Renown Health is announcing that Dr. Lee Schwartzberg has been named Medical Director of the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute. The appointment comes as Renown marks the one-year anniversary of the Conrad Breast Center, highlighting a year of growth, innovation and expanded access to breast cancer care for patients across northern Nevada.
Since opening in May 2025, the Conrad Breast Center has supported more than 3,600 patient appointments, completed over 12,700 breast imaging exams, including mammograms, and hosted more than 500 wellness activities. The center has expanded access to coordinated, multidisciplinary care while enhancing the patient experience and supporting earlier detection and more timely treatment.
“Dr. Schwartzberg has been instrumental in shaping cancer care at Renown and across our region,” said Dr. Rahul Mediwala, Chief Executive Office, Renown Medical Group. “His nationally recognized leadership, deep expertise in clinical research and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care have helped elevate the standard of care we provide every day. As an integrated academic health system, we are positioned to bring together research, education and clinical care, ensuring our patients have access to the most advanced treatments available close to home.”
Leadership Appointment Strengthens Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program
In his new role, Dr. Schwartzberg will lead the strategic and clinical direction of Renown’s Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program, supporting continued growth in advanced treatment options, clinical research and multidisciplinary care. As part of an integrated academic health system, Renown combines clinical care, research and medical education to bring the latest advances in cancer treatment directly to patients in northern Nevada.
“What’s especially meaningful about this moment is how it connects patient care with education and discovery,” said Dr. Paul Hauptman, Chief Academic Officer, Renown Health and Dean, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “Dr. Schwartzberg has long been a mentor to physicians and a leader in clinical trials, and his expanded role will help us grow our research footprint while creating more opportunities for learners to train in a truly integrated cancer program. That combination ultimately strengthens the care we deliver today and builds the workforce we need for tomorrow.”
A nationally recognized oncologist and longstanding leader at Renown, Dr. Schwartzberg was named a 2023 Legends in Cancer honoree for his contributions to advancing breast cancer research and patient care. His work has focused on therapeutic approaches to breast cancer, targeted therapies, precision medicine and supportive care, helping improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Dr. Schwartzberg completed fellowship training in medical oncology and hematology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and has published more than 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters and monographs. He also serves as a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.
“As we continue to evolve our breast cancer program, Dr. Schwartzberg’s leadership is helping guide the next phase of growth and impact,” said Dr. Max Coppes, Director of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute. “His nationally recognized leadership, deep expertise in clinical research and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care have helped elevate the standard of care we provide every day.”
“I’m honored to continue serving our patients and community in this new capacity,” said Dr. Schwartzberg. “Over the past year, the Conrad Breast Center has created a strong foundation for delivering coordinated, patient-centered care, and we are just getting started. Together with this exceptional team, we will continue to expand access to innovative treatments, advance clinical research and ensure that every patient receives compassionate, personalized care throughout their journey. Our goal is not only to treat cancer, but to improve quality of life and outcomes for every individual we serve.”
Conrad Breast Center Marks One Year of Impact and Growth
The Conrad Breast Center opened May 28, 2025 within the Renown South Meadows Specialty Center. The center was made possible in part through the generosity of the Conrad family and the support of community donors.
“This milestone reflects more than growth, it shows how our system is evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly changing region,” said Chris Nicholas, Chief Operating Officer, Renown Health. “We are seeing increased demand for specialty care, and the Conrad Breast Center is helping us respond in a way that is more coordinated, efficient and scalable. It is a model we will continue to build on as we expand access to high-quality care across northern Nevada.”
Part of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, the Conrad Breast Center is bringing a full spectrum of services together in one location, including advanced imaging and diagnostics, genetic counseling, surgical and medical oncology, infusion services and access to clinical trials. Patients also benefit from integrated support services such as nurse navigation, wellness programs and survivorship care, creating a more seamless and personalized experience throughout every stage of their journey.
Bringing these services together in one location is critical to improving both the patient experience and clinical outcomes. Instead of navigating multiple appointments across different sites, patients can move more efficiently from screening and diagnosis to treatment and support, reducing delays, minimizing stress and ensuring care teams remain closely aligned at every step. This integrated approach also strengthens collaboration among specialists, allowing for more coordinated treatment planning and more personalized care. For patients facing a cancer diagnosis, having access to comprehensive services in one place means fewer barriers, faster answers and a more supportive, connected care journey.
“Over the past year, the Conrad Breast Center has transformed how we deliver breast cancer care in our region,” said Dr. Harry Menon, Section Chief of Medical Oncology at Renown. “As we look ahead, we are focused on continuing to expand access, advance innovation and further elevate the level of care we provide to our community.”
About Renown Health
Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 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®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers.
