Las Vegas Weekly

January 14, 2010 · 11:04 AM

‘Medical mecca’ endorsed by Top 30 Las Vegas movers and shakers

By Robin Leach

MGM Mirage Chairman and CEO Jim Murren speaks at the grand opening of the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas at CityCenter on Dec. 4, 2009.

Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

It may well have been one of the most important and defining moments in the history of Las Vegas. The “secret summit” that I revealed exclusively yesterday here at Vegas DeLuxe was a major success, and Mayor Oscar Goodman, rival hotel chiefs and Cleveland Clinic doctors agreed that ambitious plans for a “medical mecca” will move forward on a specific timetable.

Oscar said that Las Vegas is prepared to donate two more sites at Symphony Park for the expansion. Casino chiefs Steve Wynn, Bill Boyd, Sheldon Adelson, Rob Goldstein, Jim Murren and Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta have agreed to serve on the Nevada Leadership Board to propel the medical movement forward. Former Gov. Kenny Guinn, illusionist Siegfried Fischbacher, boxing promoter Bob Arum’s wife Lovee and entrepreneur Mark Fine also are among the powerful 30-strong group of top Las Vegas movers and shakers volunteering their services to the effort.

Founder Larry Ruvo, who is chairman of Keep Memory Alive that funds the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, commented: “The demand for Cleveland Clinic services continues to increase, reflecting its international reputation. My dream is that Las Vegas becomes a destination for national and international travelers to come for their executive physicals here in our great city. Las Vegas has the infrastructure and the environment to fulfill this dream.”

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabik.com

Kevin Kelly and Frank Fertitta.

Larry revealed that entertainer Barry Manilow will be the guest performer at the annual fundraiser on Feb. 27 at the Bellagio, which we reported this morning.

In addition to the Brain and Neurological Institute that will battle Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the Cleveland Clinic plans the country’s best Wellness and Exercise Medicine Center, along with the executive checkups and treatments. I’m hearing that a Medical School and College of Medicine also will eventually be launched here as part of the massive medical expansion.

One of the hotel presidents told me: “This will happen, and it will be even bigger than we first thought. Everybody is behind this one.” Clinical trials on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research start here next month, and patients will be undergoing treatment and care in time for the center’s scheduled opening in late March.

Photo: IS Photography/ImagesofVegas.com

Cheryl and Rob Goldstein at Carnival du Vin in the Palazzo.

Meantime, executives and staff at Qua Baths & Spa in Caesars Palace presented Larry with more than $5,000 for the charity that funds the work of the downtown brain institute. Three months ago, 5 percent of each guest’s spa sessions were earmarked for KMA, along with $1 from each Roman Rituals and Fitness Center passes. The one-month-long effort raised $5,258.65.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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