The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) has accredited Renown Health, recognizing it for ethical and high-quality research. Renown is the only health system in Nevada and one of just 63 institutions nationwide to earn this designation.
AAHRPP accreditation confirms that Renown’s Clinical Research program meets rigorous national and international standards for participant safety, ethical oversight and research quality. The accreditation process included a thorough review of policies, procedures and practices to ensure the highest level of compliance and protection for research participants.
“This accreditation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our research teams,” said Kristen Gurnea, Director of Clinical Research at Renown Health. “It assures patients, families and community partners that every study we conduct prioritizes safety, ethics and quality. I am grateful to our entire team for their hard work, which enables us to expand collaborative research, bring new treatments closer to home, and maintain the highest level of trust with those who participate in our studies.”
Strengthening Partnerships and Innovation
The designation also strengthens Renown’s collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, supporting joint clinical studies and advancing medical innovation in northern Nevada. “The AAHRPP accreditation highlights the strength and integrity of the historic affiliation between Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine,” said Dr. Paul J. Hauptman, Chief Academic Officer at Renown and Dean of UNR Med. “It demonstrates that our joint research programs not only meet the highest ethical and regulatory standards but also provide meaningful opportunities for innovation that directly benefit our patients and the broader community.”
Learn More About Clinical Research at Renown
Renown Health offers a wide range of clinical research opportunities across specialties, including cardiology, oncology, pulmonology, and neurology. Participating in clinical research allows patients to access leading-edge treatments and therapies that may not be widely available, while contributing to advancements in medical science.
In addition to patient-focused studies, Renown collaborates closely with UNR Med to design and implement innovative translational research studies that bring cutting edge ideas to the bedside. These partnerships strengthen the region’s medical research infrastructure, foster professional development for healthcare providers and accelerate discoveries that improve patient care locally and beyond.
To explore current clinical trials, learn about eligibility or partner with Renown’s research teams, visit renown.org/research.
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.
Dr. Lee Schwartzberg to Lead Breast Cancer Program at Renown
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.
Renown Health Names Jeff Prater as Vice President of Rural Health
Renown Health announced today that Jeff Prater will join the organization as Vice President of Rural Health. As northern Nevada’s only Level II trauma center and the state’s largest not-for-profit academic integrated health system, over 1 million people in a 100,000 square mile radius rely on Renown’s services — including those who live in neighboring rural communities.
Renown Health Distributes More Than $1 Million to Community Health Agencies
As Reno’s only locally owned, not-for-profit, integrated academic health care network, Renown Health reinvests every dollar earned back into the community — in expertise, technology, treatments, training and research — to improve health and prevent illness.
Today, Renown Health’s senior leadership team, along with the chair and members of the Board of Directors, representing more than 8,000 physicians and employees, gathered to celebrate and support 65 local not-for-profit partners working to address the area’s most critical health care needs and build a healthier Nevada.
“For more than 160 years, Renown Health has worked to improve the health of our community,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Renown Health. “As an essential community asset, and in affiliation with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, we appreciate the trust placed in us and take this responsibility very seriously. Our commitment has grown and evolved through careful consideration of our community’s most pressing health needs. By partnering with other mission-driven nonprofit organizations, we are working to address these issues, which include expanding access to care, enhancing affordability and ensuring that every person can live their healthiest and best life.”
He added, “Improving the health and wellness of an entire population is not easy. It is a huge task. We know that change is constant, and to take on the challenges ahead, we must work together now, with those in the field, to ensure a bright and healthy future for our kids, grandkids and future generations.”
