Desert View Hospital assigns new cheif of staff

Desert View Hospital continues a year filled with change with the replacement of an upper-level position.

General Surgeon John Sorensen has been named Desert View's new chief of staff, replacing Fredric Siegel.

Desert View Chief Operating Officer Kelly Adams explained that Sorenson will continue to impact the valley's health care system while taking on a new title.

"It is with pleasure that I announce John Sorensen, MD as Chief of Staff for Desert View Hospital," Adams said. "Dr. Sorensen is a quality world-class surgeon who has made a significant difference in the delivery of health care in the Pahrump Valley. He is easy to work with on a daily basis and his peers' support of this new position is illustrative of his dedication to his profession, community and the hospital."

Sorenson explained that he is ready to step into his new role, but has credited Siegel for the work he's put in at the hospital during his tenure.

"I feel honored and humbled to step into this position along with a sense of heavy responsibility," Sorensen said. "I am especially grateful for Dr. Fred Siegel and his devotion to excellent medical care for the people of Pahrump. He has been a great friend and mentor to me for the last two and a half years and has set the standard as a highly effective Chief of Staff."

Sorensen started at Desert View in June 2013, after spending the previous eight years running the transplant team at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He is board certified in general surgery, and fellowship trained in hepatobiliary and transplant surgery.

Sorenson has focused on general, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, liver and kidney transplantation, laparoscopic procedures including live kidney donation, and dialysis access procedures over the past two decades. Dr.Sorensen has also worked as a trauma surgeon at three different Level 1 trauma centers, and is a certified Advanced Trauma Life Support instructor.

Sorenson received his medical degree from the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his general surgery residency with the Western Reserve Care System, Northeast Ohio Medical University, and a fellowship in transplantation surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

As a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps, Sorensen has served four tours of overseas duty since 2001.

As a full-time resident of Pahrump, Sorensen enjoys serving the community and is up for any challenges that may arise.

"These are exciting and challenging times for DVH. There is a great need for high quality medical care in the region and the hospital has made significant strides to address the demand," Sorensen said. "It will be essential going forward to expand the capabilities of the medical community in a way that is sustainable and preserves excellent patient care. Desert View Hospital has an administrative team that is committed to improving access to top-notch health care for the people in southern Nye County."

Outside of his profession, Sorensen has been married to his wife Marilee for 36 years, and has five kids and seven grandchildren.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.