Presenting Vegas Inc’s 2025 Health Care Headliners

Vegas Inc’s Health Care Headliners highlights the remarkable medical professionals making a difference in Southern Nevada. These doctors, researchers, educators and administrators work tirelessly not only to help solve our community’s toughest challenges in health care, but to also ensure that the Valley has access to quality care today and in the future.

The 2025 Health Care Headliners originally appeared in a special issue of Vegas Inc’s Health Care Quarterly. Sign up to get each of Vegas Inc’s special publications delivered to your inbox on the day of their release.

Carmen Flores

Innovation

Medical Director of Surgical Services, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada 

Carmen Flores is a double board-certified critical care and general surgeon, currently serving as the Medical Director of Surgical Services at University Medical Center. A dynamic and visionary leader, Flores is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Nevada, playing a transformative role in expanding and advancing surgical care at UMC and throughout the state.

Since assuming her role, Flores has made remarkable strides in increasing both the volume and complexity of surgeries performed at UMC, home to one of the busiest surgery centers in the region. Her strategic initiatives have led to improved patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and the integration of groundbreaking surgical technologies. Under her leadership, UMC’s surgical capabilities have rapidly evolved, including the growth of a highly successful robotic surgery program that contributed to more than 16,000 surgeries performed last year alone.

“In collaboration with industry partners and a number of surgical practices, we have, over the course of a short nine-month period, grown our robotic surgery volume by 135 percent and diversified our robotic surgery footprint to expand access for our patients to complex robotic interventions such as foregut surgery, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, bariatric surgery, complex gynecological surgery, thoracic surgery and urologic surgery,” Flores said.

Flores’ forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence continue to shape the future of surgical services at UMC. She works tirelessly to bring the latest clinical innovations to the community, ensuring patients receive world-class care close to home. 

Michael Ciccolo

Lifetime Achievement

Director of Congenital Heart Surgery, Sunrise Children’s Heart Surgery Center

Michael Ciccolo has changed the landscape of pediatric cardiac care in Nevada during his 25-year career developing the congenital heart surgery program at Sunrise Children’s Hospital with Children’s Heart Center Nevada. 

Committed to providing essential services so families wouldn’t need to leave the state for care, Ciccolo has achieved remarkable outcomes, including performing the first successful Norwood procedure in Nevada. 

“Recently, I ran into a friendly family at Harry Reid airport. They turned out to be the parents of a baby born around 2007 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome,” Ciccolo said. “He was the first patient to survive a Norwood procedure done in Nevada and I had done the surgery. They informed me he is currently in college studying mechanical engineering.” 

Ciccolo emphasizes the importance of developing high-level health services for Nevada’s growing population. “Good health is a key component to a successful life that allows an individual the ability to give back to their family, friends and community,” he said. “Las Vegas is a young, large metropolitan area and critically needs to develop high-level health services for its population.” 

A board-certified thoracic surgeon specializing in congenital conditions, Ciccolo earned his medical degree and has devoted his career to advancing pediatric cardiac care in Nevada. 

Rachel Mack

Community Outreach

Program Director, Roseman University of Health Sciences—EMPOWERED  Program

Rachel Mack is reshaping addiction treatment services in Nevada as a leader for Roseman University of Health Sciences’ EMPOWERED Program, which supports pregnant and postpartum individuals who use or have used opioids and stimulants. Overseeing clinical staff at four locations across Nevada and Utah, Mack manages field and outreach activities, fosters community partnerships and collaborates on grant reporting to sustain vital services for vulnerable populations. 

“Growing up, I was able to clearly see the need for support and community resources for families in need to be stable and learn to thrive,” Mack said. “Resources that promote education, health and wellness, limiting barriers, improving access to care, advocacy and done with compassion.”

The EMPOWERED Program recently received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. “With this great achievement, the EMPOWERED Program now has the opportunity to become more established in the College of Medicine curriculum,” Mack said. 

A licensed social worker and alcohol and drug counselor, Mack has extensive experience in working with patients experiencing opioid-use disorder and mental health disorders. She currently serves on the Nevada Congenital Syphilis Case Review Team and the Northern Nevada Public Health Fetal Infant Mortality Review Board, advocating for clients facing health care barriers. 

Mack is passionate about providing support to those who need it most and helping patients break generational patterns and thrive in motherhood. 

Stephani Christensen

Research/Science

Medical Oncologist, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada 

Stephani Christensen is advancing cancer treatment in Southern Nevada as a medical oncologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers, where she combines cutting-edge research with compassionate patient care focused on breast cancer and serious blood disorders. 

A Las Vegas native, Christensen recently served as principal investigator in the NATALEE trial, which demonstrated a 25.1% reduction in recurrence risk among patients with HR+/HER2- stage 2 and 3 early breast cancer. The trial led to FDA approval of Kisqali (ribociclib), significantly improving disease-free survival rates. 

“I am really proud of our participation in this trial, and research is so important to the advancement of cancer treatment,” Christensen said. The practice has participated in more than 100 clinical trials leading to FDA approvals. 

Beyond her clinical work, Christensen serves as chairwoman of Comprehensive’s marketing committee and holds leadership positions on the Breast Cancer Tumor Board and Breast Program Leadership Committee at Sunrise Hospital. She is also a clinical assistant professor in oncology/hematology at UNLV School of Medicine. 

“Direct, compassionate patient care is always my focus,” she said. “I enjoy getting to know each of my patients. I make it a point to stress the importance of teamwork with my patients, their families and my coworkers.” 

Christensen received her medical degree from UNR School of Medicine in 2009 after earning a bachelor of arts in American history from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at Rush University Medical Center. 

Stacey Webb

Manager/Administrator

Chief Administrative Officer, Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging 

Stacey Webb turned her military experience into a distinguished career in health care administration, serving as chief administrative officer at Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging in Las Vegas. 

With 45 years in the industry, Webb’s journey began at age 16 as a tray line aide at a local hospital. After eight years in the Air Force working in health care administration at various bases worldwide, she joined SDMI in 1994, eventually rising to her current position in 2008. 

“I never intended to build a career in health care,” Webb said. “But as I gained experience, I discovered a genuine passion for the field.” 

In her role, Webb manages multiple responsibilities including regulatory compliance, accreditation standards, patient experience oversight and staff training. Her educational background includes a master’s in health care administration, a bachelor’s in business administration and associate degrees in health care management and accounting. 

Webb finds fulfillment in advocating for patients and supporting staff. “Health care can be complex and overwhelming, and I take pride in helping our patients feel supported and informed throughout their experience with us,” she said. 

She identifies patient education as a critical health care priority for Southern Nevada. “Too often, people turn to the internet for medical advice, which can lead to misinformation and confusion. If health care professionals take the time to educate patients directly, it would have a positive impact on the industry.” 

Peter Bonifatto

Dentistry

General Dentist, Summer Dental & Orthodontics 

Peter Bonifatto is transforming the dental experience for Las Vegas patients through compassionate care and innovative education strategies. As a general dentist at Summer Dental & Orthodontics in Summerlin, Bonifatto brings a personal understanding to his practice.

“I know firsthand how life-changing a confident smile can be,” Bonifatto said. “I had really misaligned teeth as a kid, got bullied for it and begged for braces for years.” 

With more than eight years in the industry and having treated more than 20,000 patients, Bonifatto focuses on reshaping negative dental narratives. His approach emphasizes listening to patients and creating a judgment-free environment, particularly for those with dental anxiety. 

Beyond his practice, Bonifatto leverages technology, including AI, and social media to extend his impact to millions by sharing educational content. “I’m focused on making dental education more accessible through social media,” Bonifatto said. “Most people only spend a couple of hours a year in my chair, but they make decisions about their teeth every day. There is a ton of misinformation out there. My goal is to cut through the noise and give people clear, science-backed advice so they can take better care of their teeth before problems start.” He is also launching his own whitening brand, Dr. Bonifatto Whitening, providing a safer alternative to drugstore products. 

A proud Las Vegas native, Bonifatto earned his doctor of dental medicine from the UNLV School of Dental Medicine. His dedication to excellence has earned him several recognitions including the Star Dentist Award from the Southern Nevada Dental Society in 2024. 

Kornelis Poelstra

Physician

Spine Surgeon and Director at The Robotic Spine Institute of Las Vegas 

With more than 20 years of medical experience, Kornelis Poelstra has dedicated his career to advancing spine surgery through the integration of cutting-edge robotic technologies. He is the founder and lead surgeon at The Robotic Spine Institute of Las Vegas, where he combines his surgical expertise with advanced technology to improve patient outcomes. 

Poelstra has performed more than 2,000 robotic-assisted spine surgeries—more than any other surgeon worldwide—and has pioneered techniques that increase precision, reduce recovery times and minimize surgical risks. 

“What excites me the most about advancements in health care is the rapid evolution of robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive techniques,” Poelstra said. “These innovations allow us to perform spine procedures with greater precision, significantly reducing recovery times, surgical risks and patient discomfort.” 

Poelstra is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and holds memberships in several prestigious organizations, including the North American Spine Society, the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 

For Poelstra, expanding specialized care is a critical health care priority for Southern Nevada. “As Las Vegas continues to grow, there is a critical need for more advanced medical services, including specialized spine care,” he said. “Patients shouldn’t have to travel out of state to receive world-class treatment.”

Casey Maurice

Education

Director of Clinical Simulation, Touro University Nevada 

Casey Maurice is revolutionizing health care education as director of clinical simulation at Touro University Nevada, where she creates immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world patient care. 

Maurice coordinates with deans, program directors and faculty to design simulation cases in Touro’s state-of-the-art center that features high-fidelity manikins, standardized patients and ultrasound equipment. Her work helps students develop both technical expertise and crucial communication skills. 

“One of my favorite aspects of my role is witnessing the tremendous growth students experience,” Maurice said. “On their first day, they often come in shy and timid, afraid to make mistakes. By graduation, they proudly call themselves DOs, PTs, PAs, NPs or OTs.” 

Under Maurice’s leadership, the Michael Tang Regional Center for Clinical Simulation received full accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare in December 2024, becoming the first simulation center in Nevada to achieve this distinction. 

Maurice also serves as co-chair of the Las Vegas Simulation Group, which has grown from 10 to more than 150 members after being established two years ago. “I am dedicated to expanding this group and fostering collaboration to enhance the educational experiences of students throughout the Valley,” Maurice said. “Our collective goal is to standardize health care practices across the region and ensure they are the best they can be. By focusing on our specialty as simulation experts, we aim to elevate the quality of care and education for all.”