Now in its 14th year, Vegas Inc’s Health Care Headliners honors doctors, nurses, administrators and other medical professionals who are working to ensure the best health care can be found right here in Southern Nevada. These 10 headliners are leading the way — and making a major impact in the health of our community as they forge their path.
Ilona Van Boven
Ilona Van Boven
Lifetime Achievement
Technical Director, Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging
You were one of Steinberg’s first employees almost 40 years ago. What has kept you there all these years?
I love the Steinberg family and what they stand for. They have made patient care the No. 1 priority. They understand the importance of being available to take care of patients and allow all employees to support patients in any way needed – holding someone’s hand when frightened, hugging them when scared or lending a shoulder to cry on.
Heather Korbulic
Heather Korbulic
Manager/Administrator
Executive Director, Silver State Health Insurance Exchange/Nevada Health Link
How did you first get involved in the health care field?
I started working in health care as the business manager for a home health company. We primarily served seniors who needed extra help to remain in their homes. I took that experience and began a career with the state of Nevada, where I was a long-term care ombudsman working with people who live in assisted living and nursing home settings. In 2015, I started with Nevada Health Link.
Dina Patel
Dina Patel
Nursing
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, HealthySunrise Foundation, President
Did you always know you wanted to be a nurse?
As far as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and only wanted to work with children. It felt like my purpose. Once I graduated nursing school, I started working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and completely fell in love with working with babies and the families.
Shaina Meyer
Shaina Meyer
Innovation
Manager of Rehabilitation Services, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health
What attracted you to the field of rehabilitation services?
I knew I couldn’t go wrong having a career with the mission of helping people be as independent as possible and live life to the fullest.
Peter W. DeBry, M.D.
Peter DeBry
Physician
Ophthalmologist, NV Eye Surgery
At what age did you recognize you wanted to be an ophthalmologist?
During medical school, I knew I wanted a subspecialty that was procedure based. I spent time shadowing doctors and doing rotations, and found that ophthalmology resonated with me. I enjoyed the high-tech aspects of the work and the detail of the microscopic procedures. I also felt like my personality fit in with the other doctors in that specialty.
Dr. Nilesh Neil Gokal
Dr. Nilesh Gokal
Education
Medical Director of Clinical Education, Southwest Medical, part of OptumCare
In addition to your director role, you are also a family medicine practitioner. What made you choose this specialty?
As a child, I often felt the arduous challenge of having immigrant parents with limited resources doing the best they could for their children – especially for my oldest sister, who has suffered from developmental disabilities since birth. While she endured several surgeries as a child, I still remember the spirit of one of her orthopedic surgeons whose heart for medicine was overwhelming. I knew then that it was my chosen career and, amidst my clinical training, was privileged to work with esteemed physicians in northern New Jersey whose rapport and energy with patients solidified my love for family medicine.
Ryan Linden
Ryan Linden
Community Outreach
CEO, Silver State Health
Why is it important to you to be a part of making Las Vegas a healthier community?
Community health centers like Silver State Health focus on providing high-quality care to all Las Vegas residents, regardless of their insurance, legal status or ability to pay. Being a part of statewide health initiatives and innovative solutions to our unique health concerns makes me feel connected to the patients we treat.
Dr. K. Saad Jahangir
Dr. K. Saad Jahangir
Research/Science
Director of OptumCare Clinical Research, OptumCare Cancer Care
Did you always know the area of medicine you wanted to specialize in?
I always wanted to be an architect, but our life experiences shape our lives and our future goals. Unfortunately, my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and many other family members were diagnosed with the devastating disease. This diagnosis completely changed our lives. I come from a family of doctors and it was very interesting to witness that even doctors did not fully grasp the complexity of this diagnosis and struggled with mixed emotions of loss of a loved one. I quickly realized that despite our scientific advancements, only 3% of our aging population was represented in clinical trials. It was a natural progression for me to adopt a career in geriatric oncology.
Samuel Scheller
Samuel Scheller
Emergency Services
CEO, Guardian Elite Medical Services
What drew you to a career in emergency medicine?
I always wanted to be a police officer. When I graduated high school, I was not old enough to become a cop, so I decided to become an EMT to get experience with emergency calls for service. Fourteen years later, I am still in EMS.
Dr. Amy Tongsiri
Dr. Amy Tongsiri
Dentistry
Nevada Dental Director, Liberty Dental Plan
Why did you choose a career in dentistry?
My mother was a nurse and always encouraged me to join the health care field. She taught me to care for people from the inside out. As I went to dental visits, I become more intrigued by the profession. Now, I love seeing my patients every six months and hearing about their lives and families.