The University of Nevada School of Medicine, Nevada's only statewide public medical school, and Renown Health, the region's largest integrated health care network, have formed a steering committee to discuss a formal strategic partnership between the two organizations.

The School of Medicine and Renown have had many collaborations over the years, including a medical residency program for more than three decades.

In addition to Thomas Schwenk, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine and Donald C. Sibery, Renown Health interim CEO, the committee consists of local and rural physicians, board members and community leaders. The committee also includes Nevada System of Higher Education Chancellor Daniel Klaich and Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Page.

According to Dr. Schwenk, "We have a window of opportunity when there is the political will to seriously explore new collaborations that would benefit each organization and the greater northern Nevada community. We owe it to ourselves and the community to work together to take advantage of the synergies between our individual organizations."

Sibery noted, "We knew we wanted someone dynamic and effective to lead the committee who is not only savvy about the political landscape but is able to steer both organizations to a common bigger vision that will benefit the region and the state."

Bruce James, president and CEO of Nevada New-Tech, Inc., former National Institutes of Health Advisory Board Chairman, former Public Printer of the United States and chief executive officer of the U. S. Government Printing Office, has agreed to serve as Chairman.

"The Committee will work diligently to make recommendations about an expanded partnership," said James. "The steering committee will begin its work very shortly and will explore how to work together on key community needs such as addressing Nevada's physician shortage and expanding clinical research."

The group hopes to have its recommendations to their respective governing bodies no later than the spring of 2014.

"The possibilities are nearly endless for how this potential partnership can contribute to the quality of health care in northern Nevada," said Dr. Schwenk. "We look forward to discussing how to expand programs and positively impact the region."

"Both the University of Nevada School of Medicine and Renown Health are excited about what can happen when we work together to solve the complex problems that our community and organizations face," said Sibery. "We will work diligently toward a partnership that will better serve the health care needs of the region."