Cure 4 The Kids Foundation and SilverSummit Healthplan Partnership Results in Recruitment of Southern Nevada’s Newest Pediatric Rheumatologist
$100,000 SilverSummit Community Investment Program Grant Helped Cure 4 The Kids Foundation Recruit Dr. Saumya Joshi to Nevada
A groundbreaking collaboration between Cure 4 The Kids Foundation (C4K), Southern Nevada’s only pediatric cancer and rare disease treatment center, and SilverSummit Healthplan, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, will bring a pediatric rheumatologist to Southern Nevada patients.
Beginning January 8, 2024, Saumya V. Joshi, M.D., M.S., will see C4K patients who are affected by a range of rheumatological conditions that include lupus, scleroderma, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and many other lesser-known rheumatic conditions.
There is a critical shortage of board-certified pediatric rheumatologists in the United States, with about 400 currently practicing, according to the Arthritis Foundation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, pediatric rheumatologists are primarily clustered in and around large metropolitan areas. As a result, an estimated 300,000 pediatric patients with juvenile rheumatic diseases have limited access to care.
“There is a tremendous access gap in our community for pediatric rheumatology patients,” said Annette Logan-Parker, CEO of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. “With Dr. Joshi’s arrival, our rheumatology patients can access expert care in our clinic. I am forever grateful to SilverSummit Healthplan, which sought to improve our patients’ lives and impact the greater community. SilverSummit’s support and generosity will immediately and positively impact our patients and their health for years to come.”
A $100,000 grant from SilverSummit Healthplan’s Community Investment Program provided the financial resources allowing C4K to recruit, relocate and initiate Dr. Joshi’s state-required medical onboarding process.
“SilverSummit is steadfast in its commitment to forge meaningful collaborations with community-driven organizations such as Cure 4 The Kids Foundation,” said Nicole King, vice president of Community Solutions for SilverSummit Healthplan. “We strive to develop innovative solutions and boost the capabilities of these organizations to better serve our members’ needs. Dr. Joshi’s appointment marks a significant stride in this direction, and we are optimistic about the impact this will have on Nevada children and the families served by the Foundation.”
Dr. Joshi is board certified in pediatrics and completed his residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He served his fellowship in pediatric rheumatology at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA., and also holds a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Research from Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, also in Boston. Dr. Joshi is board eligible in pediatric rheumatology. Most recently, he served as assistant professor of pediatric rheumatology at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a nationally ranked facility affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Before the pandemic, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation collaborated with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to bring board-certified pediatric rheumatologists to C4K patients every month. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the visiting physician program ended.
About Cure 4 The Kids Foundation
Founded in Las Vegas in 2007, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation provides high-quality, research-focused medical treatment to children battling cancer and rare diseases. As a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, we are committed to being a new kind of healthcare organization; one that blends the best of what corporate healthcare, education, and research have to offer with the generosity and spirit of charity. Our Charity Care Program ensures that those without medical insurance or who are unable to pay for services still receive the treatment they deserve. For more information, visit cure4thekids.org.
About SilverSummit Healthplan
SilverSummit Healthplan is a managed care plan that provides health insurance to the people of Nevada. Established in 2017, SilverSummit exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. SilverSummit is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise. For more information, visit www.silversummithealthplan.com.
