For physicians seeking a career that combines patient care, research, teaching and leadership, finding the right opportunity can make all the difference. When Dr. Gingrich joined Renown Health in 2024 as a surgical oncologist and assistant professor of surgery at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), she found the chance to do all four while serving the community she calls home.
Today, Dr. Gingrich is helping expand access to complex cancer care, advance clinical research and educate the next generation of physicians in northern Nevada. Her story reflects what's possible when career growth is supported by collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to creating a healthier future through exceptional care and discovery.
Building a career in academic medicine and cancer care
Dr. Gingrich specializes in the treatment of sarcoma, melanoma and other complex cancers. Before joining Renown, she completed advanced training at both UC Davis and MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she developed expertise in surgical oncology, cancer biology and genomics.
But her journey toward medicine began with a desire to serve others.
"I chose medicine because I wanted a career that combined science, problem-solving and meaningful service to others," Dr. Gingrich said.
That commitment to service was shaped in part by her earlier career as an officer in the U.S. Army, where she learned the importance of leadership, teamwork and supporting those around her.
"My military experience taught me that you rarely accomplish difficult things by trying to do everything yourself," she said. "You build a team, understand the mission and keep moving forward."
Why Dr. Gingrich chose Renown Health
When Dr. Gingrich completed her fellowship training, she was looking for more than a clinical role. She wanted an opportunity to help build programs, grow research capabilities and contribute to the future of healthcare in Nevada.
"Northern Nevada is home to our family. I was looking for an opportunity where I could practice complex cancer surgery while also helping develop an academic program and research infrastructure in this community ," Dr. Gingrich said.
At Renown, she found an environment where she could care for patients while helping strengthen the health system's academic mission through its partnership with UNR Med.
"Coming to Renown and UNR was an opportunity to do both," she said. "I could care for patients here in northern Nevada while also helping build the clinical research, education and academic mission of the organization."
Career growth through research, education and innovation
Like many healthcare professionals, Dr. Gingrich's career goals have evolved over time.
When she joined Renown, her focus was on building a strong surgical oncology practice and delivering high-quality cancer care. Today, she is also helping expand opportunities in clinical trials, translational research, genomics and physician-scientist collaboration.
She credits Renown's commitment to research and innovation as an important part of her professional growth.
"The most important resource has been the opportunity to work within an organization that is investing in the academic and research mission of cancer care," Dr. Gingrich said.
Her work now includes developing research infrastructure, building collaborations between physicians and scientists and creating opportunities for patients to participate in research studies and clinical trials.
"We are creating opportunities for patients to participate in clinical trials and research, developing new resources for cancer research, and connecting our clinicians with scientists and researchers," she said. "The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we are doing today can make things better for patients and physicians in Nevada for years to come."
The power of the Renown and UNR Med partnership
A key part of Dr. Gingrich's career journey has been the ability to work across clinical care, education and research through the partnership between Renown Health and UNR Med.
As an assistant professor and practicing surgeon, she teaches medical students, participates in research initiatives and helps develop programs that support both patients and future healthcare professionals.
"The partnership created an academic medical center that allows clinical care, education and research to exist within the same ecosystem," Dr. Gingrich said.
She believes the collaboration is helping create new opportunities for physicians to build careers in Nevada without having to leave the state to pursue academic medicine, research or specialized clinical work. These opportunities, in turn, directly benefit the Northern Nevada patient population with improved access to specialized care.
A future built on purpose
For Dr. Gingrich, one of the most meaningful parts of her career is building something that will benefit the region for years to come.
"There is something very different about building a career in a place that you also consider home," she said. "I want to be part of making this a place where patients can receive outstanding specialty care without having to leave the state and where physicians and scientists can build meaningful careers."
That passion extends beyond her own role. She hopes her work helps strengthen Nevada's healthcare ecosystem by creating opportunities for future physicians, researchers and healthcare leaders.
Advice for others looking to grow at Renown
Dr. Gingrich encourages colleagues to remain open to new opportunities and continue learning throughout their careers.
"Be curious, be willing to raise your hand and look for opportunities to contribute beyond the boundaries of your job description," she said. "You do not have to have everything figured out before you take the next step."
She also emphasizes the importance of building relationships and learning from others.
"I have learned that professional growth rarely happens in isolation," Dr. Gingrich said. "It comes from having mentors who are willing to share their experience, colleagues who are willing to collaborate and a team that supports one another."
Growing your career at Renown
Whether through clinical care, leadership, education, research or innovation, Renown offers opportunities for healthcare professionals to make a meaningful impact while building rewarding careers. Dr. Gingrich's journey demonstrates how employees can grow professionally while helping improve the health of their communities.
For Dr. Gingrich, success is measured not only by the patients she serves today, but by the stronger future she is helping create for cancer care, medical education and research throughout Nevada.
Learn more about Renown’s career opportunities at renown.org/physicians
Career growth at Renown: frequently asked questions
Does Renown offer opportunities for physician career advancement?
Yes. Physicians can pursue clinical practice, leadership, research, teaching and academic medicine opportunities through partnerships such as the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.
Can physicians participate in clinical research at Renown?
Yes. Dr. Gingrich's work includes cancer research, genomics initiatives, clinical trials and collaborations with physicians, scientists and researchers across Nevada.
What makes working at Renown unique?
Employees have opportunities to serve a growing community while helping develop health care programs, research initiatives and educational opportunities that affect patients across the region and beyond.
