SALA DE PRENSA DE RENOWN

Gift from Jeanne and Raymond Conrad will support development of the Conrad Breast Center in the new Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. Renown Health Foundation announced a $5 million gift from local philanthropists Jeanne and Raymond Conrad on Monday, Oct 30. This gift will establish the Conrad Breast Center at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown. The center will be housed in the Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. The three-story, 121,000 square foot Specialty Care Center being built on the Renown South Meadows Medical Center campus will feature expanded laboratory and diagnostic services, a surgery center and expanded sterile processing department and more. The Conrad Breast Center is the latest addition to the services planned for the Specialty Care Center and will include imaging, infusion and surgery services along with a wellness center. “With a service area of over 100,000 square miles that serves approximately one million people, Renown sees individuals from all walks of life,” said Jeanne Conrad, philanthropist. “My husband Raymond and I share Renown’s vision for a healthy community and establishing advanced care options for even the most difficult-to-treat cancer cases. We all have been impacted by breast cancer in some way which is why we feel honored to create this legacy.” According to the National Cancer Institute, 12.9% of women born in the United States will develop breast cancer at some time during their lives (based on 2015–2017 data). Here in Nevada, the American Cancer Society estimates 2,620 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2023 and that 440 Nevadans will die from breast cancer this year. “Renown Health’s mission to provide best-in-class care in our northern Nevada community and beyond is only possible with generous donors like Jeanne and Raymond Conrad,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, Renown Health President & CEO. “This gift establishing the Conrad Breast Center within the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute will positively impact lives in our community for years to come. Cancer does not discriminate and Renown strives to create care environments that cater to all individuals. Our goal is to save lives and ensure better outcomes while keeping families together with convenient care options.” During the formal announcement of the Conrad Breast Center on Monday, Oct. 30, Renown patient and breast cancer survivor, Carolyn Dragics, spoke about her experience receiving care at Renown. Carolyn emphasized that staying close to home was a crucial part of her care journey. To continue expanding regional cancer care options and keep locals close to home, Renown Medical Group recently welcomed two distinguished breast surgical oncologists, Colleen O'Kelly Priddy, MD and Michelle K. Chu, MD to the team. As part of this expansion, Renown is assuming operations of Reno Surgical Advocates, a respected private practice in Reno. “Northern Nevada’s population continues to grow, and Renown is positioning itself to have the appropriate amount of cancer care providers available for everyone who may need it,” said Greg Walaitis, Renown Health Chief Development Officer. “As the region’s largest not-for-profit healthcare system, Renown works tirelessly to provide members of our community with advanced care. This establishing donation from the Conrad family will continue to build Renown’s vision for increasing cancer care options in our region.” “Every day I am inspired by not only the patients we care for who are fighting the good fight against cancer, but also by the donors like the Conrad family who have given us the opportunity to support our patients in their fight,” said Max Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Renown Health’s William N. Pennington Cancer Institute Director. The Conrad Breast Center is another step towards the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute’s ultimate goal for our community: establishing an NCI-designated Cancer Center in Reno. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health.

Read More About $5 Million Donation to Renown Health Foundation Will Increase Access to Breast Cancer Care in Northern Nevada

Renown Medical Group is thrilled to welcome two distinguished breast surgical oncologists, Colleen O'Kelly Priddy, MD and Michelle K. Chu, MD to the team. These highly skilled breast surgeons will solely focus on providing breast care and therefore play a pivotal role in Renown Health’s William N. Pennington Cancer Institute’s commitment to provide subspecialized care to the people living in our community and beyond. Dr. Colleen O'Kelly Priddy is a fellowship-trained, board-certified breast surgical oncologist with an impressive background in breast cancer surgery. Dr. Priddy was born at Washoe Medical Center (which later became Renown Regional Medical Center) and grew up in Susanville, CA before attending Stanford University for her undergraduate studies. She is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. "I am thrilled to return to Reno to help increase access to world-class surgical breast cancer care,” said Dr. Priddy. “My focus is to provide exceptional care, particularly for young people with breast cancer. I am excited to continue my mission here in northern Nevada." Dr. Michelle K. Chu, a board-certified general surgeon, brings her extensive experience in advanced breast cancer treatment to the Renown team. Dr. Chu received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her medical degree from Western Reserve School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Chu specializes in oncoplastic breast conserving surgery and nipple sparing mastectomies. "I believe in tailoring treatment options to each patient's unique needs,” Dr. Chu said. “Whether it's preserving the natural shape of the breast or supporting the 'Going Flat' movement, our team strives to provide the best possible outcome for every patient." The newest addition to the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, Renown Breast Surgery Care provides comprehensive breast surgery care at 1500 E. 2nd Street in Reno, adjacent to the Renown Regional Medical Center campus. "Breast cancer accounts for approximately 20% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in Washoe County, with roughly 520 new cases annually, establishing it as the most prevalent cancer type within our community,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO, Renown Health. “We are proud, as the community’s largest not-for-profit healthcare system, to invest in cancer prevention and early diagnoses, including mammography screening and genetic research. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, Renown now offers two superb breast surgeons specializing in breast preservation surgery, and a breast surgery center providing comprehensive, compassionate care. Our goal is to save women’s lives, save families and ensure better care and better outcomes. This is a major step forward for women’s healthcare and our community.” As part of this expansion, Renown is assuming operations of Reno Surgical Advocates, a respected private practice in Reno. "Access to expert breast cancer care close to home is crucial, and our dedicated team at Renown Breast Surgery Care will work tirelessly to provide the highest level of care to patients while working closely with our other cancer specialists," said Max Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Director, William N. Pennington Institute for Cancer. “With the exceptional expertise of Dr. Colleen O'Kelly Priddy and Dr. Michelle K. Chu, coupled with our state-of-the-art facility; Renown Health is a true partner in the fight against breast cancer in northern Nevada.” "People are increasingly relocating to northern Nevada, and in fact, Washoe County experienced a 2.1% population growth from April 2020 to July 2022. Consequently, although northern Nevada does not exhibit an above-average cancer rate, we are observing a rise in cases at our facilities," said Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, MD, FACP, Section Chief of Medical Oncology at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute. "Renown Health is positioned to meet this growing demand, and we take pride in consistently adding nationally renowned healthcare providers to our team to save the lives of women in northern Nevada. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health.

Read More About Saving More Lives; Renown Expands Breast Cancer Care, Adding Two Best-In-Class Breast Surgeons

Freenome, a privately held biotech company announced today that Renown Health has joined as a partner for the Sanderson Study, Freenome’s study of its multiomics platform, in combination with real-world data to detect multiple cancers. The study encompasses both traditional and real-world data to generate evidence of clinical validation for certain high- and elevated-risk populations while also refining the platform’s cancer classification and risk prediction models. In addition, the Sanderson Study will build the necessary infrastructure to bridge the gap between clinical research and day-to-day clinical impact. Freenome uses a multiomics platform that combines tumor and non-tumor signals with machine learning to detect cancer in its earliest stages using a standard blood draw. “We are delighted to partner with Freenome to launch this far-reaching trial which has transformative potential,” said Lee Schwartzberg, MD, medical oncology section chief and the principal investigator for the Sanderson Study at Renown. “Studying the impact of merging real-world information from patients with multiomics technology holds the promise of a truly personalized approach to early detection of cancer.” Renown Health has multiple clinical trials currently available to patients in northern Nevada across a variety of specialties, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, and pulmonology. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the Silver State, claiming the lives of more than 5,400 Nevadans each year. This number has increased since the last five-year plan estimates of 4,400 deaths per year.1 Promoting research to improve cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment is a key goal outlined in the Nevada Cancer Plan, 2021-2025, a framework developed by the Nevada Cancer Coalition in partnership with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. Access and participation in clinical trials is a key component of the plan, which, Renown says, makes participation in the Sanderson Study even more significant. “At the inception of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, we committed to not only provide the very best care possible to our community, but to also help improve outcomes through participation in research,” said Max Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, cancer center director of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute. “The research collaboration with Freenome has the potential to make a dream come true: Finding cancer early when it’s most treatable.” The Sanderson Study will enroll approximately 8,000 patients through Freenome’s clinical study partner network and numerous regional health systems across the United States. “Renown is committed to making a difference in the health and well-being of patients in communities across the state of Nevada, and that includes access to innovative research,” said Lance Baldo, MD, chief medical officer at Freenome. “The combination of real-world data and multiomics is poised to transform the landscape of early cancer detection.” Freenome’s clinical studies are named for employees’ loved ones who fought cancer. This study honors Tim Sanderson, the loving father of a Freenome engineer. For residents of Nevada interested in participating in the Sanderson Study, contact the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute clinical research coordinators at renown-crd@renown.org. Click here for more information on the Sanderson Study. About Freenome Freenome is a biotechnology company with a comprehensive multiomics platform for the early detection of cancer using a standard blood draw. The company combines its deep expertise in molecular biology with advanced computational biology and machine learning to detect disease-associated patterns among billions of circulating cell-free biomarkers. Freenome is headquartered in South San Francisco, California. About Renown Health’s William N. Pennington Cancer Institute The William N. Pennington Cancer Research Institute provides comprehensive multidisciplinary cancer care for the northern Nevada community, helps educate the next generation of healthcare providers, and works to improve treatments and outcomes through active participation in research. Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro más grande de la región, que presta servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health.

Read More About Freenome Adds Renown Health As Partner for The Sanderson Study

Recognized as one of the world’s leading breast cancer experts as a 2023 Legends in Cancer Honoree Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, FACP, Section Chief of Medical Oncology at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown, was honored as the 2023 Legends in Cancer honoree at this year's Best of Breast conference for his contributions to the field of breast cancer. The conference took place on Jan. 21 and 22. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 36 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates across the country, and here in Washoe County have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment, detection, and care. Each year in the United States, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men. Here in Washoe County, more than 21 deaths per 100,000 females are due to breast cancer, a significant decrease since 2012 when 24 deaths per 100,000 females were reported. Dr. Schwartzberg was selected for this award based on his unique and vast contributions to advancing science and patient care, including his major research interests such as therapeutic approaches to breast cancer, targeted therapies, and supportive care. The selection committee evaluates each candidates’ body of work — including contributions to the field of breast cancer in clinical research, patient care, mentoring and community service — before deciding on an honoree. “Dr. Schwartzberg is deserving of this honor. As a national expert in the study and treatment of breast cancer, precision medicine and supportive care, Dr. Schwartzberg is transforming cancer care and improving the lives of all of us in northern Nevada. As the most preferred cancer program in the region, we are working with the support of donors like The William N. Pennington Foundation to recruit additional oncology specialists and cancer science researchers to become the first National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer care center in Nevada," said Dr. Brian Erling, MBA, CEO of Renown Health. “The incredible care that comes from the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute is possible because of nationally recognized oncologists like Dr. Schwartzberg.” “Dr. Schwartzberg completed fellowship training in medical oncology and hematology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where he also served as Chief Medical Resident and was a founding member of the institutional ethics committee,” add Paul J. Hauptman, MD, dean of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and chief academic officer for Renown Health. “We are proud that he serves as a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. His research interests include supportive care, precision medicine and patient-reported outcomes in breast cancer and he has published over 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters and monographs.” “It is an honor to work with Dr. Schwartzberg and his patients have the most incredible things to say about the care he provides.” said Dr. Max J Coppes, PhD, MBA, Director, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, Renown Health. “He understands that his patients are going through one of the most challenging times in their lives. Dr. Schwartzberg brings decades of experience to our community, is a great listener, and treats everyone with compassion and dignity. We are so proud to have him at Renown.” The Best of Breast Conference is an innovative medical education program that gathers the world's leading breast cancer experts to discuss cases with high-risk characteristics, adjuvant and metastatic treatment advances, interdisciplinary care and survivorship and recurrence — all while incorporating data from the major oncologic annual meetings. Dr. Schwartzberg has been selected to chair Total Health’s spring oncology education retreat in Lake Tahoe on April 15 and 16. The event’s comprehensive agenda will allow attendees to engage with the latest research and strategies in cancer care while networking with colleagues from across the country in a peaceful setting. Additional conference information is available here. Se recomienda que las mujeres se realicen exámenes con mamografía después de los 40 años. For those age 75 and older, a mammogram is recommended every year. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Both 3-D digital mammography and whole breast ultrasounds are available at the Greenberg Breast Health Center at Renown and other locations across northern Nevada. The Affordable Care Act makes breast cancer screening and counseling free. All health plans must cover these benefits at no cost to you. Renown MyChart app users can self-schedule a mammogram appointment. To call to schedule, dial 775-982-8100. At the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health, patients receive innovative, personalized treatment to fight cancer while an experienced team provides the support and technology to maintain the highest quality of life. The Renown team’s clinical expertise and advanced treatment options blend evidence-based care with leading-edge research to improve cancer outcomes for every patient and family. For more information or a referral, visit renown.org/cancer. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. About Total Health Total Health is a medical information company of planning experts who produce tailored content, courses, and conferences for oncology healthcare providers, virtual and in-person. Total Health believes knowledge is power. Its mission is to give oncology healthcare providers an educational experience that equips them with the latest strategies to improve clinical practice and treatment outcomes.

Read More About Dr. Lee Schwartzberg Honored With 2023 Legends in Cancer Award

Max Coppes, M.D., Ph.D., MBA who has served as Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Nevada School of Medicine (UNR Med) and pediatrician-in-chief at Renown Children’s Hospital for the last six years has announced he is stepping down to lead Renown’s Pennington Cancer Institute on a full-time basis. Dr. Coppes will continue to serve as Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at UNR Med. “Our goal is to improve the health of Nevadans and reduce the burden of cancer,” said Thomas Graf, CEO of Renown Health. “Having Dr. Coppes as our clinical leader for the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute on a full-time basis reflects Renown and UNR Med’s commitment to increase access to cancer care, foster a deeper partnership with UNR Med on clinical trials, collaborate on cancer research opportunities, and enhance medical education and post-graduate training. We are thrilled to have Dr. Max leading this important effort.” Today’s announcement comes two weeks after the William N. Pennington Foundation announced a $15.5 million gift to the Renown Health Foundation to help establish the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown. Dr. Coppes, a pediatric oncologist by training, has experience in leading large-scale, nationally recognized academic cancer center teams in both the U.S. and Canada. El Dr. Coppes llegó a Reno en 2014 procedente de la British Columbia Cancer Agency de Vancouver, donde ocupó el cargo de presidente responsable de seis centros oncológicos regionales y dos centros de investigación del cáncer. He was an attending physician at BC Children's Hospital and a professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia. A lo largo de su carrera, Coppes fue vicepresidente sénior del Children’s National Medical Center en Washington, D.C., y ocupó cargos en varios centros de prestigio de Estados Unidos y Canadá, como el Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) en Toronto, la Universidad de Georgetown, el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer y la Cleveland Clinic. Since 2016, Dr. Coppes has served in the joint leadership role as the Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics at UNR Med and pediatrician-in-chief at Renown Children's Hospital, a position made possible through generous philanthropic support from the Nell J. Redfield Foundation along with investments by Renown Health and the School of Medicine. In 2016, the Pennington Foundation recognized the need for enhanced care and expertise for pediatrics and donated $7.5 million to Renown Children’s Hospital to establish the William N. Pennington Fund for Advanced Pediatric Care. “As the Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and pediatrician-in-chief at Renown Children's Hospital, Dr. Coppes blazed the trail for the integration of academic and clinical missions at UNR Med and Renown. He demonstrated visionary leadership and undoubtedly will bring the same energy and vision as the clinical leader for the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute,” said Melissa Piasecki, Acting Dean of UNR Med and Chief Academic Officer for Renown Health. “Dr. Max Coppes is an extraordinary leader. In the last six years he has done much to elevate the standard of pediatric care available in our community,” said Sy Johnson, President and Chief of Staff of Renown. “Thanks to Dr. Coppes’ leadership, the generosity of the Pennington gift and other donors, 100,000 area children now have access to pediatric specialists and contemporary healthcare services at the region’s only children’s hospital. Now, less than 3% of all pediatric patients and their families need to leave the area for specialty care. That is an incredible accomplishment.” Significant achievements made under Dr. Coppes leadership include: Advancing Renown Children’s Hospital, the only dedicated children’s hospital in northern Nevada, offering programs and services for families from a 100,000 square mile area, from Sacramento, CA to Salt Lake City, Utah. Renown Children’s cuenta con la única sala de emergencias para niños; una UCI pediátrica (PICU); un centro de imágenes para niños; y la UCI neonatal (NICU) más grande, una unidad de cuidados intensivos de nivel III. Under his leadership, the following service lines were established; adolescent medicine, pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatric nephrology, pediatric infectious diseases, pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric orthopedic surgery, pediatric cleft and craniofacial surgery, pediatric urology, pediatric dentistry, and pediatric emergency medicine. Hiring and supporting a team of over 40 pediatric physician specialists. These clinicians provide 30,000 patient visits annually, offering an exceptional level of care to help families. As a testimony to the community’s confidence in the care provided, market share for pediatric services at Renown Health is now close to 90%. Renown’s membership in the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), which gives local pediatric cancer patients access to the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood cancer and most leading-edge treatments. Application to establish a 3-year accredited (by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) pediatric residency program in Reno. If approved in September 2022, Renown Health and UNR Med will start training four new pediatricians each year starting in July 2023. Successful application to the Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation & Technology to receive financial support to fund a new Graduate Medical Education program. Renown Children’s Hospital was awarded $ 870,433 for the new pediatric residency program. New construction of an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with increased capacity to 49 bassinets, an expanded Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with increased capacity to 16 private patient and family rooms, and a new Renown Children's Hospital in-patient floor with increased capacity for 38 private patient and family rooms for a total capacity of 58 pediatric beds on Level 4 of Renown Regional Medical Center. In 2021, Dr. Coppes was named the Healthcare Hero Community Partner by Northern Nevada Business Magazine.

Read More About Dr. Max Coppes to Lead William N. Pennington Institute

Generous gift will establish the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health. The William N. Pennington Foundation has announced a $15.5 million gift to the Renown Health Foundation to help establish the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown. This gift will help to bolster care and clinical expertise to improve the lives of people with cancer across northern Nevada. This is the largest gift Renown has ever received. This is the second major donation Renown Health has received from The William N. Pennington Foundation. In 2016, the Pennington Foundation recognized the need for enhanced care and expertise for pediatrics and donated $7.5 million to Renown Children’s Hospital to establish the William N. Pennington Fund for Advanced Pediatric Care. Through this gift, 100,000 area children now have access to pediatric specialists and contemporary healthcare services at the region’s only children’s hospital. Prior to 2016, about 30 percent of all pediatric patients had to leave northern Nevada to receive the specialty care they needed. Now, thanks to the Pennington Foundation’s support, Renown estimates that 97% of all pediatric patients and their families can receive both general and specialty pediatric care locally. Now, improving access to cancer care services in northern Nevada is the priority. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 39.5% Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes (based on 2015–2017 data). Here in Nevada, the American Cancer Society estimates 16,390 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2022 and that 5,730 Nevadans will die from cancer this year. The most frequent cancers seen include breast, prostate, lung and colo-rectal cancers. “The Pennington Foundation gift is so appreciated, as it honors a man who had a passion for improving lives and provides a legacy for the our current generation,” said Thomas R. Graf, M.D., FAAFP, Chief Executive Officer of Renown Health. Dr Graf also serves as Chief Clinical and Quality Officer at Renown, and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs for University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “Estamos profundamente agradecidos por esta donación transformadora. This gift will allow Renown to continue our mission of making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of people with cancer- their families, and the communities we serve.” The Renown Institute for Cancer will now be named the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute in honor of the man who was a gaming pioneer, businessperson, and philanthropist. In former publications, the late philanthropist, Bill Pennington said, “During my many years in business, I was fortunate to work with thousands of wonderful employees, all of them Nevadans. Their efforts helped create the William N. Pennington Foundation, and I hope the Foundation will, in turn, help future generations of Nevadans for many years to come.” The Pennington grant will focus on bolstering expert clinical care to address the many concerns that come with a cancer diagnosis and allow people to stay in northern Nevada instead of having travel hundreds of miles out of the area for specialty care. The Institute will be devoted to advancing cancer care, cancer screening, prevention, and cancer research, including the ability to offer the latest clinical trials. “Our goal is to offer our community comprehensive clinical services, basic, translational and clinical research, medical education to students and post-graduate training, and population health with community outreach to reduce the burden of cancer. Ultimately, the vision is to become accredited by the National Cancer Institute,” said Max J. Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Cancer Center Director. “We are incredibly thankful and grateful for the commitment and support of the William N. Pennington Foundation,” said Greg Walaitis, Renown Health Foundation’s Chief Development Officer. “We appreciate the Pennington Foundation’s belief in Renown’s charitable mission to build a healthier community, together. We thank them for Joining the Good Fight.”   Renown Health is the region’s largest locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health affiliated in June of 2021 to establish Nevada’s first integrated health system with missions in education, patient care, and clinical research. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

Read More About Joining the Good Fight: Pennington Foundation Donates 15.5 Million Dollar Grant to Transform Cancer Care in Northern Nevada

El Dr. J. Martin Johnston, director de Hematología y Oncología de Renown Health. Renown ahora es sede de la única institución de Children’s Oncology Group del norte de Nevada, lo que permite a los pacientes locales con cáncer pediátrico acceder a los tratamientos más avanzados. Renown Children’s Hospital anunció hoy que es miembro del Children’s Oncology Group (COG), la organización más grande del mundo dedicada exclusivamente al cáncer infantil. La participación en el COG le permite a Renown inscribir a sus pacientes más jóvenes en los últimos estudios clínicos, incluidos los tratamientos innovadores para varios cánceres infantiles, estudios para comprender mejor estas enfermedades y estudios centrados en la atención de apoyo y la supervivencia. Renown está inscribiendo a pacientes pediátricos en estudios clínicos a través del COG. A través de este proceso, muchos pacientes con cáncer infantil serán elegibles para recibir terapias recientemente desarrolladas. Por ejemplo, algunos estudios emplean medicinas inmunoterapéuticas además de la quimioterapia convencional, con la esperanza de que la adición de la inmunoterapia dé mejores resultados de salud para los pacientes pediátricos con cáncer. “Como intensivista pediátrica de formación, entiendo lo rápido que se hacen los avances en la medicina pediátrica”, dijo Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, presidente y director ejecutivo de Renown Health. “Como miembro del COG, los pacientes oncológicos pediátricos del Renown Children’s Hospital ahora tienen acceso a las opciones de tratamiento más recientes y de vanguardia, además de los tratamientos recetados con frecuencia. Estoy orgulloso de los cuidadores altamente capacitados de Renown, que amplían constantemente sus conocimientos y contribuyen con la investigación para darles a nuestros pacientes pediátricos y a sus familias esperanza para el futuro”. “Hasta ahora, hemos podido ofrecer tratamientos en Renown basados en el estándar de atención actual, lo que significa que el tratamiento se basa en resultados de estudios publicados que pueden no reflejar las últimas investigaciones en el campo”, comentó el director de Hematología y Oncología de Renown, J. Martin Johnston, MD. “Antes, un paciente oncológico pediátrico solo podía inscribirse en un estudio del COG si la familia tenía la capacidad de trasladarse temporalmente a Bay Area o Salt Lake City, por ejemplo. Ahora, nuestros pacientes tendrán la oportunidad de inscribirse en estos estudios sin la necesidad de viajar lejos de su hogar”. “Cuando se encuentran con un diagnóstico de cáncer pediátrico, lo último que debería preocupar a los padres es tener que recorrer grandes distancias para recibir la mejor atención oncológica”, dijo Larry Duncan, vicepresidente de Pediatría y Cirugía y administrador de Renown Children’s. “Estamos orgullosos de ofrecer ahora las opciones de tratamiento contra el cáncer infantil más avanzadas aquí en Renown, cerca de casa y convenientes para los pacientes de la zona y sus familias. Siempre nos esforzamos por ver a más pacientes vencer al cáncer, y formar parte del COG ayuda a nuestro experto equipo de oncólogos pediátricos a poner en práctica formas innovadoras y nuevas para conseguirlo”. Austin, el hijo de Brenda Milligan, residente de Carson City, tenía 5 años cuando le diagnosticaron leucemia y recibió tratamiento en el Renown Children’s Hospital. Como participante activa en el plan de tratamiento de su hijo, que ahora tiene 10 años, Brenda comparte que buscó regularmente el asesoramiento de los proveedores del COG en todo el país y se complace de que los padres del norte de Nevada de niños que reciben tratamiento para la leucemia puedan ahora aprovechar al máximo el COG en su propia ciudad. “El COG permite que los proveedores de Renown tengan acceso a los planes de tratamiento que no estaban disponibles cuando Austin recibía tratamiento”, dijo Brenda. “Me reconforta saber que no solo los niños pueden recibir tratamiento contra el cáncer en su propia ciudad, sino que sus padres ahora pueden elegir que participen en estudios y planes que están a la vanguardia del tratamiento del cáncer en la actualidad”. Según el COG, más del 90 % de 14,000 niños y adolescentes estadounidenses con diagnóstico anual de cáncer reciben atención en instituciones miembro del COG. Como institución miembro del COG, Renown se une a más de 200 instituciones, entre ellas Stanford, UCSF y Kaiser Permanente, en este prestigioso honor. El COG está compuesto por más de 9,000 expertos en todo el mundo y tiene alrededor 100 de estudios clínicos traslacionales activos que se llevan a cabo de manera simultánea. La investigación del COG ha transformado drásticamente los resultados de los niños con cáncer. Hace solo 50 años, se pensaba que el cáncer pediátrico era intratable; mientras que hoy, tiene una tasa de supervivencia combinada a cinco años del 80 %. “La clave para acabar con el cáncer infantil es la investigación científica exhaustiva y los estudios clínicos”, declaró Max Coppes, director del Centro Oncológico del Renown Institute for Cancer. “Como institución miembro del COG, nuestros médicos tendrán la oportunidad de colaborar con otros oncólogos pediátricos de todo el mundo que comparten un objetivo común: curar a todos los niños con cáncer. En Renown, estamos orgullosos de estar a la vanguardia de la investigación y los tratamientos que salvan vidas para los pacientes de oncología pediátrica en toda nuestra región”. “También agradecemos a William N. Pennington Foundation por su apoyo para establecer el Fondo William N. Pennington para la atención pediátrica avanzada en 2016, que nos permitió contratar a más de 15 pediatras especializados, incluso en oncología/hematología, lo cual fue crucial para nuestra solicitud para la membresía del COG”. Acerca del Renown Children’s Hospital Renown Children’s Hospital es el único hospital infantil dedicado en el norte de Nevada, y ofrece una variedad de programas y servicios diseñados específicamente para cuidar a las familias de nuestra comunidad. Tiene la única sala de emergencias y unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátrica de la región. El Renown Children’s Hospital es un hospital sin fines de lucro y se basa en el apoyo filantrópico. Visite renown.org/give para apoyar al Renown Children’s Hospital. Para obtener más información sobre los programas y servicios, visite renown.org/children.

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Tras un año de posibles retrasos en las pruebas de detección del cáncer colorrectal debido a la pandemia de la COVID-19, es más importante que nunca generar conciencia sobre el cáncer colorrectal. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month- a time to raise awareness for colorectal cancer and the importance of routine, life-saving screenings. Renown invites the community to join the organization in helping put an end to the preventable disease.  Blue is the designated color to bring awareness to colorectal cancer and those impacted by it. The iconic “LOVE” sculpture at the main entrance of Renown Regional Medical Center located at 1155 Mill Street in Reno, Nev. will shine brightly in blue each evening in March, serving as a visual reminder to passersby to schedule a colorectal screening. La Colorectal Cancer Alliance estima que se presentarán 149,500 nuevos casos de cáncer de colon solo en 2021. Si bien el cáncer colorrectal puede ser el segundo cáncer más letal en hombres y mujeres combinados, también es uno de los tipos de cáncer más prevenibles con exámenes de detección. “Desafortunadamente, debido a la pandemia de la COVID-19, se ha producido un descenso de las pruebas de detección colorrectales en todo el país”, comentó Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, presidente y director ejecutivo de Renown Health. “Sabemos que la detección temprana es clave para prevenir la propagación de cualquier cáncer, y con los exámenes de detección regulares, sabemos que el cáncer colorrectal es fácilmente detectable y tratable. Como sobreviviente del cáncer, sé lo importante que es volver a ponerse en marcha con exámenes de detección periódicos y cuidados preventivos. Priorizar su salud ahora le ayudará a experimentar un futuro más sano y positivo”.   “Invitamos a la comunidad a unirse a nosotros en Renown para difundir la concientización sobre el cáncer colorrectal y su prevención”, acotó Susan Cox, directora de Servicios Oncológicos en el Renown Institute for Cancer. “Es necesario que todos luchemos para ponerle fin al cáncer colorrectal. Si está al día con sus exámenes de detección, recuérdele a un ser querido que programe su siguiente examen de detección; su recordatorio puede tener el poder de salvarle la vida”. “El cáncer colorrectal generalmente se forma a partir de pólipos precancerosos o crecimientos anormales en el colon o el recto, los cuales pueden volverse malignos sin presentar síntomas. Los exámenes de detección, como las pruebas de heces, las colonoscopias, entre otros, pueden detectar estos pólipos precancerosos, para que un médico pueda extirparlos antes de que se conviertan en cáncer. Los exámenes de detección también pueden detectar el cáncer colorrectal en forma temprana, lo que genera mejores resultados en el tratamiento”, afirma Christos Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, cirujano oncológico, vicepresidente de Renown Health y presidente de Cirugía para Renown Health.   El Dr. Galanopoulos agrega: “la mayoría de las personas comienzan a realizarse exámenes de detección del cáncer colorrectal después de cumplir los 50 años. Sin embargo, algunas personas pueden empezar a realizarse los exámenes de detección antes si tienen un mayor riesgo de padecer cáncer colorrectal, como antecedentes familiares de la enfermedad. Independientemente de los antecedentes personales o familiares de cáncer colorrectal, es importante hablar con el médico sobre el momento adecuado para comenzar a realizarse los exámenes de detección”.  Max J. Coppes, MD, director del Centro Oncológico del Renown Institute for Cancer agrega: “Si bien los exámenes de detección rutinarios son la única manera de determinar la salud colorrectal, algunos hábitos saludables pueden reducir su riesgo de padecer cáncer colorrectal. Estos factores incluyen mantener un peso saludable, mantenerse físicamente activo, seguir una dieta rica en frutas frescas, verduras y granos integrales, limitar el consumo de alcohol y no fumar”. El Dr. Coppes explica que “1 de cada 500 estadounidenses dará positivo para el síndrome de Lynch, una afección genética que aumenta el riesgo de padecer cáncer de colon, cáncer de endometrio y otros tipos de cáncer. También se la conoce como cáncer colorrectal hereditario no polipósico. Las personas con síndrome de Lynch también son más susceptibles a tener pólipos en el colon a una edad más temprana. El equipo de investigación del Healthy Nevada Project está analizando la aparición de importantes variantes genéticas hereditarias en nuestra población que aumentan el riesgo de ciertas enfermedades. Estas incluyen hipercolesterolemia familiar, síndrome de cáncer de ovario y pecho hereditario y síndrome de Lynch”. El Healthy Nevada Project es un estudio clínico (prueba de saliva) que le brinda, sin costo alguno, la oportunidad de conocer su ascendencia, datos sobre su dieta y riesgos genéticos relacionados con enfermedades cardíacas y ciertos tipos de cáncer, incluidas las estrategias de prevención. Para inscribirse, haga clic aquí. Durante un tiempo limitado, los residentes de Nevada pueden solicitar un kit de prueba de ADN gratuito que se enviará a sus hogares. Los expertos de Renown animan a todos los adultos a hablar con su médico sobre el riesgo de cáncer colorrectal y los exámenes de detección disponibles. Aquellos que buscan programar un examen de detección o una visita de atención con un proveedor de atención primaria de Renown pueden a llamarnos al 775-691-7308 o a visitar nuestro sitio web para obtener más información.     Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración y propiedad local sin fines de lucro más grande de la región, que presta servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. El modelo de institutos de Renown aborda determinantes sociales de la salud e incluye: salud infantil, salud conductual y adicciones, envejecimiento saludable e innovación en la salud. Los institutos clínicos abarcan los campos de cáncer, salud cardíaca y vascular y neurociencias. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®.

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El Dr. Max J. Coppes ha sido designado como director del Centro oncológico, y Larry Duncan como administrador del mismo centro del Renown Institute for Cancer, con el objetivo de mejorar la salud y el bienestar de los nevadenses. Renown Health se complace en anunciar que, a partir de hoy, Max J. Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, ha sido nombrado para una nueva función de liderazgo como director del Centro oncológico del Renown Institute for Cancer. El Dr. Coppes, oncólogo pediátrico de formación, tiene experiencia en la dirección de equipos de centros académicos oncológicos de adultos y niños a gran escala y reconocidos a nivel nacional, tanto en Estados Unidos como en Canadá. “Si conoce al Dr. Coppes, sabrá que tiene la pasión, la dedicación y el compromiso de crear y fomentar las asociaciones necesarias para crear un centro y un programa oncológico integral líder que abarque todo el espectro para los pacientes y sus familias, desde la prevención hasta el tratamiento, la supervivencia y los cuidados paliativos”, afirmó Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, presidente y director ejecutivo de Renown Health. También a partir de hoy, Larry Duncan, MS, ha sido nombrado director del Centro oncológico de Renown Health, y trabajará en colaboración con el Dr. Coppes para apoyar el desarrollo de esta importante línea de servicios. Larry también continuará su servicio como vicepresidente de Pediatría y Cirugía y administrador del Renown Children’s Hospital y los servicios para mujeres. “Juntos, como lo han hecho con tanto éxito para Renown Children’s Hospital, el Dr. Coppes y Larry Duncan serán responsables de la dirección estratégica, las operaciones, la gestión fiscal y la contratación de profesionales para el Renown Institute for Cancer”, comentó Sy Johnson, MBA, jefe de personal de Renown Health. “Como una de las líneas de servicio de ‘Destination Health’ de Renown, el Dr. Coppes y Larry seguirán apoyando un modelo de liderazgo integrado que pone al paciente en el centro de todo lo que hacemos”. El Dr. Coppes llegó a Reno en 2014 procedente de la British Columbia Cancer Agency de Vancouver, donde ocupó el cargo de presidente responsable de seis centros oncológicos regionales y dos centros de investigación del cáncer. Fue médico a cargo en el BC Children’s Hospital, profesor adjunto de Ciencias de la Salud en la Universidad Simon Fraser y profesor de Medicina y Pediatría en la Universidad de British Columbia. A lo largo de su carrera, Coppes fue vicepresidente sénior del Children’s National Medical Center en Washington, D.C., y ocupó cargos en varios centros de prestigio de Estados Unidos y Canadá, como el Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) en Toronto, la Universidad de Georgetown, el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer y la Cleveland Clinic. Desde 2016, el Dr. Coppes se ha desempeñado en el rol de liderazgo conjunto como presidente de Pediatría del centro Nell J. Redfield de la Facultad de Medicina de la University of Nevada y pediatra en jefe del Renown Children’s Hospital, un puesto que ha sido posible gracias al generoso apoyo filantrópico de la Nell J. Redfield Foundation junto con las inversiones de Renown Health y la Facultad de Medicina de la UNR. Durante los últimos cinco años, Duncan se ha desempeñado como vicepresidente de Pediatría y Cirugía y administrador del Renown Children’s Hospital y el Renown Women’s Health, y ha supervisado la sala de emergencias pediátrica de Renown y los consultorios médicos pediátricos generales y especializados. También se ha desempeñado como director de Operaciones del Renown Regional Medical Center y ha tenido a cargo la supervisión de las áreas de farmacia, diagnóstico por imágenes, nutrición, servicios de laboratorio y quirófanos. Antes de llegar a Renown, Duncan fue director general de El Paso Children’s Hospital y ocupó cargos ejecutivos en el Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, el Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia y el Rush University Medical Center. “El Renown Institute for Cancer cuenta con la acreditación completa y distinción de la Comisión sobre el Cáncer del American College of Surgeons en todas las 7 áreas. Solo el 25 % de los programas oncológicos alcanzan esta distinción, que reconoce la calidad de la atención integral y multidisciplinar al paciente. El programa de Renown es el único programa oncológico integral acreditado de un hospital comunitario en el norte de Nevada que ha sido seleccionado, y uno de los tres únicos programas de todo el estado”, afirma Max J. Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA. “Es sin duda una excelente base sobre la que construir, y un gran regalo para nuestra comunidad”.  “El personal oncológico de Renown, como los enfermeros, el personal de enlace de los pacientes, los trabajadores sociales, los especialistas en cuidados paliativos, los genetistas, los nutricionistas, los investigadores de estudios clínicos y los especialistas en rehabilitación física, y todo el equipo proporcionan prevención y detección para ayudar a reducir la incidencia del cáncer y reducir la detección de los cánceres en etapa tardía”, señala Larry Duncan, MS. “La tarea de ayudar a los pacientes y sus familias a transitar su recorrido comienza en el momento del diagnóstico, con la ayuda de nuestros enfermeros de enlace, y se extiende a lo largo del tratamiento del paciente. Estamos avanzando en la supervivencia a largo plazo y nos complace ser reconocidos por la naturaleza integral de nuestros programas de investigación, atención, educación y divulgación comunitaria”. De acuerdo con el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer, la tasa de mortalidad ajustada por edad de 153.5 en 100,000 habitantes debido al cáncer en el condado de Washoe ha experimentado una mejora significativa en los últimos años, y ahora cumple el objetivo nacional de salud de Healthy People para 2020, que consiste en reducir la tasa global de mortalidad por cáncer por debajo de 161.4 en 100,000 habitantes. El objetivo nacional de salud de Healthy People 2030 es reducir la tasa global de mortalidad por cáncer a 122.7 muertes en 100,000 habitantes.  El Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (National Cancer Institute, NCI) define el cáncer como un término utilizado para describir enfermedades en las que células anormales se dividen sin control y son capaces de invadir otros tejidos. Según el NCI, existen más de 100 tipos diferentes de cáncer, pero el cáncer de mama, colon, pulmón, páncreas, próstata y recto produce la mayor cantidad de muertes anuales. Los factores de riesgo del cáncer incluyen, entre otros, edad, consumo de alcohol, consumo de tabaco, dieta deficiente, ciertas hormonas y exposición al sol. Si bien algunos de estos factores de riesgo no pueden evitarse, como la edad, limitar la exposición a factores de riesgo evitables puede disminuir el riesgo de desarrollar ciertos tipos de cáncer. Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración y propiedad local sin fines de lucro más grande de la región, que brinda servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. El modelo del instituto de Renown aborda determinantes sociales de la salud e incluye: salud infantil, salud conductual y adicciones, envejecimiento saludable e innovación en la salud. Los institutos clínicos incluyen: Cáncer, salud cardíaca y vascular, de neurociencias y cirugía robótica. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. Para obtener más información, visite www.renown.

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