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Meet Your Neighbor: Dr. Lisa Marie Lyons
By Callie Thomas
“There is nothing certain in a man’s life but that he must lose it.” – Owen Meredith
Throughout our lives we strive for understanding and respect. When we are faced with meeting the end of it, we seek the same. Resident Dr. Lisa Marie Lyons works every day with patients and their families to provide guidance and quality end-of-life care.
Lyons earned her degree in Clinical Laboratory Medicine from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. She eventually worked in the laboratory at UMC and the VA in Reno and went back to school to become a physician. “I decided to pursue becoming a physician because I very much enjoyed the contact with patients, particularly at the VA,” says Lyons. “I attended the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine and had my residency at UMC in Internal Medicine.” She is proud of her accomplishments in becoming a doctor, particularly having finished medical school as a single parent of son Cameron. Today, she is Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Nathan Adelson Hospice, the largest nonprofit hospice in Nevada and one of the first founded in the nation. “It is a privilege to work at a hospice that is known as a trusted partner in the community and has provided care for patients and their loved ones for more than 30 years,” she said.
Nathan Adelson was a beloved hospital administrator who was known to care deeply for both his patients and employees. After enduring a long and painful battle with stomach cancer, Mr. Adelson passed away, but friends and family members realized the need for healthcare specific to pain management and responded to that need. Nathan Adelson Hospice became the first home care hospice to provide patients and loved ones with comprehensive end-of-life care and has influenced better care throughout the community. The facility honors the choices made by those who are ill and provides patients with both comfort and dignified care. “I love my job and believe that hospice care truly brings comfort to the patient and families. I have a wonderful family and a great team I work with at Nathan Adelson Hospice. The team mentality allows individuals to be successful while improving the care of our community,” she said.
Outside of her duties as Senior Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Lyons is involved with fundraising efforts which are hosted annually by the hospice, including its signature Flair for Care Fashion Show and Luncheon, which featured spectacular designer looks and raised $600,000 this past April. She also supports the annual Wine Tasting Extravaganza, which will be held this October 14th. This event includes wine and food sampling from some of the best restaurants in the city, with an auction and live entertainment adding to the festivities. “The fundraising activities at Nathan Adelson Hospice help bring home the point to the community that we are here for them, support them and will always be their partner.”
Dr. Lyons also makes time to reach out in other ways. She is the current president of the University of Nevada School of Medicine Alumni Association and a past council member of the University of Nevada Reno. “We provide scholarships to medical students, funding for missionary trips and reconnect school alumnus.” She is also passionate about our four-legged neighbors and is a member of the ASPCA and donates to the Southern Nevada Pug Rescue and Lied Animal Foundation. Lyons also donates her time to her church, Central Christian, and is working on becoming a gallon blood donor.
On her down time, Dr. Lyons can be found tending to her organic garden with husband Jeffrey Maloney as well as enjoying her son, four stepchildren and four grandchildren. She is committed to continuing to helping others throughout the community. “It is very important to serve the community that serves you. I see service as a part of everyday life.”
