the work its Health Center is doing to provide patient care, while contributing to the education of the next generation of physicians and health care providers.

On behalf of the entire Vegas Inc team, thank you to those who contributed their expertise in this issue of Health Care Quarterly.

And thank you to all of the dedicated health care professionals who show up each day to care for our community.

Congratulations to our 2022 Health Care Headliners! We are incredibly grateful for your passion for providing care and your commitment to a healthy future for all.

Let’s all take this opportunity to renew our appreciation for our health and that of our friends and family—and our gratitude to the medical community that is there when we need them most.

Jennifer Inaba Special Publications Editor jennifer.inaba@gmgvegas.com

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

5

From the sponsor

C

omprehensive Cancer Centers would like to congratulate the 2022 Vegas Inc Health Care Headliners.

We are honored to support this publication each year and recognize some outstanding health care professionals in our community.

Those working in health care are truly an inspiration. In recent years, the spotlight has been focused on so many heroes who selflessly put the treatment of others before themselves. Daily, so many in our community are valiantly risking their own safety to provide compassionate care to those in need.

At Comprehensive Cancer Centers, we have been providing compassionate care to those in our community for more than 40 years.

Our physicians have been dedicated to providing the best care possible through medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, pulmonary services, cancer genetic counseling and clinical research.

Comprehensive keeps pushing to enhance the patient experience by recruiting the best providers, investing in technology, serving as a steward to the community, and offering the latest treatments and services so there is no reason to leave the state for treatment.

We have grown with this community and take pride in being able to offer our patients the lat-

est in cancer treatment and clinical research. In total, the practice participates in more than 170 Phase I, Phase II and Phase III clinical research studies each year and has played a role in developing nearly 100 FDA-approved cancer therapies.

Our robust research program provides patients access to the latest in cutting edge advancements in cancer treatment right here in Southern Nevada.

We partner with prestigious institutions such as UCLA TRIOUS, The US Oncology Network, USC, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and leading pharmaceutical companies to bring groundbreaking treatments close to home, some of which are not available anywhere else in the world.

To all of the Health Care Headliners, congratulations on your remarkable contributions! Continue to advance our medical community and make our patients proud.

Sincerely,

Jon Bilstein Chief Executive Officer Comprehensive Cancer Centers

“Those working in health care are truly an inspiration.

And in recent years, the spotlight has been focused on so many heroes who selflessly put the treatment of others before themselves.”

6

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

Celebrating bold leaders making futures brighter We join Vegas Inc. in recognizing Don Giancursio for the Health Care Headliners Lifetime Achievement Award.

EI221341665.0 2/22 © 2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 22-1342850

Medical News MOUNTAINVIEW HOSPITAL FIRST IN STATE TO OFFER NEW PROCEDURE TO TREAT ABDOMINAL CANCERS

M

ountainView Hospital is the first hospital in Nevada to conduct Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), part of a complex two-step surgery that treats some cancers arising in the abdomen in part by perfusing heated chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity during surgery.

The surgery was the longest surgery ever performed at MountainView Hospital, at just under 14 hours by Dr. Matthew Selleck, surgical oncologist at Las Vegas Complex Surgical Specialists, a surgical oncology and colon and rectal surgery practice dedicated to treating complex cancers and colorectal diseases and disorders.

The first step is cytoreductive surgery, which is performed when certain cancers have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum, or to other organs in the abdomen.

The surgeon removes all visible cancerous tumors and diseased tissue.

When appropriate, this first step is combined with an innovative treatment, HIPEC. This involves circulating heated high-dose chemotherapy throughout the abdominal cavity for one to two hours. The chemotherapy is then drained and the remainder of the operation completed. This step is in an effort to kill microscopic cancer cells remaining after all visible tumor has been removed with surgery.

Inside this issue

8

14 Ways Nevada can develop a robust mental health workforce

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

22 42 44 Awards celebrate Valley’s Health Care Headliners

The unwavering reward of a career in health care

Blood and marrow transplant patients are given new life

OPTUM CARE CANCER CARE LAUNCHES NEW CLINICAL TRIAL FOR HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA Having just launched its research division a year ago, Optum Care Cancer Care’s clinical research team is proud to announce it has begun a clinical trial for a new immunotherapy-based treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The clinical trial is the first in North America and the first to enroll a patient. The trial is part of a wider multinational clinical trial including Optum and other health organizations. These trials are highly competitive to secure and use the latest technology-based therapies and immunotherapies. Optum Care Cancer Care has approximately 18 clinical trials open and 38 clinical trials in total, with several more in the process of opening.

Details on clinical trials can be found at clinicaltrials.gov.

SOUTHWEST MEDICAL CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY In 1972, local cardiologist Dr. Anthony Marlon launched a small cardiology practice in Las Vegas. Shortly after, he hired Dr. Robert Hulse, a family practice physician, moving the practice in the direction of multi-specialty care.

Health Plan of Nevada began in 1984, in conjunction with renaming the practice Southwest Medical Associates. In 2008, Southwest Medical Associates became part of the UnitedHealth Group family, and part of Optum in 2014.

From these humble beginnings, Southwest Medical Associates, part of Optum Care, has since grown to become Nevada’s largest multi-specialty medical group, with more than 450 local health care providers throughout Southern Nevada. Now celebrating 50 years of serving its community, Southwest Medical has been at the forefront of industry-leading technologies, including pioneering the use of electronic medical records and virtual visits. Southwest Medical’s goal is to bring patients the health care they want, the way they want it.

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

9

Colorectal cancer: The best prevention is early detection

BY CARLA STEVENS BSCN, RN OCN

C Carla Stevens is the oncology program coordinator and nurse educator at Summerlin Hospital. She has been a registered nurse in the field of oncology for 22 years.

olorectal cancer (CRC) is the thirdmost common cancer in men and women. It is also the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. The American College of Gastroenterology and the American Cancer Society recommend screening for patients ages 45 to 75. Patients younger than 45 and older than 75 are not required to be screened. They are recommended to consult with their primary care provider when presenting symptoms and/or have a family history of CRC.

Understanding Your Risk Factors

Some risk factors for colorectal cancer can’t be modified—your age, family history, genetics or existing medical conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. However, there are lifestyle factors that contribute to an increased risk, including: n Lack of physical activity or exercise n A diet of processed meats and low intake of fruits and vegetables n Being overweight or obese n Alcohol consumption n Tobacco use It’s never too late to begin making positive changes to your lifestyle, including more physical activity, an improved diet, stopping smoking and drinking alcohol, and losing weight.

Signs and Symptoms

Many symptoms of CRC might be caused by other problems such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome, so it’s important to be checked if you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms so any medical condition can be properly diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms may include:

10

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

n A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days n A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having one n Rectal bleeding with bright red blood n Blood in the stool, which might make it look dark brown or black n Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain n Weakness and fatigue n Losing weight without trying

Tests and Treatments

Your medical provider may provide a physical exam to feel your abdominal area for any masses or enlarged organs, or order additional tests such as a colonoscopy, biopsy lab work or imaging studies like a CT scan, ultrasound or MRI. Treatment for colorectal cancer varies, depending upon the type of cancer, the size and if it has spread. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or a combination of options; everyone’s case is unique.

Colonoscopies can be a life-saving preventive screening tool. It’s vital not to delay scheduling this procedure because of concerns about the prep needed before the procedure or what the doctor might find. The best prevention is early detection.

Community Colorectal Cancer Education and Screening

In honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Summerlin Hospital and the Nevada Cancer Coalition will present Colleen the Colon—an interactive inflatable colon designed to help demonstrate gastrointestinal diseases such ulcerative colitis, polyps, diverticulitis and multiple stages of colorectal cancer. The demonstration will be held March 9 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Summerlin Hospital.

Support young people experiencing homelessness

BY LANETTE RIVERA

E

ach year, millions of youths across the nation experience homelessness. In order to endure the streets, they are propelled into survival mode with no other option but to fend for themselves, while continuously facing barriers that keep them from accessing supportive services needed to reach a place of self-sufficiency.

Until recently, that list included needing a guardian to access emergency and preventive medical care or having to go through a fourmonth waiting period to prove their homeless status, which created a lack of immediate care that could lead to routine problems becoming dangerous, and even to death by suicide, overdose or untreated illness. After seeing this problem firsthand, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) worked to pass Assembly Bill 197, giving the medical community an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of homeless youths, without the legal barriers they’ve faced over the years.

NPHY is not new to advocating on behalf of young people’s rights. In 2001, the organization was founded by championing the “Right to Shelter” law, which allows young people experiencing homelessness to access critical services without a parent or guardian, giving a lifeline to those who have been abandoned, abused, kicked out or fallen through cracks of systems.

Although it is unique for a direct service agency to be the champion of an entire bill process, there’s also an advantage to being able to identify issues on the ground and pursue policy to make necessary changes. All the laws that NPHY has passed have been intersectional—allowing social workers, teachers, counselors, and now with AB197, health care workers, the legal

ability to provide support to young people in need.

In 2021, NPHY and The Movement to End Youth Homelessness in Southern Nevada worked with young people with lived experience of homelessness, lawmakers and the health care community to champion the passing of AB197, aimed at strengthening unaccompanied minors’ access to critical health care. The law eliminated the four-month waiting period and clarified that minors could access mental and behavioral health care, dental and other critical health care services from any health care professional, in addition to medical care provided by physicians and hospitals. The law also established a simple process for a health care provider to verify that a youth is an unaccompanied minor, including by obtaining a letter from a nonprofit, governmental agency, identified school representative or attorney.

The passing of this law was extremely critical and timely, as vulnerable young people were facing barriers to accessing needed health care. Both prior to and during the COVID-19 crisis, NPHY’s staff encountered roadblocks when trying to get health care for minors, regardless of the community partnerships that NPHY built to offer free health care services.

Once AB197 passed in May 2021, minors were able to opt in to getting tested and treated for COVID-19, and when NPHY held vaccination clinics on-site at our Drop-In Center, minors also were able to get themselves vaccinated and protected against COVID-19.

Though most likely scared and apprehensive, youths will continue to seek services and guidance from the health care community.

Now, you can give a young person experiencing homelessness a safe place to go when they need it. For more information, visit nphy.org/ themovement.

FEBRUARY 2022

Lanette Rivera is the director of engagement and communications for Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

11

+

Health center provides valuable health care services to community

BY WOLFGANG GILLIAR, DO

A

Dr. Wolfgang Gilliar is the dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and medical director of the Health Center at Touro University Nevada.

12

t no time in recent history has the importance of health care been more critical than now. At Touro University Nevada, our students have served on the front lines providing free screenings and vaccinations to our most vulnerable populations across the Las Vegas Valley. Our students and clinical faculty assisted the Las Vegas Raiders with the first vaccine clinic at the team’s first home game at Allegiant Stadium this season. They also oversaw a vaccine clinic at the world-famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, amongst many other locations.

With more than 1,500 students enrolled in the Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and Health and Human Services, including physician assistants, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, medical health sciences and education, Touro is well positioned to continue supporting the community’s health care needs with our own on-campus medical clinic. The Touro Health Center is an academic-based facility that features a team of more than a dozen multi disciplinary medical and health professionals and serves as a great health care resource to any local resident.

According to a report for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by America’s Health Rankings, only a little over half of Nevadans reported having a personal health care provider. This translates to a lack of regular wellness checks, which can lead to disease and other health conditions that could be prevented with early detection and treatment. It breaks my heart to see members of our community suffering from an illness or injury that could be easily prevented or treated.

Touro Health Center patients receive excellent care and contribute to the education of the next generation of physicians and health care providers. Our students enjoy the patient interactions

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

and the unique opportunity to get more hands-on experience in the clinic. These experiences also drive their desire to remain here to practice medicine after they graduate, helping to address Nevada’s physician shortage.

The Touro Health Center accepts many forms of insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Our students are eager to learn and are highly attentive, and they are supervised by licensed physicians and professionals, who because of their teaching status, are up on all the latest and greatest in medical technology and treatment. The bottom line is this on-campus health care facility is a great option for personal health care on the cutting edge of health sciences, including: n Primary care services include wellness exams and screenings, vaccines, pregnancy tests and treatment for underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, depression and high blood pressure, to name a few. n OMM (osteopathic manipulative medicine) places a strong emphasis on a holistic approach to medicine, focusing not only on symptoms, but the entire body. Doctors who practice osteopathic medicine help promote the body’s natural ability to heal while using the latest technology and pharmaceutical approaches, surgery and other treatments to diagnose, treat and prevent illness/injury. With only a few OMM board-certified physicians available, the patients at Touro University’s clinic have access to these specialists and their medical care. n Touro’s Health Center includes the practice of rheumatology. Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles.

Patients interested in learning more about the Touro Health Center are encouraged to call 702777-4809 and schedule their first visit. Visit TouroHealthCenter.com to learn more.

Harnessing technology to fight environmental hazards and disease

BY RAY EDWARDS

W

e live in a rapidly changing world where the future of public health requires a renewed willingness to track and measure metrics attributed to the environment we live in. Fitbit introduced the world to a better way to utilize metrics to optimize physical health. In a similar way, advanced HVAC systems are utilizing indoor air quality measurements to help us breathe better.

People spend 90% of their lives indoors. The global proliferation of COVID-19 has demonstrated how quickly disease spreads through person-to-person transmission in a world where we gather indoors more than ever.

Epidemiological studies demonstrate how viral transmission cycles catalyze in the air, spreading through various objects and materials and ending on surfaces with high touch points. When combined with naturally occurring particulate contamination, we can clearly determine a portion of time spent indoors per day relative to prolonged degradation of human health.

In a recent article published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Bowder of the Healthy House Institute states, “Walking into a modern building can sometimes be compared to placing your head inside a plastic bag that is filled with toxic fumes.” In a raging global pandemic, we must ask ourselves how to balance our drive to live stable lives indoors against methods of continued safety and public health protocols. Leveraging robust, reliable technologies provides us with the best opportunity to lead normal lives and protect ourselves from the risks of a public health crisis.

However, in trying to maintain cleaner and more sanitary environments, it is hard to guarantee a perfectly clean space. In this space, human

error occurs in one of two ways. First, by commission, where cleaning products are misused and thereby ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Second, through omission; where disinfection gaps exist because of lack of adequate labor resources. Technology offers us reliable tools to reduce the risk factors posed by labor-based methods by introducing automation, visibility and rapid continuous response.

At purtec, our proposed wellness conceptual framework begins with enhanced visibility using robust indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor technologies. By looking at fluctuations in molecular environmental biomarkers and relative humidity levels that support the growth of various microbial contaminants, we can provide a reliable tool to understand environmental hazards. As microbial performance dynamics fluctuate, these IAQ technologies allow selected indoor spaces to target and immediately mitigate major spreader events, such as COVID-19.

The final stage in the conceptual framework culminates with disinfection response using sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions. Not only are these solutions eco-friendly, but they also prevent the secondary and tertiary negative health effects of many common disinfection products which may be toxic chemical-based.

Simply put: We’re using technology to fight disease. With integrated network technology and the power of continuous data, we can now bring intelligence into environments to quickly determine where risks are highest in your space and automate purification responses to keep people safe.

Technology will lead us through the wellness revolution because of the willingness of humans to leverage the rapid digital processing capabilities of machine intelligence to automate what were once rudimentary, manual habits—all powered by data.

FEBRUARY 2022

Ray Edwards is the CEO and founder of purtec.

Learn more at purtec.com.

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

13

BY WHITNEY OWENS, PSYD

sented among mental health providers, including communities of color and the LGBTQ commuevada has ranked 51st in the nity. Nevada has a severe shortage of diversity nation for mental health care for within the field, and we are failing to meet the over a decade, according to the growing demand of our population.

2020 State of Mental Health in According to U.S. World and News Report, America Report. The number of mental health Nevada’s adult population grew by 18% in the past professionals needs to double to meet the needs decade, with 4 of 10 individuals identifying as of our population, the report adds.

Hispanic or Latino. But according to the Guinn Providers are lacking in quantity, Center for Policy Priorities, almost diversity and quality of training, 95% of Nevada psychologists are white. but inadequacies won’t be solved Nevada needs more mental health proovernight. The path to a robust viders, but we also need a more diverse mental health workforce is long and workforce. complex. From improving education In addition to the significant time and clinical training, to updating and money required to train mental reimbursement rates and policies, to health providers in evidence-based increasing mental health care fundpractices, the availability of high-quality Dr. Whitney Owens training is also painfully limited in our ing, we have much work to do. is a licensed psyFirst, we must address barriers state. chologist and owner to education and clinical training.

Since 1998, the mental health of The Evidence Becoming a licensed mental health field has evolved to include empirBased Practice of Nevada, PLLC. professional requires 6-12 years of ically supported treatments, as the schooling. During this time, students data overwhelmingly show that these pay tuition and related expenses and often forego treatments are efficient and effective for certain outside income to pursue their degree and profes- mental health concerns. However, providing sional license. For a master’s level mental health supervision and training in empirically supportprofessional, the cost of a six-year education can ed treatments is costly, and many providers lack approach $100,000, and doctoral level profesadequate training in the implementation of these sionals spend more than $150,000 over 12 years. treatments. Many supervisors are not trained in The cost of becoming a licensed mental health dissemination and supervision of evidence-based professional is prohibitive. Intergenerational practices. They’re faced with the decision of using financial inequity in Nevada and across the Continued on page 16 country affects communities already underrepre-

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

15

Continued from page 15 undertrained students to supplement the workforce or investing already inadequate resources to train and supervise students to provide the most effective and beneficial treatment possible.

Insurance reimbursement and funding of mental health practices also impacts mental health workforce development. The 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act allowed for mental health conditions to be covered consistently with other health conditions through public and private insurers. However, low reimbursement rates, limitations on billable services, and costs associated with billing insurers continue to make accepting insurance unsustainable for many providers. Despite high demand from subscribers and the limited availability of providers, many Nevada insurance companies have closed their panels and refuse to panel more mental health providers. This means long wait times for Nevadans. It also means that many mental health providers rely on out-of-pocket payments, resulting in difficulty sustaining a consistent private practice, as many patients are unable to pay out-of-pocket for their mental health care.

In 2017, Nevada Medicaid significantly reduced its reimbursement rate for independent psychologists providing evaluation services. Additionally, in June of 2018, Nevada Medicaid announced that prior authorization would be required for all psychotherapy services.

These two events resulted in mistrust toward Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Healthcare Financing and Policy and Nevada’s Medicaid system.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the need for mental health services. As the APA’s 2021 Stress in America Survey showed, almost 63% of adults experience stress related to uncertainty about the

16

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

future and 36% stated that day-to-day decision-making is stressful.

Nevada needs several systemic interventions to address mental health workforce development issues.

In March of 2021, the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides one-time $350 billion in funding for state and local governments. Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services is evaluating applications to provide direct services, implement prevention services and to build workforce infrastructure using ARPA funding.

One priority is to use ARPA funds to augment community-based programs that provide training and supervision in evidence-based practices to a diverse base of graduate students. When students learn these practices early in their training, they are more likely to use these practices throughout their career.

Another strategy for increasing and diversifying our mental health workforce is to provide scholarships or tuition subsidization for graduate education for BIPOC, Latinx and LGBTQ+ students. Given the cost of a graduate school education, providing access and affordability is essential to getting more diverse providers into the professional pipeline.

Additionally, reforming public and private insurance reimbursement to include mechanisms to adequately reimburse for services delivered by welltrained and closely supervised professional students is essential to development of a qualified mental health workforce. Allowing for reimbursement for students’ services would help licensed providers prioritize high-quality training, while also meeting the demand for mental health services. Working toward each of these systematic approaches can make a significant difference in the state of mental health in Nevada.

BY ADRIANNA WECHSLER ZIMRING, PHD he past six months have brought increased attention to children’s mental health and the mental health care system in our country.

In September, American Psychological Association CEO Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr. called on Congress to address rapidly increasing concerns about children’s mental health by taking action to guarantee long-term investments in public health infrastructure and mental health workforce development. In October, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children’s Hospital Association issued a joint Declaration of a National Emergency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

In December, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health in the face of the children’s mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the pandemic, mental health care for most youth was subpar, and our most vulnerable youths suffered the most.

Since the pandemic began, youth mental health has declined and access to care has regressed. The negative impacts have Continued on page 18

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

17

Continued from page 17

In addition, I advise you to: n Take calls from mental health providers been disproportionate for those who were when they reach out. They need your partvulnerable to begin with, such as youths with nership in coordinating patient care. disabilities, and youths who are racial or ethn If a patient is starting to show sympnic minorities, LGBTQ+, from low-income toms of anxiety, depression or other communities, in rural areas, in immigrant behavioral or mental health problems, refer households, involved with the child welfare them for services now. Early intervention or juvenile justice systems, or homeless. keeps children out of emergency rooms and During the pandemic, we have heard hospitals. about the health care system collapsing in n Identify trusted, accessible local places. For those of us working in children’s mental health experts you can consult when mental health care in Nevada, this has been you have questions about mental health the situation for a long time. Children, concerns or referrals. Many mental health adolescents and adults have been needlessly providers in town provide free or low-cost suffering and dying of treatable professional consultation to mental health-related conditions physicians and other providers. If for years. you need help getting connected It’s going to be complicated to a local expert, contact Nevada to fix this, especially in Nevada.

Psychological Association for Our entire community must work recommendations. together for both prevention and n Have an accessible, up-totreatment. For all of us, it is diffidate list of local resources. Recult to know where to begin. sources should include help with Dr. Adrianna Part of what we can do for chilbasic needs like food and housing Wechsler Zimring is assistance, addressing school and dren and their mental health is a licensed psycholmake sure the adults in their lives educational concerns, mental ogist and owner of are stable and mentally healthy: The Evidence Based health and substance abuse n Take care of your own mental Practice of Nevada, treatment, suicide prevention and PLLC. health first. Physician burnout mobile crisis contact informaand suicide rates have reached tion. The Nevada Department alarming rates. If you are struggling, please of Health and Human Services website and reach out for help. Nevada Physician Nevada 211 Referral Hotline can be a good Wellness Coalition provides confidential, place to start. high-quality resources. n Make sure your staff is trained to handle n Take care of the health and mental phone calls and walk-ins from patients health of your loved ones so that you can (or caregivers) experiencing acute mental focus on taking care of your patients. health concerns. n Take care of your staff and their mental n Make sure you and your staff are trained health. Check in on them. Make sure they to assess for safety, and feel comfortable dohave access to any services they need. ing so. You can hire mental health experts to n If your patients are children, assess train your staff on how to assess for suicidalitheir mental health and safety at each apty, and what to do if a patient is suicidal. pointment. Ask about the mental health of n Consider adding a health service their caregivers. psychologist or other licensed mental health n If your patients are adults, ask about provider to your team. their mental health and the mental health of their children.

Finally, use your position and privilege to n If your patients are teachers or school advocate for children’s mental health and staff, do what you can to prioritize their care. mental health providers. You have the power Recent surveys of educators reveal alarming to make significant change in our mental rates of anxiety, depression and hopelesshealth care community, and we need your ness. help.

18

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

BY ALMA SPEARS ental health challenges continue to grow among children, adolescents and young adults, with the pandemic exacerbating feelings of helplessness, depression and thoughts of suicide.

Regarding youth, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently said, “The future well-being of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation.”

With 13 Clubhouse locations, our team at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada has seen this firsthand. Our mission is to help youths reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens, and good mental health is instrumental in their healthy development.

When we began recognizing these behaviors in an increasing number of youths, we knew we

needed to find a way to help.

We have found a solution in offering new mental health and counseling services in our Clubs. Our goal is to teach youths coping skills now, so they can practice and refine them as they grow, ideally transitioning into mentally healthy adults.

Designed for both prevention and early intervention, counseling sessions are available for youth in first through 12th grade. Lessons use a trauma-informed approach to focus on social-emotional learning and healthy emotional regulation strategies. Sessions are strategically co-facilitated by licensed clinicians and Club staff, providing youths with a familiar, supportive adult, and allowing staff to reinforce kids’ newly learned skills during regular Club time.

After each session, families receive summaries highlighting what participants learned and

tips to provide additional support at home.

Services are offered onsite at Clubs where members are already participating in afterschool programs. Since their children are already present at the Clubhouse, this alleviates two major challenges for working parents—access to services, and finding transportation to and from appointments. Club members also can access services for no out-of-pocket cost, making counseling both convenient and affordable.

Group therapy sessions also can help identify candidates with additional individual or family counseling needs. To make scheduling easier for working families, workshops and family counseling are available during the day, in the evenings and on Saturdays.

Alma Spears is the senior vice president of family services & counseling, and a licensed marriage and family therapist at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada.

For information, call 702-367-2582 or bgcsnv.org.

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

19

Make Every Moment Special The right care at the right time can make all the difference to those living with terminal illness. That is why we offer patient-centered hospice unique to your needs. Doctors, nurses, chaplains, and bereavement coordinators are available 24/7 for physical, emotional, and spiritual services. Care continues even after passing, with bereavement support for loved ones. Make every moment special. Get the comprehensive, compassionate care you deserve.

Call 702.671.1111 or visit smalv.com/en/hospice

©2022 Southwest Medical Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.

The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in health programs and activities. We provide free services to help you communicate with us. Such as, letters in other languages or large print. Or, you can ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call 702-877-5199 TTY 711.

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 702-877-5199 TTY 711.

(Chinese), 702-877-5199 TTY 711

Education Meets Empathy Roseman University’s students can’t wait to bring the skills and knowledge they learn to the communities that need them. They support retirees through our Medicare Call Lab, they volunteer to offer free, preventative dental care to those under or uninsured, and they joined the frontlines of the COVID pandemic in administering over 11,000 vaccines to members of our community. They know that to excel as a healthcare provider, they must combine innovative patient care with empathy, caring and compassion every step of the way.

Uniting the Heart & Science of Healthcare TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

REIMAGINING HEALTHCARE

EMBRACING DISCOVERY

COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY

roseman.edu COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE – COLLEGE OF NURSING – COLLEGE OF PHARMACY COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES – COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT)

2022

HEALTH CARE HEADLINERS Vegas Inc’s Health Care Headliners honors some of the most dedicated and innovative medical professionals in Southern Nevada. From doctors and nurses, to EMTs and administrators, these 10 headliners are making their mark on the industry and working tirelessly to ensure the best health care can be found right here in our community.

22

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

Jeffrey Castillo, MSN

J

effrey Castillo guided UMC’s Adult Emergency Department through the most challenging public health crisis in the hospital’s 90-year history. As a result of his efforts, UMC’s front-line emergency medicine team had the necessary supplies, personal protective equipment and clinical space to care for an influx of critically ill patients during the community’s time of need.

thoughtful approach in decision-making to meet the needs of patients, staff and our community as a whole.

Why did you choose this career?

We are gifted with one life. Fight for your better life every day.

I enjoy working in a dynamic environment that promotes teamwork to support the best possible outcomes for our patients.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Every day is different, and the challenges I face are unique, requiring a

Clinical Director, UMC Adult Emergency Department and UMC Trauma Center EMERGENCY SERVICES

Photo by Wade Vandervort

What are you most proud of in your career?

Truthfully, I’m most proud of my ohana (family). My wife and four children enrich my life and inspire me every day.

What is your personal motto when it comes to advocating healthy living?

What excites you the most about the advancements in health care?

Clinical technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, with groundbreaking devices and procedures that support improved medical outcomes.

I remember speaking with the inventor of the first pacemaker and founder of Medtronic, Mr. Earl Bakken. He told us, “It’s only a matter of time before cardiology is on your phone.”

Fast forward to the present day, and you can now monitor an EKG on your phone.

Technology is improving the way health care operates and is delivered to patients.

University Medical Center of Southern Nevada Years in Health Care: 20 FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

23

PHYSICIAN

Chair of Pediatrics, Pediatric Pulmonology Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Years in Health Care: 34

24

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

Evelyn Montalvo Stanton, MD

B

oth clinically and through education, Dr. Evelyn Montalvo Stanton has helped lead the pediatric medical response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Nevada. She has worked to ensure children received proper vaccines and testing, and she has educated the public on the proper protocol responses to COVID-19 for school-age children and their parents.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Creating partnerships in improving health care with UNLV, community pediatricians and other hospitals in the area. I also enjoy teaching our medical students and pediatric residents, as they are future physicians for our Vegas community.

Why is it important to you to be a part of making Las Vegas a healthier community?

I am a member of the American Lung Association of Nevada. It is important for me as a pediatric pulmonologist to educate our community on lung diseases, in particular asthma and climate change and environmental pollution affecting our health and the health of our children.

What is one piece of advice you can share about the importance of health?

My advice is to be proactive, ask questions and be advocates for your children. Seek your pediatrician’s advice in addressing the well-being and health of your child. We are the voices for your children.

What are you working on for the future?

I have submitted two proposals to the state of Nevada, Clark County and city of Las Vegas on developing a wellness center for children where we can address nutrition, exercise and well-being for inner-city youths. The other is a proposal for an inner-city school-based clinic that will not only provide medical and psychological care for children but also foster educational opportunities for families as well as school nurses and teachers.

Photo by Wade Vandervort

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

25

Donald Giancursio

D

onald Giancursio has dedicated decades to working to strengthen health care in Nevada, developing and providing a diverse array of solutions for employee health care coverage. He is a servant leader— his competency and wisdom matched by his compassion and sincerity.

Tell us a little about your current role.

I have been responsible for overseeing the Nevada commercial and Medicaid insurance businesses for United HealthCare since 2009.

I began my career in the industry right out of college. It was an interesting opportunity at the time. I grew fond of it and never looked back.

What is a professional accomplishment you are most proud of?

Our Nevada market is continually ranked as one of the top-performing markets for United HealthCare nationally. The rankings cover a broad spectrum of metrics, but the one that is consistently at the top is customer retention.

We have retained the highest percentage of our customers each year since I have been in this role. It speaks to the value we deliver to the market and the solutions we provide our customers.

What are some of the most important health care priorities for Southern Nevada?

Finding ways to increase our provider population; recruiting more physicians and health care personnel so that access to care becomes more readily available to our residents; and continuing to educate the community on the importance of health screenings, routine care and healthy living.

What is one piece of advice you can share about the importance of health?

Life is unpredictable in many ways. We can’t take our health for granted. We must practice healthy habits—taking care of your body as best as possible. Be mindful of the preventive and routine health care visits and services we all should practice.

CEO Nevada Market United HealthCare LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

26

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

Years in Health Care: 39

Photo by Wade Vandervort

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

27

Nicole Mackie, DDS, MS, FACP

D

r. Nicole Mackie is usually the last resort for patients who are left feeling defeated from severe dental loss and pain. Performing over 8,000 dental implants in her career, she provides these patients a permanent smile—helping people at their lowest regain confidence and quality of life.

Why did you choose this career?

It is a specialty of dentistry that is dedicated to the reconstruction of health, function and beauty with a long-lasting approach. My first patient in dental school had ectodermal dysplasia and was born with many missing teeth. My attendings told me to take him to the post graduate prosthodontic clinic to be treated. They were transforming lives, not just teeth and smiles.

It was life changing and creative all in one.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The reveals—the transformations I see at the end of the surgery when patients feel like their lives just began. They are joyous, happy and grateful. It is a constant reminder to me why I love what I do.

What is your personal motto when it comes to living a healthy life?

To have balance. Everything in the body—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual—are all connected. With balance, we can aim to achieve health and happiness in all facets.

Why is it important to you to be a part of making Las Vegas a healthier community?

If I can be a contributing factor for people to be their happiest and healthiest, they will be contributing in their own way back and the trickle effect will happen. The city will thrive, people will have positive interactions with each other, and the net effective growth can be good for all aspects of the community.

Prosthodontist, Doctor Owner

DENTISTRY

Dr. Nicole Mackie Dental Implant Specialty Center Years in Health Care: 12 Photo by Wade Vandervort

28

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

THE MOST ADVANCED MEDICINE IS HERE

BECAUSE WE ARE HERE Only UMC provides truly breakthrough treatments for Southern Nevadans.

UMC is where you’ll find Nevada’s only organ transplant center, only verified burn care center, only dedicated heart failure clinic, and the state’s only designated pediatric trauma center. And we’re home to the Nevada’s most advanced robotic surgery program, too.

We’re keeping our eyes on the horizon—so we can provide the most advanced care to you now.

umcsn.com

Wolfgang Gilliar, DO

Dean and Chief Academic Officer

EDUCATION

30

Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine Years in Health Care: 35

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

D

r. Wolfgang Gilliar has dedicated his professional life to innovating and transforming medical education to advance the practice of health care to a truly patient-centered, population-based approach, supported by illuminating research.

Tell us about your current role.

As dean and chief academic officer of the largest medical school in Nevada, we have the opportunity to prepare our graduates as sought-after medical practitioners who want to serve in the Southern Nevada region. Today’s challenges help formulate solutions for the future and thus I enjoy the ability to be creative in the medical education and research domain.

What is a professional accomplishment that you are proud of?

When I see that our students are successful. We have had three years in a row where our students performed among the top medical schools in the medical licensure/ board examinations among all osteopathic medical schools. It is wonderful to see how successful our students are and how they contribute to the greater good.

What are some of the most important health care priorities for Southern Nevada?

We need more physicians and health care professionals in the region. Another priority is to attract physicians to move here. We need to make the overall “medical domain” one that people are interested in joining and wanting to move to the Southern Nevada region.

What are you working on for the future?

Touro received a $2.6 million grant from the United Health Foundation to build and provide mobile prenatal health services to underserved women and to bring a maternal-health curriculum to the current educational agenda. We also have had the extraordinarily good fortune to provide hand-held ultrasound devices to our students, which will revolutionize the way the students and future doctors will be able to use cutting-edge technology to diagnose new conditions.

Photo by Wade Vandervort

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

31

sis. Also, playing a small part in assisting others to pursue their passions in life despite disability.

Sam Schmidt

S

am Schmidt is an innovator in pursuing cutting-edge technology to assist those with paralysis in gaining greater independence and mobility. He has raised millions of dollars to fund research to find a cure for paralysis, as well as to assist those with spinal cord injuries.

Tell us a little about your current role.

Unfortunately, it chose me

What is a professional accomplishment you are most proud of?

when I sustained a spinal cord injury 22 years ago. Soon after, our community of family and friends decided we would start a foundation to find a cure and assist others with neurological disorders.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Discovering breakthroughs to improve quality of life for those with disabilities, as well as continuing the fight to cure paraly-

Opening the DRIVEN Neuro Recovery Center. We take anyone, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. We have found the people that need the services we offer are usually the ones that do not have insurance that covers their needs.

What is something you are dedicated to changing about the health care industry?

We are committed to influencing the rehabilitation process. If insurance companies would fund more comprehensive rehabilitation on the front side, it would greatly improve the outcomes and independence of the client, not to mention provide a substantial cost savings over the long term.

What is one piece of advice you can share about the importance of health?

Rehabilitation is not only physical, but it is about mental well-being as well. You’ll never recover to your maximum capability without strong mental health and a positive attitude.

Founder/Chairman Conquer Paralysis Now INNOVATION

32

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

Years in Health Care: 21

Photo by Wade Vandervort

TOMORROW’S SUCCESS STARTS WITH THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY TODAY. Call today for offers on Cox Business Internet, Phone, TV and Managed Services... solutions your business can depend on.

Cox Business Internet SM • Fast fiber Internet to support touchless point of sale • Hosted WiFi to support social distancing

Business Phone • Fully managed voice solutions with 24/7 support • Mobile App for remote access

Business TV • Voice controlled remote for ease of use • Custom programming to support your needs • Music Choice channels to set the mood

Call 702-939-1146 today for offers.

coxbusiness.com ©2022 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cloud Solutions • Hosted desktop services • Security as a Service (SaaS) • Desktop as a Service (DaaS) • Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

Linda Hawley, PMHNP

T

he mentally ill in our community have not been well taken care of and Linda Hawley has devoted her life to helping those with mental health issues find a better way to live. She is a genuinely compassionate and caring individual who is sought out for her expertise in psychiatry.

Why did you choose this career?

I became a nurse after my husband died from prostate cancer. I wanted to leave the world a better place and it seemed nursing was a good path. Then, my son committed suicide three months before graduation. I became deeply angry at how little help seemed to be available for psychiatric patients, so I worked in both medical and psychiatric hospitals–medical for a better medical grounding and psychiatry because I felt that if I could help at least one other mother not have to bury her son, I would have made a difference.

showing promise for depression.

I opened a clinic so I could be prepared to offer any modality that shows efficacy based on rigorous scientific research.

in life by improving mood, sleep, anxiety, and achieving and maintaining sobriety. I am honored to be able to help others find hope and happiness again.

What excites you most about the advancements in health care?

I am excited about new modalities and new medications for depression, anxiety and psychosis. NMDA shows big promise for treatment of PTSD. Psilocybin is

What is something you’d like others to understand about your job?

The brain is the most complex organ we have. It is also the organ we understand the least about.

Organs can and do malfunction.

Let’s all be a bit more understanding that brain malfunctions can be a big problem for some people.

Also, if your medication isn’t working, please don’t give up! It is likely the wrong medication or the wrong dose. Seek help until we get it right. Insist on it.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My patients. I love to help people improve their experience

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Access Psychiatric Associates Photo by Wade Vandervort

34

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

NURSING

FEBRUARY 2022

Years in Health Care: 12

Medical Director Nevada National Security Site COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Years in Health Care: 30

What is your favorite part of your job?

Hands down, it’s the people. It’s been incredibly humbling to lead a team of skilled professionals throughout this pandemic. Educating and protecting our workforce from COVID-19 has been our priority for over two years.

What are some of the most important health care priorities for Southern Nevada?

K. Alexander Malone, MD

D

r. K. Alexander Malone is constantly searching for ways to do good for the people who need it most—working for years as an emergency physician in several understaffed or underserved areas. Raised in Nevada, he is always on the lookout for ways to use his role as a leader, mentor and champion to find new ways to “pay it forward” in our community.

Courtesy photo

Tell us a little about your current role.

I currently oversee the medical operations in support of the personnel and programmatic activity at the Nevada National Security Site. Though emergency medicine and emergency medical services are part of this role, it is more aligned with occupational medicine than any other specialty.

I’m a huge advocate for public health and the first responder community. Ongoing support for the Southern Nevada Health District will only help all of Southern Nevada. For many of our less fortunate and underserved community members, this is their only source of health care. For our first responders, I would like to see continued emphasis on injury and illness prevention, and ongoing development of occupational health and wellness programs for them.

What is next for you?

I am currently completing my master’s in public health at Johns Hopkins University and pursuing my second board certification in occupational medicine.

What is one piece of advice you can share about the importance of health?

If there’s just one thing, it’s that there are usually several opportunities to avoid a bad outcome before it occurs. Eat well, exercise regularly, get adequate rest and visit your doctor as recommended.

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

35

Nicole Stephens, Ph.D.

D

r. Nicole Stephens is an independent thinker who is knowledgeable and up to date on the latest ideas, processes and trends as well as the necessary requirements to excel in the regulatory sphere and site selection field.

Why did you choose this career?

I initially chose health care research in the laboratory setting, as biology was my first fascination.

While working on a human papillomavirus and cervical cancer research team, I was invited to become part of a related team conducting HPV vaccine trials. From that experience, I became inspired by the clinical trials process, as it was a true “bench to bedside” experience.

What is the thing you enjoy most about your job?

I thrive on being part of our inspired, hardworking and passionate team with an ultimate focus on the treatment and well-being of cancer patients.

Are you involved with any organizations in the community?

I volunteer in support of the American Cancer Society and Nevada Cancer Coalition. The ACS offers grants through programs, including the ResearcHERs effort to support female researchers studying cancers that affect women, and the NCC works with the Legislature and providers statewide to expand access to screening.

What are the most important health care priorities for Southern Nevada?

Cancer screening and HPV vaccination rates are below national averages here in Southern Nevada. Since screening reduces mortality and severity of cancer, it is crucial for us to expand access and stress the importance of prevention.

What are you working on for the future?

We are expanding our “menu” of clinical trials to ensure that patients with different types of cancer can have more options for care. We are also dedicated to educating the next generation of oncologists and have developed a new training program.

Regulatory Compliance and Site Selection Coordinator Optum Care Cancer Care RESEARCH/ SCIENCE

36

Years in Health Care: 24

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

Photo by Christopher DeVargas

FINALLY, A COMMUNITY FOR THOSE WHO ARE DOWN TO EARTH AND WANT A PRICE TO MATCH Call today to schedule your tour!

TRUEWOOD

BY MERRILL HENDERSON

702.688.5662 • truewoodhenderson.com 2910 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89052

Lic #3705-AGC-35, 4117-AGC-30

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care

Congratulations Dr. Evelyn Montalvo Stanton physician | educator |

leader

HEALTH CARE HEADLINER

For an appointments, call 702-660-UNLV

unlvhealth.org

Jennifer Riggs, Ph.D.

D

r. Jennifer Riggs has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and customer service skills that drive facility growth and safeguards quality patient care—holding steadfast to the patient and family focus of end-of-life care.

Why did you choose this career?

After working in assisted living and skilled nursing, I was looking for a place in which I felt I could truly serve patients who were needing end-of-life care, and work for an organization that was reimagining what care means to patients. That is what led me to AccentCare.

ized—that includes our veterans— is a health care urgency.

the most important things for an individual.

What excites you most about the advancements in health care?

What are you working on for the future?

Individuals spending less time in the hospitals and being able to spend more time at home surrounded by family and friends. In hospice, we always try to understand what a “good” death is. I believe that being able to die a peaceful death is one of

My team and I are working on becoming a Level 5 We Honor Veterans community partner, which is the highest level to obtain. The goal of the program is to care for and honor those who have served our country when they reach the end of life.

What are some of the most important health care priorities for Southern Nevada?

It is my passion—especially as a veteran—to raise awareness of health inequality and improve health equity for all.

Providing health care services for those in our community who have been underserved, and even economically or socially marginal-

Executive Director AccentCare MANAGER/ ADMINISTRATOR

Photo by Christopher DeVargas

38

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

Years in Health Care: 12

INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT FOR SUBSTANCE USE

NOW OFFERING EVENING GROUP THERAPY PERFECT FOR WORKING ADULTS Tues-Wed-Thurs from 6:00 – 9:00 pm

For A Free Assessment call

702-646-5000 EXT. 305 Most Insurances Accepted

3021 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy., Henderson, NV 89052

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FOUNDER

SAM SCHMIDT FOR BEING NAMED A HEALTHCARE HEADLINER Sam’s innovation, passion and positive outlook inspire our Board, staff, supporters and clients everyday!

Come visit our accessible fitness and wellness center for people with disabilities.

Downtown Las Vegas

701 E. Bridger Avenue, Suite 150

ConquerParalysisNow.org

40

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

FERTILITY

MEDICAL PROFILES MEDICAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Eva Littman, MD, FACOG

D

r. Eva Littman is one of Las Vegas’ most trusted and knowledgeable fertility experts. As the founder and practice director of Red Rock Fertility Center, she has successfully guided the center to produce exceptionally high pregnancy success rates year after year, creating thousands of pregnancies.

Dr. Littman completed her medical training at Stanford University and Duke University. Her groundbreaking research has been honored and recognized by the nation’s most prestigious organizations.

Dr. Littman was named Top Doctor in the field of fertility for the past seven years. She was named a Woman to Watch in 2013

by Vegas Inc, and, in 2017, the U.S. SBA awarded her Nevada’s Small Business Of The Year.

She is a member and volunteer with United Way Women’s Leadership Council of Southern Nevada and has donated fertility consultations and IVF cycles to Volunteers in Medicine Southern Nevada, and to the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation.

RED ROCK FERTILITY 9120 W. Russell Road Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702-749-4614 redrockfertility.com

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS – LUNG CENTER OF NEVADA 9280 W. Sunset Road Suite 312 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702-737-5864 cccnevada.com

D

r. M. Ferra Lin-Duffy is a breast surgeon at Comprehensive Cancer Centers who is breast surgical oncology fellowship trained in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Her clinical interests include surgical treatment of breast cancer, nipple-sparing mastectomies, ultrasound guided lumpectomies, oncoplastic breast surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsies and axillary node dissections, axillary reverse mapping to minimize lymphedema risk and management of benign breast disease.

Her approach to patient care is to help guide them through their journey and to provide them with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their care.

Dr. Lin-Duffy graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelor of Arts in communication. She attended the post baccalaureate program at La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before completing her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS 10001 S. Eastern Ave. Suite 108 Henderson, NV 89052 702-952-3444 cccnevada.com

FEBRUARY 2022

MEDICAL ADVERTISING

M. Ferra LinDuffy, DO, FACOS

NURSE PRACTITIONER

D

r. Karishma Bhatia Mehta is a pulmonologist at the Lung Center of Nevada—a division of Comprehensive Cancer Centers—where she treats patients with acute and chronic pulmonary health concerns. Working with the board certified and award-winning pulmonology team at Comprehensive, she provides patients with worldclass care in a supportive environment.

Prior to moving to Las Vegas, Dr. Bhatia Mehta completed her fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Mount Sinai Morningside (formerly Mount Sinai St. Luke’s), Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City.

Dr. Bhatia Mehta’s expertise includes biologics for severe asthma, advanced COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, sleep disorders, lung cancer screening and endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for cancer staging.

When it comes to her philosophy of care, she believes that communication is the cornerstone of a strong physician-patient bond.

BREAST SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

PULMONOLOGY

Karishma Bhatia Mehta, MD

Shelley S. Miles, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP

S

helley S. Miles is a family nurse practitioner at Comprehensive Cancer Centers, where she oversees the development of new care programs and provides support to the clinical management team on development of clinical standards.

With many years of clinical oncology experience and familiarity with chemotherapy administration, she independently performs procedures such as bone marrow biopsies, all while remaining committed to providing a positive patient experience.

Shelley’s care philosophy is centered around helping patients have the best experience during their treatment by providing quality education, and active listening assistance when needed.

Shelley received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from University of Texas at Arlington. She received a Master of Science in nursing from UNLV and is expected to graduate with her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2022.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS 10001 S. Eastern Ave. Suite 108 Henderson, NV 89052 702-952-3444 cccnevada.com

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

41

BY HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY STAFF uring the past two years, we have leaned on our health care workers more than ever. They’ve answered our questions, cared for our families and served our community in tremendous ways. As with any career, it’s a job that comes with its challenges, but it also is heaped in gratifying work and experiences. We asked several local health care professionals to share what it is that fuels their desire to be in this field, and the common thread was abundantly clear: there’s nothing better than helping others live full and healthy lives.

42

The health care field is ever evolving with research and innovation, which is exciting to be a part of because you are improving the care and longevity of people’s lives.

This career provides me with the opportunity to follow my passion for helping others while leading a successful team and promoting health and wellness in my community. I am proud to call myself a nurse!

— Tamara Saldana, RN, Manager of Clinical Services & Quality, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation

— Amy Runge, RN, Ambulatory Clinical Manager of the Healthy Living Institute at UMC and the UMC Wellness Center

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

Providing increased access to care for vulnerable populations and underserved communities is my passion and mission. It is the most rewarding thing about my role as a public health advocate and health care professional.

Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they receive care after waiting (often too long) for necessary and lifesaving service is remarkable. Although working in health care can be stressful, I feel that the many benefits far outweigh our current pandemic circumstances. I truly hope that more choose this rewarding profession.

— Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP Founder and CEO, The Public Health Pharmacist, PLLC

I have seen first-hand the impact that cancer has on patients and their families, and it’s truly inspiring to witness and hear the stories of perseverance, and be around such a strong group of people. All of the survivors and people diagnosed with this disease inspire me to continue to help others fight all forms of cancer.

— Russell Gollard, MD, Medical Director, Optum Care Cancer Care

Working in health care provides me with the ability to change the lives of my patients and their families in a meaningful way. The feeling of appreciation provides me with continued motivation to endure the grueling hours and anxious moments after performing an open-heart procedure.

Navigating the variation in daily experiences provides for a unique challenge and in turn the ultimate reward, job satisfaction.

— Deepak Malhotra, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, MountainView Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates

Each patient encounter is steeped in raw emotion and true relationships, with the opportunity of influencing a direct change in someone’s health care journey. Even the most challenging encounters are a true privilege. And I love that.

— Nilesh “Neil” Gokal, MD, Medical Director of Clinical Education, Southwest Medical

I have the most wonderful opportunity to be a partner in my patients’ health care journey through the continuum of their lives. I am there with them through their ups and downs, through illness, and through wellness. Hopefully, in some small way, my work positively impacts them and helps them lead their healthiest lives possible. I think that all health care workers—no matter their specialty—at the end of the day know that they have impacted the lives of people they don’t even know.

— John Sayler, PA-C, MPAS, Senior Physician Assistant, Intermountain Oncology/Hematology FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

43

Blood and marrow transplant patients receive new lease on life

BY JENNIFER MCDONNELL AND MARY MILLER

I

Jennifer McDonnell is the director of public relations and communications, and Mary Miller is the PR/ communications coordinator, both with MountainView Hospital.

44

n the summer of 2020, Jeani began experiencing extreme back pain while out of town visiting her mother. She pushed through until she returned home and met with several doctors.

The physicians noted that her pain levels were that of someone who had been in a traumatic accident or had a major injury.

This led to several blood tests and a multiple myeloma diagnosis by October. She was told she needed a blood and marrow transplant (BMT).

Like many myeloma patients, Jeani looked for care outside her home state of Nevada.

She also heard rumors of a new BMT program locally and met with MountainView Hospital’s Transplant & Cellular Therapy Clinical Program Medical Director, Dr. Shahram Mori.

With the delay of her insurance’s approval, Jeani moved forward with her transplant at a facility in California, but as Jeani was waiting to begin her BMT journey there, she received a call that her insurance approved her care at MountainView Hospital. Jeani stopped her care in California and returned to Las Vegas for a blood and marrow transplant in January.

“I am so glad this program is here because now I don’t have to travel back and forth to California or Utah,” Jeani said. “I need someone to go to my appointments with me, so having to travel for my care was going to be very difficult

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

for me and my family,” she added.

Jeani estimated that her travel would have cost almost $3,000.

“My support system is here in Las Vegas, so I am very grateful for the BMT program at MountainView. I cannot thank the wonderful staff enough,” she said.

Jeani, a photographer, was the third patient to undergo a blood and marrow transplant at MountainView Hospital, the only blood and marrow transplant program in Nevada.

The program is a collaboration between MountainView and Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, MountainView’s parent company. Prior to its opening, 100% of patients had to leave Nevada for this specialized care.

The Sarah Cannon Transplant & Cellular Therapy Program at MountainView Hospital is part of the Sarah Cannon Transplant & Cellular Therapy Network, offering patients convenient, community-based access to complex blood cancer care, including acute leukemia, blood and marrow transplantation, clinical trials and innovative therapies.

The network performs 1,200 blood and marrow transplants per year across its eight FACT/JACIE accredited programs in the United States and United Kingdom.

“We are pleased to fill a critical gap in Nevada’s cancer care infrastructure by bringing this needed service to our state,” said Julie Taylor, MountainView Hospital CEO. “We look forward to working with our community oncologists to keep their patients in Nevada for this specialized care.” nnn MountainView transplant patient Blair said he was shocked to learn about his diagnosis.

Not one to go to the physician regularly, his primary physician called and reminded him to come in for an annual physical. As part of the physical, a routine blood panel was drawn.

“He called me that night and said to go back and get more blood drawn,” Blair said. “The next phone call from the physician was to tell me that we needed to talk.”

Blair was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He said he did not have normal symptoms, such as loss of appetite, bone and back Continued on page 46

Nurse Lo-Wei (center) massages the cells that will be infused into the patient while reading off the numbers to nurse Luz Perez (left) to document and record the process (Courtesy)

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

45

Continued from page 44 pain and fever, and was thankful his physician had been so proactive.

Blair was referred to Dr. Delva Deauna-Limayo, adult HCT clinical program medical director at MountainView, who is affectionately referred to as “Dr. D” by her patients.

“I met with her and told her I needed 10 days and then I would be ready,” Blair said. “I took a vacation, did the things that people do, like lie on a beach.”

Blair had his transplant in September with no complications. During the procedure, his daughter even took part via video chat. At the end, as is customary with all BMT patients, a birthday cake was presented, and the team sang happy birthday.

“We call this their second birthday,” Dr. Deauna-Limayo said. “This is the day they are given new life.”

During blood and marrow transplantation, blood-forming stem cells from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood or peripheral blood are infused into the patient to restore the body’s ability to produce blood and immune cells. Prior to the procedure, patients receive high doses of radiation and/or chemotherapy to treat the underlying disease and prepare for the transplant.

nnn The BMT journey was years in the making and a collaboration with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada physicians, who recognized the need for BMT services in the region.

In preparation for the program’s eventuality, the hospital’s south tower oncology unit was designed to include a dedicated blood and marrow transplant unit.

The clinical team includes a comprehensive group of transplant professionals, including transplant physicians, transplant nurse coordinator, inpatient and outpatient transplant nurses, pharmacist, social workers, case managers and a registered dietitian.

During blood and marrow transplantation, blood-forming stem cells from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood or peripheral blood are infused into the patient to restore the body’s ability to produce blood and immune cells. Prior to the procedure, patients receive high doses of radiation and/or chemotherapy to treat the underlying

disease and prepare for the transplant.

A patient’s own stem cells can be used during a transplant, also known as an autologous transplant, or they can receive donor stem cells, known as an allogeneic transplant. The new Sarah Cannon Transplant & Cellular Therapy Program at MountainView Hospital performs adult autologous transplants and has plans to expand to offer allogeneic transplants and additional cellular therapy capabilities by summer.

“Sarah Cannon is proud to bring state-of-the-art care close to home for those facing cancer,” said Fred LeMaistre, MD, senior vice president,

46

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

BMT patient Blair at MountainView Hospital undergoing a transplant. Blair is holding up his cellphone so his daughter can participate and ask questions. (Courtesy)

Sarah Cannon Market Operations and Physician-in-Chief of Blood Cancers.

“By partnering with MountainView Hospital, we are doing just that, bringing sophisticated offerings to patients in Nevada and the surrounding areas. Not only will blood cancer patients now have access to blood and marrow transplant services and a multidisciplinary care team, but they will also be able to do so with their support system of family and friends close by.”

Patients and physicians who want to learn more about MountainView’s BMT program can call 702-962-2106.

Cancer has a formidable foe Optum Care congratulates Nicole Stephens on becoming a Health Care Headliner. Her innovative thinking, unflappable dedication to our patients, and her unrelenting fight against cancer is an inspiration to us all.

Nicole D. Stephens, Ph.D., CCRP

Regulatory and Site Selection Coordinator Optum Care Cancer Care

©2022 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved.

HCQ Notes Comprehensive Cancer Centers hired nurse practitioner Michelle Bigg, MSN, FNP-BC and clinical educator Heather Emmons. Prior to joining Comprehensive, Bigg served as the Bigg women’s oncology program coordinator at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center and the Breast Center at Sunrise Hospital.

Emmons previously served as a registered nurse at Comprehensive’s Horizon Ridge treatment center.

Henderson Hospital received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2021, marking its seventh consecutive “A” grade. This national distinction recognizes Henderson Hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital.

Additionally, the hospital was named a Top Teaching Hospital nationally by The Leapfrog Group for the second consecutive year; it had previously been named a Top General Hospital in 2018 and 2019. The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive.

Southwest Medical, part of Optum Care, added five new physicians to help meet the growing need for health services in the Las Vegas community, including John Caraway, DO, Dino Gonzalez, MD, Stephanie Insixiengmai, MD, Alexandra Acosta Owens, MD and Adam Purviance, DO. Additionally, Southwest Medical welcomed several nursing professionals, including Kimberly Alison-Maribbay Badiola, NP, Amanda Helton, APRN, Tony Ngo, APRN, Deanna St. Cyr, APRN, and Vinh Nguyen, APRN, and two physician assistants, Amy Constable, PA and Shannon Treasure, PA.

leadership team. As the director of business development, Frye is responsible for overseeing the implementation of business objectives for the hospital’s marketing and business development professionals to increase growth and awareness. He joins Spring Mountain with 27 years of experience in business growth.

Gary Costa, Golden Rainbow executive director, was appointed to Gov. Steve Sisolak’s HIV Advisory Task Force on HIV Modernization.

Costa is one of 15 members of this special Costa body that will work to update local and state laws and definitions pertaining to persons living with HIV. Intermountain Healthcare performed its 5,000th adult solid organ transplant in 2021 and had another record year, thanks to organ donors and their families and a transplant team committed to helping patients receive life-saving organ transplant opportunities despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the third consecutive record-breaking year for the Intermountain Transplant Services team, performing 289 solid organ transplants: which includes kidney (170), pancreas (6), liver (94) and heart (19) transplants.

Spring Mountain welcomed Michael Frye as the newest addition to its

Absolute Dental Group, one of Nevada’s largest dental service organizations, completed the acquisition of two dental practices in Northern Nevada along with opening three new practices in Southern Nevada, bringing the organization to a total of 37 affiliated dental practices throughout the state. These five additional practices completes Absolute Dental’s 2021 defined growth plan of adding 13 practices throughout the year, which included six new practices and seven acquisitions, resulting in a 54% increase in total number of affiliated

48

FEBRUARY 2022

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

practices.

Nathan Adelson Hospice announced

Linn P. Billingsley joined its board of trustees. Vice President of Regional Operations for Kindred Healthcare, LLC, Billingsley’s expertise in specialty and transitional care hospitals makes her an asset to the board. She has been with Kindred Healthcare for more than 20 years, having served various executive positions throughout the West and with its corporate office before becoming an officer with the company.

Additionally, the hospice’s director of admissions transportation, Ashley Earle, MSN, RN, CHPN, Earle was named to the 2022 National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Next Generation Leadership Council. The Council is comprised of individuals currently in leadership positions, developing leaders and those who aspire to become leaders with the hospice and palliative care industry.

Drs. J. Randall Feikes and Leslie Jacobs were

Feikes

Jacobs

appointed associate chief medical officers for The Valley Health System hospitals and medical staff.

In their roles, they will focus on quality and patient safety initiatives by reducing clinical variations and improving quality outcomes through evidence-based programs and protocols. Feikes

previously served in multiple leadership positions at Sunrise Hospital, as a member-at-large with Valley Hospital’s Medical Executive Committee, as an assistant dean with the UNLV School of Medicine and a former board member for the Southern Nevada Medical Association, along with his work as a cardiovascular surgeon. Jacobs mostly recently served as the chief medical officer for the Teachers Health Trust, and previously worked with CareMore Medical Group and Jacobs & Modaber Primary Care. She is also a member of the VHS Board of Governors.

For November’s Great American Smokeout, Comprehensive Cancer Centers sponsored large (10’ long x 15’ wide x 12’ high) “inflatable lungs” at MountainView Hospital. The visual spectacle was set up for a morning visit by nearly 180 Cimarron-Memorial High School students enrolled in the school’s Health Education Academy.

The students heard from experts about various aspects of lung health, disease and cancer. MountainView has a longstanding partnership with Cimarron—it was the first field trip to the hospital for these students in two years, due to COVID. The lungs were inflated and set up through midday for other hospital visitors and staff to view and interact with. Following the hospital exhibit, the lungs were stationed at Toshiba Plaza during the Coaches vs. Cancer and Hockey Fights Cancer games for the general public to explore.

To ensure future health care providers are well trained and evaluated, the Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas is recruiting standardized patients. A standardized patient is a person who has been coached to accurately and consistently recreate patient encounters with future health care professionals. Standardized Patients play the patient to varying extents: from basic live modeling to accurately portraying the history, personality, physical findings, emotional state and response pattern of an actual patient. For more information contact Timothy Cummings at timothy.cummings@unlv.edu.

Ficalora

Bridge Counseling announced the promotions of Dan Ficalora, MA, to clinical director and Merlelynn Harris, MS, MFT, to clinical director emeritus. Ficalora joined Bridge in 2015 as a staff therapist and has worked in a variety of roles, supervising the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Probation programs and later leading the intensive outpatient program. Harris has served as Bridge Counseling’s clinical director since 2015. She will remain an integral part of the leadership team and will focus on direct supervision and clinical leadership development in her new role.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains announced that Adrienne Mansanares was named CEO of PPRM by its board of directors, following the retirement announcement of longtime CEO Vicki Cowart. Mansanares has Harris served as PPRM’s chief experience officer for the past five years, and previously served as chair of its board of directors. Mansanares’ experiences with Planned Parenthood as an executive, board member and patient contribute to her strong conviction and commitment to the organization and the over 100,000 patients it serves annually.

I M D

S W E N A G N I M O C IS N W O T TO r 2022

e LL t E r D a N I u L q & t D N s O 1 IAM -lv.com BL

D E U

702

.

2 3 .7

FEBRUARY 2022

0 0 0 6

sdm

i

LV I M

D

@S

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

49

HCQ Notes continued The ER at Valley Vista, an extension of Centennial Hills Hospital, opened for patient care. The freestanding emergency department, located on the northwest corner of Decatur and Elkhorn in North Las Vegas, provides 24-hour emergency care every day of the year. It is staffed with the same medical personnel, including emergency medicine physicians, and equipped with the same diagnostic technology available in Centennial Hills Hospital’s emergency department, including an on-site laboratory, CT scanner and imaging equipment. The new ER at Valley Vista features six treatment rooms, three rapid medical exam rooms and an on-site decontamination room with showers.

CenterWell Senior Primary Care announced the addition of Dr. Charles Wilson to serve patients at its newest location at 6360 Boulder Highway. Wilson is board-certified in family medicine and has been practicing for the last 25 years as a doctor of osteopathic medicine.

Garrett Friedman, MD, FACS, FACRS, colorectal surgeon and Matthew Selleck, DO, FACS, FSSO, Wilson surgical oncologist and Las Vegas native recently joined Las Vegas Complex Surgical Specialists, a new practice, part of HCA Healthcare focusing on treating complex cancers as well as colorectal diseases and disorders. In December, Selleck performed the first cytoreductive surgery using hypothermic intraperitoneal

chemotherapy at MountainView Hospital.

This is a complex surgery to remove cancer and cancerous cells from the abdominal cavity. In the past, patients receiving this Friedman type of surgery would have to leave the state.

Selleck

Desert Radiology welcomed two physicians and one physician assistant to its team, Hakeem Hindi, MD, Jon Olson, DO and Michael Hernandez, PA-C.

Hindi

Olson

Hernandez

INSURE YOUR HEALTH. ENSURE YOUR FUTURE. The Henderson Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer member businesses in the Retail, Construction, Manufacturing and Service industries competitively priced and fully-insured comprehensive health care plans as part of its industry-specific association benefits. As part of a large local network with all major hospitals and access to United Healthcare Choice Plus Network, we can offer qualifying businesses medical, vision and dental coverage.

Learn more about the HCC’s Association Health Plans by visiting hendersonchamber.com/ahp or contacting us at 702-565-8951.

“It’s a game-changer for our business.” - Trish Nash, Signature Gallery of Homes

OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT!

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. POWERFUL RESULTS.

50

H E A LT H C A R E Q U A R T E R LY

FEBRUARY 2022

400 N Green Valley Parkway | 2nd Floor | Henderson, NV 89074 702.565.8951 | hendersonchamber.com

Through our kids, we see

COURAGE.

We provide the highest level of care, with services that are the first—and only—of their kind in Nevada. Because our children are everything, and their fight is ours.

Nevada’s ONLY Designated Pediatric Trauma Center • Nevada’s ONLY Verified Pediatric Burn Center • Nevada’s ONLY Pediatric Transplant Center • Nevada’s ONLY Hospital accepted as an Associate Member of the Children’s Hospital Association • Named one of the Top Five Children’s Hospitals in the Country by Consumer Reports for zero infection rates in the Pediatric ICU

UMCSN.COM | CHNV.ORG

More digital options for care At Intermountain Healthcare, you receive quality healthcare from the same Nevada caregivers you know and trust. But you also get more. More nationally renowned specialists. More digital options to simplify and improve your care experience. More comprehensive care, including preventive care and mental health support. What does getting more mean? A healthier, stronger you, and healthier, stronger communities. Because all of us are better, together.

Visit Intermountain.com/Nevada today to learn how you can get more from a healthcare provider.