About Nevada State Medical Association
Every Nevadan is affected in some way by the members of the NSMA. They are not only your physicians, but your neighbors, friends and advocates in the health care delivery system.
Our Mission
“Advocating for High Quality Health Care for all Nevadans.”
What is the NSMA?
Nevada’s pioneer physicians organized the Nevada State Medical Association (NSMA) in 1875, only 11 years after Nevada’s admission to the United States. These physicians served the medical and public health needs of Nevada pioneer families and visitors. They created the NSMA to share the latest medical knowledge and the collaborate on best practice for their patients. The NSMA began meeting annually in 1904 to identify and address the needs of Nevada physicians and their patients.
As the state’s oldest and largest physician advocacy organization, the NSMA represents physicians at the state, federal and local levels of government, and before the United States Congress and the Nevada Legislature. The NSMA monitors both state and federal proposed legislation and proposed regulations, attends hearings, drafts comment letters and testifies on behalf of physicians with a focus on elevating quality care and eliminating onerous regulatory barriers which burden the practice of medicine and limit access to care.
NSMA Staff
Executive Director
Sarah Watkins joined the NSMA team as Office Manager in July of 2016. Sarah supports the Association through daily oversight of the office operations, membership database, and works with the Executive Director, Board, and other Association members to ensure the smooth operation of an innovative organization to include enhancing membership value within NSMA.
Sarah is a Reno native and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. Upon graduation, she worked in retail management and then transitioned to the engineering firm, Lumos & Associates, Inc. where she worked as the Office Manager.
Sarah is involved in the Reno Tahoe Young Professionals Network. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors in the Sierras and rooting for her beloved Giants, 49ers, and Wolf Pack with her husband.
Kathleen Stodtmeister
Membership and Community Liaison
Kathleen Stodtmeister joined the NSMA team in November of 2021. Kathleen oversees member communications, web development and community relations; making sure members are connected to the many benefits of being a member of NSMA.
Kathleen received her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Brigham Young University-Idaho and then went on to receive her dual master’s degree in Business and Health Care Administration which was completed in 2015. While working on her master’s degree, she worked in various aspects of healthcare, including the billing department for a large healthcare system and working as an office manager of a private practice.
Kathleen is a transplant from Oregon who moved to Nevada, following her husband (a
Reno native). She spends time with her husband Kipp, and four young children, Beck
(7), Andie (5), Josie (5), and Drew (3), boating at Pyramid Lake, camping, fishing, and
playing sports.
NSMA Leadership
Andrew Eisen, MD
President
Andrew V. Pasternak, MD
Immediate Past President
Sowjanya Reganti, MD
President – Elect
Joseph Adashek, MD
Secretary
Jay Morgan, MD
Treasurer
County Presidents
Nicholas Fiore, MD
Clark County President
Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD
Washoe County President
Tessa Schwering, MD
Carson Douglas President
Together We Are Stronger
Since 1875, the NSMA has worked with the county medical societies to advocate for the protection of patients and to improve medical practice in Nevada.
Join us to create strength in our communities and State.