Dr. Nhlane is involved with clinical research in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. He is an active member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and the Nevada Cancer Research Foundation (CCOP). He completed his fellowship in Pediatric Hematology Oncology in June 2009 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital (University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell). Dr Nhlane is an attending physician at Children’s Center for Cancer & Blood Disease of Las Vegas and works directly with Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, the Principle Investigator for the COG in Nevada.

As a member of the COG and CCOP, Dr. Nhlane must maintain the highest standards for treating children with cancer and follow COG-defined protocols to prove scientific, medical and ethical scientific expertise. All of Dr. Nhlane‘s cancer patients are evaluated for clinical trials if appropriate and he oversees their treatment plans to guarantee research protocols are meticulously followed to ensure the best possible patient outcomes. Statistics from these patients are used to develop standardized, evidence-based protocols for childhood cancer patients’ world wide.

In May of 2010 Dr. Nhlane joined the team of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation and Children’s Center for Cancer & Blood Diseases of Las Vegas to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric cancer and catastrophic diseases through research and treatment, while providing access to quality medical care for the uninsured, underinsured, and medically indigent children of Nevada; through a charity care plan, education, research, and advocacy.

Our vision is to be the community leader in advancing the treatment and prevention of catastrophic diseases in children, with particular emphasis on the pediatric hematology–oncology population. This vision will be achieved through pursuing the best possible patient outcomes by developing a reliable, efficient, and responsive team that has the capability of meeting the individual needs of “this” patient while continually improving care for the “next” patient.

It is not unusual for children with cancer and other complex medical conditions from Nevada and the surrounding region to travel hundreds of miles, seeking appropriate care and access to the latest treatment protocols and clinical trials. However, the most vulnerable of children diagnosed with complex medical issues such as cancer; the uninsured, underinsured and medically indigent are often excluded from this opportunity due to their lack of medical coverage and/or the finances required to appropriately treat these childhood conditions. It is not only our policy that no child will be denied care at our clinic for financial reasons; it is our legacy.

Unfortunately, the limited access to care in Nevada has become exceedingly more complicated by the current economic status of our region. Unemployment rates have lead to alarming increases in uninsured and medically indigent children; children who are fighting for their lives… children whose lives depend on our ability to continue to provide care in spite of the economic crisis.

Currently, approximately 37% of our patient population is uninsured and an additional 11% qualify for our charity care plan due to documented financial hardships within the family home; allowing them to have reduced or completely waved co pays and co-insurance.

Currently, there is limited access to pediatric medical care and clinical trials in Nevada and the surrounding region; including northern Arizona and western Utah. Due to the shortage of pediatric oncologists in the area, the demand for access far exceeds the availability of human resources required to keep up with the demand. This creates a hazardous bottleneck at the point where children are first diagnosed, evaluated for open studies, and begin treatment.

It is not unusual for children from Nevada and the surrounding region to travel hundreds of miles to Los Angels, Phoenix, or Salt Lake City seeking care and access to the latest treatment protocols and clinical trials. However, the most vulnerable of children who are diagnosed with complex medical conditions; the un-insured, under-insured and medically indigent are often excluded from this opportunity due to the socioeconomics of their parents.

Fortunately, building the clinical mechanism required to support the children of Nevada who need complex medical intervention and access to research efforts are on the way… With Hyundai Hope on Wheels taking the lead with generous contributions making research available to all children…not just those with medical coverage.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels support is instrumental to realizing the potential of program. Private donor investments play a critical role in allowing children access to life saving medical services well as physician scientists who approach and then conquer childhood disease, illness, and injury. These funds will provide resources that have a lasting influence on the lives of all children, not just those from Nevada.