Sabine von Preyss-Friedman was appointed as Avalon’s Chief Medical Officer in 2011. She brings decades of innovation and national accolades combined with quality driven leadership and a passion for seniors. This passion most recently landed her the title of the American Medical Director’s Association’s Medical Director of the Year in 2011 after being named a finalist for the same award for three consecutive years. 

In addition to working as Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director for several long-term care facilities, Dr. von Preyss-Friedman acts as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington within the specialized area of Geriatric Medicine and Long-Term Care. She has shared her knowledge and clinical expertise in presentations around the globe and is published in medical journals.

The native of Germany’s many clinical accomplishments include: establishing systems and processes to reduce and track falls, maximizing effective pain management, reducing antipsychotic medication use, and improving wound care and infection control. She has introduced an array of continuous quality improvement programs to educate staff and track and identify care trends. A graduate of the Technische Universitaet Muenchen in Germany, Dr. von Preyss-Friedman completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Akron General Medical Center in Akron, OH. She then pursued a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Washington. Her work has been internationally recognized with the award of research grants for studies done in Washington and Germany.

Dr. von Preyss-Friedman is also a chair and member of several medical organizations, boards and committees, each of which is focused on improving quality care in Geriatrics. 

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Nicholas Brening, MD is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Geriatrics. He is originally from Scottsbluff, Nebraska and received a Bachelor's of Science degree from Chadron State College in Chadron, NE. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska.

He attended the University of Utah for Internal Medicine training and Geriatrics Fellowship where he had the opportunity to learn from accomplished and renowned experts in the fields of Geriatrics, Cognitive Neurology, and Geriatric Psychiatry.

Dr. Brening has always had a particular interest in the care of older adult patients. By focusing on aligning a patient's care with his or her goals and paying attention to "what matters most", we are able to achieve successful and personalized outcomes. During each clinical encounter, Dr. Brening strives to provide high-quality, compassionate and efficient care to his patients. Dr. Brening focuses on diagnosis and treatment of Geriatric syndromes including: the diagnosis and ongoing care of patients with cognitive disorders and dementia, depression and anxiety in older adults, incontinence, frailty, and falls. Clinical interests also include the care of LGBT older adults. He partners with the Infectious Disease clinic to offer Geriatric services to older adult patients living with HIV.