SALA DE PRENSA DE RENOWN

Clinical researchers with the Healthy Nevada Project co-author research paper with findings that emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 39 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment and detection. In Nevada there are an estimated 2,310 new breast cancer cases a year, and genetic mutations such as in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 remain a top risk factor for this prevalent disease. Recognizing the urgency for progress in breast cancer research, a collaborative effort between physicians, advanced practice providers and scientists from the Healthy Nevada Project® (HNP) and Helix have unveiled groundbreaking research. This study explores how genetic screenings are a necessary supplement to traditional testing methods, together offering more accurate insights into a patient's likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. HNP is operated by Renown Genomic Medicine and the Institute for Health Innovation and is one of the largest community-based population health studies in the country. Their team works in collaboration with Helix, a leader in precision health that delivers comprehensive genomic solutions. Together, this dynamic partnership aims to understand breast cancer risk factors and pave the way for more effective preventative measures. The combined research team studied 25,591 female HNP participants to evaluate the performance of different genetic screening approaches to identify women at high risk of breast cancer. The results of this research suggest that a combined monogenic, or single-gene, and polygenic, or multi-gene, approach to breast cancer screenings helped produce more accurate results and more closely identify study participants who have a high genetic risk of developing the disease. "Based on this research, we are advocating a shift in approach which would improve breast cancer risk assessment through a combination of effective family history ascertainment and genetic screening,” said Joseph Grzymski, PhD, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project, research professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “This tailored approach, founded on the assessment of individual genetic risk, not only intends to elevate patient well-being but also will improve efficiency and equity in healthcare." Complementing the team’s research on leveraging genetics to identify women at low genetic risk of breast cancer that could safely defer mammogram screenings by five to 10 years that was released in late 2023 in JAMA Oncology, the study suggests that incorporating genetic information can assist in personalizing breast cancer screenings and optimizing the use of screening resources. "Existing disparities persist across various facets of breast cancer screening and treatment; however, genetic screening is clearly a powerful tool to help facilitate early intervention for those at higher risk,” said Jamie Schnell Blitstein, APRN, a primary care nurse practitioner at Renown Health and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “By placing a heightened focus on risk, we underscore the pivotal role of preventative breast cancer screening.” Despite the availability of effective methods for early screening, co-authors of this research found that 78 percent of women with a family history of breast cancer had their risk ascertained only after a breast cancer diagnosis. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  “These findings that can profoundly impact how healthcare is delivered were only made possible by all the participants who were willing to consent to research,” said Alex Bolze, PhD from Helix and co-author of the publication. “Broad-scale collaboration projects like these between Renown Health and UNR that engage large populations where participants share both their genetic information as well as electronic health records drive advancements in preventative medicine, as well as fundamental biological research.”   The research paper was officially accepted on Jan. 29, 2024, and will be published by Elsevier, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The contents of the paper will appear in the international journal Genetics in Medicine Open. Read the full article by visiting sciencedirect.com. The Healthy Nevada Project is currently recruiting new study participants. Free to all Nevadans with a saliva sample or blood draw, participants and their referring providers receive access to whole-exome sequencing and clinical grade results that help provide insight into their unique genetic risks tied to heart disease and certain cancers. If you are interested in enrolling in the study, schedule a Virtual Consent Appointment through MyChart or contact the Renown Institute for Health Innovation at RenownIHI@renown.org or (775) 982-6914 to be connected to a Genomic Representative. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers. Acerca de Helix Helix es la compañía líder en genómica y vigilancia viral de la población cuyas operaciones se basan en el cuidado clínico, la investigación y el análisis de datos. Helix enables health systems, life sciences companies, payers, and government partners to accelerate the integration of genomic data into patient care and public health decision-making. Learn more at helix.com.

Leer más About Research Shows Genetic Approaches to Breast Cancer Screenings Yield More Accurate Results

Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine give the gift of early diagnosis and disease prevention this holiday season.   With the season of giving upon us, give yourself the gift of health. The Renown Institute for Health Innovation (IHI) and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) are excited to offer a free Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELFTM) test to patients at risk for a common type of liver disease, e.g. metabolic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (M/NASH), and who enroll or are currently enrolled in the Healthy Nevada Project. The ELF Test is an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved non-invasive test to help identify people most at risk for liver scarring, e.g. cirrhosis, and allows doctors to intervene before irreversible damage occurs. If undetected and untreated, M/NASH can result in liver cirrhosis which could require liver transplantation or lead to death. This test is important as the symptoms of M/NASH can be silent or non-specific, making it difficult to diagnose.  “There are currently more than 11,000 people across the U.S. on the national liver transplant waiting list, and with the heightened prevalence of NAFLD and M/NASH, this number is projected to keep rising; however, with research such as the ELF Test at our disposal, we are continuing to find ways to improve the health of those at risk for advanced liver disease,” said Bill Plauth, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at UNR Med. “We encourage our community to participate in this early risk detection. Through this sophisticated, noninvasive, blood test, our physicians and Advanced Practice Providers can better evaluate liver fibrosis to help those affected and enable researchers to improve the prevention and treatment of nonalcoholic liver disease as a whole.”  This liver health-focused sub-study of the Healthy Nevada Project seeks to enhance the understanding of both NAFLD and M/NASH and to help inform the development of treatment options for these conditions, as few currently exist. “Providing access to cutting-edge innovations such as the ELF Test is critical for both participants and the physicians and advanced practice providers that care for them.” said Joseph Grzymski, PhD, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project and the Liver Disease Study and research professor at UNR Med. Those interested in determining their risk for M/NASH and its progression are encouraged to enroll in the Metabolic & Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis study. Those who have consented and participated in the M/NASH research will be eligible and contacted with more information on how to receive the ELF Test. The Renown IHI is also happy to connect with physicians and Advanced Practice Providers interested in having their patients enroll in the Healthy Nevada Project and join the study. For members of the community who would like more information and learn how to enroll, please contact the Renown IHI at RenownIHI@renown.org or (775) 982-6914 to be connected to a Genomic Representative. About the ELF™ Test  The ELF Test is a noninvasive blood test that can quickly identify which patients are at an elevated risk for developing cirrhosis and other liver-related clinical events (LREs). In contrast to standard liver enzyme tests that reflect liver damage that has already occurred, the ELF Test combines three serum direct biomarkers of active fibrosis. The ELF Test algorithm measures each of these biomarkers to create an ELF score, which can be used as an aid to assess the risk for future disease progression. Doctors may use this ELF score to help evaluate if a patient requires increased medical care and monitoring for their condition. Individuals interested in determining their risk for NASH and its progression are encouraged to enroll in the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Liver Disease Genome Atlas study. Those who have already consented and participated in the study will be contacted with more information on how to receive an ELF blood test. Para obtener más información o para inscribirse, comuníquese a la casilla de correo RenownIHI@renown.org o al teléfono (775) 982-6914. In the U.S., the ELF Testing Service is available from Brio Clinical, Inc., a CLIA-certified laboratory offering specialized testing throughout the United States. Brio Clinical is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high complexity testing.

Leer más About Give the Gift of Health This Season with ELF Testing

Becker’s annual list of Chief Nursing Officers to Know list for 2023 has been published, recognizing professional nurse healthcare leaders across the country. Melodie Osborn, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC of Renown Health, Reno’s only not-for-profit, charitable health care organization, is one of the 153 professional nursing leaders nationally to be listed, and one of two from Nevada. “These leaders bring a unique blend of clinical and leadership experience to their roles. These nursing healthcare leaders have navigated their hospitals and health systems through the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now addressing staffing shortages, managing labor budgets, and creating professional pathways for the next generation of nurses,” Becker’s stated. In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted that Melodie Osborn, MBA, BSN, RN Chief Nurse Executive for Renown Health (Reno, Nev.), oversees nursing and seamless care across Nevada’s largest not-for-profit integrated delivery system. In 2023, she worked with donors and University of Nevada, Reno, to create an academic pipeline to address the nursing shortage via full-ride scholarship funding for up to 24 nursing students each year. Scholarship recipients may also complete a paid apprenticeship at Renown with a guaranteed hospital job following graduation and licensure. In 2020, Ms. Osborn volunteered to lead Renown’s COVID-19 vaccine effort and helped personally vaccinate over 50,000 community members. She is past president of Nevada Organization for Nurse Leaders. Under her leadership, Renown’s ICUs are three-time AACN Beacon Award winners for demonstrating excellence in patient care, healthy work environment and ongoing and evidence-based care.” “We are so pleased that Melodie has been nationally recognized for her stellar leadership, said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “Over the last twelve years, she has built high-performing teams and created a supportive environment that enhances patient-centered care. Melodie has an incredible work ethic, strong principles and has worked to achieve a consistently high standard of nursing practice across Renown Health. Melodie takes her responsibility as the executive nursing voice for more than 2,700 nurses very seriously. Her dedication to improving health and care has inspired teams to work together to achieve significant results that have benefited many. Melodie is the definition of a dedicated and committed leader and is well deserving of this recognition. We are very proud of her accomplishments and thank her for her exceptional leadership.” Melodie Osborn is a member of the executive leadership team at Renown Health. Renown Health earned Forbes' Best Healthcare Employer in Nevada for combatting burnout and ensuring well-being and safety of caregivers. Renown Health is hiring exceptional nurses and offers a culture of dignity and respect with opportunities for flexibility and growth. As a national health leader, Renown provides access to state-of-the-art technologies, advanced facilities, and integrated patient systems. For more information, visit renown.org/careers.

Leer más About Reno Home to CNO to Know: Chief Nurse Executive Melodie Osborn, Named to Becker’s National List

Becker’s annual “Rising Stars Under 40” list recognizes the next generation of healthcare leaders who are prioritizing access to care, cost reduction and the patient experience. Chris Nicholas, FACHE, LNFA; CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center was one of 67 leaders nationally to be listed. “These motivated, ambitious and forward-thinking individuals are perfectly positioned to impact the future of healthcare,” Becker’s stated. Becker's is thrilled to honor these rising stars in healthcare, who are 40 years old or younger and quickly rose within the ranks of their organizations.” In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted that Chris Nicholas, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center (Reno, Nev.). leads the 808-bed Renown Regional Medical Center, the state's largest hospital. He plays a key role in Renown's $489 million investment to enhance critical care and patient facilities to keep up with regional growth of 12 percent in a service area covering 100,000 square miles. In his first year as CEO, he partnered closely with a team of dedicated employees to open a new trauma ICU and alleviated community pediatric shortages with a new NICU and PICU, increasing private rooms and patient capacity by 28 percent and incorporating Spirit of the Land design concept with healing art created statewide to promote clinician wellness, including respite lounges, off-stage areas and sit-stand desks. They added that Renown Health earned Forbes' Best Healthcare Employer in Nevada for combatting burnout and ensuring well-being and safety of caregivers. “We are so pleased that Chris has been nationally recognized for his leadership, said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “Over the last seven years, Chris has been building high-performing teams and leaders focused on driving quality, service, and financial sustainability. His dedication to improving healthcare using data, innovation and technology has inspired teams to work together to achieve significant results that have benefited many. Chris is the definition of a dedicated and committed leader and is well deserving of this recognition. We are very proud of his accomplishments, and know he has a tremendous future ahead.” Before serving in his current position, Chris was VP & Administrator of Renown South Meadows Medical Center and the Neuroscience Service Line. He was also the Senior Administrator of Rehabilitation Services, leading post-acute services, and partnerships. Chris has a master’s degree in health care administration from The University of Texas at Arlington and is a Fellow in American College of Healthcare Executives. In addition to his passion for his family, Chris finds time to enjoy the outdoors and volunteer for many outstanding professional and not-for-profit organizations, including: Past President/Current Board Member; ACHE Nevada Chapter; Jan 2019 - Present Board Member, Nevada Hospital Association; Sep 2021 - Present High Fives Board Member; Jan 2019 - Present Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada Board Member; Jan 2018 - Nov 2019 REMSA Health Board Member; Jun 2022 - Present About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health.

Leer más About Chris Nicholas, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center, Named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Rising Stars Under 40” List

During National Healthcare Week, clinical providers who are “Best of the Best” being honored for demonstrating exceptional communications skills in their clinical practice, as awarded by you, their patients. “¡Increíble, fenomenal! Gracias por demostrar siempre una preocupación genuina. Es amable, considerado y atento. Demuestra interés en mí. You are the best doctor/nurse practitioner I have ever had. Confío en usted con mi vida. You act on things right away. Usted es genial. Ha salvado mi vida y la de mi familia. You are knowledgeable, thorough, intelligent, and compassionate. Usted es mi favorito. You are my angel. Usted ha hecho que mejore. Siempre me hace sentir que he tenido éxito, aunque podría haberme esforzado más. Lo aprecio. Le agradezco”. These are some of the comments made by patients regarding their doctors and advanced practice providers who will be honored next week by the Patient & Family Advisory Council and Renown Health with a special breakfast celebration in south Reno. In honor of National Healthcare Week, Renown Medical Group, which offers primary and specialty care at locations in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fallon, Fernley, and Silver Springs will honor 37 physicians and advanced practice providers at the Dr. John Spellman Excellence in Patient Communications Award Celebration. This annual award, supported by the Renown Health Foundation and a donor family, honors clinicians who demonstrate exceptional communications skills in their clinical practice, as awarded by their patients. Recipients of this award are ranked in the top ten percent nationally in provider communication for 2022, as measured by over 11 thousand patients who responded nationally to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CG-CAPHS) or Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems and over 14,000 local patients who gave them top scores on the national patient experience survey. Se preguntó a los pacientes si sus proveedores médicos explicaban las cosas de una manera que podían comprender; si escuchaban atentamente; si mostraban respeto por lo que ellos tenían para decir; si les dedicaban el tiempo suficiente; si leían sus registros médicos; si ordenaban pruebas y hacían un seguimiento con ellos sobre sus resultados, y se les pidió que los calificaran en función de una escala del 1 al 10, en la que el puntaje más alto era 10. “These incredible medical providers set the gold standard for excellent communications with patients, scoring in the top 10% nationally for compassion, caring, competency and communications,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “We are extremely proud of them and their outstanding dedication to patients, families and our community.” The awards will be given by his family in remembrance of the late Dr. John W. Spellman, human rights advocate, scholar and professor. Dr. Spellman treasured kindness, scholarship, debate and medical providers who demonstrated exceptional communications skills and held their patients in the highest regard. A continuación, se mencionan los homenajeados con el Premio Dr. John Spellman a la Excelencia en Comunicaciones con los Pacientes 2022: Christina Alsop, DNP, AOCNP, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Pamela Burgio, APRN, Renown Primary Care Jennifer Brown, APRN, Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Stephanie Carlesen, DNP, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Carolyn Dennehey, MD, Rheumatology Benjamin Ebner, MD, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Christopher Driscoll, MD, Pediatrics, Renown Children’s Hospital Kerac Falk, MD, FACOG, Renown Women’s Health Michael Hardacre, MD, Radiation Oncology, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Robin Hollen, DNP, FNP-C, APRN, M.Ed., MSN, Breastfeeding Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Renown Women’s Health James Martin Johnston, MD, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Renown Children’s Hospital Stephanie Jones, DO, Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation Charlotte Kermode, APRN, Renown Primary Care Michele Kiser, MD, Renown Primary Care Matthew Klippenstein, MD, Renown Primary Care Anamarie Manea, MD, Pediatric Endocrinology, Renown Children’s Hospital Marie McCoramck, MD, Renown Primary Care Catherine Mindeguia, APRN, Renown Primary Care Dean Miyagawa, MD, Internal Medicine, Renown Primary Care Amanda Morgan, MD, Pulmonary Medicine, Renown Medical Group Cecelia O’Dowd, MD, Renown Primary Care Kasie Reynolds, APRN, Renown Children's Hospital, Behavioral Health Jocelyn Schneider, APRN, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Vanessa Slots, MD, Renown Pediatrics Daniel Spogen, MD, Renown UNR Primary Care, Sports Medicine Jennifer Simcox, APRN, Renown Primary Care Mark Stovak, MD, Renown UNR Primary Care, Sports Medicine Shining Sun, MD, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Jennifer Sutton, MD, Radiation Oncology, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Robert Swackhamer, MD, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health Carl Thomas, MD, Renown Primary Care Katherine Thyssen, DO, Geriatric Medicine, Renown Primary Care Ly Vu, MD, Renown Primary Care Scott Michael Wallace, MD, Renown Pediatrics Kristin Wilson, MD, Renown Pediatrics Bryan Young MD, Internal Medicine, Renown Primary Care Jacob Zucker, MD, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Renown Children’s Hospital   Since 2018, Renown Medical Group has posted thousands of verified patient ratings and comments of their employed providers online and viewable by the public at renown.org. “Our goal is to consistently exceed customer expectations, every day, and with every encounter. At Renown, we embrace transparency and empower patients,” says Rahul Mediwala, MD, CEO of Renown Medical Group. Dr. Mediwala should know – he is also a highly rated physician by his patients, has practiced for more than 20 years, and sees the ratings program as another way to support employed physicians and providers at Renown Health. Only patients who’ve had an outpatient visit with a Renown Medical Group provider may be selected to receive a survey from CH-CAHPS. This way, Renown can confirm the results are from patients who have been seen by the provider. All comments are posted anonymously, and patients are asked for their permission to use their comments. Feedback is shared with every provider. Renown Health está integrado con la Facultad de Medicina de la University of Nevada, Reno, la primera facultad de medicina de Nevada, que tiene como propósito mejorar la salud de la comunidad al proporcionar un mayor acceso al cuidado médico, prestar una atención médica innovadora, expandir la investigación clínica y capacitar a la próxima generación de médicos y profesionales de atención médica. Casi 700 proveedores de atención primaria y de especialidad del Renown Medical Group aceptan actualmente pacientes nuevos y la mayoría de los planes de seguro de salud, incluido el plan de seguro sin fines de lucro de Renown, Hometown Health. To find the doctor or provider that is best for you visit renown.org, self-schedule with your established provider at MyChart.Renown.org or schedule an appointment with a Renown Medical Group or University Health provider by calling our agents available by phone- Wed-Fri: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat-Sun: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 775-982-5000. Actualmente, Renown Health está contratando personal en todas las áreas. Busque una nueva oportunidad profesional y postúlese en línea en careers.reown.org. Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro más grande de la región, que presta servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health.

Leer más About Reno Home to 37 of the Nation's Best Patient Communicators

Medical Students Recognize Transgender Lives Lost to Violence, Address Inequities in Health The month of November includes Transgender Awareness Week, which concludes with Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), on Sunday, November 20, a day for people to come together to recognize the many transgender lives lost to violence over the last year. Transgender people remain one of the most underserved groups of people across several domains, including health care. The Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience memorializes people who have passed due to transphobic violence. The Transgender community is an umbrella term used by people who do not identify with the gender associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. Not everyone identifies with the term transgender, and there are many self-identifier terms for people who do not identify with their assigned sex at birth (e.g., woman, man, trans, non-binary, gender nonconforming, gender fluid, gender queer, and more). Transgender Day of Remembrance is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on Nov. 28, 1998, launched the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco vigil the following year. The event provides a forum for transgender communities and allies to raise awareness of the threat of violence faced by gender variant people and the persistence of prejudice felt by the transgender community. Communities organize events and activities including town hall style "teach-ins," photography and poetry exhibits and candlelit vigils. These activities make anti-transgender violence visible to stakeholders like police, the media, and elected officials. In 2010, TDoR was observed in over 185 cities throughout more than 20 countries. Here in Reno, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) hosts Diversity Dialogues, a series hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This month, the Medical Student Pride Alliance of UNR Med honored transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, that included a medical student-led discussion regarding ways to help raise visibility and awareness for transgender people and the issues faced by the community. Diversity Dialogues is an open discussion of diversity and inclusion issues and the diversity initiatives at UNR Med. The UNR Med Diversity Dialogues included a reading of the names of those who died from October 1st of the former year to September 30th of the current year, and education on transgender and gender non-conforming people. Medical students recommend ways that healthcare providers can help support the community including: Being open to feedback, criticism, and new information Contributing to a LGBTQ+ safe space by using pronoun pins, flags, inclusive language Registering your practice on Nevada Gender Affirming Healthcare Project (NGAHP), GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, Outcare Health, & other provider lists Reading new research in academic journals and stay up to date with guidelines including World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Version 8 and attending CME courses on LGBTQ+ Care. The general public can support the community by: Standing up for trans people in your life, in the media, and amongst your peers, and be an active, proud ally to the community Respecting people’s identities and fluidity and learn to use different pronouns Consuming trans-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly media (tv shows, movies, music, podcasts) Following trans people on social media, specifically activists/educators, to learn from them This month, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released “An Epidemic of Violence: Fatal Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People in the United States in 2022” a report honoring the lives of at least 32 transgender and gender non-conforming people killed in 2022 and shining a light on data that HRC has continued to collect on the epidemic of violence. HRC has officially recorded at least 300 violent deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people, including 32 in 2022 alone, since the organization began tracking this violence ten years ago. Overall, transgender and gender non-conforming victims of violence are overwhelmingly Black, under 35, and killed with a firearm. The highest known single-year total of fatal deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people was in 2021, when at least 57 trans & gender non-conforming people were violently killed. Worse, these disturbing numbers likely underreport the deadly violence targeting transgender and gender non-confirming people, who may not be properly identified as transgender or gender non-conforming by police, media or other sources. In 2022, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognized Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev. as the first and only hospital in Nevada at the highest level of support as “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader.” El Índice de igualdad en la atención médica (Healthcare Equality Index, HEI) es la encuesta de referencia más importante del país de los centros de atención médica sobre las políticas y prácticas dedicadas al tratamiento igualitario y la inclusión de pacientes, visitantes y empleados de la comunidad LGBTQ+. For more on LBGTQ+ care and providers at Renown, visit renown.org/diversity/lgbtq-at-renown/. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada’s first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Desde 1969, UNR Med ha capacitado a más de 3,900 estudiantes, residentes y becarios. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu. Renown Health is Nevada's largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children's hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.

Leer más About UNR Med and Renown Health Recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance

Study shows that many household wells need better drinking water treatment and monitoring Outside of Nevada’s bustling cities, private wells are the primary source of drinking water, serving 182,000 people. Yet some of the tested private wells in Nevada are contaminated with levels of heavy metals that exceed federal, state or health-based guidelines, a new study published in Science of The Total Environment shows. Consuming water contaminated by metals such as arsenic can cause adverse health effects. Scientists from DRI and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center recruited households with private wells through the Healthy Nevada Project. Households were sent free water testing kits, and participants were notified of their water quality results and recommended actions they could take. More than 170 households participated in the research, with the majority from Northern Nevada around Reno, Carson City and Fallon. “The goals of the Healthy Nevada project are to understand how genetics, environment, social factors, and healthcare interact. We directly engaged our participants to better understand environmental contaminants that may cause adverse health outcomes,” said co-author Joseph Grzymski, PhD, research professor at DRI, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project®, and chief scientific officer for Renown Health. Nearly one-quarter (22%) of the private wells sampled had arsenic that exceeded safe levels determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — with levels 80 times higher than the limit in some cases. Elevated levels of uranium, lead, cadmium, and iron were also found. “We know from previous research that Nevada’s arid climate and geologic landscape produce these heavy metals in our groundwater,” says Monica Arienzo, PhD, an associate research professor at DRI who led the study. “It was important for us to reach out to community members with private wells to see how this is impacting the safety of their drinking water.” Fewer than half (41%) of the wells sampled used water treatment systems, and some treated water samples still contained arsenic levels over EPA guidelines. Although average levels of heavy metal contaminants were lower in treated water, many homes were unable to reduce contaminants to levels considered safe. The state leaves private well owners responsible for monitoring their own water quality, and well water testing helps ensure water is safe to drink. This study shows that more frequent testing is needed to ensure Nevada’s rural communities have safe drinking water. This is particularly important as the effects of climate change and population growth alter the chemistry of groundwater, potentially increasing metal concentrations. “The results emphasize the importance of regular water quality monitoring and treatment systems,” said co-author Daniel Saftner, MS, assistant research scientist at DRI. Although the research focused on wells in Nevada, other arid communities in Western states are facing similar risks of water contamination. More information: The full study, Naturally Occurring Metals in Unregulated Domestic Wells in Nevada, USA, is available from Science of The Total Environment: doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158277. This project was funded by an NIH award (#1R01ES030948-01). The Healthy Nevada Project was funded by grants from Renown Health and the Renown Health Foundation. Study authors included Monica M. Arienzo (DRI), Daniel Saftner (DRI), Steven N. Bacon (DRI), Erika Robtoy (DRI), Iva Neveux (DRI), Karen Schlauch (DRI), Michele Carbone (University of Hawaii Cancer Center) and Joseph Grzymski (DRI/Renown Health). About DRI The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Comprometidos con la excelencia e integridad científicas, el cuerpo docente del DRI, los estudiantes que trabajan juntos y el personal han desarrollado conocimientos científicos y tecnologías innovadoras en proyectos de investigación en todo el mundo. Desde 1959, la investigación de DRI ha profundizado el conocimiento científico sobre temas que van desde el impacto de los seres humanos en el medioambiente hasta el impacto del medioambiente en los seres humanos. Los hallazgos científicos impactantes y las soluciones inspiradoras del DRI apoyan la economía diversa de Nevada, proporcionan oportunidades educativas basadas en la ciencia e informan a legisladores, líderes empresariales y miembros de la comunidad. El DRI tiene campus en Las Vegas y Reno y funciona como el grupo de investigación sin fines de lucro del Sistema de Educación Superior de Nevada. For more information, please visit dri.edu. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 6,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. About the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center through its various activities, including scientific research and clinical trials, adds more than $57 million to the Oʻahu economy. It is one of only 71 research institutions designated by the National Cancer Institute. An organized research unit within the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the UH Cancer Center is dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, patient care and community outreach with an emphasis on the unique ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Obtenga más información en https://www.uhcancercenter.org. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/UHCancerCenter. Follow us on Twitter @UHCancerCenter.

Leer más About Elevated Levels of Arsenic and Other Metals Found In Nevada Private Wells

The award is given annually to a member of the Nevada pharmacy community making significant and sustained contributions to the field Kate Ward, Pharm.D., BCPS Director of Clinical Pharmacy at Renown Health is the 2022 recipient of the Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists (NVSHP) President’s Award. Dr. Ward has been with Renown for over a decade, starting as a Clinical Pharmacist in 2009. As the Director of Clinical Pharmacy, she is responsible for the oversight of all clinical pharmacy activities at Renown Regional, South Meadows and Rehab. Additionally, Dr. Ward is the Residency Director of the Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy Practice Residency at Renown Regional Medical Center. “We are so proud that Kate has been recognized by the Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists with the President’s Award and for her many accomplishments as a member of our Renown Pharmacy team. With 66% of adults taking five or more drugs per day and 27% taking 10 or more per day, a pharmacist’s review is critical in supporting patient safety and well-being,” says Tom Graf, MD, interim CEO, Renown Health. “Beyond that, pharmacists have the ability to suggest methods for accurately and effectively taking prescribed medications, discuss medication safety, identify and manage side effects and assist patients and families in managing chronic health conditions.” As a licensed pharmacist, Dr. Ward holds The Doctor of Pharmacy degree (abbreviated Pharm.D. or PharmD) from the University of Colorado. The Pharm.D. is a professional degree similar to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). As a doctorate, it represents the increasing responsibility pharmacists have in healthcare systems and the high trust Americans have in pharmacists. The Doctor of Pharmacy degree takes three to four years of undergraduate pre-professional (prerequisite) coursework, followed by four academic years in a professional program. Most students need four years to complete their prerequisite courses. Thus, it usually takes eight years of college study to earn a Pharm.D. and become a pharmacist. Pharmacists working in hospitals and health systems often complete additional post-graduate training after a Pharm.D. degree. Dr. Ward completed a PGY1 Residency at Stanford prior to joining the Pharmacy Department at Renown. “Dr. Ward is such an asset to Renown and our community. Her incredible perseverance to reach for and achieve higher aspirations has resulted in this important recognition by our peers across the state. She consistently contributes her pharmacy expertise to patients, physicians, clinicians and healthcare students and volunteers her time to advance the profession at both the state and national level through pharmacy professional organization participation. It is wonderful to have her efforts recognized by NVSHP,” says Adam Porath, Pharm.D., BCACP, BCPS, FASHP, Vice President, Pharmacy. On Sept. 24, NVSHP and the Nevada Pharmacy Alliance held their annual joint meeting at Renown Regional Medical Center. During this meeting, Dr. Ward was awarded the NVSHP President’s Award. The President’s Award is awarded annually at NVSHP President's discretion to a member making significant and sustained contributions to NVSHP. Dr. Ward was specifically recognized for representing the State of Nevada at the American Society Health System Pharmacists House of Delegates for several consecutive years, as well as her continuous contributions to the annual NVSHP Student Symposium. Established in October 2006, NVSHP has diligently worked on continuing the strong foundation developed to better meet the needs of health-system pharmacists in Nevada. The organization was established on a strong mission statement that enables Nevada's pharmacists to be heard, from all regions of the state and in one collective voice to advocate for patient care. Are you interested in working with this award-winning team? The Renown Health Pharmacy is hiring for multiple roles, including pharmacy technician and clinical pharmacist. For more information, visit careers.renown.org. Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro más grande de la región, que presta servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 6,500 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

Leer más About Renown's Dr. Kate Ward Honored with Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists (NVSHP) President's Award

Renown Health team recognized nationally for excellence in health care communications and outreach. Each year, Ragan Communications and PR Daily celebrate the most successful teams in the communication, public relations, marketing and employee wellbeing industries. As the leading voice in organizational communications – both internal and external – Ragan Communications recognizes the industry’s best communications teams. This prestigious award recognizes professional excellence while inspiring and engaging other current and future communicators regarding best practices. This year, Ragan Communications and PR Daily have selected the Marketing, Communications, Patient Experience and Community Outreach Team for Renown Health as “Communications Team of the Year.” In selecting Renown Health for this honor, Ragan judges noted that Renown Health earned its spot as a “Communications Team of the Year” for their communications response to the COVID-19 pandemic and for engaging the community to build a high-quality, trusted and desired health care experience, brand and reputation. Specifically the judged noted that Renown “implemented a Health Incident Command Structure to serve the community, organizing communications resources to mitigate, prepare, respond, communicate and recover from the COVID-19 outbreak and enhancing Renown ‘s capacity to provide access to care. The Renown team also implemented a plan to communicate safety, and prevention messaging, creating and distributing timely, accurate, and relevant communications customized to audience needs to reduce anxiety and maintain Renown’s leadership position for patient safety.” Judges also noted the success of the inspirational brand and messages of the “Fight the Good Fight” campaign, which helped to inspire and motivate a community through a difficult time. Through the pandemic, the Communications team also successfully implemented a new website, renown.org. Over 2.2 million people a year now visit the site to find a doctor by reading honest reviews from certified patients for Renown Medical Group providers, enroll for Hometown Health insurance benefits or seek health information or care. The Renown Health Marketing, Communications, Patient Experience and Community Outreach Team is led by Suzanne Hendery, Cristal Herrera, Emily MacMillan, Whitney Hansen and Annie Zucker and represent professionals with research, digital, web, communications, marketing, outreach, customer service and relationship-building expertise. The team was selected as one of three health care organizations and amid a flood of impressive entrants from all industries including Twitter and 3M. Commenting on the team, Thomas Graf, MD, FAAFP, CEO of Renown Health said, “We are very proud that Renown Health has been honored for excellence in communications. Improving the health and wellness of an entire population of people is a huge task- and it takes all of us, working together, to accomplish great things. We focus on preventing illnesses, and we benefit from a team of professional communicators who believe in- and demonstrate our mission- to keep people healthy, to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, and to achieve the vision of a healthy Nevada.” Renown Health está contratando personas para ocupar puestos clave para apoyar la salud y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad, y alienta a aquellos a quienes les apasiona el sector de servicios a unirse a la familia de Renown para luchar por la causa justa. Apply at careers.renown.org. Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro más grande de la región, que presta servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®.

Leer más About Renown Home to "Communications Team of the Year"

“¡Increíble, fenomenal! Gracias por demostrar siempre una preocupación genuina. Es amable, considerado y atento. Demuestra interés en mí. Usted es el mejor médico que he tenido. Confío en usted con mi vida. Actúa en función de los hechos de inmediato. Usted es genial. Ha salvado mi vida y la de mi familia. Usted es sabio, minucioso, inteligente y compasivo. Usted es mi favorito. Usted es mi ángel de la guarda. Usted ha hecho que mejore. Siempre me hace sentir que he tenido éxito, aunque podría haberme esforzado más. Lo aprecio. Le agradezco”. Estos son algunos de los comentarios que hicieron los pacientes sobre sus médicos y proveedores de práctica avanzada a los que hoy homenajeó Sy Johnson, presidente y jefe de personal de Renown Health. En celebración por la Semana de la Atención Médica, Renown Medical Group, el consultorio médico más grande en el norte de Nevada, homenajeó a 46 médicos y proveedores de práctica avanzada en la Celebración del Premio Dr. John Spellman a la Excelencia en Comunicaciones con los Pacientes. Este nuevo premio anual, que cuenta con el apoyo de la fundación de Renown Health, una organización benéfica y familia de donantes, homenajea a los médicos y a los proveedores de práctica avanzada que demuestran habilidades de comunicación excepcionales en su práctica clínica, según los eligen sus pacientes. Los galardonados con este premio se sitúan entre el 10 % de los mejores proveedores con habilidades de comunicación a nivel nacional para 2021, según lo medido por más de 11 mil pacientes que respondieron a la encuesta de experiencia del paciente denominada “Evaluación del consumidor de proveedores y sistemas de atención médica para clínicos y grupos” (Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, CG-CAPHS) de los Centros de Servicios de Medicare y Medicaid entre octubre de 2020 y junio de 2021. Se preguntó a los pacientes si sus proveedores médicos explicaban las cosas de una manera que podían comprender; si escuchaban atentamente; si mostraban respeto por lo que ellos tenían para decir; si les dedicaban el tiempo suficiente; si leían sus registros médicos; si ordenaban pruebas y hacían un seguimiento con ellos sobre sus resultados, y se les pidió que los calificaran en función de una escala del 1 al 10, en la que el puntaje más alto era 10. “Reciben este premio porque sus pacientes los han calificado con un 10, un A+, y ustedes son el ejemplo a seguir para una excelente comunicación con los pacientes, ya que su puntaje se encuentra en el 10 % más alto a nivel nacional”, afirmó el Dr. Rahul Mediwala, director médico de Renown Medical Group. “Me encanta lo que hago y es maravilloso saber que mis pacientes valoran la atención que proporciono”, manifestó Christina Alsop, licenciada en enfermería, una de las proveedoras homenajeadas hoy. Los premios se otorgaron en conmemoración del Dr. John W. Spellman, defensor de los derechos humanos, académico y profesor, 7/27/1934 a 6/25/2021, y su familia estuvo a cargo de la entrega. A continuación, se mencionan los homenajeados con el Premio Dr. John Spellman a la Excelencia en Comunicaciones con los Pacientes 2021: Alsop, Christina Barangan, Caroline J. Basho, Shruti Bloch, Melissa P Bryan, Janice K. Budhecha, Sonia Burgio, Pamela A. Cavin, Lisa C. Dimpel, Ashley J. Dorsa, Denise J. Galanopoulos, Christos A. Galdo, Bella B. Grudzinski, Courtney Dianne Hansen, Benjamin Hardacre, Michael C. Healy, Sara Anne Kermode, Charlotte A. Kiser, Michele J. Klippenstein, Matthew Landis, Philip H. May, Whitney Medina, Mary Beth E. Mindeguia, Catherine E. Miyagawa, Dean Moore, Willa F. Morris, Katelyn Morton, Lillian Nielsen, Lorri Nylk, Janina Park, Susan J. Patel, Bejal Powers, Cindy M. Roumanas, Athan Safdi, Adam Sandefur, Lauren L. Schnell Blitstein, Jamie M. Silverhart, Julie A. Stodtmeister, Russell T. Sutton, Jennifer B. Tay, Jennifer Thyssen, Katherine A. Wagner, Karen Wiese, Matthew C. Wilson, Kristin L, Zucker, Jacob P. Los pacientes que recibieron atención incluyen pacientes del Renown Regional Medical Center, el único centro de urgencias de nivel II entre Sacramento y Salt Lake City, y el hospital número 1 en el estado de Nevada según el ranking de mejores hospitales de U.S. News and World Report de 2021. Los médicos y proveedores también prestan servicios a pacientes en el Renown South Meadows Medical Center, elegido como Mejor Hospital de 2020 según U.S. News & World Report, y a pacientes del Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, el único hospital que cuenta con la certificación de la Comisión de Acreditación de Centros de Rehabilitación (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, CARF) del norte de Nevada, especializado en el tratamiento de lesiones cerebrales, lesiones de la médula espinal y derrames cerebrales. Renown Health está integrado con la Facultad de Medicina de la University of Nevada, Reno, la primera facultad de medicina de Nevada, que tiene como propósito mejorar la salud de la comunidad al proporcionar un mayor acceso al cuidado médico, prestar una atención médica innovadora, expandir la investigación clínica y capacitar a la próxima generación de médicos y profesionales de atención médica. Casi 700 proveedores de atención primaria y de especialidad del Renown Medical Group aceptan actualmente pacientes nuevos y la mayoría de los planes de seguro de salud, incluido el plan de seguro sin fines de lucro de Renown, Hometown Health. Para buscar el médico o proveedor que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades, visite renown.org, programe usted mismo una visita a su proveedor establecido en MyChart, o llame al Centro de Comunicación con el Cliente de Renown al 775-982-4100. Actualmente, Renown Health está contratando personal en todas las áreas. Busque una nueva oportunidad profesional y postúlese en línea en careers.reown.org. Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro más grande de la región, que presta servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

Leer más About Honramos la excelencia en las comunicaciones con pacientes

Lanzada en asociación con el Desert Research Institute, una nueva investigación del proyecto Healthy Nevada Project® determina que un diagnóstico confirmado no siempre produce cambios en el cuidado del paciente. El hecho de entregar a las personas información de salud que pueda cambiar sus vidas no garantiza que las personas, o sus proveedores de atención médica, actuarán en consecuencia. La educación de seguimiento y las conversaciones sobre los planes de cuidado ejecutables con los pacientes y sus médicos son los próximos pasos clave, de acuerdo con la nueva investigación del Healthy Nevada Project. El Healthy Nevada Project es un proyecto de investigación y detección genética que se lanzó en 2016 como una asociación entre DRI y Renown Health. El proyecto ahora tiene más de 50,000 participantes y cuenta con secuenciación genética proporcionada por Helix. Entre septiembre de 2018 y septiembre de 2020, el Healthy Nevada Project notificó exitosamente a 293 participantes que estaban genéticamente en riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de pecho y ovario, síndrome de Lynch o hipercolesterolemia familiar hereditarios, tres afecciones genéticas comunes conocidas colectivamente como afecciones de Nivel 1 de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC). En un estudio publicado hoy en Frontiers in Genetics, los científicos del Healthy Nevada Project analizaron qué impacto tuvo el hecho de notificar a un paciente sobre un resultado positivo para una condición de Nivel 1 de los CDC en el cuidado que recibió el paciente en los meses y años posteriores. Según sus resultados, entre los 293 participantes del Healthy Nevada Project que fueron notificados del riesgo genético de desarrollar una afección del Nivel 1 de los CDC, el 71 % de participantes con registros médicos electrónicos compartieron sus hallazgos con los proveedores de atención médica. Sin embargo, solo el 30 % de los registros médicos electrónicos de estos pacientes contenía documentación del diagnóstico genético, y solo el 10 % de los pacientes examinados experimentó un posible cambio en el cuidado después de recibir los resultados de su examen de detección genético. “El Healthy Nevada Project se implementó con un enfoque ‘sin intervención’ en el que los participantes reciben sus hallazgos y deciden con quiénes y cuándo desean compartirlos. Los hallazgos no se agregaron automáticamente a sus registros médicos electrónicos”, explicó el Dr. Gai Elhanan, científico de datos médicos en DRI y coautor del estudio. “Lo que estamos aprendiendo ahora es que para garantizar que los hallazgos genéticos importantes se integren en el régimen de cuidado, es importante que su incorporación en los registros médicos electrónicos forme parte del estudio”. Este estudio se basa en investigaciones anteriores del Healthy Nevada Project publicadas en Nature Medicine. En ellas se demuestra la importancia de realizar exámenes de detección para las afecciones del Nivel 1 de los CDC, las cuales afectan a aproximadamente a 1 de cada 75 personas y se pueden mitigar e incluso se puede evitar que se conviertan en enfermedades cuando se detectan en forma temprana. Este estudio determinó que hasta el 90 % de los casos con afecciones del Nivel 1 de los CDC no son detectados por los proveedores clínicos en las evaluaciones y los exámenes de detección que se realizan durante las visitas de cuidado clínico habitual. Durante el estudio actual, los científicos del Healthy Nevada Project descubrieron que el 19 % de participantes estudiados ya había desarrollado una de las afecciones del Nivel 1 de los CDC y, por lo tanto, podrían haberse beneficiado de una notificación más temprana sobre su afección. El equipo del estudio espera que sus hallazgos estimulen a los residentes de Nevada a obtener pruebas genéticas para estas afecciones relativamente comunes. Incluso si las personas son mayores o ya han sufrido enfermedades relacionadas con estas afecciones, las pruebas también podrían ser beneficiosas para los hermanos, los niños y los nietos que también pueden estar en riesgo y que posteriormente podrían someterse a exámenes de detección en caso de un hallazgo positivo. El equipo del estudio también incita a informar a los proveedores de atención médica sobre la importancia de incorporar diagnósticos genéticos en las recomendaciones farmacéuticas (por ejemplo, para la hipercolesterolemia familiar) y de tratamiento a los pacientes. “Como resultado de este análisis, los médicos de Renown Health y los investigadores del Healthy Nevada Project han logrado cambios significativos, lo que incluye la obtención del consentimiento informado de los participantes para incorporar hallazgos positivos de sus informes genéticos directamente en su registro médico electrónico”, explicó Daniel Kiser, M.S., científico auxiliar de investigación de ciencia de datos en DRI y coautor del estudio. “Esto ayudará tanto a los participantes como a sus proveedores de cuidado clínico, y a todo el estado a maximizar los beneficios a largo plazo de los exámenes de detección genéticos voluntarios basados en la población del Healthy Nevada Project”. Información adicional: El texto completo del estudio, Incomplete Penetrance of Population-Based Genetic Screening Results in Electronic Health Record, está disponible en Frontiers in Genetics: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2022.866169/full?&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Genetics&id=866169. Este proyecto fue financiado por Renown Health, fundación de Renown Health y la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico del Gobernador de Nevada. Entre los autores del estudio se incluyen Gai Elhanan (DRI), Daniel Kiser (DRI), Iva Neveux (DRI), Shaun Dabe (Renown Health), Alexander Bolze (Helix), William Metcalf (DRI), James Lu (Helix) y Joseph Grzymski (DRI/Renown Health). Para obtener más información sobre el Healthy Nevada Project® o para solicitar un examen de detección genético, visite: https://healthynv.org/ Acerca del DRI El Desert Research Institute (DRI) es un reconocido líder mundial en investigación ambiental básica y aplicada. Comprometidos con la excelencia e integridad científicas, el cuerpo docente del DRI, los estudiantes que trabajan juntos y el personal han desarrollado conocimientos científicos y tecnologías innovadoras en proyectos de investigación en todo el mundo. Desde 1959, la investigación de DRI ha profundizado el conocimiento científico sobre temas que van desde el impacto de los seres humanos en el medioambiente hasta el impacto del medioambiente en los seres humanos. Los hallazgos científicos impactantes y las soluciones inspiradoras del DRI apoyan la economía diversa de Nevada, proporcionan oportunidades educativas basadas en la ciencia e informan a legisladores, líderes empresariales y miembros de la comunidad. El DRI tiene campus en Las Vegas y Reno y funciona como el grupo de investigación sin fines de lucro del Sistema de Educación Superior de Nevada. Para obtener más información, visite www.dri.edu. Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro más grande de la región, que presta servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. Visite renown.org para obtener más información. Acerca de Helix Helix es la compañía líder en genómica y vigilancia viral de la población cuyas operaciones se basan en el cuidado clínico, la investigación y el análisis de datos. Helix permite que los sistemas de salud, las empresas de ciencias biológicas, los pagadores y los socios gubernamentales aceleren la integración de los datos genómicos en el cuidado médico del paciente y en la toma de decisiones de salud pública. Obtenga más información en www.helix.com.

Leer más About Un estudio demuestra la importancia de garantizar el seguimiento del participante y del proveedor después de obtener el resultado de un examen de detección genético

Reconocido como líder nacional en el cuidado de la comunidad LGBTQ+ por la fundación de Human Rights Campaign en 2022 Todas las personas que necesitan atención médica deben poder ver a su médico o tener una visita al hospital sin preocuparse porque las maltraten, las acosen o les nieguen el servicio sin razón. Los datos de la encuesta nacional de Center for American Progress (CAP) muestran que las personas que pertenecen a la comunidad LGBTQ+ experimentan discriminación en entornos de atención médica, y que esto los disuade de buscar el cuidado médico que necesitan. Estos resultados resaltan la importancia de proteger a las personas de la comunidad LGBTQ+ de la discriminación en el entorno de la atención médica. Los cuidadores de Renown Health y la UNR Med, con el apoyo de la comunidad LGBTQ+ y los aliados transgénero y sus parejas, trabajan para acortar la brecha para los pacientes LGBTQ+ y sus familias, y para convertirse en una organización más inclusiva. Esta semana, la fundación de Human Rights Campaign reconoció al Renown Regional Medical Center en Reno, Nevada, como el primer y único hospital de Nevada nombrado con un puntaje perfecto, y con el nivel más alto de apoyo, como “Líder en la igualdad de atención médica para la comunidad LGBTQ+”. El Índice de igualdad en la atención médica (Healthcare Equality Index, HEI) es la encuesta de referencia más importante del país de los centros de atención médica sobre las políticas y prácticas dedicadas al tratamiento igualitario y la inclusión de pacientes, visitantes y empleados de la comunidad LGBTQ+. “Nos esforzamos constantemente por estar entre los mejores del país en cuanto a calidad, seguridad y experiencia del paciente”, afirmó el Dr. Thomas Graf, director ejecutivo interino, director clínico y director de Calidad. “Este reconocimiento confirma el compromiso del equipo de Renown Health, que es brindarle el mejor cuidado posible al paciente. La calidad y la seguridad son responsabilidad de todos los empleados y médicos de Renown, y estamos orgullosos de que el equipo del Renown Regional Medical Center haya sido elegido entre los mejores del estado y el país por su compromiso con el cuidado centrado en el paciente LGBTQ+”. “Renown Health se enorgullece de unirse al estado de Nevada, que también obtuvo las mejores calificaciones en el Índice de igualdad estatal de Human Rights Campaign, y a la ciudad de Reno con la Tarjeta de puntuación de igualdad municipal para la igualdad de las personas LGBTQ+”, manifestó Sy Johnson, MBA, presidente interino y jefe de personal. “El HEI de Human Rights Campaign ofrece a las organizaciones una manera poderosa de afirmar que están comprometidas con el cuidado centrado en el paciente LGBTQ+ y extender las protecciones contra la discriminación a nuestros empleados LGBTQ+, quienes desempeñan una función clave en garantizar un cuidado sensible y experto para las personas de esta comunidad”. “En la UNR Med estamos muy orgullosos de colaborar con Renown en este esfuerzo”, dijo Nicole Jacobs, Ph.D. (ella), decana asociada, Diversidad e Inclusión; psicóloga clínica y profesora; Departamento de Psiquiatría y Ciencias Conductuales de la UNR Med. “La designación de ‘Líder en la igualdad de atención médica para la comunidad LGBTQ+’ demuestra el fuerte compromiso de Renown para promover la atención médica igualitaria en Nevada, nuestros valores centrales y compartidos, y nuestra misión compartida de abordar las desigualdades en torno a la atención médica que existen en nuestra área”. Un récord de 906 centros de atención médica participaron activamente en la encuesta del HEI 2022 y, 496 de ellos recibieron la designación de “Líder en la igualdad de atención médica para la comunidad LGBTQ+”. El Renown Regional Medical Center es el primer y único hospital de Nevada que cuenta con un reconocimiento de Human Rights Campaign. Ningún otro hospital del estado cumplió con sus estrictos estándares para el ranking de 2021. “Todas las personas merecen tener acceso a una atención médica de calidad, ser respetadas y escuchadas por su médico y sentirse seguras en las instalaciones donde reciben cuidado médico”, afirmó Tari Hanneman, (ella), directora de Salud y Envejecimiento en Human Rights Campaign. “El Índice de igualdad en la atención médica, en su esencia, se esfuerza por garantizar que las personas LGBTQ+ estén protegidas y respaldadas por sus proveedores de atención médica y se sientan seguras a la hora de buscar servicios. Nuestros participantes activos del HEI son auténticos pioneros en la industria de la atención médica porque implementan políticas integrales y sólidas de inclusión de la comunidad LGBTQ+ que, debido a lo que hacen, esperamos que se conviertan en una práctica habitual. El HEI evalúa y califica a los centros de atención médica según criterios detallados que se clasifican en cuatro pilares centrales: Políticas fundamentales y capacitación en la atención centrada en el paciente LGBTQ+ Servicios y apoyo para el paciente LGBTQ+ Beneficios y políticas para los empleados Participación de los pacientes y la comunidad Suzanne Hendery, MA, APR, directora de Clientes, quien dirigió el proceso de solicitud de Renown, indicó que el notable progreso reflejado en la presentación del HEI 2022 del equipo incluye los siguientes aspectos: Se actualizaron los registros médicos con el nombre y los pronombres preferidos. Kathleen Zaski, BSN, RN, directora de Aplicaciones de TI, explica por qué esto es tan importante. “Su nombre e identidad son inherentes a su persona y aquí, en Renown, nuestro objetivo es cuidarlo como persona en su totalidad y brindar el más alto nivel de atención de calidad a nuestra comunidad, todo mientras nos aseguramos de que la experiencia sea excepcional y personalizada para cada persona. Nuestro sistema de registros médicos apoya a nuestros médicos, profesionales de enfermería y equipo de atención en la recopilación de esta información importante. Ahora podemos registrar el nombre preferido, el sexo y la orientación sexual de cada persona para cuidarla mejor”. Se permitieron las visitas sin tener en cuenta la orientación sexual o la identidad de género. Whitney Hansen, PhD, directora de Excelencia de Servicio, afirma: “Sé lo importante que es para nuestros pacientes y sus familias que Renown sirva a toda nuestra comunidad y que brindemos un espacio agradable y seguro y un sentido de pertenencia a todos. Estamos orgullosos de la política de visitantes de Renown, inspirada por miembros familiares que solicitaron que la política permitiera que dos familiares al día pudieran a visitar a un ser querido internado en Renown”. Se colocaron baños sin distinción de género. Chris Baker, CHFM, director de Ingeniería de Instalaciones, cuyo equipo ha creado más de 48 baños sin distinción de género en Renown, afirma: “Garantizar que los baños privados estén igualmente disponibles para todos en nuestro campus es solo una forma de proporcionar un espacio más inclusivo y atento para las personas a las que prestamos servicios”. Además, los médicos y cuidadores de Renown recibieron reconocimientos en las siguientes áreas: Todos los miembros del personal reciben capacitación sobre el cuidado centrado en el paciente LGBTQ+. Tanto la “orientación sexual” como la “identidad de género” se incluyen en la política de no discriminación de pacientes y en la política de no discriminación de empleo de Renown. Se ofrecen beneficios de atención médica que incluyen a las personas transgénero a empleados y miembros del plan de salud sin fines de lucro de Renown, Hometown Health. Se proporciona apoyo sustancial y se otorgan subvenciones a organizaciones del área que abordan la diversidad y la inclusión, los eventos del Orgullo LGBTQ+ y la colaboración con organizaciones LGBTQ+ como aliado. “Estoy muy orgulloso de las personas con las que trabajo todos los días que hacen que los logros sean posibles”, dice Brian Colonna CHC, CHPC, CHRC, director de Cumplimiento. “Esta es una designación significativa”, dijo Bethany Sexton, MA, directora de Transformación. “Me siento muy orgullosa de ser parte de un equipo y una organización que ayuda a traducir nuestra misión como organización en una acción significativa para cada miembro de nuestra comunidad”. Mitch Harper, director de Desempeño de la Red, expresó: “Acabamos de comenzar este viaje. Reconocemos que todavía hay mucho más por mejorar para convertirnos en una organización inclusiva. Estamos trabajando para crear un entorno seguro y agradable para nuestra comunidad y nuestros empleados. El acceso a servicios humanos básicos no debe estar supeditado a características como el color de piel, el origen étnico, el sexo, la identidad de género, la orientación sexual, la edad, la discapacidad o las creencias de una persona”. Sean Savoy, encargado de la atención espiritual en Renown, dijo: “¡Muy buenas noticias! Me alegra mucho que Renown Health haya alcanzado este hito con HRC, líder en derechos civiles para minorías de identidad de género y orientación sexual. Espero con ansias el continuo trabajo y esfuerzo por lograr equidad clínica, competencia cultural y respeto por nuestros pacientes y empleados LGBTQIA”. Para obtener más información sobre la atención y los proveedores para pacientes LBGTQ+ en Renown, visite renown.org/diversity/lbgtq-at-renown/ Únase al equipo de Renown Renown Health está contratando personas para ocupar puestos clave en la organización para apoyar la salud y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad. Para unirse a la familia de Renown y luchar por la causa justa, postúlese en línea en careers.renown.org/ Acerca de la Fundación Human Rights Campaign La Fundación Human Rights Campaign es la parte educativa de Human Rights Campaign (HRC), la organización de derechos civiles más grande de los Estados Unidos que trabaja por lograr equidad para personas lesbianas, gays, bisexuales, transgénero y queer (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, LGBTQ+). Mediante sus programas, la Fundación HRC busca generar cambios transformadores en la vida cotidiana de las personas LGBTQ+, arrojando luz sobre la desigualdad y profundizando la comprensión del público sobre los problemas de la comunidad LGBTQ+, con un claro enfoque en la promoción de la justicia transgénero y racial. Su trabajo ha transformado el panorama para más de 15 millones de trabajadores, 11 millones de estudiantes, un millón de clientes en el sistema de adopción y cuidado tutelar, y mucho más. La Fundación HRC ofrece consultas directas y asistencia técnica a instituciones y comunidades, de esta forma impulsa la promoción de políticas y prácticas inclusivas; desarrolla la capacidad de los futuros líderes y aliados mediante programas de becas y capacitación; y, con la firme convicción de que estamos trabajando juntos, forja sociedades con defensores en los EE. UU. y en todo el mundo para aumentar nuestro impacto y dar forma al futuro de nuestro trabajo. Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro más grande de la región, que presta servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

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