"Our Story started with catalyst patient experiences that led to durable change." - Dr. Diane Wintz

"I was the person, the patient who ignited the change needed to improve care for us older adults. I was in my 80's at the time of my injury. I was at home just like any other day, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, you know, busy work. Little did I know that on that day, I would spark a revolutionary change. As I was doing my yard work, I ended up falling and hitting the back of my head. I had a bit of a headache that was not normal for me. I started to feel off and called for help. The medics took me to the nearest hospital, a trauma center. Next thing I know, I'm staring up at these bright white lights, not knowing if I was still on earth, if I was in a dream, or if this was reality. I felt people staring at me while tying my hands down like I was going to escape this dream. It wasn't a dream...I was attacked by a gang that day. I thought it was a gang at the time because the people surrounding me were all wearing the same color blue.

The next day, in the hospital, the doctor asked me if I was confused. I said, of course not, I was attacked by a gang last night, that's why I'm here. She looked defeated and reiterated the true reason I was there, because I fell, hit my head and needed monitoring. She also said that she believed me, and then noted that the care team needed to make a change because if that was my experience, my reality, they had to do better." - Charlie, San Diego

Who We Are

Meet the Team

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Diane Wintz, MD, FACS

Dr. Diane Wintz is the Medical Director of Generational Health and Trauma at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California. Dr. Wintz is instrumental in pioneering centers of excellence for the general surgery, trauma, and geriatric patient populations. Dr. Wintz directs a longitude of services at Sharp included under Generational Health to provide patient-centered care for all ages and stages of life. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a recognized leader in community outreach. Her visionary leadership accelerates incredible achievements, including the ACEP Geriatric Emergency Department accreditation, Geriatric Surgery program, and pivotal philanthropic partnerships promoting excellence in health care delivery across the nation.

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Stacy Nilsen, PhD, RN, CNS, ACNS-BC

Stacy is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for Generational Health at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California. Her area of interest includes optimizing wellness with a focus on optimizing outcomes and addressing needs for complex and vulnerable older adults accessing healthcare. She completed her undergraduate degree at Villanova University, master’s degree, and Doctor of Philosophy in nursing at the University of San Diego. Her experience includes over 20 years of nursing experience and 14 years as an advanced practice nurse for medical surgical and telemetry units. Stacy is adjunct nursing faculty for the University of San Diego. She was instrumental in the achievement of the ACEP Geriatric Emergency Department accreditation and the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification.

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Kelly Wright, MSN, MBA, RN, CHPN, OCN

Kelly is the Nurse Manager for Generational Health at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California. Kelly shares the same vision in providing the best care for vulnerable patient populations including those with advanced illnesses and older adults. Kelly has a passion for establishing goals of care, identifying what matters most, and initiating the most appropriate pathway for all patients. She works closely with leaders, partners, and frontline staff to evolve Generational Health including palliative care programs. She was instrumental in the achievement of the ACEP Geriatric Emergency Department accreditation and the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification.

In the News

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Press Release with West Health

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Medical Inflection by Diane Wintz, MD

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Stories of Impact