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© 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. 702-877-5199 TTY 711(Chinese), Make Every Moment Special Call 702.671.1111 or visit smalv.com/en/hospice The right care at the right time can make all the di erence to those living with terminal illness. That is why we o er 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.
4 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022 Publisher MARK DE POOTER (mark.depooter@gmgvegas.com) Associate Publisher KATIE DIXON (katie.dixon@gmgvegas.com) Director of Strategic Content EMMA CAUTHORN (emma.cauthorn@gmgvegas.com) EDITORIAL + ART Managing Editor/News DAVE MONDT Contributing Editor BRYAN HORWATH Staff Writers GRACE DA ROCHA, HILLARY DAVIS, CASEY HARRISON Copy Editor ABRAHAM KOBYLANSKI Photo Coordinator BRIAN RAMOS Staff Photographers CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, STEVE MARCUS, WADE VANDERVORT ADVERTISING Publisher of Digital Media KATIE HORTON Senior Advertising Manager ADAIR NOWACKI, SUE SRAN Account Executives LAUREN JOHNSON, MIKE MALL, ALEX TEEL, ANNA ZYMANEK Sales Assistant APRIL MARTINEZ Web Content Specialist CLAYT KEEFER PRODUCTION Vice President of Manufacturing MARIA BLONDEAUX Production Director PAUL HUNTSBERRY Production Manager BLUE UYEDA Associate Marketing Art Director BROOKE EVERSON Publication Coordinator DENISE ARANCIBIA Traffic Administrator JIDAN SHADOWEN Production Artist MARISSA MAHERAS DISTRIBUTION Route Administrator KATHY STREALU Fulfillment Operations Coordinator CASANDRA PIERCE Distribution Coordinator KARLA RODRIGUEZ Marketing Research Manager CHAD HARWOOD MARKETING AND EVENTS Events Manager SAMANTHA PETSCH Marketing & Events Coordinator ALEXANDRA GEX Marketing & Events Intern ALEXANDRA SUNGA GREENSPUN MEDIA GROUP CEO , Publisher & Editor BRIAN GREENSPUN Chief Operating Officer ROBERT CAUTHORN Managing Editor RAY BREWER VEGAS INC 2275 CORPORATE CIRCLE, SUITE 300 HENDERSON, NEVADA 89074 | 702.990.2550 2880 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89128 (702) 962-2200 | LasVegasHeartAssociates.com Your well-beingofthehealthheartiscenteryour 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 Find out if you’re at risk for heart disease in less than 5 minutes. Voted a Top Doc in 2022
Emma Cauthorn Director of Strategic emma.cauthorn@gmgvegas.comContent
AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 5
W e received a record number of nominations for this year’s Top Doctors. This peer-to-peer nomination process is an opportunity for physicians to recognize those they work with and refer out to. As I read through thousands of nominations while compiling the final list, I was impressed by two things:
From the editor
1. The sheer number of incredible doctors in Southern Nevada. 2. The number of doctors taking time out of their busy days to nominate and promote their peers.Ifound myself very moved thinking about the hundreds of physicians who jumped at the opportunity to build up fellow members of their community. This year’s Top Doctor’s list is a testament to the top-notch care provided by doctors in the Valley. It is also a testament to the health care community as a whole — these are doctors that not only advocate for their patients, but they also advo cate for each other and as such, a higher quality of care for all. The quality of nominations provided in the Reader’s Choice section also stand out, partic ularly in the Patient Experience category. We received a very high number of nominations from patients whose doctors have changed and saved their lives. Nearly every nomination was truly deserving, and I cannot stress enough the phenomenal med ical work that’s being done in Southern Nevada. This is evidenced throughout the entire issue. We dive into the first-of-its-kind partnership between UMC and the Air Force, as well as the ground-breaking dementia research at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. There’s an in-depth look at improved workplace safety and occupational health in the medical industry, mental health resources for parents and schoolaged children, information on a surprisingly common hand injury occurring in the kitchen, and much more. As health care touches all of our lives in so many ways, there’s no shortage of interesting stories to tell. Often times, we encounter unexpected stories from unlikely sources. This is par tially because health care stories are human stories — they speak to our humanity, our needs, our sense of wellness and safety. And of course, doctors are a critical component in these stories. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this issue, in cluding the many who nominated physicians.Iwouldalso like to extend a very special thank you to our sponsor, Comprehensive Cancer Centers, for helping us recognize the wealth of talented doctors in Southern Nevada, and Legacy Club at Circa Resort & Casino for hosting our celebratory event. I hope this issue serves as an ongoing resource for anyone searching for a great doctor. Fortu nately, you won’t have to look far.
From the sponsor
Our physicians and staff are always looking for new ways to enhance the patient experience and provide them with the best possible outcomes. We do so by recruiting first-rate providers, in vesting in the latest and greatest technologies, and offering the most effective cancer treatments and research. This equates to valley residents having no need to leave the state or travel to receive top-of-the-line care. We are excited to see the strength of our medical community through the recognition of these Top Doctors, who also share in our same mis sion of putting the patient first. To all the Top Doctors, con gratulations on your remarkable contributions and thank you for your selfless efforts. We look forward to you all continuing to make advances in your respective medical fields.
For more than 45 years, the physicians at Comprehensive have provided the best and most compassionate care possible through medical oncology, hema tology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, pulmonary services, cancer genetic counseling, clin ical research and other infusion services with treatment centers and offices throughout Southern Nevada.Wehave grown with the com munity and take pride in being able to offer our patients worldclass cancer care, treatment, and clinical research. Through our ex tensive research program, we participate in more than 170 clinical research studies each year and have played a role in developing more than 100 FDA-approved cancer therapies. We partner with prestigious institutions such as UCLA TRIO-US, The US Oncology Network, USC, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and leading pharma ceutical companies to bring groundbreaking treatments close to home, some of which are not available anywhere else in the world.
& CEO Comprehensive Cancer Centers
C
6 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
ExecutiveJonSincerely,BilsteinDirector
omprehensive Cancer Centers would like to congratulate the 2022 Top Doctors honorees, including several from our practice. We are proud to support the health care community and recognize outstanding medical professionals by sponsoring this program for a decade strong.
“We are excited to see the strength of our medical community through the recognition of these Top Doctors, who also share in our same mission of putting the patient first.”
umcsn.com 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.
BRONCHOSCOPIC LUNG REDUCTION PROCEDURE AVAILABLE MOUNTAINVIEWAT HOSPITAL Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to improve lung function and quality of life in patients with severe or very severe emphysema, a type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. In COPD, different lobes (parts) of the lungs become hyperinflated making it harder to breathe.During the procedure, one or more Zephyr Endobronchial Valves are placed to occlude airways of one or more hyperinflated lobes that are diseased with emphysema. This helps healthier parts of the lungs to expand, reduces pressure on the diaphragm and breathing becomes easier. As with any procedure, there are risks and benefits. Prospective candidates must meet certain predetermined criteria. The Food and Drug Administration believes this device offers a significant, clinically meaningful advantage over the current standard of care and therefore, its availability is also in the best interest of patients.TheBLVR procedure is available at MountainView Hospital in Las Vegas via experienced Comprehensive Cancer Centers Interventional Pulmonologist Dr. Vishisht Mehta.
8 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022 Medical News
thisInsideissue 10 The science and strategy of medicationsnaming 16 Inside partnershipmilitary-civiliannation’sthelargestatUMC 24 The 2022 Top Doctors SoutherninNevada 40 A new type of dementia is challengesposingindiagnosis 42 The evolution and importance of occupational health 46 Coping strategies for seasonback-to-school
Goodwill’s Training Sprints are heavily focused on two industry sectors: healthcare and skilled trades, with new sectors in development. Goodwill leverages its Opportunity Accelerator framework to deliver the results that employers are seeking, enabling participants to thrive in an in-demand career with upward mobility.
AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 9
Goodwill’s new Training Sprints are an innovative approach to healthcare training services. They create justin-time customized preparation and training specifically to meet local employers’ needs and more importantly, instead of just sending a participant to train, Goodwill is preparing participants to be successful in training, to be placed in careers with local employers who are eager to hire them, and to grow with the company, assuring their families of long-term economic self-sufficiency.
NO MORE ‘TRAIN AND PRAY’ FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
NEURO IR PROGRAM TO TREAT STROKES
SOUTHERN HILLS HOSPITAL LAUNCHES
Stroke is the leading cause of death in the United States with a stroke death occurring every four minutes. That’s why Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center recently expanded its stroke care to include Interventional Neurology. Interventional neurology involves the use of catheters and radiology to treat stroke patients with minimally invasive image guided techniques. Since the launch of the program, Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center has seen a nearly 50% increase in stroke volume. “The significant increase in stroke patients shows us how necessary it was to add additional access for the Las Vegas Valley,” said Alexis Mussi, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center. “We are thankful to be able to provide this vital treatment for our community.”
CHEMICAL NAME Determined during initial development
THE MEDICATIONSOFANDSCIENCESTRATEGYNAMING
When it comes to naming a medication, there are many elements to consider. The name should reflect the chemical compounds of the medication and ideally the condition it treats, but it cannot reference any claims about the drug itself. It must be catchy and marketable, but it can’t be too similar to existing drugs on the market. It must be functional — it will serve a complex landscape of patients, physicians, pharmacists and the Federal Food and Drug Administration. To sum things up, medications are named using a combination of science and creativity, while working within health regulations. This combination of factors can make for some strange names, but ultimately, many drug names become ubiquitous within our culture and everyday language. Here’s how:
The chemical name of a drug is used to reference and identify the molecular structure. A single drug can have slightly different chemical names, depending on the chemical nomenclature being used, but the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature recommendation is the most widely accepted. IUPAC names tend to be very long and are often only used when the precise, scientific compound needs to be referenced. Pharmaceutical companies often use their own codes to identify the drug’s chemical compound during development. For instance, Pfizer reports that its chemists register compounds in a database using the code: PF (referring to Pfizer) and a unique, 10-digit numeral.
THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF DRUG NAMES THAT FOLLOW THE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF DRUG DEVELOPMENT
1 10 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
aciclo • vir (or acyclovir) aciclovir is a generic antiviral medication used to treat chickenpox, shingles and herpes simplex viruses. The suffix referencesgenerallyhowthe drug works and what it does, and sometimes what the class of the drug is. This information can also be referenced in the stem, or middle of the word. A 2014 article in the Canadian AssociationMedicalJournal says that X, Y and Z are commonly used because they sound scientific and high tech. They’re punchy, authoritative sounds. Conversely, marketedpharmaceuticalstowomen,suchasbirthcontrol,aremorelikelytousesoftsoundingletterslikeS,MandL
3. Brand name ViagraViagra is a great example of successfully using concept/ word association to represent drug usage. Pfizer notes that it was named to elicit the sense of vitality and vigor, a very desirable association for an erectile dysfunction medication.
GENERIC NAME Typically approved during clinical trials
AViagraproprietary name owned by Pfizer for a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Here is a breakdown of its name stages.
BRAND NAME Released to the public shortly after clinical trials
The generic name is given after the chemical name and is determined based on a general formula. 3
1. Chemical name (IUPAC) pyrimidin-7-onepropyl-6H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]sulfonylphenyl]-1-methyl-3-methylpiperazin-1-yl)5-[2-ethoxy-5-(4-
AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 11
This is where things get interesting for pharmaceutical companies. The selection, and subsequent approval, of a brand name can be a laborious and expensive process. This is because brand names need to be both practical and marketable. On the practical side, brand names need not follow any formula or use a particular suffix, though they should still be representative of the drug while avoiding sounding too much like the generic—or any other drug on the market.Brand names must avoid claims about the drug, implied superiority or sounding promotional in nature. These are just a few of the many reasons the FDA may reject a drug name. On the marketable side, drugs should also be named to sell. Ideally, a good brand name is catchy, memorable and trustworthy. These goals are often sought using tonality, sounds and word/concept association.
+ INSIDE MEDICINE 2
. Because naming a brand can be so tricky and highstakes,companiespharmaceuticaloftenspendhundredsofthousandsofdollarsonanamealone.
2. Generic name Silden • afil Suffix: Meaning:-afilinhibitor of PDE5 with vasodilator action, most commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction Another drug with this suffix is tadalafil, sold under the brand name Cialis, and ardenafil, sold under the brand name Levitra.
The prefix is used to distinguish the drug from other similar drugs on the market. This tends to be a more creative selection, as it’s meant to be user friendly, identifiable and easy to pronounce. It does not have pharmacological significance, only practical significance in how it’s used and referenced.
What DEXA scans reveal about the density and shape of
your bones THE OLDERWOMENOSTEOPOROSISNATIONALFOUNDATIONRECOMMENDS65ANDANDMEN 7 0 AND OLDER HAVE REGULAR DEXA SCANS EVERY TWO YEARS.
Angela Cook, R.T.(R), is the Chief DesertTechnologistDiagnosticatRadiology.
BY ANGELA COOK, R.T.(R)
S pine abnormalities are among the most common bone diseases in indi viduals.Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine that presents itself during growth spurts before puberty, affects almost 200 mil lion people worldwide. This disease is often linked to osteoporosis, a bone mineral deficiency condition that results in sudden bone breaks and brittle bones in key structural ar eas, such as the hip or spine. While both conditions create discomfort and present challeng es, scoliosis and osteoporosis can be detected by a state-of-the-art bone density scan that use ad vanced imaging techniques and a safe dose of radiation to create an image of the bone’s internal struc ture.These bone density scans, more commonly known as DEXA scans, are the go-to imaging technology for diagnosing abnormalities in spines and bone structures. During a DEXA scan, a special type of X-ray, called a dual ener gy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), is passed through the body. Some of the radiation is absorbed by the bones and soft tissues in the body, while the remaining radiation passes all the way through the patient. The radiation that travels through the body is then measured by the DEXA machine and compared to the bone density of a healthy adult of the same age and gender to determine the density of the patient’s bones and their risk for bone-related diseases.
12 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
A safe amount of radiation is used during a DEXA scan, and none of the radiation ab sorbed by the bones and soft tissues in the body remain in the patient’s body permanently. The exact dosage of radiation used during the pro cedure is very small and is less than one-tenth of that used in a typical chest X-ray. This amount is generally safe for most peo ple and is comparable to less than a day’s ex posure to the natural radiation a person would experience during normalBecauseactivity.ofthe severity scolio sis and osteoporosis presents in patients, an accurate diagnosis of any spine and bone structure abnormalities far outweighs the risk presented from the radiation used during a DEXA scan. Early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases is the best approach to reduce any long-term damage and discomfort a patient might expe rience.Research has shown women lose bone mass earlier and faster than men at later stages in their life, and the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends women 65 and older and men 70 and older have regular DEXA scans every two years. Adults 50 and older who experience a bone break and those with a family history of sco liosis and osteoporosis are also advised to schedule a DEXA scan to detect any spine and bone abnormalities in the early stages of the disease, where treatment is most effective. Pa tients who may be at risk of scoliosis or oste oporosis are advised to speak to their primary doctor to discuss the value of a DEXA scan in their health and wellness planning.
n Be aware of your own risk factors: light skin/hair/eyes, moles, outdoor occupation/UV exposure, family history of melanoma, a com promised immune system, or taking medica tions that suppress the immune system.
AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 13
Follow the recommendations below to under stand your skin cancer risks and prevention: n Schedule regular skin checks with a der matologist to look for changes and abnormali ties over time.
Skin cancer prevention tips for excessively sunny climates
n Being aware that skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin (including under the toe nails or in genital areas), but according to the American Cancer Society, they typically devel op on the trunk (chest and back) in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites.
In regions where sun exposure is a fact of dai ly life, the focus on skin cancer prevention, de tection, and if necessary, treatment, is critical.
What signs and symptoms should I watch for? Between regular dermatology skin screen ings, you can use simple proactive habits to monitor for suspicious changes. They include: n Checking your skin regularly for new moles/dark spots or changes in the shape, bor ders, symmetry, size or color/pigment of moles. Also check for changes on the skin that include pearly, itchy, scabby or bleeding wounds that do not go away over time.
T he leading cause of skin cancer is sun exposure. But what if you live in an area like Las Vegas, where exces sive sun exposure is the norm and cloudy days that bring rain are rare occurrences?
n Always wear sunscreen and a hat when out doors, and try to limit the time you spend in di rect sun. Cover as much of your skin as possible with sun-protective clothing.
Dustin Boyer, M.D., is a Radia tion Oncologist with GenesisCare and a US tionmy-trainedArradiaoncologist.
n Consulting with your physician if a trou blesome area of skin resolves partially but nev er heals completely. Bottom line: if anything on your skin looks or feels different or suspicious, have it checked by a health care professional.
What options exist for skin cancer treatment? Skin cancer is the most common cancer diag nosed in the United States. While a skin cancer diagnosis might be scary, if you follow the above preventative measures and catch the cancer ear ly, it’s typically highly treatable. Your care team will create a treatment plan based on your cancer type — melanoma or non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), as well as the size, shape, location and advancement of the dis ease. Most skin cancers can be treated with top ical creams, surgery (including Mohs surgery), electrodessication and curettage and cryother apy. Radiation therapy may also be used either in combination with surgery, or as a stand-alone treatment. In some instances, such as in my prac tice, radiation therapy may also be an option to treat diagnosed NMSC as well as the surrounding pre-cancerous skin to help avoid both recurrence and new cancers forming. If you notice a skin change or troubling symp toms anywhere on your body, call your primary care physician or dermatologist.
n Pay attention to underlying factors that increase risks, including certain genetic disor ders and other conditions or medications that compromise the immune system.
BY DUSTIN BOYER, M.D.
n Avoid tanning beds.
Ryan Grabow, M.D. FAAOS, is the founder and Medical Director of CarpalConciergeTunnel and Hand Surgery and the Grabow Hand to Shoulder Center.
Is avocado the most dangerous food in your kitchen? AS THE POPULARITY AND SALES OF AVOCADOS HAVE STEADILY INCREASED, SO HAS THE NUMBER OF INJURIES. BECAUSE OF ITS SIZE, SOFT FLESH AND SMOOTH HARD PIT, AVOCADOS HAVE HANDASREPLACEDQUICKLYBAGELSTHEMOSTLIKELYCAUSEOFASEVEREINJURYINTHEKITCHEN.
BY RYAN GRABOW, M.D., FAAOS E very year, hand surgeons through out the world see countless pa tients with lacerations to their hands or fingers from trying to re move the pit from an avocado. While some of these injuries are minor, most are severe, requiring complex surgery to repair injured nerves and tendons. Fortunately, these devastating injuries can eas ily be prevented. As the popularity and sales of avocados have steadily in creased, so has the number of injuries. Because of its size, soft flesh and smooth hard pit, avocados have quickly replaced bagels as the most likely cause of a severe hand injury in the kitchen. Injuries occur while hold ing the avocado in one hand while trying to remove the pit with a sharp knife. We are creatures of habit and con venience, after cutting the avocado in half with a sharp knife, it is only natural to hold the avocado in our hand to steady it and use that same knife to remove the pit — therein lies the problem. The knife easily slips through the soft pulp, bounces off the smooth pit and through the back of the avocado into our hand. Usually the base of the index or middle finger is cut. Because our nerves, arteries, and tendons are immediately below the skin, they are almost always injured. Although many are aware of the inherent danger in stabbing at the pit, a few of the alternative methods of pitting are also dangerous.Thereare two popular methods involving knife use, the first involves hitting the sharp edge of the knife into the pit, the other involves prying the pit out with the sharp side of the knife. Pa tients injure themselves with bothManymethods.websites devoted to cooking or preparing food feature instructions from chefs using advanced knife techniques that are not safe for the average cook. Fortunately, kitchen uten sils have been created specif ically designed to safely slice the avocado and remove the pit. To avoid potential hand injuries, follow these tips: n Do not cut the avocado in your hand. Place the avocado on a cutting board or towel and place your hand above it stabilize it on both sides with your fingertips. Place the knife on the avocado between the fingers and push straight down. Turn it over and repeat until the avocado is completely cut in half. n Have the right tools for the job. After slicing the avocado in half, use a spoon or commercial pitter to remove the pit.
14 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
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Dr. Stephanie Streit, a trauma surgeon and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, cares for patients alongside her military and civilian colleagues at the UMC Trauma Center. (Courtesy)
16 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
BY SCOTT KERBS As Dr. Jeremy Kilburn provides life-saving care across UMC, his patients and their family members often notice something unique about the pulmonary and critical care physician. With a balance of heartfelt compassion and unyielding discipline, Dr. Kilburn exudes the hallmark traits of a military command er while caring for civilians and guiding a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals. After spending time with Dr. Kilburn, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, his patients are not surprised to learn that he leads the largest military-civilian partnership of its kind in the United States.
For UMC patients like Danny Axelrod, the unparalleled level of collaboration between Air Force and civilian medical professionals has a life-changing impact.
Scott Kerbs is University Medical Center’s Public Relations Director
UMC AND AIR FORCE BUILD NATION’S
From the fast-paced environment of Nevada’s only Level I Trauma Center to high-tech operating rooms equipped with the latest advances in clinical robotics, UMC integrates about 100 military medics into clinical practice at any given time.
Dr. Kilburn, who serves as the Director of the Office of Military Medicine at UMC and the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, says this innovative partnership not only prepares Air Force medics for future deployments, but also pro vides community members with improved access to expertly trained military physicians, nurses and medical technicians.
Continued on page 18 AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 17
PARTNERSHIP,MILITARY-CIVILIANLARGESTINTEGRATING100MILITARYMEDICSINTOCLINICALSETTINGS
“Over the past 20 years, this military-civilian partner ship has grown to become the largest and most advanced collaborative effort of its kind,” Dr. Kilburn says. “Several hundred military medics have participated in this program, maintaining and honing their skills while providing the state’s highest level of care to patients at UMC.”
Every day at UMC, patients like Danny receive highly specialized care from Air Force physicians, nurses and techs who have dedicated their careers to saving and improving lives.
18 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
Continued from page 17
While Danny does not recall much of his time at UMC, his wife, Nevada Assembly woman Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod, says she found comfort and hope in Dr. Kilburn’s forthright, thoughtful approach. Shannon spent weeks at her husband’s bedside, developing a strong bond with Dr. Kilburn as the physician worked tirelessly along side his colleagues to save Danny amid seemingly insurmountable odds. After spending weeks clinging to life, Danny has made significant progress in his recovery. Today, he’s in the best shape of his life, running 30 miles a week and en joying a fulfilling life alongside his family.
“I’m eternally grateful that Dr. Kilburn and his team members were available to me,” says Danny, who spent five weeks receiving ICU-level care at UMC as a result of complications from undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, includ ing blood clots throughout his body. “Without them, there is a good chance that I might not be here today.”
A COORDINATED MISSION
Danny and Shannon recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, an im portant milestone that served as a remind er of their gratitude toward the medical professionals who saved Danny’s life. “There are no words,” Shannon says. “Our 15-year-old daughter still has her dad because of Dr. Kilburn.”
Formally known as the Las Vegas Mili tary-Civilian Partnership, this large-scale program includes a wide range of commu nity partners working alongside the Air Force, including UMC, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center, North Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, AMR Las Vegas, AirMed International, the Southern Nevada Health District and local private practice groups. “While a majority of our medics provide on-site care at UMC, we’ve partnered with a number of organizations to promote read iness throughout the entire continuum of care,” Kilburn says. “This includes a focus on prehospital medicine with local EMS providers, as most potentially preventable combat deaths occur before patients reach a military treatment facility with surgical capabilities.”Onthemilitary side of the partnership, three major Air Force organizations are Dr. Jeremy Kilburn, right, a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and the Director of the Office of Military Medicine, speaks with a colleague in UMC’s Medical Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Kilburn leads the largest military-civilian partnership of its kind in the United States. (Courtesy)
LIFE-SAVING CRISIS RESPONSE EFFORTS
involved: the 99th Medical Group of Mike O’Cal laghan Military Medical Center at Nellis Air Force Base, the United States Air Force School of Aero space Medicine, and highly specialized Surgical Operations Teams tasked with providing life-sav ing care on battlefields across the globe.
While UMC’s partnership with the Air Force started in 2002, the Office of Military Medicine was introduced in 2019 to serve as a central coordinating authority for the diverse group of military and civil ian organizations involved in the partnership. The U.S. Department of Defense has taken note of this successful program, and the expansive and highly coordinated Las Vegas Military-Civilian Partner ship now serves as a model for military partnership programs across the nation.
Continued on page 20
Air Force medics play an active role in caring for patients across UMC’s campus, providing highly specialized treatment in a wide range of clinical units, including the world-renowned UMC Trauma Center. Over the years, these health care profession als have become an integral part of UMC’s crisis response efforts, responding alongside their civilian counterparts to provide life-saving care and valu able hope during the community’s darkest hours. As a trauma surgeon and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Stephanie Streit is no stranger to crisis situations. From the battlefields of Afghanistan to busy urban trauma centers at home, Dr. Streit has spent her career caring for patients with critical injuries. With an incredibly specialized set of skills, Dr. Streit began her work at UMC in August of 2017, just weeks before the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. On the evening of October 1, 2017, Dr. Streit recalls getting ready for bed and scrolling through Twitter, coming upon early reports of shots fired at the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. While she had not yet received a call from her
AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 19
VITAL EXPERIENCE
While the people of Southern Nevada certainly benefit by having improved access to highly trained military medical professionals, the partnership also provides incredible value to the Air Force by offering key experience and unique training opportunities for service members.
Maj. Theresa Davis, an ICU nurse who is the Director of the Nellis Medical Readiness Training Pro gram, says UMC’s unique status as the state’s only Level I Trauma Cen ter and only Verified Burn Center provides medics with exposure to the types of injuries they will treat in ac tive military conflicts. This includes severe burns, gunshot wounds and critical injuries from motor vehicle crashes. “It’s pretty much as close as you can get to the injuries we see during deployments,” she says. The experience gained through rotations at the UMC Trauma Center underscores the value of this unique training platform and served as the inspiration for the development of a dedicated Level III Trauma Center at Nellis Air Force Base. Boasting a recently redesigned, state-ofthe-art Emergency Department, Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center now provides care for civilian patients arriving by ambulance. The hospital has fully integrated into the Clark County EMS system and is the only military hospital in the U.S. re ceiving both trauma and non-trauma critical care patients.
Staff Sgt. Isaac Roseborough, an Air Force Respiratory Care Practitioner, has spent the past two years working collaboratively with UMC staff to care for many of the community’s most critically ill COVID-19 patients. Spending a significant amount of time manag ing ventilators and implementing proning protocols for ICU-level patients, Roseborough takes pride in his efforts to serve the people of Southern Nevada. “It’s rewarding to know that your work has an impact on the community,” he says.
Driven by her overwhelming sense of duty, Dr. Streit immedi ately jumped into action, work ing alongside her Air Force and civilian colleagues at Nevada’s only Level I Trauma Center to save lives. She spent much of the eve ning triaging patients to identify life-threatening injuries. In total, UMC cared for 104 pa tients injured in the mass shooting, performing more than 20 surgeries within the first 24 hours. As a result of the coordinated response to this mass casualty incident and valuable support from Air Force medics, every patient who arrived at UMC with a pulse survived that evening. “Air Force medical professionals played an instrumental role in our world-class response to this unspeakable tragedy,” says UMC CEO, Mason Van Houweling, who recently retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. “UMC remains committed to this innovative partnership, which supports our efforts to elevate the level of care available in Southern Nevada.”Themilitary-civilian partnership has also served the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with Air Force medics delivering vital care across UMC’s campus.
20 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022 colleagues, Dr. Streit couldn’t simply stand by and wait for the phone to ring. “I knew I could do something to help,” she says, explaining that she immediately rushed to the UMC Trauma Center, taking surface streets to avoid blockades on the interstate. When she arrived at the hospital, Dr. Streit was met with a scene unlike any other she has expe rienced throughout her career. “I’ve never seen such a high volume of critically injured patients, and that includes my time in Afghanistan.”
“As we continue to build upon this partnership, I take pride in the work we have accomplished over the years,” Dr. Kilburn says. “Air Force medics trained at UMC have made a significant impact at home and abroad, responding to warzones and local communities facing their greatest moments of need.” In total, UMC cared for 104 patients injured in the Oct. 1 mass shooting, performing more than 20 surgeries within the first 24 hours. As a result of the coordinated response to this mass casualty incident and valuable support from Air Force medics, every patient who arrived at UMC with a pulse survived that evening.
Continued from page 19
Anthem Hills Pediatrics 871 Coronado Center Drive Ste. 141 Henderson, NV 89052 (P) AnthemWWW.ANTHEMHILLSPEDIATRICS.COM702-566-2400HillsPediatricswouldlike to CONGRATULATE BOTH DR. KIM LAMOTTE-MALONE and DR. INEADA OKAFOR on winning Call to book! 361.633.3289 2920 North Green Valley Pkwy Building 3 suite 12 Henderson, NV 89014 The Texas Lice Angel, Miranda Davis, brings her innovative new lice removal services to Las Vegas. After opening 3 successful lice removal clinics in Texas and securing a contract with the largest childrens’ hospital in Texas, Miranda set her sights on Las Vegas. Lice happens, it’s nothing to be embarrassed startingTreatmentsabout!at$150 @theliceangels
Southwest
©2022 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. Top. Best. Finest. We also call them ours. Optum Care congratulates all of this year’s Top Docs, while specially recognizing our own. Day in and day out, year after year, these providers demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence and deliver the highest level of patient care. You make our community healthier and happier. And you make us proud.
Optum Care Orthopaedics and Spine Dean
Urology Specialists of Nevada, part of Optum Care Congratulations to our 2022 Top Docs optumcare.com/nevada
part of Optum Care Blair
Southwest
Southwest
part of Optum Care Daniel
Southwest Medical, part of OptumCare Mark
Randall Colquitt, M.D. Medical, Malone, Jr., M.D. Medical, Duddy, M.D. Medical, Braunstein, M.D. Day, D.O. Daubs, M.D. Shi-Keh Tsai, M.D. Medical, Zommick, M.D.
Optum Care Primary Care Michael
part of Optum Care Jason
Southwest
part of OptumCare Neil
Health Care Quarterly ’s Top Doctors recognizes some of the best doctors in Southern Nevada. These selections are made using a peer-to-peer review process, wherein we survey thousands of local doctors for their recommendation by specialty to compile a comprehensive list for the public. With a variety of medical specialties represented, there is a Top Doctor for any need, disease or ailment. We also offer a selection of Reader’s Choice honorees, as nominated by patients and the general public, because we know how much a great doctor means — and how many people want to honor them. Next time you’re looking for a well-regarded, well-recommended doctor, look no further than this list.
24 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
Andrew Sean McKnight, MD Allergy Partners of Nevada 702-212-5889 allergypartners.com
Roland Miyada, MD US Anesthesia Partners 702-878-0070 usap.com
Francis W.
Alonzo Henry, MD US Anesthesia Partners 702-878-0070 usap.com
Danny Young, MD Desert Anesthesiologists Inc 702-222-3238
MD Surgical Weight Control Center 702-313-8446 surgicalweightcontrolcenter.com
Teng, MD Advanced Surgical Care 702-838-5888 mountainview-hospital.com CARDIOLOGY Sean Ameli, MD Ameli Dadourian Heart Center 702-906-1100 ameliheartcenter.com Keshav Chander, MD Smart 702-473-5333Healthcare 4smartcare.com Alfred Danielian, MD Las Vegas Heart Associates 702-962-2200 lasvegasheartassociates.com Carlos Fonte, MD Advanced Cardiovascular 702-733-8600Specialists carlosfontemd.com Patrick Hsu, MD Nevada Cardiology Associates 702-233-1000 nevadacardiology.com Jeffrey Levisman, MD Las Vegas Heart Associates 702-962-2200 lasvegasheartassociates.com Sanjay Malhotra, MD Nevada Heart & Vascular Center 702-227-3422 nevadaheart.com Gary Mayman, MD Children’s Heart Center Nevada 702-732-1290 childrensheartcenter.com Cres Miranda, MD Nevada Heart & Vascular Center 702-227-3422 nevadaheart.com William Resh, MD Nevada Heart & Vascular Center 702-227-3422 nevadaheart.com Robert Rollins, MD Children’s Heart Center Nevada 702-732-1290 childrensheartcenter.com Nicholas Tselikis, MD Nevada Heart & Vascular Center 702-227-3422 nevadaheart.com AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 25
Steven Brown, MD Desert Anesthesiologists Inc 702-222-3238
David Tottori, MD Tottori Allergy & Asthma 702-432-8250Associates tottoriallergy.com Sandy Yip, MD Southern Nevada Allergy 702-735-1556 snallergy.com
Stephanie Davidson, DO US Anesthesia Partners 702-878-0070 usap.com
IMMUNOLOGYALLERGY/ Jim Christensen, MD Optum Care Lung and Allergy 702-724-8844Care optumcare.com
BARIATRICS
Joel Katz, MD Allergy and Asthma Center Las 702-360-6100Vegas katzallergy.com
James Atkinson, Soong,
Christopher Phillips, MD PBS 702-386-4700Anesthesia Vitus Teng, MD Dr. Vitus S. Teng, MD 702-386-4700
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Bob Miyake, MD Allergy Partners of Nevada 702-212-5889 allergypartners.com
MD Surgical Weight Control Center 702-313-8446 surgicalweightcontrolcenter.com Darren
Randall Colquitt, MD Southwest Medical, part of Optum 702-877-8660Care smalv.com
Douglas Fife, MD Vivida 702-255-6647Dermatology
Douglas Sandquist, DDS Sandquist 702-734-0776Dentistry sandquistdds.com
SURGERYCARDIOVASCULAR
Deepak Malhotra, MD MountainView Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates 702-962-5920 heartandlungnv.com
vivida.com H.L. Greenberg, MD Las Vegas 702-456-3120Dermatology
Robert Wiencek, MD Dignity Health Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Clinic 702-675-3240 dignityhealth.org
Dermatology 702-202-2700 lindawoodsondermatology.com EAR, NOSE & THROAT David Foggia, MD Ear Nose and Throat Consultants of Nevada 702-792-6700 entc.com Fred Goll III, MD Ear Nose and Throat Consultants of Nevada 702-792-6700 entc.com Sina Nasri, MD Lubritz & Nasri Physicians 702-804-4729 lubritzandnasri.com Matthew Ng, MD UNLV School of Medicine 702-992-6828 unlvhealth.org Walter W. Schroeder, MD Ear Nose and Throat Consultants of Nevada 702-792-6700 entc.com MEDICINEEMERGENCY Johnn Trautwein, MD Summerlin Hospital Medical 702-259-1228Center summerlinhospital.com ENDOCRINOLOGY Brian Berelowitz, MD Dignity Health 702-930-9695 dignityhealth.org Reid Litchfield, MD Desert 702-434-8400Endocrinology desertendo.com Samir Nakhle, MD Palm Medical 702-696-7256Group palmmedicalgroup.com FAMILY PRACTICE Kimberly Adams, MD Total Wellness Family Medicine 702-253-9355 twfmlasvegas.com Clarissa Barrettoko, DO CenterWell Senior Primary Care 702-553-3901 centerwellprimarycare.com Nancy Chu, MD Siena Hills Family Care 702-614-0850 sienahillsprimarycare.com Mark Day, DO Optum Care Primary Care 702-724-8777 optumcare.com Michael Gunter, MD 702-804-5138MDVIP mdvip.com
Nauman Jahangir, MD Las Vegas Cardiovascular Surgery 725-333-8465Specialists valleyhealthphysicians.com
Douglas Thomas, MD Thomas 702-430-5333Dermatology thomasderm.com
Arnold Chung, MD MountainView Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates 702-962-5920 heartandlungnv.com
DERMATOLOGY
26 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
Hazem Afifi, MD Las Vegas Cardiovascular Surgery 725-333-8465Specialists
DENTISTRY
valleyhealthphysicians.com
lasvegasdermatology.com
Michael Ciccolo, MD Children’s Heart Center Nevada 702-732-1290 childrensheartcenter.com
Linda Woodson, MD Linda Woodson
Bradley Strong, DDS Bradley S. Strong, D.D.S., LTD. 702-242-3800 bstrongdds.com
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Thomas Hunt, MD Valley Health 702-463-4040System valleyhealthsystemlv.com
Howard Baron, MD Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition 702-791-0477Associates pgnalv.com
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Carrie Bedient, MD The Fertility Center of Las Vegas 702-254-1777 fertilitycenterlv.com
MD Comprehensive Digestive Institute of 702-483-4483Nevada nevadagastro.com Arumugam Sivakumar, MD Arumugam Sivakumar MD, Private 702-825-2613Practice dignityhealth.org Michael Zimmerman, MD MountainView Hospital 702-562-2420 mountainview-hospital.com GENERAL SURGERY Pankaj Bhatnagar, MD Advanced Laparoscopic & General Surgery of Nevada 702-791-7855 algsn.com Sean D. Dort, MD Southern Nevada Surgery 702-914-2420Specialists southernnvsurgery.com Nick Fiore, MD Pediatric Surgery Associates 702-233-8101 nvpediatricsurgery.com Ronald Hofflander, MD Sunrise Hospital and Medical 702-894-4440Center sunrisehospital.com Lyn Knoblock, MD Southern Nevada Surgery 702-914-2420Specialists southernnvsurgery.com Fikre Mengistu, MD Southern Nevada Surgery 702-914-2420Specialists southernnvsurgery.com Kevin Rayls, MD Mountain West Surgical 702-796-0022 mwsvegas.com Francis W. Teng, MD Advanced Surgical Care 702-838-5888 mountainview-hospital.com GERIATRICS Julie Zacharias-Simpson, DO Touro University Nevada 702-777-4822 tun.touro.edu DISEASEINFECTIOUS Fadi El-Salibi, MD Infectious Diseases of Southern 702-707-9439Nevada dignityhealth.org 28 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
Gregory M. Kwok, MD Gastroenterology Associates 702-796-0231 lasvegasgastro.com
Jeffrey Fisch, MD Green Valley Fertility Partners 702-722-2229
greenvalleyfertility.com
Frank J. Nemec, MD Gastroenterology Associates 702-796-0231 lasvegasgastro.com
Gary Chen, MD Comprehensive Digestive Insti tute of 702-483-4483Nevada nevadagastro.com
FERTILITY
Bruce Shapiro, MD The Fertility Center of Las Vegas 702-254-1777 fertilitycenterlv.com
David Shih,
Stephanie Lehrner, DO Village 702-382-1599Medical villagemedical.com
digestiveassociateslv.com
Eladio Carrera, MD Digestive 702-633-0207Associates
Vishal Gandotra, MD Vegas 702-750-0313Gastroenterology vgandotramd.com
Vijay Jayaraman, MD Comprehensive Digestive Institute of 702-483-4483Nevada nevadagastro.com
Thomas Shang, MD Valley Hospital Medical Center 702-388-4000 valleyhospital.net
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Brian Lipman, MD Dignity 702-930-9726Health dignityhealth.org Ronald Shockley, MD Dignity 702-707-9530Health dignityhealth.org Chukwudum Uche, MD Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic 702-389-3554 idassociateslv.com Kathleen Wairimu, MD MountainView Hospital 702-343-7610 mountainview-hospital.com INTERNAL MEDICINE Kimberly Adams, MD Total Wellness Family Medicine 702-253-9355 twfmlasvegas.com Sean Ameli, MD Ameli Dadourian Heart Center 702-906-1100 ameliheartcenter.com Robert Gong, MD Siena Hills Primary Care 702-614-0850 sienahillsprimarycare.com Gopalakrishna Leela, MD Gopalakrishna Leela, MD 702-341-6699 Renu Mahajan, MD Smart 702-473-5333Healthcare 4smartcare.com Daniel Malone, MD Southwest Medical, part of Optum Care 702-876-4449 smalv.com Angela Miller, MD Concierge Medicine Las Vegas 702-850-2422 conciergemedicinelasvegas.com Ryon Parker, MD Parker 702-778-2204Medical parkermedical.org Robert White, MD Executive Health & Wellness 702-304-0854Center ehwc-lv.com NEPHROLOGY Lawrence Lehrner, MD Kidney Specialists of Southern 702-877-1887Nevada ksosn.com Chidi Okafor, MD Kidney Specialist of Southern 702-877-1887Nevada ksosn.com Zvi Sela, MD Kidney Specialist of Southern 702-877-1887Nevada ksosn.com Vincent Yang, MD Kidney Specialists of Southern 702-877-1887Nevada ksosn.com NEUROSURGERY John Anson, MD The Spine & Brain Institute 702-896-0940 thespinebrain.com Derek Duke, MD Dignity 866-335-0983Health dignityhealth.org Gary Flangas, MD Las Vegas Neurosurgery and Spine 702-737-7753Care lv-neuro.com Gene Khavkin, MD Khavkin 702-888-1188Clinic khavkinclinic.com Michael Seiff, MD The Spine & Brain Institute 702-896-0940 thespinebrain.com OBSTETRICS GYNECOLOGY& Joseph Adashek, MD Desert Perinatal Associates 702-341-6610 desertperinatalassociates.com George P. Chambers, Jr., MD Chambers & Associates OBGYN and Gynecological Surgery 702-463-0800 chambersobgynlv.com Amy Falcone, MD Empowered OBGYN 702-478-5111 empoweredobgyn.com Jocelyn Ivie, MD Women’s Health Associates of Southern 702-862-8862Nevada whasn.com Florence Jameson, MD Sunrise Hospital & Medical 702-262-9676Center sunrisehospital.com 30 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022
In 1972, we saw our very fi rst patient in a small cardiology clinic. Ever since, we’ve been growing with our town, adding to our team, opening new locations, and expanding services—all to bring quality health care to you, our neighbors. Thank you for trusting us with your health. Celebrating 50 Years of Community Care smalv.com ©2022 Southwest Medical Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.
Michelle Lewis, DO Michelle M. Lewis, DO Private Practice 702-930-6255 dignityhealth.org Annette Mayes, MD Las Vegas All Women’s Care Obstetrics & Gynecology 702-522-9640 lvallwomenscareobgyn.com Staci McHale, MD New Beginnings OB-GYN 702-381-5184 newbeginningsobg.com Donna Miller, MD For Women OB/GYN 725-777-0414 nvforwomenobgyn.com Christina Nguyen, MD Women’s Health Associates of Southern Nevada 702-342-0858 whasn.com Carla Turner, MD For Women OB/GYN 725-777-0414 nvforwomenobgyn.com ONCOLOGY Fadi Braiteh, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3400 cccnevada.com Muhammad S. Ghani, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-822-2000 cccnevada.com Edwin Kingsley, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3400 cccnevada.com Rupesh J. Parikh, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3444 cccnevada.com H. Keshava Prasad, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3400 cccnevada.com Hamidreza Sanatinia, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-1251 cccnevada.com Ann Wierman, MD Ann M. Wierman, MD, FACP 702-749-3700 annwiermanmd.com OPHTHALMOLOGY Mark Doubrava, MD Eye Care for Nevada 702-794-2020 eyecarefornevada.com Tim Perozek, MD See Right Now 702-982-1360 seerightnow.org Grace Shin, MD Ideal EyeCare 702-896-2020 idealeyecarelv.com Irene Voo, MD Irene Voo MD 702-583-3300 irenevoo.com ORTHOPEDICS Michael Daubs, MD Optum OrthopaedicsCare and Spine 702-724-8877 oc-orthopaedic.com Andrew Kim, DO Desert Orthopaedic Center 702-731-4088 doclv.com Xin Nick Liu, DO Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 702-740-5327 aosmlv.com James Manning, MD Dr. James 70OrthopedicManningSurgeon2-228-7355 jamesmanning.md Lifetime Achievement Byron Kilpatrick, MD Intermountain 702-852-9000Healthcare hcpnv.com 32 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022 READER’S CATEGORIESCHOICE These honorees have been nominated by the public. Patient Experience Rupesh J. Parikh, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3444 cccnevada.com PejmanInnovatorBady, DO 702-529-2855Cellaxys cellaxys.com Community Exemplary Tali Arik, MD Pahrump Cardiology & Family Practice 775-210-8333 pahrumpcardiology.com ParminderEducationKang, MD Desert Orthopedic Center 702-731-4088 doclv.com
MATTHEW NG, MD Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Otolaryngology and Specialized in treating Hearing loss | Tinnitus | Chronic ear infections Cholesteatoma | Facial nerve disorders Dizziness and/or imbalance | Tumors of the lateral skull base Top Doctor To g ether We Ce leb rate Call 702.671.6480 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ng unlvhealth.org | unlv.edu/medicine
Woodworth, MD Desert Orthopaedic Center 702-731-4088 doclv.com Pain Management Stuart Baird, MD Precision Pain 702-779-6800Center precisionpaincenter.com Daniel
MD Innovative Pain Care Center 702-684-7246 painfreenevada.com Stephen A. Gephardt, MD Nevada Pain 702-912-4100Care nvpaincare.com Nader Helmi, DO Pain Specialists of Nevada 702-307-7700 PALLIATIVE CARE Diana Lee, MD Platinum 702-707-9272Hospitalist dignityhealth.org Gopalakrishna Leela, MD Nathan Adelson Hospice 702-733-0320 nah.org Dean Tsai, MD Southwest Medical Hospice Care, part of Optum Care 702-671-1111 optumcare.com PEDIATRICS Blair Duddy, MD Southwest Medical, part of Optum 702-877-5199Care smalv.com Atousa Ghaneian, MD Healthy Kids Care Pediatrics at 702-381-1568Sunrise healthykidscarelv.org Kim LaMotte-Malone, MD Anthem Hills 702-566-2400Pediatrics anthemhillspediatrics.com John Lepore, DO Kidfixers 702-765-5437Pediatrics Ineada Okafor, MD Anthem Hills 702-566-2400Pediatrics anthemhillspediatrics.com Laura Weidenfeld, MD Sunshine Valley Pediatrics 702-363-3000 lasvegaspediatricdoctors.com PLASTIC SURGERY George Alexander, MD Dr. Alexander & Co. 702-625-4233 alexandermd.com Hayley Brown, MD Desert Hills Plastic Surgery 702-664-6684Center deserthillsplasticsurgery.com Arthur Cambeiro, MD 702-734-4100SurgiSpa surgispa.net Cameron Earl, MD Earl Plastic 702-939-3436Surgery earlplasticsurgery.com Thomas Lee, MD Aesthetic Revolution Las Vegas 702-919-5674 aestheticrevolutionlv.com Stephen Miller, MD Stephen M. Miller, MD Plastic 702-710-5869Surgery drstephenmiller.com Brandon Reynolds, MD Reynolds Plastic Surgery 702-410-9800 reynoldscosmetics.com Jeffrey J. Roth, MD Las Vegas Plastic Surgery: Jeffery J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S. 702-840-4861 jjrothmd.com PODIATRY Jerry Henry, DPM Jerry Henry, DPM 702-242-3870
Stewart, MD David Stewart, MD 844-835-4729 dignityhealth.org Michael Thomas, MD Nevada Orthopedic & Spine 702-936-4029Center nevadaorthopedic.com Timothy Trainor, MD Advanced Orthopedics & Sports 702-740-5327Medicine aosmlv.com
Richard Burkhead,
David
34 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022 Jason Nielson, MD Children’s Bone and Spine 702-434-6920 cbsortho.com Bernard Ong, MD Bernard Ong, 702-796-7979MD ongortho.com
George S. Tu, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers cc702-869-0855cnevada.com
Joaquim Tavares, MD United Critical Care 702-476-4900 unitedcriticalcare.com
Arthur Montes, MD Red Rock Radiology Associates 702-527-8945 redrockradiology.org
Craig Nakamura, MD Children’s Lung Specialist 702-598-4411 childrenslungspecialists.com
Jodi Politz, DPM Mountain Podiatry 702-240-8038 mountainpodiatry.com
Peter Weidenfeld, MD Red Rock Radiology Associates 702-527-8945 redrockradiology.org
Shaily Jain, MD Cairn Center 702-508-9461 cairncenter.com
John Wirjo, DO Focus Mental Health Solutions 702-790-2701 focusmentalhealth.com
John J. Wojcik, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-737-5864 cccnevada.com RADIOLOGY
James S. J. Hsu, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-737-5864 cccnevada.com
Dodge Slagle, DO Desert HospitalSpringsMedical Center 702-454-0201 desertspringshospital.com
Alan Weissman, MD Desert Radiology 702-759-8600 desertrad.com
Samual Francis, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3400 cccnevada.com
Neil Braunstein, MD Southwest Medical, part of Optum Care 702-877-5199 smalv.com
MD Valley Oaks Medical Group 702-385-6468 valleyoaksmed.com Robert Lowe, MD Kids Arthritis Care Clinic 702-686-9239 kidsarthritiscare.com Elham Taherian, MD Dignity Health dignityhealth.or702-616-5915g Christianne Yung, MD Christianne Yung, MD 702-614-6868 UROLOGY Joseph V. Candela, MD Las Vegas Urology 702-385-4342 lasvegasurology.com Jessica Casey, MD Children’s Urology Associates 702-369-4999 cualv.com O. Alex Lesani, MD Las Vegas Urology 702-385-4342 lasvegasurology.com James Chadwick Plaire, MD Children’s Urology Associates 702-369-4999 cualv.com Jason Zommick, MD Urology Specialists of Nevada 702-825-2464 usonv.com AUGUST 2022 HEAL TH CARE QUARTERLY 35
RHEUMATOLOGY
Lesley Dickson, MD Dr. Lesley R. Dickson, MD (702) 382-6262
Nasim Daoud,
Kirk Larkin, DPM Larkin Foot & Ankle Institute 702-623-2212 larkinfootandankle.com
Dianne Mazzu, MD Desert Radiology 702-759-8600 desertrad.com
PULMONARY John (Jack) Collier, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-869-0855 cccnevada.com
ONCOLOGYRADIATION
PSYCHIATRY
Dr. Eva Littman is well known in Nevada as the founder and practice director of Las Vegas’ premier fertility clinic, Red Rock Fertility Center. Her lifelong commitment to helping families grow began in earnest at Duke University, where she attended medical school and completed her OB/Gyn residency. After Duke, she attended Stanford University with a ofAdministration’sawardedafterTopShe’sandValley,liesherencouragementtogetherhundredsathatthenewtheirsandsCenterance,Fellowship.EndocrinologyReproductive&InfertilityUnderDr.Littman’sguid-RedRockFertilityhashelpedthou-offamiliesachievedreamofwelcominglives.It’satestamenttodoctorandthepatientseveryyear,shehosts“BabyReunion”whereoffamiliesmeettosharestoriesofandlove.Dr.Littmanhasdedicatedlifetohelpingfami-hereintheLasVegasandtheawardsaccoladesshowthis.repeatedlyawardedDocinInfertilityyearyear,andin2017wasU.S.SmallBusiness“BusinesstheYear.”
RED ROCK FERTILITY 9120 W. Russell Rd. Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702-749-4614 redrockfertility.com FERTILITY Eva MD,Littman,FACOG 36 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY AUGUST 2022 D r. Roman Fajardo joined New Eyes in 2016 to provide excellent lidLASIK,Inhypertensionract(MIGS)vasivehepossible.giveoculartoricnologyUsingrefractivedardtroops.inginRefractivegerycompletedInstitute,residencyductedMedicine.nia,thehispsychology.anddegreesCalifornia,eddentsophthalmiccomprehensivecaretoresiofSouthernNevada.Dr.FajardograduatfromtheUniversityofSanDiegowithinbiochemistrycellbiology,aswellasHecompletedmedicaleducationatUniversityofCaliforSanDiegoSchoolofDr.FajardoconhisophthalmologyattheShileyEyeUCSD.HealsorefractivesurtrainingattheNavySurgeryCenterSanDiego,performLASIKandPRKforourDr.Fajardoperformsstan-cataractsurgeryandcataractsurgery.LenSxandORAtech-incombinationwithandmultifocalintra-lenses,hestrivestopatientsthebestvisionWhenindicated,performsminimally-in-glaucomasurgeryatthetimeofcata-surgerytotreatocularorglaucoma.addition,heperformsPRK,anduppereye-blepharoplasties. NEW EYES Serving 5 702-485-5000throughoutlocationstheValley neweyeslasvegas.com OPHTHALMOLOGY Fajardo,Roman MD
CANCERCOMPREHENSIVECENTERS Lung Center of Nevada Tenaya 3150 North Tenaya Way Ste. 125 Las Vegas, Nevada 89128 702-869-0855 Mehta,VishishtMD
PULMONOLOGYINTERVENTIONAL
ADVERTISINGMEDICAL
ishisht Mehta, MD, is an PulmonologistInterventionalatthe Lung Center of Nevada, a division of Comprehensive Cancer Centers. In his role as Director of Interventional Pulmonology, he treats patients with acute and chronic pulmonary health concerns. Dr. Mehta focuses on ad vanced, minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat a wide range of thoracic diseases. He has specialized training in procedures, such as endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), elec tromagnetic navigation bron choscopy, robotic bronchosco py and pleural procedures. He helped launch the robot ic bronchoscopy program at MountainView Hospital, and his team offers Bronchoscop ic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) for patients with COPD. Screenings are avail able at Lung Center of Neva da’s two treatment centers. BVLR is a minimally invasive procedure where removable valves are placed in the lungs to improve lung function and quality of life in patients with severe COPD. The BVLR procedure is now available at MountainView and Southern Hills Hospitals.
V
AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 37 O scar B. Goodman Jr., MD, PhD, is an physician-scientistaward-winningwho is a hematologist, medical oncologist, and clinical re searcher at Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Dr. Goodman specializes in genitourinary malignan cies, including prostate, kidney, bladder and testicu lar cancers. He participates in various translational and clinical research studies focused on DoctoringClinicaltheInvestigatorcareer,awardscancerasandicineUniversityternalAssociateprostatehormonalcancer’smechanismsunderstandingthatgovernresistancetotherapyincludingcancer.Dr.GoodmanservesasanProfessorofInMedicineatRosemanCollegeofMedandconductsbasictranslationalresearchapartoftheUniversity’sresearchprogram.HehasearnedmultiplethroughouthisincludingtheYoungAwardfromAmericanSocietyofOncologyandbenamedaRegionalTopby U.S. News and World Report and Cas tle-Connolly annually since 2008. CANCERCOMPREHENSIVECENTERS Oscar B. Goodman, Jr., MD, PhD 9280 W. Sunset Road Ste. 100 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702-952-1251 I mran Ahmed, MD, is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers.Hewas a medical oncol ogist at Las Vegas Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians be fore joining Comprehensive Cancer Centers this year. Dr. Ahmed works with andprovidementstoUrdu,patientAwardandYearreceivedMedicalatCentercyinternalcancersmultiplegastrointestinalspecialhematologyhematologyter,Northwestpatientsoncologistaward-winningComprehensive’smedicalteamandseesatthepractice’streatmentcentreatingalloncology,andbenigncaseswithinterestsinuppercancers,myeloma,lungandbreastcancer.Dr.AhmedcompletedhismedicineresidenatJerseyCityMedicalandhisfellowshipLongIslandJewishCenter,wherehetheFellowoftheAwardandtheRoseJackHorowitzFellowforexcellenceincare.HeisfluentinHindiandPushto.Hispatientphilosophyisincorporatealltreatathisdisposaltothebestoutcomequalityoflifepossible. CANCERCOMPREHENSIVECENTERS Imran Ahmed, MD 7445 Peak Drive Las Vegas, NV 89128 702-952-2140 HEMATOLOGYANDONCOLOGYHEMATOLOGYANDONCOLOGY
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HEALTHCAREINTERMOUNTAIN 702-852-9000 Intermountain.com/Nevada G rowing up on the sunny beaches of the Caribbean was in many ways paradise; it also inspired Dr. Chard Bubb to pursue a career in medi cine. He saw what chronic conditions such as diabetes can do to a person, their family and community, and he wanted to make things better.Dr.Bubb’s friendly style and bright smile puts patients at ease. He rec ognizes that patients who understand their health status are better at man aging their conditions, so he takes the time to get to know patients as individu als and answer important questions regarding life style, diet and medication costs.When Dr. Bubb isn’t see ing patients, he’s out in the community talking about ways to manage diabetes. He makes sure he practic es what he preaches and has an active lifestyle. He works out regularly and is an advocate of plant-based diets.
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D r. Yates has been fascinated and chal lenged by cancer since middle school. As he developed his medical skills, clinical interest and emotional constitution through practice, he found himself highly suited for a career in medical oncology. Dr. Yates received his medical degree from Virginia
Southernoptionsservicesariescontinueshighestfocusedlives.aprofessioncationwithBoardcertifiedofOncologyandUniversityMedicineHeversityPublicGillingsinUniversityCommonwealthandaMastersPublicHealthfromtheSchoolofGlobalHealthattheUniofNorthCarolina.completedhisInternalresidencyattheofKentuckyafellowshipinMedicalattheUniversityWisconsin.HeisboardbytheAmericanofInternalMedicineasubspecialtycertifiinMedicalOncology.Dr.Yatesexemplifiestheandtrulymakesdifferenceinhispatients’HeisextremelyonprovidingthequalityofcareandtopushboundtoexpandavailableandtreatmentforpatientsinNevada. HEALTHCAREINTERMOUNTAIN La Canada Hematology/ Oncology Clinic 3131 La Canada Street, #140 Las Vegas, NV 89169 702-735-7154 Intermountain.com/Nevada HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY Yates,StevenMD
D r. Byron Kilpat rick has served as a physician and community leader for more than 25 years and is hon ored to earn the Lifetime Achievement award. His tenure with Intermountain Healthcare and long history in Las Vegas is a testament to his love for his patients and this community. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kilpatrick was instrumen tal in the adoption of new technology for virtual visits, ensuring that our most vulnerable patients had reliable access to healthcare. He continues to have significant impact on recruiting and developing providers for Intermoun tain’s myGeneration clinics, a unique senior-focused practice model that em phasizes quality outcomes and preventive care. Dr. Kilpatrick goes above and beyond for both his patients and fellow Care givers by providing his time unconditionally. He embod ies Intermountain Health care’s mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible and exem plifies why we are drawn to the service of others through caregiving.
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There are three ways to know with certainty if amyloid plaque exists in the brain, and each has its drawbacks: n Autopsy upon death when it’s too late for treatment n Amyloid PET scan, which can be conducted in life, but at a hefty cost not covered by insurance n Spinal fluid analysis, which is less expensive than amyloid PET, but requires a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) that is generally safe but invasive and uncomfortable Because LATE is new, disentangling the clinical presentation of LATE vs. Alzheimer’s remains a challenge. It’s not yet clear precisely what this disease looks like in patients. Yet in the realm of specialized neurology, the distinction matters because earlier recognition enables earlier intervention. Many of today’s treatments for Alzheimer’s target amyloid, which forms the plaques thought to be the first stage of the disease.
New type inchallengesdementiaofposesdiagnosis
The unique cognitive signature for LATE is yet to be determined. However, if we can figure it out, inexpensive pencil and paper cognitive tests may be useful for identifying LATE without employing costly imaging or invasive tests.
Rachel M. Butler Pagnotti , PsyD, is a forLouClevelanddoctoralpsychologyNeuroPostFellowatClinicRuvoCenterBrainHealth.
With this in mind, Ruvo Center’s neuropsy chology team set out to see if it could discover a cheaper and less intrusive way to diagnose LATE.Neuropsychologists are trained to look for abnormal changes in memory and thinking, using paper and pencil tests that assess different areas of cognition. They utilize this information to collaborate with neurologists to render a nuanced diagnosis.
BY JUSTIN B. MILLER, PH.D., ABPP/CN, AND RACHEL M. BUTLER PAGNOTTI, PSYD E xact and early diagnosis play a critical role in treating dementia and disease outcomes. So when patients at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health presented key clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (such as memory loss, language difficulty and other cognitive changes) but did not show signs of the typical Alzheimer’s pathology (amyloid accumulation), cognitive neurologists were intrigued. The patients were also much older than the typical age of disease onset for QuestionsAlzheimer’s.quicklysurfaced. Was it an unusual presentation of Alzheimer’s, or a newly discovered type of neurodegenerative disease — Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE)? Others in the field were noticing the same patterns. Accumulating research suggested that this newly recognized form of dementia also affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for forming new memories, just as Alzheimer’s does. However, the age of onset differs. For patients with Alzheimer’s, onset is typically 60 to 70 years, whereas LATE tends to develop after age 80. Research also suggests that LATE progresses more slowly and cognitive changes largely are in memory. While the two diseases can coexist, Alzheimer’s can usually be ruled out if amyloid and tau are not present.
Justin B. Miller is the Director of the Nevada Explor atory CenterDiseaseAlzheimer’sResearchand
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Every neurodegenerative disease, including three of the most common types of dementia— Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia — displays its own typical pattern on cognitive tests. For example, in Alzheimer’s, impairments in memory, language and other aspects of thinking are common. In dementia with Lewy-bodies, impairments include visuo spatial abilities and executive functioning (problem solving).
If amyloid is not the cause of the dementia, as in patients with LATE, these treatments won’t be effective in modifying disease. It’s also important that individuals enrolled in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s don’t actually have LATE.
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In 2020, the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health established the Nevada exploratory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (NVeADRC) — the first and only NIH-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in Nevada and one of fewer than 40Thenationwide.centerwas able to obtain data from more than 700 ADRC research participants from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center who were diagnosed with LATE at autopsy.
Using this data, researchers learned that pa tients with LATE tend to have less severe cogni tive impairment across all cognitive testing than patients with Alzheimer’s. LATE patients are older when they first develop cognitive changes and tend to decline slower and live longer com pared with patients with Alzheimer’s. Clinically, these findings can help neurologists begin to determine what may be the primary driver of patients who present to clinic with memory loss. If patients are younger and report ing more rapid decline (memory loss affecting day-to-day activities during the past year or two, such as forgetting to take medications or pay the bills), they may be more likely to have Alzheimer’s. Prescribing medications that target Alzheimer’s pathology and enrolling them in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s may be helpful in these patients, as well as putting additional sup port in place before their memory loss becomes tooIfsevere.patients are over the age of 80 when they first start noticing memory changes and are reporting a slower decline (memory loss during the past five years just beginning to affect day-today life), they may be more likely to have LATE. In this case, medications that target Alzheimer’s pathology will not be helpful, and the patients are not good candidates to participate in clinical trials.The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health pre sented these findings in February 2022 at the International Neuropsychology Society Confer ence, helping to put Las Vegas on the map for brain health research, further educating the field about the differences between Alzheimer’s and LATE. The world’s first clinical trial was re cently launched, and more research is published monthly.Beingso new, the field has a lot to learn about LATE. The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health will continue to keep expertise at the forefront so as to continue to provide the best possible care for all patients served.
n Flexibility is needed: While it is very important to have plans, the need to add flex ibility into these plans was key. Unexpected safety concerns could happen any time, so it
BY DR. LETITIA HESHMAT AND BRENDA COTTON T he pandemic pushed occupational health and safety professionals into the spotlight, and its pro found impact has underscored just how essential having a strategic plan for employee health is for businesses. We’ve all seen how workplaces can easily become con taminated, exposing workers, their families, communities and customers to the risk of infection. But b elieve it or not, the labor force in the United States was not always protected.
While occupational health has come a long way, prior to the pandemic, most executives equated workplace health with risk compli ance and post-injury treatment to satisfy OSHA requirements. This is not meant to disparage anyone; it was just the mindset that permeated the ranks in the C-suite for years. The few who understood the significance of implementing robust occupational health and safety programs were an anomaly. That changed with the pandemic.
Occupational health is actually a relatively new field, one that continues to evolve as new threats and issues arise in modern times.
Dr. Letitia Heshmat , DC, is the founder presidentandof Work Health Solutions, and Brenda Cotton is the Clinical Op erations Manager of the Near-Site clinic in Las Vegas for Work Solutions.Health
The evolution and importance of healthoccupational
When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared in March 2020 that we were officially in a pandemic, occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals played a key role in helping organizations protect workers, com municate accurately and effectively about the risks, and ensure business continuity as COVID threatened to disrupt normal operations.
The history of workplace safety Caring for the health and safety of work ers officially began just 52 years ago with the passing of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act in 1970. The goal of this law was simple: to improve safety and guarantee safer conditions for all workers, regardless of their job or industry. The law addressed issues related to known health and safety hazards, such as unsanitary conditions, cold and heat stress, and environmental toxins. The Act also established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to pass health and safety standards, as well as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to act as a research body on OSHA’s behalf under the umbrella of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since then, occupational health has changed dramatically, evolving from a time when workplaces didn’t have any sanitation standards, to being heavily regulated to mit igate injury, illness and death, suffering and financial hardship.
Occupational health became more important than ever
Lessons learned One of the biggest challenges that modern societies have ever faced, the pandemic led businesses to modernize their approach to occupational health and safety to meet the needs of all workers, not just those who work in high-risk positions. In a p ost-pandemic en vironment, it’s become evident that having an understanding, an interest and a plan to deal with employee health and safety is vital. And while the pandemic was harrowing, it allowed for true lessons to be learned, which have transformed into tenets that every workplace should incorporate: n Working together is essential: Over coming a health crisis at work is possible by working together. In order to stop the spread of COVID-19 and provide a safe working envi ronment for both home-based employees and those physically in the workplace, everyone had to work together, or everyone lost.
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n Workforce expectations: Em ployees need to know that leadership genuinely cares about their health and safety. According to AlertMedia’s State of Employee Safety Report released in March, 90% of American workers believe their organization has a duty of care — a legal and moral obligation — to protect employees from risk or harm, and nearly 97% of those surveyed said feeling safe at work is an important factor in determining the longevity of their career. A proactive approach is the way forward The pandemic showed us that being proactive with workplace health and wellness makes employees and custom ers feel more comfortable. This became apparent when stay-at-home orders lift ed. Companies that displayed conscious efforts to take care of their workforce were better perceived by the public. Being proactive can also reduce or even eliminate direct and indirect costs associated with injuries. Consider these numbers from The Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index that shows the cost of injuries on the job: In the leisure and hospitality indus try, the top five injuries account for over $2.81 billion a year in costs and repre sent 77.8% of total workers compensa tion direct costs for nonfatal claims. In the manufacturing industry, the top five injuries account for over $6.08 billion a year in costs and represent 74.5% of total workers compensation direct costs for nonfatal claims.
These numbers are staggering and are oftentimes the result of a reactive approach to occupational health. A proactive strategy that concentrates on preventive methods has been shown to help alleviate some of these costs and demonstrate downstream benefits that positively impact every aspect of busi ness, such as improving productivity, morale, employee retention and brand image. These types of programs can in clude primary care, health screenings, risk assessments, stress management, fitness and nutrition, acupuncture, chiropractic care, vaccination clinics, injury prevention programs, and more. As preventive occupational health programs continue to prove worthy of investment, many companies are now working to make implementing them a top priority. As the pandemic has taught us, it is no longer about treating injuries as they happen. It is more about developing programs to avoid sickness and injuries, and making sure that em ployees are taken care of in all aspects of their personal well-being. Improve ments in employee health translate to higher levels of performance and reten tion, and demonstrate just how much a company truly values its employees.
AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 43 is sometimes necessary to divert. The only way to be “prepared for every thing” is to also build a culture of health so strong that your employees are ready to respond to the unexpected with safety top of mind. n Safety and wellness are critical parts of the same program: Many organizations provide both safety and wellness programs, however both are fundamentally connected. Safety pro grams involve only certain employees performing traditionally “hazardous” functions, while wellness programs managed by HR apply to everyone. Any lines between these two areas were quickly blurred during the pandemic. A health issue involving a single employ ee could suddenly jeopardize an entire workforce’s safety, so the critical task of disseminating health information required safety managers and HR to work together.
In 1988 Dr. Leon Steinberg, Dr. David Steinberg, and Dr. Mark Winkler finalized the construction of the very first Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging (SDMI) center. SDMI may have opened its doors 30+ years ago, but Dr. Leon saw the potential of a dedicated outpatient radiology practice long before that. In 1958, Dr. Leon Steinberg came to Las Vegas to help Sunrise Hospital build the first radiology center in Southern Nevada. Through his experience in a hospital environment, he saw the need for a more patient-friendly option for medical imaging and aimed to build such a practice. They constructed SDMI on Dr. Leon’s founding philosophy ‘If you practice great medicine, the patients will follow.’
DiamonedLocationSDMI’ssdmi-lv.com10thatBlue&LindellOpened2022 Touro University Nevada is licensed in Nevada by the Commission on Post-Secondary Education. Touro University Nevada does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability. • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine • Doctor of Physical Therapy • Doctor of Nursing Practice • Doctor of Education · Education Administration and Leadership • Occupational Therapy Doctorate • Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies • Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences • Master of Science in Nursing · Family Nurse Practitioner • Master of Education · Curriculum & Instruction • RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing • Post MSN Certificate • Education Advanced Studies Certificate Programs The inMedicalLargestSchoolNevada Leading The Way In Teaching The Healthcare Providers And Educators Of Tomorrow While Serving Our Community Touro University Nevada 702-777-8687 874 American Pacific Drive, Henderson, NV 89014 tun.touro.edu
Since its founding, the locally owned and operated out-patient imaging center has continued to grow. Today the patient-centric philosophy is practiced throughout the facilities, from the design concept to the state-of-the-art equipment installed. Notably, over 500 staff members and 30 radiologists care for over 1,500 patients daily throughout its 10 locations. Recently, SDMI celebrated the 2022 opening of its tenth facility, located at the corner of Blue Diamond and Lindell Road (pictured above), with plans for expansion in the years to come. Continuing to show their ongoing commitment to Southern Nevada residents SDMI provides world-class imaging and new employment opportunities within Clark County. The practice offers MRI, CT, 3D Mammography, Ultrasound, Biopsy, PET Scan, Nuclear Medicine, Dexascan, X-Ray, and Interventional Procedures such as Port Placement. Services vary per location.
CONGRATULATION S ON BEING RECOGNIZED AS A TOP DOCTO R Arnold Chung, MD Cardiothoracic Surgery Deepak Malhotra, MD Cardiothoracic Surgery Je rey Levisman, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiology Alfred Danielian, MD, FACC, FASE Cardiology MOUNTAINVIEW-HOSPITAL.COM Dr. Marco Lopez-Velazquez 5980 S Rainbow Blvd Suite 100 Las Vegas, NV 89118 P: 702-765-7246 Dr. Nasim Daoud 8440 Eastern Ave Suite A Las Vegas, NV 89123 P: 702-385-6468 Dr. Michael Clifford 2435 Fire Mesa St Suite 110 Las Vegas, NV 89128 P: 702-944-5444 VALLEY OAKS MEDICAL GROUP RHEUMATOLOGY THREE LOCATIONS: CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Daoud, MD for being recognized among Southern Nevada’s TOP DOCTORS www.valleyoaksmed.com
There’s the pressure of homework, projects, grades, as well as social pressure, such as bully ing and being popular or liked by peers. These pressures are not new or groundbreaking, so it begs the question: Why does going back to school cause so much anxiety, and what can par ents do about it? These changes can help reduce stress and anxiety as your child starts the new school year.
Fear of the unknown Returning to school and in-person learning can be scary. It’s loud, full of unfamiliar faces, rules, pressures and the unexpected — even more so for children transitioning from kin dergarten to first grade, elementary to middle school, and middle school to high school. Tell ing your child what to expect can help relieve stresses. Have other family members, peers, siblings and school teams talk about their per sonal experiences. Knowledge is power, and the more they know, the less they may fear.
Intense bullying Building self-esteem and confidence at home can help combat the effects of bullying. Speak to your children about bullying and healthy friendships. Children and parents should know who to reach out to at the school for support and how to get others involved if needed.
BY ANDREW BOZZELLI B ack-to-school is often an en joyable time that includes the excitement of new clothes, shoes, supplies, information and ex periences the school year may bring. But for some, returning to school can cause fear of the unknown, struggle, rejection and anxiety.
Children spend a lot of time on social media, playing video games and watching YouTube. This leaves little room for in-person activities and friendships. As children become more homebound, participation in social activities, such as team sports, clubs and camps, declines. Build activities into daily and weekly schedules. Exercise and engaging in in-person activities is important for keeping children physically and mentally fit, and they will make the transition back into school easier.
Lack of activity
Andrew Bozzelli is a therapist and social worker at the Pavilion at Southern Hills Hospital and Med ical Center.
strategiesCoping seasonback-to-schoolfor
Social media Prolonged engagement in social media for school-age children can be damaging. It chang es their social interactions and their cognitive processing. Parents or caregivers can set screen time guidelines and limit access to certain apps. Children may be living in a different world from their parents, but it does not mean technology has to control their lives. Setting structured limits on internet use can be helpful in dealing with their anxiety or fears. Environment If you are constantly in a stressful environ ment, you are going to be stressed. Scan your child’s surroundings for anything that may be causing anxiety. It can be simple things, such as lighting, smells and unorganized cabinets/liv ing space. Be attuned to your child’s needs and personality throughout the day and make note of their anxiety triggers. Slight changes in their environment can make substantial strides to reducing anxiety. Break in routine Summer is a time for rest, relaxation and a re set. It’s also a time when many children’s sched ules become dysregulated. Returning to school and a routine can cause anxiety after a signifi cant break from that norm. Parents or caregivers can help avoid this by maintainng a routine during the summer. Make a schedule with your child that includes fun and healthy routines during the summer and a transition plan so that back to school is smooth and less anxious.
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Remember that not all anxiety is bad. Anxiety is a vital part of our survival and existence, and it’s here to stay. It’s natural for parents and caregivers to want to protect and shield their child from anxiety, but that’s not helpful in the long run. Instead, teach your children skills to manage their anxiety. Teach them how to overcome challenges in their lives so they can persevere and become strong, successful adults.
When does anxiety become a bigger problem, and when should caregivers seek professional help?
Get to know your child’s baseline personality. Some changes are part of a child’s natural developmental process, whereas others may be problematic. If you begin to feel that something is wrong or outside the scope of normal development, pay attention and explore further. Pay attention to shifts in sleeping and eating patterns, increased irritability, anger, isolation, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, headaches, stomach distress, chest pain, panic attacks and muscle tension. If the problems impede the child’s functioning, then it may be time to seek professional help by setting up an evaluation with a therapist and/or medical professional.
Seasons Hospice and AccentCare unit ed under one brand this year. With per sonal care services, home health and hospice care, AccentCare is dedicated to providing high quality, compassion ate care for patients and families. For more information, visit accentcare.com
ProAm MedicineSports announced Dr. Jaimee Imperial as its new medical recreationalamateurprofessional,providerisSportsinternist.director,ProAmMedicineamedicalforandath letes. Imperial will oversee clinical operations companywide, and the ad dition allows ProAm Sports Medicine to provide primary care and family practice services to their patients. MountainView Hospital performed the first robot-assisted esophagecto my. An esophagectomy is a pro cedure to remove a portion of the esophagus to treat advanced esoph ageal cancer. Also referred to as a robotically assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy, the procedure was performed by Drs. Arnold Chung and Matthew Selleck, both specially trained on the robotic system.
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Eric Gershman, MD joins Optum Care Cancer Care on West Charles ton to help meet the growing need for health services in Las Vegas. He specializes in oncology. Southwest Medical added three new providers. Alexander Abesamis, APRN joins Southwest Medical’s Te naya Healthcare Center location and specializes in adult medicine. Timothy Brookes, DPM joins Southwest Medi cal’s Oakey Healthcare Center location and specializes in podiatry. Brady Syphus, PA joins Southwest Medical’s Rancho Urgent Care location and spe cializes in urgent care.
Dunkin’ of Las Vegas announced that $4,000 was granted to Cure 4 The Kids Foundation through the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. The grant will be used for Cure 4 The Kids’ arts in medicine program, which is designed to help young patients battling severe illnesses through creative expression with art, music, dance, theater, and literary exploration. Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day raised $1.8 million to support kids in children’s hospitals throughout the country. One dollar from every iced coffee purchased on May 25 at participating restaurants went to the program.
“Chrissy”Christina tuccio-CarranQuar , D.O., joined Nevada Donor Net work’s advisory board. ofprogramthecio-CarranQuartucisassociatedirectorthe HealthValleySystem family residencymedicinepro gram. Quartuccio-Carran has worked in clinical, administrative and academic capacities throughout her career. She also serves on the executive board of directors for the Nevada Academy of Family Physicians and as a committee advisor for the Clark County Medical Society’s resident, fellow and medical student committee.
HCQ Notes Imperial
CarranQuartuccio-Rajkotwala
Optum Care Anesthesia added two new health care providers to its North Tenaya Way location. Laraine Dy chioco, CRNA, and Ryan Sua, CRNA, specialize in anesthesia.
Paul J. Hauptman, M.D., was named Dean of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Chief Ac ademic Officer for Renown Health. Dr. Hauptman is a nationally recognized investigator in outcomes assessment in advanced heart failure, the evaluation of cardiac care delivery and clinical trials. He serves as Dean at the Univer sity of Tennessee Graduate School of
Dr. RajkotwalaKhozema joined Center Well PrimarySeniorCare’s Tenaya treatingcianpracticingRaj”nalcertifiedlocation.WayBoardinintermedicine,“Dr.hasbeenaphysifor25years,patients living with conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD, asthma, cardiac conditions, coronary artery disease and depression. He is also trilingual, speaking fluent English, Hindi and Gujarati. Prior to joining CenterWell, Dr. Raj spent almost 20 years running his private internal medicine practice in Ohio, where he administered acute and chronic care to more than 3,500 patients before becoming an internist at Anthem Hills Medical Center
Brenda Cotton was named business development and clinical operations manager of the Work Health Solutions Near-Site Clinic in Las Vegas. She has more than 20 years of industry expertise, working in departments, such as workers’ compensation, marketing, sales, adjustment and management. She has hands-on experience treating injured workers, working with employers and attorneys, and serving alongside physicians as a surgical technologist and medical assistant in urgent care centers, private physician practices and hospitals. Cotton will help the newly expanded company, which provides concierge-style occupational medicine for large-scale employers nationwide.
Lauren Molasky Fierst joined the Nevada Donor Network Foundation board. A Las Vegas native, Molasky Fierst battled cystic fibrosis since birth and received a double lung transplant in 2020. Since the procedure, she has focused on raising awareness and advocating for those who suffer from cystic fibrosis and those on the organ transplant waiting list.
Optum Care celebrated the graduating class of orthopaedic surgery residents from UNLV’s Kirk Kerkorian School of Med icine in June. The event was held at the Arroyo Room, Red Rock Country Club
AUGUST 2022 HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY 49
Medicine-Knoxville and chief academic officer at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. He begins his appoint ment on Oct. 17. The selection of Dr. Hauptman came following a nation wide search. MountainView Hospital was named to the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. This is the second time MountainView has been recognized with this honor as one of the top performing teaching hospitals in the U.S. Merative, a data, analytics and technology partner for the health industry, identified the top hospitals from an evaluation of 2,650 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals. The annual list recognizes excellence in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience, and financial health. SilverSummit Healthplan expanded its partnership with Southern Nevada-based Comprehensive Cancer Centers. The partnership offers SilverSummit members guaranteed and expedited access to care at Comprehensive Cancer Center locations. Members also have the option to receive integrated care, which centralizes their treatments, procedures, medication, and consultations all in one place. “A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful for members and their loved ones, and ensuring timely, quality care is paramount during this time,” said Eric Schmacker, President & CEO, SilverSummit Healthplan. “We are proud to partner with award-winning Comprehensive Cancer Centers to ensure our members have access to timely, high-quality, integrated healthcare and services.”
Optum Care Lung and Allergy Care added a physician to help meet the growing need for health services in the Las Vegas community. Mona Liu, MD joins Optum Care Lung and Allergy Care at Oakey Boulevard and specializes in allergy. Southwest Medical added three new providers. Zhiqi (Yuki) Chen, DPM joins Southwest Medical’s Oakey Healthcare Center location and spe cializes in podiatry. Maria Roma Paula Delarrazabal, APRN joins Southwest Medical’s Rancho Urgent Care loca tion and specializes in urgent care. Alexandra Acosta Owens, MD joins Southwest Medical’s Nellis Healthcare Center location and specializes in adult medicine. Comprehensive Cancer Centers ex panded its complimentary sunscreen program into City of Henderson, offering free SPF 30 sunscreen and proactive tips. Kiosks are available for use at six City of Henderson Parks and Recreation facilities, including the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve and five pools (Black Mountain Aquatic Complex, Henderson Multigenera tional Activity Pool, Silver Springs Outdoor Pool, Wells Outdoor Pool and Whitney Ranch Activity Pool). “The health and safety of our resi dents is a top priority which is why we are extremely proud to partner with Comprehensive Cancer Centers in providing our residents critical sun protection,” said City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Director Shari Ferguson
UNLV commemorates residency space
. From Left: Jeff Surina, MD; Janel Pietryga, MD; Dr. Michael Daubs, medical director of Optum Care Orthopaedic and Spine, and chief, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery; Jessica Albanese, MD; and Greg Daubs, MD.
Uniting the Heart & Science of Healthcare COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE – COLLEGE OF NURSING – COLLEGE OF PHARMACY COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES – COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT)
2568(8/25/22)HCQ preventiveMore 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.
