As a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and medical doctor, Sheri Fink has investigated the ethical challenges of medical care that arise during natural catastrophes, epidemics and times of war. Most recently, her work has taken her to a new ground zero, as she spent weeks reporting on the Ebola epidemic from Liberia for the New York Times.

The Laxalt Distinguished Writer Program events are sponsored by the University of Nevada, Reno, Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism in partnership with Nevada Humanities, and with generous support from Renown Health Foundation, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, University of Nevada School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno Department of Philosophy and community contributions.  

Through the Robert Laxalt Distinguished Writer Program, the University of Nevada, Reno, Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism and Nevada Humanities will recognize Fink's journalistic contributions. She will share her experiences at two free, public events on Monday, Feb. 9. Select books will be available for purchase and signing at both events.  

"Sheri Fink's reporting on health issues, including her recent work chronicling the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, has been truly remarkable and inspiring," Reynolds School Dean Al Stavitsky said. "We're fortunate to have her join us as this year's Laxalt Distinguished Writer."  

During her visit to Nevada, Fink will give a talk titled, "Decisions of Life and Death," in the Mack Auditorium at Renown Regional Medical Center located at 1155 Mill St. Doors open at noon with the conversation starting at 12:15 p.m. This event will focus on Fink's investigations into health and human welfare and ethical challenges. Medical professionals and community members interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling 775-982-RSVP (7787) by Feb. 4. Free parking is available in the Mill Street Parking garage.  

Fink will give a second talk the evening of Feb. 9 titled, "Reporting in an Emergency: The complex trauma narrative in the age of the tweet," at 7 p.m. in the University's Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center's Wells Fargo Auditorium. Free parking will be available on the fifth floor of the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex on North Virginia Street, just south of Lawlor Events Center.  

Fink is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital (Crown, 2013), winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for nonfiction, the Ridenhour Book Prize, the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Book Award and the American Medical Writers Association Medical Book Award.