2023-05-25 - Health Care Quarterly (Vol. 40) - Spring 2023

Publisher of Branded Content and Special Publications

EMMA WOLFF (emma.wolff@gmgvegas.com)

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From the editor

Every year, we at Vegas Inc’s Health Care Quarterly have the amazing opportunity to present our Top Doctors list to the public. To create this list, we start by sending out letters to thousands of doctors seeking their recommendations. These tremendously busy men and women then nominate their peers by category of care. Once we receive and sort these submissions, we check our list against the state medical boards to ensure that each physician is in good standing. The result is the feature of this publication.

These doctors, recommended by doctors, compose a comprehensive guide for our community. This list is an excellent resource for Southern Nevadans looking for quality health care providers –no matter what individual health needs they may have. With more than 100 physicians from 39 specialties, there is a Top Doctor for any need, disease, or injury.

Though specialized care may begin with finding the right doctor, it surely doesn’t end there. Diagnosis and treatment have to be navigated with care and attention, and often take a lot of time. Good physicians, like those highlighted in the following pages, work closely with patients and provide care specific to the individual. In this publication you will find stories of how individualized medicine is breaking barriers and helping our community.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers is researching cancer vaccines, developed with an individual’s own T cells to develop customized treatment. With the help of artificial intelligence, targeted therapies are becoming more accurate than ever before. The development of this technology could have far-reaching effects on the approach to

cancer treatment in the future.

Roseman University College of Dental Medicine recognized a need for specialized care in the community and, in connection with Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, is providing dental care for children who suffer from chronic conditions like cancers and blood disorders. Many of these children have complicated health plans that require special considerations and Roseman Dental in Summerlin is rising to the occasion to meet their needs.

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health has partnered with the Michael J. Fox Foundation in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative. This study will gather data from participants in Nevada to research the causes of Parkinson’s disease and develop effective tracking and treatments.

So much is being done to ensure Nevadans have the highest quality of care. I would like to personally thank the 2023 Top Doctors for the years they have dedicated to their education and practice. Their commitment to service is truly honorable. I hope that as you read, you will feel inspired by the resiliency and innovation demonstrated in our community’s health care system. And, to meet your own health care needs, hold on to this issue. It shouldn’t be hard to find a great doctor.

Sierra Smart Special Publications Editor sierra.smart@gmgvegas.com

From the sponsor

Comprehensive Cancer Centers would like to congratulate the 2023 Vegas Inc Top Doctors. We are proud to support and recognize the heroes in our health care community by sponsoring this program each year.

Our local health care professionals work selflessly to provide compassionate treatment to patients across Southern Nevada. During the past few years, they have been tasked with providing first-rate care to those in need, while risking their own safety, and have done so valiantly.

For more than 40 years, the physicians at Comprehensive have provided the highest quality care in medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, breast surgery, pulmonary services, cancer genetic counseling and clinical research.

The dedicated professionals at Comprehensive refuse to rest on our laurels as we continue to enhance the patient experience by recruiting the best providers, investing in technology, and offering the latest treatments and services.

We have served as a steward in this community and take pride in being able to offer our patients the latest in cancer treatment and clinical research with a robust research program that provides cutting edge advancements in cancer

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

Comprehensive’s work has cultivated partnerships with prestigious institutions such as UCLA TRIO-US, The US Oncology Network, USC and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as well as leading pharmaceutical companies to bring groundbreaking world-class treatments close to home.

Congratulations to all the 2023 Top Doctors on your noteworthy contributions. May we, together, continue to push the local medical community forward while making our patients proud.

Sincerely,

Jon Bilstein Executive Director Comprehensive Cancer Centers

“During the past few years, they have been tasked with providing first-rate care to those in need, while risking their own safety, and have done so valiantly.”

Dr.

Assistant Professor, Touro University Nevada & Primary Care Physician, TUN Health Center

MATCH DAY A BIG BOON TO HEALTH CARE IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

Sunrise Health Graduate Medical Education Consortium accepted 109 new residents on national Match Day. Eighty-one residents from the 2023 class matched at MountainView and 28 matched at Southern Hills. They will also rotate at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.

Residents will work in anesthesiology, emergency medicine, diagnostic radiology, family medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, neurology, OB-GYN, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry.

According to the National Resident Matching Program, 2023 was a record-breaking year with 42,952 applicants. Spots for Sunrise Health Graduate Medical Education Consortium’s program were competitive with more than 1,000 applications for eight positions in anesthesiology, more than 400 for five positions in diagnostic radiology, and more than 400 for six positions in physical medicine and rehabilitation, the only program of its kind in Nevada.

BLOOD DONATION GUIDELINES ARE CHANGING

In January 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a proposed change in blood donation eligibility criteria. This change will assess blood donors using genderinclusive, individual riskbased questions to reduce the risk of transfusion transmitted HIV infection.

The FDA reviewed the data from other countries with similar HIV epidemiology that have instituted the same approach and believes the proposed screening will not compromise the safety of the blood supply.

There is a critical blood shortage, and allowing more individuals the ability to donate will increase the availability.

—Contributed by Christina Madison

Some Nevadans will lose health care coverage. Here’s how to reenroll

BY KELLY SIMONSON

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, millions nationwide retained their Medicaid coverage as a result of the federal public health emergency (PHE) declaration enacted in January 2020. This continued access to Medicaid has allowed individuals, families and children to maintain insurance coverage throughout the pandemic and has provided critical health care protections to more than 860,000 vulnerable children and adults in Nevada alone.

With the end of the federal mandate requiring states provide continuous coverage to Medicaid enrollees during the PHE, an estimated 200,000 Nevadans need to update their Medicaid information for themselves or their children to ensure they have continued health care coverage, either through Medicaid or other insurance options.

While many people will remain eligible for Medicaid, the renewal process can take time. Individuals should take action now to ensure their information is up to date with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. For those who find that they are no longer eligible for Medicaid, affordable and quality health insurance options may be available at nevadahealthlink.com.

Routine care remains foundational for better health

Health care coverage is important for everyone. It provides individuals and families with peace of mind to seek services when care is needed and helps to keep the overall cost of health care in every state under control. Regular doctor visits allow individuals, children and families to obtain preventive care, critical screenings, and the services needed to achieve their best health.

Importance of continued coverage

Now is the time for everyone who is receiving Medicaid to check their eligibility and determine if they need to take action on their coverage. We all have an important role to play in ensuring those covered by Medicaid are aware of the steps they should take to maintain access to continuous healthcare coverage.

Community-based organizations, health care providers and nonprofits that support individuals on Medicaid are uniquely positioned to help educate people on the importance of the Medicaid renewal process.

While Medicaid renewals are not new, the process may be new for many due to the end of the continuous enrollment requirement. We must work together to educate Nevadans and help them maintain access to critical resources like health care coverage.

How to stay covered

In Nevada, individuals can renew their Medicaid coverage online at AccessNevada.DWSS. nv.gov. People can also call to renew, update their address and have renewal paperwork mailed to them at 702-486-1646 in Southern Nevada or 775-684-7200 in Northern Nevada.

Those who no longer qualify for Medicaid may find that private insurance is more affordable than they expected. Options are listed at nevadahealthlink.com and the phone number is 800-547-2927

Everyone should have access to high-quality, equitable care without having to worry that they will be unable to afford the bills.

At UnitedHealthcare, we are dedicated to supporting our members and connecting all Nevadans with resources to ensure they retain access to the care they need to live healthier lives.

Kelly Simonson is President of Health Plan of Nevada’s Medicaid health plan where she leads strategic development, growth, compliance, and operations.

Minimally invasive carpal tunnel procedure introduced to Las Vegas

RYAN GRABOW MD, FAAOS

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that occurs as a result of compression on the median nerve (the nerve that travels through the forearm to the hand). The result of this nerve compression manifests in patients as numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, long, and ring fingers and can also cause aches in the wrist. In severe cases, symptoms may make it harder to make a fist or grip things.

While this syndrome can be caused by multiple factors, including abnormal wrist anatomy or medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, it is often caused by forceful and repetitive hand use, as this produces swelling of the wrist and inflammation of the tendons as they travel under a tight ligament with the median nerve leading to significant compression.

This debilitating syndrome affects an estimated 13 million Americans. Activities that involve flexing or extending the wrist can both increase the pressure on the nerve and cause symptoms to worsen, which is of particular concern to Las Vegas’ hospitality and casino service industry workers, such as card dealers, bartenders, convention workers and more, who use repetitive hand motions every day.

Despite the moderate to severe discomfort caused by this syndrome, millions of patients delay or outright refuse surgery because they’re scared of anesthesia, cannot afford surgery, don’t have the time to recover, or all three.

Typically one of two surgical techniques are used for carpal tunnel surgery — a mini-open technique that requires a one to two-inch incision in the palm of the hand, or an endoscopic technique that uses a special camera and knife with a smaller incision. Both are performed under general anesthesia in the operating room.

Recovery and return to work can span from a few weeks to more than a month. As such, it’s completely understandable that some patients do not have the financial resources to afford the surgery and the aftercare required or to take an undetermined amount of time away from work to recover from a surgical procedure intended to improve their ability to work with their hands.

Concierge Carpal Tunnel and Hand Surgery, recently honored in December 2022 as one of only 10 U.S. Centers of Excellence in Carpal Tunnel Release with Real-Time Ultrasound Guidance, alleviates those concerns for patients in Southern Nevada by being the only practice in Las Vegas to offer no sedation, micro-incision, ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release. Patients can use their hands the next day and typically return to work in just three to six days.

This microinvasive procedure that was introduced to Las Vegas in the summer of 2021, is performed under local anesthesia with an incision smaller than a Tic Tac. Once this microincision is made, a specialized cutting device is inserted under real-time ultrasound guidance, allowing an unparalleled view of the nerves, arteries, and tendons in real-time, which releases the patient’s compression in just minutes, with minimal to no pain. During the procedure, patients can comfortably recline and watch a video or listen to their favorite music.

This procedure has been a game-changer in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in my practice. From numerous elderly patients who wanted to avoid general anesthesia and did not want to stop their blood thinners to service industry workers who needed a procedure with minimal downtime, it has truly been a pleasure to be able to provide a simple solution that every patient deserves.

Ryan Grabow MD, FAAOS, is the Founder of Concierge Carpal Tunnel and Hand Surgery

Teen vape smokers at higher risk of vision-loss illness

BY DR. JAMES ANDREW HO, OD

In the United States alone, more than 19 million suffer from some form of age-related macular degeneration — about 13% of the population. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in adults 50 years and older. This is expected to increase to an estimated 22 million with AMD by 2050. AMD has become such a popular topic that individuals have created social media content about this irreversible illness, bringing awareness to younger demographics and discussing risk factors, such as smoking.

It’s estimated that one third of all AMD is a result of the combination of smoking, including vaping, and genetics. E-cigarettes can affect eye health through two mechanisms. E-cigarettes have been shown to increase oxidative stress and decrease antioxidants.

AMD RISK FACTORS

According to a 2022 study from the FDA, more than 3 million teenagers have reported using tobacco products in the past 30 days. Even more staggering is that one in four of those teenagers report using tobacco products every day, with e-cigarettes used most frequently. The cause for concern is quickly rising as more teens are exposed to and using tobacco products consistently, without regard to long-term ocular consequences. This poses a public health concern as about 20% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 vape, an increase in frequency compared to teenagers.

n A diet high in saturated fat

n Excessive weight

n Smoking

n Age (50 or older)

n Hypertension and high cholesterol

n Family history of AMD

This stress has been implicated in the development of cataracts, AMD, and glaucoma. Nicotine in e-cigarettes has been known to impede blood flow to the eye. A 2021 study published by the Journal of Molecular Medicine in Berlin found that exposure to e-cigarette vapor (with or without nicotine) induces the occurrence and progression of inflammatory and angiogenic effects in the retina. Macular degeneration can impair a person’s vision and can cause severe blindness.

It is important to note that these changes are typically irreversible and likely to progress with time and age. There is no cure for macular degeneration.

There are two different types of age-related macular degeneration — wet and dry AMD. In both instances, afflicted individuals experience damage to a part of their retina called the macula. This damage leads to center loss of vision that can look like a large black spot in the center of a person’s vision. In severe cases, there can be full irreversible vision loss.

Though AMD is typically seen in patients 50 years of age or older, that doesn’t suggest that anyone younger than 50 is immune from the disease.

With the FDA reporting an up to four times higher risk for contracting AMD for smokers versus nonsmokers, youths need to understand the risks of vaping. To decrease the risk of macular degeneration, it is recommended to avoid smoking, use sun protection while outdoors, and have a well-balanced diet. Vitamin supplementation can also be of benefit in some patients if a doctor deems it necessary.

Dr. James Andrew Ho, OD, is a Doctor of Optometry at Shepherd Eye Center

New program aims to minimize falls in homes of seniors

BY BOB CLEVELAND

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury, death and disability among people 65 years of age and older. More than one in four older adults fall each year. This results in three million individuals requiring treatment in emergency departments and more than 800,000 patients hospitalized because of fall-related injuries, including hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries. In addition, falling once doubles the chances of falling again.

This is a major concern as approximately 17% of Americans were 65 years of age and older in 2020 and numbers only continue to increase. That, combined with the fact that nearly 80% of those 65 and older own a home, creates a dangerous situation that must be addressed.

through our Fall Protection Program to those who are 65 years of age and older, are low-income, and have fallen at least once. RTSNV, the local affiliate of Rebuilding Together, was founded in 1994 with a mission of repairing homes, revitalizing communities, and rebuilding lives.

We provide critical home repairs at zero cost to low-income homeowners, including veterans, older adults and people with disabilities. These repairs are vital, ensuring homes remain safe to live in. In our 29 years serving the community, RTSNV has renovated nearly 9,000 homes and impacted countless lives.

Individuals 65 and older who have fallen at least once and need home repairs or modifications can call RTSNV at 702-2594900 to see if they’re eligible to receive support through the Fall Prevention Program or visit RTSNV.org for more information

Aging in place is widely understood to be more cost-effective compared to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. For many low-income older adults, aging in place is the only viable option because the cost of assisted living facilities is out of reach.

This is certainly the case for Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada’s clients. More than 70% of our clients are seniors 65 years of age and older who tend to have higher rates of disability and make an average of $23,000 per year or are living on a fixed income. Our senior clients don’t have the means to pay for the home modifications needed to safely age in place.

That’s why RTSNV offers additional support

RTSNV’s Fall Prevention Program creates a home environment that reduces in-home falls for seniors by providing critical home repairs and accessibility modifications, including bathroom grab bars, stairway railings, roll-in showers, door widening, adaptable faucets, improved lighting and more, at zero cost to eligible clients. The zero-cost home repairs and modifications are performed by licensed contractors to ensure quality control.

Rigorous research has found that these home repairs and modifications significantly reduce falls and the tremendous economic burden associated with them. One such study by Skane University Hospital’s Department of Orthopedics found that modifying home hazards reduced the number of falls by 44%.

Individuals 65 and older who have fallen at least once and need home repairs or modifications are encouraged to call RTSNV at 702-259-4900 to see if they’re eligible to receive support through the Fall Prevention Program or visit RTSNV.org for more information.

Bob Cleveland is CEO of Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada

Christina M. Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, is Founder and CEO of The Public Health Pharmacist, PLLC and Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice

Branding 101 : Why health care professionals need a personal brand

BY CHRISTINA M. MADISON, PHARMD, FCCP, AAHIVP

Your digital footprint is who you are. Your online information is your business card, regardless of whether it matches what is on your physical business card. It’s highly recommended that you look yourself up online if you haven’t before. It is important to know what others are seeing when they search for you on the internet.

Though it might not seem like it, health care professionals are public figures. Medical offices and individual providers have Google reviews. What are you doing to ensure you get five stars? How are health care professionals supposed to stand out in a sea of other providers? The answer is personal branding.

Personal branding is the process of defining and promoting what you stand for as an individual. Your personal brand is a culmination of your experiences, skills, and values that differentiate you from someone else. A personal brand improves confidence and can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. By taking charge of your personal brand, you can determine what your staff, colleagues, and patients think and feel about you and the work you do.

Your personal brand exists whether you create it for yourself or not. It is the combination of all your online and offline behavior. Here are a few tips that will help you adjust your brand.

1. Set goals for your branding. Decide what you want to be known for.

2. Do a digital audit. What does your existing brand look like? Search yourself online

and find out what people are saying about you.

3. Invest in professional photography and make sure your photos are up to date. You should look like your photograph online so you are recognizable in person.

4. Determine the best place for your digital message. Typically, this is LinkedIn for professionals. If you do not have a profile on that platform or do not maintain your profile, start here.

5. Be consistent. Having a strategy is key. When showcasing your personal brand by using social media, blogging, taking part in interviews, podcasting, and writing op eds, it is best stick to a regular posting schedule. Consider starting a regular newsletter and developing an email list to keep your audience engaged.

6. Be your authentic self. You are not creating a character. Having a successful personal brand means presenting yourself to your network in the best possible light.

If you don’t know what your digital footprint should look like, find someone else’s profile that you like and determine what qualities you’d like to emulate. You can also hire help. Set yourself up for success and do the work. Invest in yourself and your brand. Take certificate, continuing education, and professional development courses. Read books that are not about health care. Stay up to date on the latest in your field of practice. You never know when you will get an opportunity to provide expert commentary, provide a contributing article, or have an on-air appearance. You are incredible, isn’t it about time you show the world?

LOOK YOURSELF UP ONLINE IF YOU HAVEN’T BEFORE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHAT OTHERS ARE SEEING WHEN THEY SEARCH FOR YOU ON THE INTERNET.

Making dental care more accessible

Princeton receives dental care at Roseman Dental–Summerlin. Because he has von Willebrand disease and requires infusions prior to dental work, many providers refused to treat him.

(Courtesy)

New clinic treats children with cancer and other systemic illnesses

BY JASON ROTH

For Tiffany Ganoe, finding a dentist to care for her two sons has been a frustrating journey. Princeton, 11, and Harrison, 9, both have von Willebrand disease, a disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. Providing dental treatment to patients with severe types of bleeding disorders requires extra care and coordination with the patient’s hematologist. This includes planning preoperative and postoperative hematologic precautions to reduce the risk of bleeding following dental procedures.

Through the years, Ganoe says dentists either refused to see her boys or they wouldn’t work with their hematologist to coordinate care. “They need to have infusions prior to any kind of [dental] work, and we haven’t been able to find a dentist that will work with the hematologist,” she said.

It’s the need for this type of coordinated care that inspires Roseman Dental–Summerlin to help patients like Princeton and Harrison.

Roseman Dental –Summer lin, a clinical practice of Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, opened in May 2022 to provide dental care to Cure 4 The Kids Foundation’s pediatric patients who are receiving treatment for life-threatening conditions, including childhood cancers, blood disorders and rheumatological diseases

.

“Cancer and other systemic diseases and their associated treatment, including certain medications, can result in rapid tooth decay or oral pain,” said Katherine Salkanovic, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation’s Director of Patient Experience. “This can interfere with their treatment and their quality of life.”

Compounding the problem is the fact that preventative dental care is often deprioritized while families navigate treatment for systemic diseases. “Patients may not have the emotional and physical energy or resources to tackle preventative care, or even severe or serious dental issues, and there may be fears in exposing a child to a busy dental clinic unfamiliar with the needs of and the collaboration required to treat children with these complex illnesses,” added Salkanovic.

Nonprofit and community based, Roseman Dental’s Summerlin clinic is the first of its kind in Nevada to provide specialized care and attention to patients who have complex medical cases and thus need a higher level of oral and dental care. The clinic provides C4K’s pediatric patients with preventative dental care including cleanings and X-rays, anxiety management, composite restorations (fillings), pulp therapy, crowns, and extractions. The clinic also offers orthodontic and dentofacial screenings with referral for treatment at the Roseman Dental & Orthodontics clinic in Henderson.

The practice connects with each patient’s care team within C4K, offering

an interprofessional approach to treatment. Matthew Thacker, DMD, Roseman Dental’s clinical director and program director of the College of Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program, says that breaking down barriers and silos that can exist in trying to coordinate complex care dramatically benefits the patient.

“In the case of Roseman Dental, providers can simply walk down the hall to discuss diagnosis, treatment plans, prescription interactions, and psychosocial support for patients already being seen within C4K,” said Thacker.

The services offered at Roseman Dental were a welcome relief for Sheryl Orozco, grandmother of C4K patient Gage Roth, 11. Diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma brain tumor at age 5 and having undergone multiple brain surgeries, Gage is visually impaired. He also has several associated health conditions including a bleeding disorder, diabetes, sepsis, hypothyroidism, and anxiety, all of which require precautionary steps before dental work. With Gage’s teeth affected by his health conditions and treatment, Orozco sought care from six different dentists, but all were hesitant to provide the care he needed, particularly a tooth extraction requiring sedation.

“Because of his medical issues and all the medications he’s taking, I noticed that it started affecting his teeth,” said Orozco. “He was having some tooth pain… I was referred to a pediatric den -

Jason Roth is Vice President for Communications at Roseman University of Health Sciences

tist, and he read through Gage’s file, saw his condition, his brain tumor, diabetes, sepsis, the four different medications he’s on, and he said, ‘we really can’t help you right now.’ ” Orozco said that the doctor offered an X-ray and cleaning but would not treat the root cause of Gage’s tooth pain.

Gage’s situation is not uncommon, says Alice Chen, DMD, a board-certified pediatric dentist treating patients at Roseman Dental in Summerlin. “There are additional levels of care that are needed in support of these patients,” said Chen. “Our collaborative approach with patients’ C4K care teams allows Roseman Dental to fully understand each patient’s unique needs. This lessens the anxiety of the patients and their parents or caregivers.”

Because families are also deeply affected by a child with illness, Roseman’s clinic also provides care for family members of C4K patients. Providing services to the patient’s immediate family ensures that the family’s dental health-

care needs are met, enabling them to focus on the treatment and care of their child with a systemic illness, says Thacker.

“We’re seeing not only the patients of C4K, but also their parents, brothers, sisters, and even grandparents,” said Thacker. “We want to make sure we are accommodating every aspect of our patients’ lives in a way that is efficient, affordable, and of the highest quality.”

To help optimize care, Thacker says Roseman Dental–Summerlin utilizes the latest technology in dental diagnosis and treatment, including digital scanners with infrared capabilities to detect cavities, 3D X-rays to every aspect of the jaw versus the traditional 2D X-ray, and software integrated with artificial intelligence to plan treatment, including surgical planning for implants to allow placement with high precision.

“Being a clinical practice of Roseman University’s College of Dental Medicine ensures we are incorporating the latest and greatest methods and technology in dentistry,” said Thacker.

Matthew Thacker, DMD, left, and Alice Chen, DMD, right. Thacker is clinical director and Chen is a pediatric dentist treating patients at Roseman Dental in Summerlin. (Courtesy)

The annual Top Doctors issue of Health Care Quarterly recognizes some of the best doctors practicing in our region. Our goal with this publication is to provide a comprehensive list of peer-recommended physicians, so when you need medical care, you have somewhere to turn to find the very best that Southern Nevada has to offer. We know what a difference it makes to have a doctor you can trust with your health. This guide includes more than 100 physicians from 39 different specialties. There is a Top Doctor for any need, disease or injury. We are honored to bring recognition to these individuals who do so much to bring quality care to our community.

ALLERGY/ IMMUNOLOGY

Jim Christensen, MD Optum Care 702-724-8844 optumcare.com

Andrew Sean McKnight, MD Allergy Partners of Nevada 702-212-5889 allergypartners.com

David Tottori, MD Tottori Allergy & Asthma Associates 702-432-8250 tottoriallergy.com

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Stephanie Davidson, DO US Anesthesia Partners— Nevada 702-878-0070 usap.com

Alonzo Henry, MD US Anesthesia Partners— Nevada 702-878-0070 usap.com

Vitus Teng, MD PBS Anesthesia 702-386-4700

BARIATRICS

Darren Soong, MD Surgical Weight Control Center of Nevada 702-313-8446 surgicalweightcontrolcenter.com

Francis Teng, MD Dr. Francis Teng 702-838-5888 fwtengbariatrics.com

CARDIOLOGY

Ruben Acherman, MD Children’s Heart Center Nevada 702-732-1290 childrensheartcenter.com

Sean Ameli, MD Ameli Dardourian Heart Center 702-906-1100 ameliheartcenter.com

Keshav Chander, MD Smart Heart Care & Smart Medical Care 702-473-5333 4smartcare.com

Alfred Danielian, MD Las Vegas Heart Associates 702-962-2200 lasvegasheartassociates.com

William Evans, MD Children’s Heart Center 702-732-1290 childrensheartcenter.com

Alvaro Galindo, MD Children’s Heart Center 702-732-1290 childrensheartcenter.com

Pamela Ivey, MD Intermountain Healthcare 702-407-0110 intermountainnv.org

Navid Kazemi, 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

CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY

Michael Ciccolo, MD Children’s Heart Center Nevada 702-732-1290

childrensheartcenter.com

Neel Dhudshia, MD Dignity Health Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery Clinic 844-996-0717

dignityhealth.org

Quynh Feikes, MD Valley Health Physician Alliance 702-410-9962

valleyhealthphysicians.com

Deepak Malhotra, MD MountainView Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates 702-962-5920

heartandlungnv.com

Michael Wood, MD

Dignity Health Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery Clinic 844-996-0717

dignityhealth.org

DENTISTRY

Patrick Simone, DDS Patrick Simone, DDS 702-735-2755 patricksimonedds.com

Bradley Strong, DDS Bradley S. Strong D.D.S., LTD. 702-242-3800 bstrongdds.com

DERMATOLOGY

Miriam Bettencourt, MD Thomas Dermatology 702-430-5333 thomasderm.com

Victoria Farley, MD Vivida Dermatology 702-255-6647 vivida.com

H.L. Greenberg, MD Las Vegas Dermatology 702-456-3120 lasvegasdermatology.com

Douglas Thomas, MD Thomas Dermatology 702-430-5333 thomasderm.com

Linda Woodson, MD Linda Woodson Dermatology 702-202-2700 lindawoodsondermatology. com

EAR, NOSE, AND THROA T

Fred Goll, MD Ear Nose & Throat Consultants of Nevada 702-792-6700 entc.com

Sina Nasri, MD Nasri & Physicians 702-804-4729 drnasri.com

Matthew Ng, MD UNLV Health 702-671-6480 unlvhealth.org

Jonathan Salinas, MD Ear Nose & Throat Consultants of Nevada 702-792-6700 entc.com

Walter W. Schroeder, MD Ear Nose & Throat Consultants of Nevada 702-792-6700 entc.com

Ashley Sikand, MD Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants of Nevada 702-792-6700 entc.com

Robert Wang, MD UNLV Health 702-671-6480 unlvhealth.org

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Ross Berkeley, MD University Medical Center 702-383-2000 umcsn.com

Leslie Denton, DO Spring Mountain Medical 702-707-9969 springmtnmed.com

Adrian Gomez, DO MountainView Hospital 702-823-4255 mountainview-hospital.com

Derek Meeks, DO Boulder City Hospital 702-294-5751 bchcares.org

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Brian Berelowitz, MD Brian Berelowitz MD 702-804-9486

Chard Bubb, MD Intermountain Healthcare 702-862-8226 intermountainnv.org

W. Reid Litchfield, MD Desert Endocrinology 702-434-8400 desertendo.com

FREDERICK GOLL III, MD

Endocrine (Thyroid, Parathyroid), Pediatrics

Otolaryngology –Head and Neck Surgery Residency

The Ohio State University

Medical Degree

University of Iowa College of Medicine

Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

WALTER W. SCHROEDER, MD

Rhinology, Functional and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Residency

Assistant Professor UNLV School of Medicine

Medical Degree

University of South Florida

Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

Fellow American College of Surgeons

Fellow American Academy of Pediatrics

JONATHAN SALINAS, MD

Voice, Swallowing and Airway Disorders Fellowship

Ronald Reagan - UCLA Medical Center

Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Residency

Ronald Reagan - UCLA Medical Center

Medical Degree

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Accepted into the Masters in Clinical Service Operations

Harvard Medical School

Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

Dr. Larry Yu, Dr. Daniel Kim, Dr. Lakeisha Henry, Dr. Christine Mirabal, Dr. Ashley Sikand, Dr. Chad Daniels, Susan Thomas, NP, Kate Paner, PA

EXTRAORDINARY PHYSICIANS EXTRAORDINARY CARE

Top

Doctor

Alfred Danielian, MD, FACC, FASE Cardiology

Je rey Levisman, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiology

Matthew Selleck, DO, FACS, FSSO Complex Surgical Oncology

MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

JAMES S. J. HSU, MD, FCCP, DABSM Pulmonary

STEPHANI CHRISTENSEN, MD Oncology MUHAMMAD S. GHANI, MD Oncology LIAWATY HO, MD Oncology

EDWIN C. KINGSLEY, MD Oncology

ANTHONY V. NGUYEN, MD Oncology

NISARG CHANGAWALA, MD, MPH Pulmonary

RESTITUTO TIBAYAN, MD Oncology

MICHAEL J. ANDERSON, MD Radiation Oncology

SAMUAL R. FRANCIS, MD, MS Radiation Oncology

JOHN “JACK” COLLIER, MD, FCCP, DABSM Pulmonary

GEORGE S. TU, MD, FCCP, DABSM Pulmonary

SOUZAN EL-EID, MD, FACS General Surgery

Quang Nguyen, DO Las Vegas Endocrinology 702-605-5750 lasvegasendocrinology.com

Claudia K. Vogel, MD Claudia Vogel M.T. LTD 844-414-1386

FAMILY PRACTICE

Neil Gokal, MD Southwest Medical, part of Optum Care 702-877-5199 smalv.com

Travis Hailstone, DO Southern Nevada Internal Medicine and Pediatrics 702-253-5410

Matthew Martin, DO Touro University Nevada Student Health Center 702-777-4809 tourohealthcenter.com

Thomas Shang, MD Valley Hospital Medical Center 702-388-4000 valleyhealthsystemlv.com

FERTILITY

Carrie Bedient, MD The Fertility Center of Las Vegas 702-254-1777 fertilitycenterlv.com

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Howard Baron, MD Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition Associates 702-791-0477 pgnalv.com

Gary Chen, MD Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada 702-483-4483 nevadagastro.com

Vishal Gandotra, MD Vegas Gastroenterology 702-750-0313 vegasgastroenterology.com

Gregory Kwok, MD Gastroenterology Associates 702-796-0231 lasvegasgastro.com

Frank Nemec, MD Gastroenterology Associates 702-796-0231 lasvegasgastro.com

GENERAL SURGERY

Peter Caravella, MD Las Vegas Surgical Associates 702-258-7788 lvsurgical.com

Sean Dort, MD Southern Nevada Surgery Specialists 702-914-2420 southernnvsurgery.com

Souzan El-Eid, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada 702-255-1133 cccnevada.com

Nick Fiore, MD Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center 702-233-8101 sunrisehospital.com

GERIATRICS

Alvin Lin, MD Alvin Lin, MD 888-505-7769

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Brian Lipman, MD Brian Lipman, MD 702-930-9726

Alka Rebentish, MD Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic 702-380-4242 idassociateslv.com

Kathleen Wairimu, MD MountainView Hospital 702-343-7610 mountainview-hospital.com

CONDITIONS TREATED:

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Constantine George, MD EPITOMEDICAL 702-419-3482 epitomedical.com

Robert Gong, MD Siena Hills Primary Care 702-614-0850 sienahillsprimarycare.com

Renu Mahajan, MD Smart Heart Care & Smart Medical Care 702-473-5333 4smartcare.com

Daniel Malone Jr., MD Southwest Medical, Part of Optum Care 702-877-5199 smalv.com

Angela Miller, MD Concierge Medicine Las Vegas 702-850-2422 conciergemedicinelasvegas. com

Jeffrey Ng, MD Ng Family Healthcare 702-847-7744 jeffreyngmd.com

Jerry Schwartz, MD Schwartz & Tung, MDs 702-737-8657 mymdinlv.com

NEPHROLOGY

Chidi Okafor, MD Kidney Specialists of Southern Nevada 702-877-1887 ksosn.com

Luana Pillon, MD Kidney, Dialysis & Hypertension Specialists 702-600-8086 kidneylv.com

Zvi Sela, MD Kidney Specialists of Southern Nevada 702-877-1887 ksosn.com

Vivek Veerapaneni, MD Kidney Specialists of Southern Nevada 702-877-1887 ksosn.com

Vincent Yang, MD Kidney Specialists of Southern Nevada 702-877-1887 ksosn.com

NEUROLOGY

Azin Azma, MD Las Vegas Neurology Center 702-432-2233 lvneuro.com

Omar Cabahug, MD Omar Cabahug MD 702-914-6994

Bess Chang, DO Medical Neurology 702-851-1065 medicalneurologylv.com

Leo Germin, MD Clinical Neurology Specialists 702-804-1212 cnsnevada.com

David Ginsburg, MD Ginsburg Neurology 725-268-7151

Paul Janda, DO Las Vegas Neurology Center 702-432-2233 lvneuro.com

Jay Mahajan, DO Las Vegas Neurology Center 702-432-2233 lvneuro.com

Venkatachalam Veerappan, MD Desert Neurology 702-732-2600

NEUROSURGERY

John Anson, MD

The Spine & Brain Institute 702-896-0940 thespinebrain.com

James Forage, MD

The Spine & Brain Institute 702-896-0940 thespinebrain.com

Dr. Dustin Boyer Radiation Oncology

Congratulations Dr. Boyer on being recognized as one of Nevada’s Top Doctors

At GenesisCare, we use cutting-edge technology and the latest treatments to provide the best possible life outcomes.

This is a better world of care, close to home. This is GenesisCare.

Anthem Hills Pediatrics would like to

DR. KIM LAMOTTE-MALONE, DR. INEADA OKAFOR and DR. DOUGLAS BARLOW on winning

Michael Seiff, MD The Spine & Brain Institute 702-896-0940 thespinebrain.com

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Joseph Adashek, MD Desert Perinatal Associates 702-341-6610

desertperinatalassociates.com

Donna Miller, MD For Women 725-777-0414

nvforwomenobgyn.com

Carla Turner, MD For Women 725-777-0414

nvforwomenobgyn.com

ONCOLOGY

Stephani Christensen, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-856-1400 cccnevada.com

Muhammad Ghani, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-822-2000 cccnevada.com

Liawaty Ho, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3400 cccnevada.com

Edwin Kingsley, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3400 cccnevada.com

Anthony Nguyen, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-856-1400 cccnevada.com

Restituto Tibayan, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-822-2000 cccnevada.com

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Mark Doubrava, MD Eye Care for Nevada 702-794-2020 eyecarefornevada.com

Nelson Lopez, DO Lopez Eye Institute 725-266-4840 lopezeyeinstitute.com

Tim Perozek, MD See Right Now 702-982-1360 seerightnow.org

Grace Shin, MD Ideal Eye Care 702-896-2020 idealeyecarelv.com

Matthew Swanic, MD Las Vegas Eye Institute 702-816-2525 lasvegaseyeinstitute.com

Irene Voo, MD Irene Voo MD 702-583-3300 irenevoo.com

ORTHOPEDICS

Roger Fontes, MD Desert Orthopaedic Center 702-706-7860 doclv.com

Russell Nevins, MD Desert Orthopaedic Center 702-706-7860 doclv.com

Bernard Ong, MD Bernard Ong MD 702-796-7979 ongortho.com

David Stewart, MD Cure 4 The Kids Foundation 702-732-1439 cure4thekids.org

Our legacy of community care

is in excellent hands

Local physicians and Vegas Inc readers have come to the same conclusion we did quite some time ago—Neil Gokal, MD and Daniel Malone, Jr., MD are among the very best doctors in our community. Their dedication and commitment to providing southern Nevadans the health care they want, the way they want it— just as we’ve done since 1972—encourages all of us. We couldn’t be prouder of our Top Doctors.

Dr. Neil Gokal, Family Medicine

Dr. Daniel Malone, Jr., Internal Medicine ©2023 Southwest Medical Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Daniel Burkhead, MD Innovative Pain Care Center 702-684-7246 painfreenevada.com

Ryan West, DO Innovative Pain Care Center 702-684-7246 painfreenevada.com

Willis Wu, MD Innovative Pain Care Center 702-684-7246 painfreenevada.com

PALLIATIVE CARE

Diana Lee, MD Platinum Hospitalists 702-407-7700 platinumhospitalists.com

PEDIATRICS

Douglas Barlow, MD

Anthem Hills Pediatrics 702-566-2400

anthemhillspediatrics.com

Atousa Ghaneian, MD Healthy Kids Care at Sunrise 702-357-5727 healthykidscarelv.org

Kim LaMotte-Malone, MD Anthem Hills Pediatrics 702-566-2400 anthemhillspediatrics.com

Ineada Okafor, MD Anthem Hills Pediatrics 702-566-2400 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 Center 702-899-1157 deserthillsplasticsurgery.com

Arthur Cambeiro, MD SurgiSpa 702-734-4100 surgispa.net

Stephen Miller, MD Stephen M Miller MD 702-710-5869 drstephenmiller.com

Jeffrey Roth, MD Jeffrey J. Roth, MD 702-872-3039 jjrothmd.com

PODIATRY

Jerry Henry, DPM Active Podiatry 702-242-3870

PSYCHIATRY

Faisal Suba, MD Alliance Mental Health Specialists 702-485-2100 alliancemhs.com

Jonathan Wirjo, DO Focus Mental Health Solutions 702-790-2701 focusmentalhealth.com

PULMONARY

Nisarg Changawala, MD

Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-737-5864 cccnevada.com

Michelle Danielian, MD Nevada Critical Care Consultants 702-483-6200

James Hsu, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-737-5864 cccnevada.com

Craig Nakamura, MD Children’s Lung Specialists 702-598-4411 childrenslungspecialists.com

George Tu, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-869-0855 cccnevada.com

John Wojcik, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-737-5864 cccnevada.com

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Michael Anderson, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3444 cccnevada.com

Dustin Boyer, MD GenesisCare 702-243-3340 genesiscare.com

Samual Francis, MD Comprehensive Cancer Centers 702-952-3400 cccnevada.com

RADIOLOGY

Dianne Mazzu, MD Desert Radiology

702-759-8600 desertrad.com

Peter Weidenfeld, MD Red Rock Radiology Associates

702-527-8945 redrockradiology.org

RHEUMATOLOGY

Dodji Modjinou, MD Dignity Health 702-616-5801 dignityhealth.org

Elham Taherian, MD Dignity Health 702-616-5915 dignityhealth.org

Christianne Yung, MD Christianne M. Yung MD 702-614-6868

UROLOGY

Joseph Candela, MD Las Vegas Urology

702-385-4342 lasvegasurology.com

Jessica Casey, MD Children’s Urology

702-369-4999 cualv.com

O. Alex Lesani, MD Las Vegas Urology

702-385-4342 lasvegasurology.com

OTHER

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

Bryan Werner, MD MountainView Medical Associates

702-962-2320 mountainview-medical.com

SLEEP MEDICINE

Mohamed Shamiya, MD Las Vegas Sleep Center 702-478-8819 lvsleepcenter.com

HAND AND SHOULDER ORTHOPEDICS

Ryan Grabow, MD Concierge Carpal Tunnel and Hand Surgery

702-433-9533

conciergecarpaltunnel.com

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

Matthew Selleck, DO Las Vegas Complex Surgical Specialists

702-962-2300

complexsurgicalspecialists.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

Dr. Ryan West, DO

Dr. Ryan West is a board certified, fellowship-trained pain management physician at Innovative Pain Care Center, providing a wide variety of treatment options for chronic pain patients. Dr. West was raised in rural Nevada and attended UNLV as an undergraduate. He then joined the Air Force and completed medical school in Colorado before returning to Las Vegas to complete his residency.

Dr. West served eight years as an active-duty Air Force physician where he founded the Pain Clinic at Nellis AFB and provided care for thousands of military members, retirees, and their families. As part of his service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding efforts while deployed to the middle east.

When Dr. West is not practicing medicine, he enjoys serving in the community and currently works as a youth leader in his church. He is a caring husband and loving father to five children.

INNOVATIVE PAIN CARE CENTER

9920 W. Cheyenne Ave., Suite 110 Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 684-PAIN

PainFreeNevada.com

Dr. Devasis Reddy, MD

Dr. Devasis Reddy is a comprehensive ophthalmologist dedicated to providing compassionate and quality eye care to all of his patients. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego before obtaining his MD from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, Michigan. Later, he completed his residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Dr. Reddy performs both standard and laser-assisted cataract surgery. Utilizing standard, multifocal, and toric intraocular lenses, his goal is to achieve the most optimal vision for each patient’s needs. In addition, he is extensively experienced in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, diabetes, secondary cataracts, ocular inflammation, dry eye, styes, conjunctivitis, and many other ocular diseases. Outside of the office, Dr. Reddy is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys spending time outdoors.

NEW EYES LAS VEGAS

8352 W. Warm Springs Road Ste. 130 Las Vegas, NV 89113 702-485-5000

neweyeslasvegas.com

Also accepts appointments at other New Eyes locations

PAIN MANAGEMENT

MEDICAL PROFILES

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Leslie Denton, DO

Dr. Leslie Denton, DO is an accomplished board certified physician with expertise spanning over sixteen years. She is known for her empathetic bedside manner, medical acumen, and ability to lead.

Dr. Denton graduated Western University of Health Sciences/COMP, completing her board certification in Emergency Medicine while working front lines in busy Emergency Rooms. Her breadth of knowledge and experience are highly respected by her colleagues.

Dr. Denton has provided medical care to the critically ill, as well as comprehensive/ preventative care. Her experience with pharmaceutical treatments to geriatric and chronically ill patients has given countless individuals a longer and better quality of life. As Medical Director for Infusion Therapy she has a loyal following of patients. Her unique skill set, coupled with her caring disposition, has afforded her the autonomy to focus on what is important—patient care. Dr. Denton is not the type of physician looking for accolades and recognition. She epitomizes what it takes to be effective: empathy, knowledge and trust.

INFUSION CARE

8530 W. Sunset Rd. Suite 230 & 330 Las Vegas, NV 89113 720-998-8842 info@infusion-care.com

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY

Dr. Eva Littman, MD

As the founder and practice director of Red Rock Fertility Center, the premiere fertility clinic in Las Vegas, Dr. Eva Littman is well recognized throughout Nevada. She began her lifetime dedication to supporting the development of families at Duke University, where she went to medical school and finished her OB/ Gyn residency. She received a Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Fellowship and attended Stanford University after Duke.

Red Rock Fertility Center has assisted thousands of families in realizing their ambition of starting a family under the direction of Dr. Littman and Physician Assistant, Amity Hererra, PA-C. Amity studied at UCSD and Western Universities and has twenty years experience in Reproductive Endocrinology. The honors and distinctions Dr. Littman has received demonstrate how much of her life has been devoted to assisting families in the Las Vegas Valley. She has consistently been recognized as a Top Doc in Infertility, and in 2017, she received the “Business of the Year” award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

RED ROCK

FERTILITY CENTER

9120 W. Russell Rd. Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702-749-4614

redrockfertility.com

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

Dr. Imran Ahmed, MD

Imran Ahmed, MD, is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers where he treats all cancer and serious blood disorders. He has been with Comprehensive since 2022 and sees patients at the practice’s Northwest treatment center.

Dr. Ahmed works with Comprehensive’s award-winning medical oncologist team and treats all oncology, hematology, and benign hematology cases with special interest in upper gastrointestinal cancers, multiple myeloma, lung cancer and breast cancer. He is certified in hematology, internal medicine and medical oncology and is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

His philosophy for patients is to incorporate all the treatments at Comprehensive’s disposal for patient’s care in order to ensure the best outcome and quality of life possible. He is also fluent in Urdu, Hindi and Pushto.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS

Northwest Nevada Cancer Center 7445 Peak Drive Las Vegas, NV 89128

702-952-2140

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

Dr. Edwin C. Kingsley, MD

Edwin C. Kingsley, MD, is a founding member of Comprehensive Cancer Centers and an award-winning medical oncologist and hematologist. He specializes in treating benign and malignant blood disorders including lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia and coagulation disorders.

Dr. Kingsley has authored numerous publications and is an active member of the Nevada Cancer Research Foundation’s NCI Community Oncology Research Program. He also sits on the Research Executive Committee at Comprehensive and is the Principal Investigator of several clinical trials.

Dr. Kingsley has taught for more than 20 years and serves as Adjunct Clinical Professor at multiple Nevada universities. He also serves as a board member at Nathan Adelson Hospice and served on the board of Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center for 11 years. He was previously President of the Clark County Medical Society and the Nevada State Medical Association.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS

Central Valley 3730 S. Eastern Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89169

702-952-3400

Karishma Bhatia Mehta, MD, is a pulmonologist at Lung Center of Nevada, a division of Comprehensive Cancer Centers, where she treats patients with acute and chronic pulmonary health concerns. Dr. Bhatia Mehta serves as the chief of the pulmonary division at Southern Hills Hospital.

Dr. Bhatia Mehta’s expertise includes biologics for severe asthma, advanced COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer screening as well as endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration for staging and robotic bronchoscopy to locate nodules in the airways.

She is fluent in Hindi and has basic proficiency in Punjabi and believes that communication is the cornerstone of a physician-patient bond. Dr. Bhatia Mehta is a member of the American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, and Basic Life Support.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS

Lung Center of Nevada Sunset 9280 West Sunset Road, Suite 312

Las Vegas, NV 89148

702-737-5864

Dr. Karishma Bhatia Mehta, MD

The importance of physician assistants in Nevada’s health care

BY DOMONIQUE KATONA, DMSC, MHS, MSPAS, PA-C

The Nevada Academy of Physician Assistants (NAPA) is an organization dedicated to the professional development of Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) through support, education, public awareness and legislative action. Domonique Katona, the president-elect of NAPA, has been a PA for 7 years. She works in Internal Medicine in Henderson.

What role do PAs have in health care?

How are they unique from physicians and nurse practitioners?

As providers, PAs are integrated into every aspect of health care. Rigorously educated and trained on the same medical model as physicians, PA coursework is based on evidence and clinical decision-making. Our programs consist of concise, accelerated learning followed by intensive field training. This is distinct from nursing programs, that base their foundations on a caregiving model. While nurses may complete additional schooling to practice medicine, core principles of medicine are ingrained in the PA curriculum.

Why are PAs important members of health care teams?

Everyone deserves prompt medical attention when needed and shouldn’t wait days or weeks for primary care or several months to see a specialist. PAs often work in primary care and specialties where they evaluate patients, order and interpret tests, diagnose conditions, prescribe medicines and do procedures. The knowledge and expertise that

PAs have allow them to care for patients with diverse conditions, reducing the patient load on physicians. Ultimately, because of PAs, physicians are afforded the time needed to care for more critical or complicated patients.

Do PAs work in hospitals?

PAs work in various settings, including hospitals, emergency departments, and surgical suites. It is common to interact with PAs at some point during visits to these institutions. You may even notice that a PA is the primary provider of your care. PAs often assist a physician in performing surgical procedures.

How do we get more patients to see a PA?

Thousands of PAs complete their education and training every year. Patients will inevitably see a PA for health care at one point or another. Patients should know that PAs are not only passionate about what they do but are also trustworthy and highly knowledgeable clinicians. Patients do and should continue to feel comfortable having a PA as their primary provider. Many states are allowing PAs to practice at their highest level of training and expertise by removing laws that limit their ability to work and therefore impact patients’ access to health care. Once these laws are modernized nationally, everyone can expect to see a medical provider such as a PA when needed.

What is health care like in rural Nevada and how are PAs critical to care there?

Health care in rural Nevada is scarce, to say the least, and access to a medical provider in more remote parts of Nevada is often absent. Many people must travel for

Domonique Katona, DMSc, MHS, MSPAS, PA-C , is President-Elect of the Nevada Academy of Physician Assistants

hours to see providers. In the event of an emergency, residents in these areas of Nevada may need to be airlifted to hospitals for care. Many PAs choose to work in these underrepresented areas. A 2022 study by the American Academy of Physician Associates showed 45 % of PAs and 54 % of PA students were interested in rural practice. However, current regulations requiring a supervisory agreement with a physician prevent 51% of PAs from practicing in rural areas. Unfortunately, there is often no physician presence in these areas leaving PAs unable to practice. The Nevada Academy of PAs, along with the American Academy of PAs is working to change these burdensome laws.

What makes the PAs in Nevada capable of seeing as many patients as they do?

PAs in Nevada manage a large panel of patients because there is a need to do so, particularly in Nevada, where

we rank 50th (last) for access to health care. There is a shortage of providers, especially physicians, to care for the over 3.1 million residents throughout the state. This makes Nevada PAs an asset to health care because they reduce the gap in health care access.

Looking to the future, how are we preparing PA students to enter the field? What resources are available to them?

Nevada is fortunate to offer a PA curriculum at the University of Nevada, Reno, and at Touro University Nevada. These programs are accredited and nationally recognized. These programs are directed by exceptional PAs and faculty that prepare students to manage patients upon graduation. Additionally, the Nevada Academy of PAs extends resources, such as continuing education, employment opportunities, and professional news to PA students and PAs throughout Nevada.

PAs are integrated into every aspect of health care. Rigorously educated and trained on the same medical model as physicians, PA coursework is based on evidence and clinical decision-making.

Vaccines: A weapon in the fight against cancer

BY ANTHONY V. NGUYEN, MD

When fighting the war against cancer, physicians must use every weapon in their arsenal to put their patients in a position to win. They must also be prepared to adapt their plan of attack or adjust their fighting techniques as medical science and biotechnology allow.

One of the newer weapons in the fight against cancer is vaccines. Comprehensive Cancer Centers and the late Nicholas Vogelzang, MD, saw the potential in this type of cancer treatment from the beginning and worked on the trial for Provenge more than a decade ago. Provenge was the first therapeutic cancer vaccine to receive approval from the FDA and it has become a mainstream treatment.

The most common means to attack cancer in a patient’s body is still with traditional chemotherapy which is nonspecific and over time can be difficult to tolerate because of the collateral side effects.

Instead of only using chemotherapy, which

indiscriminately attacks any cells in its path, physicians can utilize a customized vaccine approach to allow the patients’ own cancer-fighting T cells to identify cancer cells directly. A cancer vaccine is a much more targeted approach that takes the tumor’s unique proteins and uses them to help educate the patient’s own cancer-fighting T cells to recognize, identify, and attack these malignant tumor cells. We now can use vaccines as an individually customized medicine to fight cancer along with traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

To do this, a biopsy of cancer tissue is taken and carefully analyzed. Cancer cell neoantigens are proteins specific to cancer, meaning there is a distinct difference between the good cells and the cancer cells. These cancer cell neoantigens are used to train our good cancer-fighting T cells to mount a targeted attack on malignant tumor cells. Unlike previous attempts at creating a cancer treatment vaccine, we can now harness modern computing power and artificial intelligence to determine which neoantigens will be the best to develop this unique treatment vaccine against the cancer.

Comprehensive is involved with aclinical trial, GO-010, focused on advanced stage colorectal cancer patients using an artificial intelligence program called EDGE to analyze the data to determine the best neoantigens to use for building a more effective personalized treatment vaccine.

This unique vaccine is generated and customized just for that patient, making it more potent than previous generations of treatment vaccines. This treatment vaccine is delivered into the patient driving the patients’ own cancer-fighting T cells to better identify the cancerous tumors and attack them much more efficiently.

The AI program used in this trial was developed by an innovative biotech company, Gritstone, and Comprehensive is involved with the trial through a partnership with the Translational Research in Oncology-US.

The sky is the limit with where vaccines go from here, but this trial is especially exciting

Anthony V. Nguyen, MD , is a Medical Oncologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada

INSTEAD OF ONLY USING CHEMOTHERAPY THAT INDISCRIMINATELY ATTACKS ANY CELLS IN ITS PATH, PHYSICIANS CAN UTILIZE A CUSTOMIZED VACCINE APPROACH TO ALLOW THE PATIENTS’ OWN CANCER FIGHTING T CELLS TO IDENTIFY CANCER CELLS DIRECTLY.

T Cells

because it takes targeted therapies to the next level using AI. In the past, there has been approval for vaccines, but they have not been as accurate. By using AI to harness computer technology to examine the available data, the technology is far more advanced when it comes to getting direct information from all the different cancer cells.

Although this new technology is not yet a curative option, its ability to deliver targeted treatment may allow patients to achieve better survival with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. This gives them a greater chance to continue fighting. If the patients can handle the treatment, an incurable disease can be converted into a chronic illness where the patients have a sustained chance at life.

The data will take time, but trials like this have the potential to save lives. Comprehensive has been galvanized to bring this technology and others like it to Southern Nevada.

The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative comes to Nevada

BY ZOLTAN MARI, MD, FAAN

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting 6,700 Nevadans. A permanent, lifelong condition without a cure or proven treatments to slow the decline, Parkinson’s causes part of the brain to deteriorate, resulting in a variety of motor and nonmotor symptoms that progress over time, inflicting worsening disability.

Motor symptoms include, but are not limited to tremor, slowness, stiffness, stooped posture or unstable gait or pattern of movement. Symptoms may begin as bothersome but will progress to become debilitating, causing an array of downstream effects, which ultimately make living independently challenging. Nonmotor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis, dementia, autonomic failure, fatigue, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disturbances are also very common and often lead to as great of a disability as motor symptoms and in some cases even greater.

Despite how common Parkinson’s disease is and having identified many effective treatments to mitigate some of its symptoms, our knowledge about its causes remains incomplete. We do not have precise ways of measuring and tracking disease stage and progression, nor do we know how to predict

its course. Even more importantly, we lack ways to prevent or slow its progression. To address this important gap, it will take research and data over a long time from many patients to identify the progression biomarkers, also known as disease indicators, needed to ultimately improve treatments and quality of life.

This need served as the catalyst for The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative – a landmark, global observational study, which launched in 2010 and is aimed at identifying these progression biomarkers so that we can enhance Parkinson’s disease therapeutics and prognosis.

PPMI is helping us to get a major step up on our Parkinson’s disease knowledge. The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the primary sponsor of PPMI, recently launched a major expansion of the study to activate more sites and enroll vastly more participants. We at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health are proud to announce that we are part of this expansion and are now one of 51 PPMI study

Zoltan Mari, MD, FAAN, is Director of the Nevada Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health & PPMI Principal Investigator for Cleveland Clinic Nevada

sites worldwide.

It is a prestigious honor to join the PPMI initiative and network as only organizations deemed as leaders in Parkinson’s disease research — including biomarker discovery, with established records of academic excellence — are afforded the opportunity to participate.

To be selected as a study site is a milestone achievement not only for our center, but for the broader Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders community in Nevada. Now, data gathered from participants here in Nevada will contribute to what will likely be the most robust Parkinson’s disease longitudinal clinical and imaging data set, as well as biosample library in the world, aspiring to 4,000 participants by the end of this year globally.

The participation of Nevada Parkinson’s patients in PPMI, which

most experts consider the most important Parkinson research effort of our time, will help push critical science forward in unprecedented ways. Disease-modifying (or neuroprotective) therapies that can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease are desperately needed, and the PPMI study is an important step in helping achieve this goal. By identifying indicators of disease progression, we’ll be able to better predict disability and, ultimately, slow or prevent it.

We recognize that behind every data point there is a person. Someone who is willing to take part in a comprehensive evaluation for a minimum of five years, including clinical and imaging assessments as well as the donation of biosamples.

Our goal is to support these participants throughout their research journey through therapeutic support

and education. As a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, we offer a vast array of no-cost Parkinson’s disease programming such as support programs, yoga, and a variety of Parkinson’s educational series to patients and their families.

The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, the only site for the PPMI study in Nevada, is seeking individuals who are:

n Age 30 or older

n Experiencing Parkinson’s disease symptoms, but have not been diagnosed

n Have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but are not currently taking medication

Those interested in learning more about the PPMI study can visit clevelandclinic.org/NevadaResearch or call 702-701-7944.

UMC invests in the future of cardiology care in Nevada

BY SCOTT KERBS

With an aging and rapidly growing population in Nevada, UMC’s leaders recognize the critical need for a comprehensive center of excellence in cardiovascular care. While many facilities across the state offer cardiology services, UMC is working to elevate the level of care available in the Silver State, making strategic investments to build the state’s primary destination for high-quality cardiovascular care.

Working in collaboration with the trusted clinical leaders and expert partners from Nevada Heart and Vascular Center, UMC CEO Mason Van Houweling has guided the hospital’s renewed focus on the evolution of cardiovascular services. This strategy has significantly increased patient volumes across UMC’s dedicated Cardiology and Stroke Center, including more than doubling the number of heart surgeries performed at the hospital.

“As we continue to build upon our strong foundation, the UMC Cardiology and Stroke Center is positioned to become a regional leader offering complete care for a growing number of patients,” Van Houweling said.

“With the support of our world-class clinical team, we’ve made strategic investments in valuable capital improvement projects and revolutionary clinical technology up -

grades to shape the future of cardiovascular care in Nevada.”

These investments include expanding UMC’s cardiology team and completing a large-scale remodel of the hospital’s Cardiology and Stroke Center, building new cardiac catheterization laboratories and renovating existing labs, introducing expanded electrophysiology services, and outfitting clinical areas with state-of-the-art equipment.

Catheterization labs, or cath labs, serve as specialized clinical suites for a wide range of minimally invasive interventional procedures, tests and device implantations. UMC plans to build a hybrid cath lab/surgical suite, providing the flexibility to quickly perform emergency surgeries when needed during catheterization procedures.

“Our team at UMC has provided award-winning cardiovascular care for decades, and we take pride in expanding upon our services while handling many of the most complex cases in our community,” said Dr. Chowdhury Ahsan, UMC’s Chief of Cardiology and Chief of Medicine. “We continue to recruit industry-leading health care professionals as we expand our team and improve access to world-class care for our neighbors in Southern Nevada.”

Life-Changing Results

UMC’s investments in cardiovascular care continue to produce life-changing results for patients like Dan Oberlander, a 54-year-old Las Vegas man who suffered a near-fatal heart attack at work last year and collapsed in his office. After being found unresponsive on his office floor with no pulse, Oberlander said his coworkers performed CPR for 13 minutes and used an automated external defibrillator multiple times to keep him alive.

EMS professionals arrived and rushed Oberlander to UMC, where he received immediate care in one of UMC’s newly renovated cath labs. Within minutes of his arrival, Dr. Ahsan performed a procedure to open a blocked artery. The procedure was successful, and Oberlander recovered quickly in the hospital’s Cardiovascular Care Unit.

“I feel extremely blessed and thankful. They saved my life,” Oberlander said. “Within

Continued on page 47

Scott Kerbs is UMC’s Public Relations Director

Dr. Chowdhury Ahsan, UMC’s chief of cardiology and chief of medicine, performs a procedure in one of UMC’s newly renovated cardiac catheterization laboratories. (Courtesy)

at

BY SARA SIBLEY AND JENNIFER MCDONNELL

Roger Zach, a 68-year-old Air Force veteran, arrived at the emergency room at MountainView Hospital last July with chest pain. After he was stabilized, Zach was rushed to the catheterization lab. It was discovered that his heart was very weak, not performing as it should, and showing signs of major injury and possible heart failure. He had suffered a massive heart attack.

“I thought it was the end of my life,” said Zach. “I had never experienced the discomfort and the pain that I had in my chest.”

For the cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Paul Mazur with MountainView Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates, to perform a necessary and emergent open-heart procedure, Zach’s heart needed

to be able to perform its duties. Zach was experiencing cardiogenic shock and needed mechanical support to properly maintain function and blood flow. Most importantly, his heart needed to be able to withstand the stress of a major surgical procedure so Mazur could repair the damage.

Because of medical advancements and technology available at MountainView Hospital, there is a life-saving device that allowed Zach to undergo this necessary procedure. It is called a catheter-mounted micro-axial continuous flow device and MountainView is the first hospital in the valley to use the most advanced, upgraded version of this particular technology. This type of device is classified as a mechanical circulatory assist device that relies on a pump to perform the vital role that the heart would typically do on its

Sara Sibley is Director of Physician Strategic Communications at HCA Healthcare Far West Division and Jennifer McDonnell is Director of PR/Communication at MountainView Hospital

Technology

MountainView Hospital gives patient a second chance at life

UMC cath lab nurse Shana Vanyo prepares a patient for a procedure in one of UMC’s newly renovated cardiac catheterization laboratories. (Courtesy)

Continued from page 44

three days, they had me up and walking again. After about a week, I was able to leave the hospital.”

Today, Oberlander said he has fully recovered and made meaningful changes to improve his heart health, including a healthier diet and increased hydration. Oberlander, who continues to see Dr. Ahsan for follow-up visits on a routine basis, expressed gratitude toward the hospital’s chief of cardiology.

Clinical Innovations

With a growing number of patients relying on UMC’s increasingly robust cardiology services, Dr. Ahsan said the hospital continues to focus heavily on the development of new services and procedures, including its structural heart program. This program began with the introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, procedures. This minimally invasive procedure serves as an alternative to open-heart surgery for aortic valve replacements, allowing cardiologists to replace the valve using tools guided to the heart through a catheter, only requiring a small incision.

Following the successful implementation of TAVR procedures, UMC recently expanded its structural heart program to include Watchman device implants.

These implantable devices are used to help reduce the risk of stroke among certain patients with atrial fibrillation. This program will further expand later this year with the introduction of MitraClip procedures, which involve implanting a clip smaller than a dime to repair the heart’s mitral valve.

Several years ago, UMC became the first hospital in Nevada to implant the world’s smallest pacemaker, the

Continued on page 48

own. Once inserted, it allows the heart to rest and recover before the device is removed for open heart surgery.

The support pump uses a tiny, flexible catheter or tube that is inserted under the skin into the femoral artery, located at the groin. The tiny pump is moved up through the aorta, across the aortic valve and placed on the left ventricle of the heart. Once placed, the device pumps blood from the inside of the heart to the left side, then to the aorta.

“This particular heart pump is one of the world’s smallest, and it can be placed in the catheterization lab without the need for a surgical incision making it a very quick and efficient way to support a failing heart,” said Dr. Jeffrey Levisman, Interventional Cardiologist at Las Vegas Heart Associates, who was also

involved in Zach’s care.

After insertion, the pump is connected from the patient’s groin to a cable that runs from the skin of the groin to a computerized console located outside of the patient’s body, at the bedside. The device is only used during the patient’s hospital stay and is managed by the heart team including Mazur and Levisman.

“This mechanical assist device is not a long-term solution, however, it temporarily supported Mr. Zach’s heart to rest and heal properly while providing the necessary recovery after the major heart injury he had sustained,” said Mazur.

Following Zach’s openheart surgery, he recovered in the hospital before being moved to MountainView’s inpatient rehabilitation unit.

There, Zach worked with a specialized team to rebuild his strength. After he was discharged from rehab, Zach attended outpatient cardiac rehab at MountainView to continue to strengthen his heart.

Zach said staying at MountainView for his entire care, from emergency to surgery to rehab, both in and outpatient, allowed the clinical team to truly understand his clinical needs and his personal recovery goals.

Zach has successfully completed his cardiac rehabilitation and said he enjoys taking daily, mile-long walks with his wife.

“The care I experienced was really second to none,” Zach said. “I can’t thank everyone enough. It’s comforting to know that this type of life-saving technology is available in Las Vegas.”

For more information visit mountainview-hospital.com/specialties/cardiothoracic-surgery

Dr. Paul Mazur

UMC cath lab Nurse Jeff Dimasin prepares a syringe prior to a case in a UMC cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Continued from page 48

Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, which is roughly the size of a vitamin.

“These clinical innovations provide our team with valuable tools to save and improve lives,” said Dr. Ahsan. “We remain committed to introducing new technology that supports our mission to deliver the advanced cardiovascular care our community deserves.”

With the recent renovations at UMC, the hospital now offers a full suite of electrophysiology services to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms. As a result of this upgrade, UMC has experienced a substantial increase in electrophysiology procedures and ablations performed at the hospital.

Advancing Cardiovascular Surgery

In addition to the advanced care provided in the cath labs and inpatient units, the hospital has also expanded its cardiothoracic surgery capabilities, introducing a new team of surgeons in partnership with Nevada Heart and Vascular Center. With this new team in place, UMC expects to perform more than 400 open-heart surgeries this year, significantly outpacing previous years.

In addition to traditional open-heart surgeries, UMC’s cardiovascular surgeons also provide minimally invasive options when possible, using a small incision in the ribs to perform bypass surgery, repair and replace valves, and remove tumors, in addition to other heart surgeries.

The Next Generation

As Dr. Ahsan and his colleagues at UMC navigate complex cases with practiced efficiency and composure honed throughout decades of experience, they serve as trusted mentors for the next generation of cardiologists in Southern Nevada.

Under Dr. Ahsan’s leadership, UMC is home to Nevada’s first and only cardiology fellowship program, offering highly specialized training for physicians. Many of the cardiology fellows stay in Nevada after completing their training, bolstering the number of cardiologists available to serve community members.

“With our strong focus on academic medicine, research and clinical innovation, the UMC Cardiology and Stroke Center will continue to serve as a trusted resource for our community in the coming years and decades,” Dr. Ahsan said.

+ HCQ Notes

Sonex Health named Dr. Ryan Grabow a Center of Excellence Physician and his Las Vegas medical o ce as a Center of Excellence. The medical o ce is one of nine U.S, Centers of Excellence for carpal tunnel, and in 2022, the only one on the West Coast.

Melissa Plies, APRN, joined the physicians and sta at Las Vegas Heart Associates in late 2022, providing additional support and quality care to the community.

The Burn and Reconstructive Center of Sunrise Hospital, formerly part of the Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America, was acquired by HCA Healthcare and the Sunrise Health System in December. The clinic employs three physicians and eight advance practice providers including Burn Medical Director at Sunrise Hospital, Jay E.Coates, Jr., DO, FACOS, FACS, Dave MacIntyre, DO, FACOS and Jeroen Balledux, MD. The comprehensive center is equipped to treat many conditions and provide treatment for all burn types as well as wounds including skin and soft tissue disorders.

Paul Mazur, MD, FACS, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon joined MountainView Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates in January. He specializes in adult cardiac and thoracic surgery including cardiac valve repair and replacement utilizing minimally invasive and transcatheter techniques, VATS, and robotic surgery.

Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain

Health is participating in the expansion of the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative study with the Michael J. Fox Founda-

tion for Parkinson’s Research. The observational study is composed of researchers, funders and study participants working toward the goal of identifying progression biomarkers—or disease indicators—to improve Parkinson’s disease therapeutics, prevention and prognosis. Joining Cleveland Clinic’s main campus in Ohio as part of the global PPMI network, the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas is the first and only study site in Nevada.

Desert Winds Hospital, a psychiatric hospital specializing in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mental health, commemorated two years of serving Southern Nevada on April 27. The hospital recently completed a series of capital improvements, including new meeting rooms and classrooms, eight therapeutic courtyards, inviting common spaces, and more. Desert Winds is a 202bed facility, serving youth with mental health and addiction recovery programs which follow a harm-reduction model of care. The facility o ers in-patient psychiatric residential treatment for youth ages 12-17, along with their acute unit for stabilization with plans to serve adults in the future.

Nevada Donor Network announced two new promotions and a new hire: Elizabeth Shipman was promoted to senior director of organ services. In this role, Shipman will become the newest member of Nevada Donor Network’s senior leadership team and be responsible for overseeing, directing, and managing family, clinical, surgical, and hospital services operations for the nonprofit organization. She has been leading Nevada Donor Network’s organ services team since 2021 as director of organ services. Shipman serves on the Vascularized Composite Allograft Transplantation Committee for the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. She is also very involved within Region 5, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, and the United Network for Organ Sharing. Sara Levinson was promoted to vice president of people, culture and development. Levinson will continue serving as a member of

Continued on page 50

John Rhodes , MD, was announced as president and CEO, Optum Nevada . A lifelong Nevadan and alumnus of the University of Nevada School of Medicine , Rhodes most recently served as senior medical director, Mountain West Region for Southwest Medical Rhodes has spent his entire professional career, spanning four decades, focused on making Southern Nevada a better and healthier place.

Plies

Mazur

Nevada Donor Network’s senior leadership team and be responsible for planning, directing, and managing all human resources initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the organization. Levinson has been leading Nevada Donor Network’s people, culture and development team since 2014 with oversight of the human resources, education and development functions as well as the safety committee and its initiatives. Levinson has served as the certification vice president for the Society for Human Resource Management local chapter. She has also held several positions with the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) including vice chair and chair of the Human Resources Council, part of the annual meeting faculty in 2021 and she is currently serving on AOPO’s Leadership Development Committee. Dr. Zahra Kashi was appointed associate laboratory director. With more than 32 years of experience in the field of clinical labo-

ratories, biologics, and pharmaceuticals, Kashi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization. Kashi will be responsible for supporting Dr. Phillip Ruiz, Nevada Donor Network’s laboratory medical director, with managing the direction of the clinical laboratories, collaborating with physicians, nurses and transplant personnel, and building and maintaining relationships with other laboratories and state/federal government agencies. She will also assist the Nevada Donor Network’s goals and mission by formulating and executing strategic plans to heal and save lives.

Children’s Heart Foundation reached a major milestone in 2023 with the 20th year of their annual community event, Walk with the Heart of a Child. The annual family walk celebrates more than $1.6 million raised for thousands of families and gives walkers a chance to support children born with a congenital heart defects.

MountainView Hospital named Mitch Geiger as its new chief operating ocer. Geiger was previously the VP of operations at Sunrise Hospital . Geiger brings years of progressive healthcare leadership in hospital operations and performance improvement. He started his career with HCA in supply chain leadership roles in the HCA Tristar division.

Clinical Research at Comprehensive has

led to

100 New FDA Approved Cancer Treatments

And given me a chance to get back to being a mom

Comprehensive Cancer Centers has participated in the development of 100 new FDA approved cancer treatments. With 100 ongoing clinical research studies, right here in Southern Nevada, we are entering a new age in cancer treatment — where people are no longer entrenched in their battle against cancer, but instead living with cancer These new cancer therapies are increasing the quality of life for our patients and their families, and most importantly, giving them the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.