Renown Health Opens Conrad Breast Center; First in the Region to Offer Services from Screening to Diagnosis, Surgery, Treatment, Recovery and Survivorship in One South Reno Location

ABOVE: A ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday, May 27, celebrates the Conrad Breast Center, which expands access to essential breast cancer services for all.

Part of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, the new 25,000 square foot comprehensive breast cancer center features a full spectrum of coordinated, multidisciplinary care all under one roof with a caring, integrated team.

Renown Health is proud to announce the opening of the new Conrad Breast Center tomorrow, May 28 at Renown South Meadows Medical Center at 10101 Double R Blvd in Reno. Located within the new 121,000-square-foot Specialty Care Center, the Conrad Breast Center is a continuation of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown, seamlessly coordinating advanced genetic counseling, breast imaging, diagnostics, breast medical oncology, breast surgical oncology, infusion, clinical research, wellness and survivorship services together in one convenient location.

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 39 women will die from breast cancer. In Nevada, the American Cancer Society estimates 17,540 new cancer cases will be reported including more than 2,760 new female breast cancer cases diagnosed in 2025. Here in Washoe County, as reported by NevadaTomorrow.org, breast cancer incident rates are increasing with 127.1 cases per 100,000 females.

“Establishing the Conrad Breast Center will positively impact thousands of people in our community for years to come,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Renown Health. “Breast cancer affects women- and men, from all walks of life. At Renown we are creating healing environments that serve everyone with dignity and compassion. As the only not-for-profit academic health system, we are committed to saving lives, nurturing minds and caring for all people. We are on the move, working to hire more primary care and specialist physicians, investing in essential services, working to reduce costs and improve clinical outcomes, and enhancing the experience for every patient, offering convenient access to high-quality care in our community, and close to family and friends.”

“As an organization who cares for all,” he adds, “we depend on the financial support of donors- through our Renown Health Foundation and amazing people like Jeanne and Raymond Conrad whose generosity and passion have brought the Conrad Breast Center to life. We are incredibly grateful to them in bringing this incredible gift to our community.”

The Conrad Breast Center was made possible by community support totaling $11 million dollars, including a generous $5 million dollar lead gift from Jeanne and Raymond Conrad. “We all have someone in our lives who has been touched by breast cancer,” said Jeanne Conrad, philanthropist. "That’s why it means so much to us to support a center that will help so many people in our community.”

“We are inspired by the team of cancer experts led by Dr. Max Coppes, Director, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, and their vision for delivering compassionate and leading cancer care right here in northern Nevada. Renown has been recognized as one of the top cancer programs in the US by Becker’s, and has full accreditation from the Commission on Cancer. Along with Renown Regional Medical Center being ranked #1 hospital in the state by U.S. News & World Report, Renown physicians are also "High Performing" in eight types of care, including cancer, according to U.S. News. We're proud to help build something exceptional that is unlike anything else in our region.”

The Conrad Breast Center at Renown offers a patient-centered approach to cancer care. A dedicated team of medical oncologists, breast cancer surgeons, radiation oncologists, oncology wellness physician, nurse navigators, social workers, dieticians, pharmacists, counselors and support staff collaborate to provide screening and tailored treatment plans for breast cancer. With expertise in preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer, the team strives to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients. By leveraging leading-edge advancements in cancer care, research and state of the art technology, Renown Health is devoted to making significant strides in the fight against cancer.

Highlights of the Conrad Breast Center include:

• Prevention, Risk Assessment and Genetic Counseling;
• Expanded Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Services (Mammograms, Ultrasounds, MRI, DEXA bone density scans);
• Hologic Affirm® Prone Breast Biopsy System with 2D stereotactic and 3D tomosynthesis-guided biopsy, the most advanced technology in the region, with both warming prone and vertical tables;
• Breast Surgical Care team;
• Breast Medical Oncology team;
• Chemotherapy Infusion Services with 15 private rooms with individualized entertainment systems and mountain views;
• Onsite Pharmacy compounding fresh, individualized chemotherapy on demand for each patient and medications as needed;
• Renown Oncology Wellness Center with Wellness Physician; support groups;
• Clinical Trials and Research Opportunities; Through University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine affiliation, a partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Nevada Cancer Research Foundation, and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).
• Hair and Beauty Salon; including Paxman® Scalp Cooling Cap System for hair preservation through treatment;
• Surgical Suites (second floor of Renown South Meadows Specialty Center);
• Renown Pathology and Laboratory (first floor of Renown South Meadows Specialty Center);
• Renown Dining Facility, offering fresh and nutritious meal options for patients, visitors, and staff.

“As our community continues to grow, it’s essential that we invest in facilities that meet the evolving needs of our residents,” said Tammy Dermody, Chair of the Renown Health Board. The new Conrad Breast Center, the new Specialty Care Center, and the expansion of Renown South Meadows Medical Center, a community hospital with private rooms, are part of our strategic plan to expand our not-for-profit mission and provide accessible, quality care close to home.”

“I am so proud and grateful to Renown Health and our leaders, to Jeanne and Raymond Conrad, the many donors who together contributed millions to our Renown Health Foundation, to our physicians, nurses, support staff, and Kate Ward, PharmD, BCPS, vice president of Oncology and my administrative partner, says Max Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Director, Renown’s Pennington Cancer Institute; Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Clinical Professor of Public Health, UNR. “Our goal is to improve the health and wellbeing of Nevadans and reduce the burden of cancer for all people in our community. Renown and UNR Med’s commitment to increase access to cancer care, invest in physician expertise, increase clinical trials, collaborate on cancer research opportunities, and enhance medical education and post-graduate training, is inspiring. Together, we are transforming cancer care in our community.”

This achievement is a testament to the power of community and the generosity of our donors,” said Greg Walaitis, MBA, Chief Development Officer, Renown Health Foundation. “With the incredible support of the Conrad’s, our community, the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, our Board, executive leadership and our breast cancer ambassadors, we are thrilled to have met our $11 million fundraising goal, allowing us to bring advanced breast health services and innovative care closer to home for thousands of Nevadans. Opportunities to give and support additional breast cancer research and wellness activities are still available, and we encourage those with a passion to give to contact us directly.”

“The Conrad Breast Center is more than a place built with bricks and mortar, within its walls, you feel our purpose, compassion and healing. We extend our thanks to the teams whose dedication made the breast center and the entire Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Medical Center, possible, including Renown Facilities, the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute team, South Meadows Leadership, Clinical Operations and the Renown Health Foundation,” said Sam Weller, MHPA, CEO of Renown South Meadows Medical Center, and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital in Reno. “This building features advanced surgical suites, cardiac catheterization labs, a full laboratory and pathology team, and is a testament to the incredible skill and dedication of our local workforce. Nearly 1,000 engineers, builders, and craftspeople poured over 600,000 hours into creating a space that will serve our community for generations. This would not have been possible without our construction and project teams, including Cumming Group, Perkins & Will, NexCore Group and Gilbane Group. Our expansion enhances access to essential healthcare services and underscores Renown Health’s commitment to investing in our local community and economy.”

The Conrad Breast Center opens to patients on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, allowing patients to begin accessing early-detection imaging, diagnostic tools and advanced care options. To schedule a new patient appointment with the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health, call 775-982-4000. Patients can learn more or schedule a mammogram online at www.renown.org or by visiting renown.org/ConradBreastCenter.