“ Although long wait times exist nationwide, we aim to shorten them by encouraging live donors and by providing access to organs that may not have been readily transplanted in our region,” Dr. Molmenti says.“ We are also partnering with organizations who are providing financial support to make it possible for many potential recipients to have access to our services.”
The center is in the process of obtaining full United Network for Organ Sharing( UNOS) certification, and the anticipated target is to complete 20 to 30 kidney transplants by the end of 2025. By 2027, the center plans to have the staff in place to perform liver and then cardiothoracic transplants.
Comprehensive Transplant Care Organ transplantation requires a multidisciplinary approach. The Renown Transplant Institute provides an integrated, supportive environment, with personalized care and access to the latest technology.
“ As a newly established center, we have the advantage of implementing streamlined healthcare and administrative processes that lead to more efficient treatments and reduced wait times,” Dr. Molmenti says.“ Referring physicians are an integral part of the transplant team. During the evaluation, transplantation and early post-transplant stages, we follow recipients together.”
Transplants are being performed in the Renown Surgical Intensive Care Unit while a new dedicated transplant space is under construction.
“ The permanent space will be attached to the main hospital, with ready access to the highest-quality imaging and lab services,” Dr. Mediwala says.“ Renown Health has always focused on delivering high-quality care for our community, and this building will allow us to become one of the most sought-after programs in the country for kidney transplant.”
Although the Renown Transplant Institute, and its partner, the Nevada Transplant Institute, are newly established, their leadership has achieved outstanding outcomes at other transplant centers in the past.
“ Our message to all those with kidney disease is that you are not alone,” Dr. Molmenti says.“ We are here to listen and to help you through the entire process, and we are committed to provide the assistance you deserve.”
Call 1-833-RING-NTI( 746-4684) to refer a patient to be screened for a kidney transplant.
650
people are currently on the kidney transplant waiting list in Nevada.
≈30
kidney transplants are planned for Renown Transplant Institute by the end of 2025.
WELCOMING NARISORN ATSAVA-SVATE, MD
Dr. Narisorn Atsava-Svate joined Renown Health in August 2024 as the first transplant nephrologist in northern Nevada. Previously with INTEGRIS Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute in Oklahoma City, Dr. Atsava-Svate completed more than 2,070 kidney transplantations as part of a comprehensive team.
Dr. Atsava-Svate, who goes by“ Dr. Nate,” is a graduate of the prestigious Siriraj Medical School at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. He completed an internal medicine residency at Texas Tech University and a transplantation nephrology fellowship at the University of Colorado.
“ We are thrilled to have Dr. Nate join our team,” says Rahul Mediwala, MD, MBA, CEO at Renown Medical Group and nephrologist at Renown Nephrology.“ His extensive knowledge and dedication to transplant patient care is instrumental in bringing the highest quality care for our community.”
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