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Clinical researchers with the Healthy Nevada Project co-author research paper with findings that emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  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. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment and detection. In Nevada there are an estimated 2,310 new breast cancer cases a year, and genetic mutations such as in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 remain a top risk factor for this prevalent disease. Recognizing the urgency for progress in breast cancer research, a collaborative effort between physicians, advanced practice providers and scientists from the Healthy Nevada Project® (HNP) and Helix have unveiled groundbreaking research. This study explores how genetic screenings are a necessary supplement to traditional testing methods, together offering more accurate insights into a patient's likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. HNP is operated by Renown Genomic Medicine and the Institute for Health Innovation and is one of the largest community-based population health studies in the country. Their team works in collaboration with Helix, a leader in precision health that delivers comprehensive genomic solutions. Together, this dynamic partnership aims to understand breast cancer risk factors and pave the way for more effective preventative measures. The combined research team studied 25,591 female HNP participants to evaluate the performance of different genetic screening approaches to identify women at high risk of breast cancer. The results of this research suggest that a combined monogenic, or single-gene, and polygenic, or multi-gene, approach to breast cancer screenings helped produce more accurate results and more closely identify study participants who have a high genetic risk of developing the disease. "Based on this research, we are advocating a shift in approach which would improve breast cancer risk assessment through a combination of effective family history ascertainment and genetic screening,” said Joseph Grzymski, PhD, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project, research professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “This tailored approach, founded on the assessment of individual genetic risk, not only intends to elevate patient well-being but also will improve efficiency and equity in healthcare." Complementing the team’s research on leveraging genetics to identify women at low genetic risk of breast cancer that could safely defer mammogram screenings by five to 10 years that was released in late 2023 in JAMA Oncology, the study suggests that incorporating genetic information can assist in personalizing breast cancer screenings and optimizing the use of screening resources. "Existing disparities persist across various facets of breast cancer screening and treatment; however, genetic screening is clearly a powerful tool to help facilitate early intervention for those at higher risk,” said Jamie Schnell Blitstein, APRN, a primary care nurse practitioner at Renown Health and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “By placing a heightened focus on risk, we underscore the pivotal role of preventative breast cancer screening.” Despite the availability of effective methods for early screening, co-authors of this research found that 78 percent of women with a family history of breast cancer had their risk ascertained only after a breast cancer diagnosis. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  “These findings that can profoundly impact how healthcare is delivered were only made possible by all the participants who were willing to consent to research,” said Alex Bolze, PhD from Helix and co-author of the publication. “Broad-scale collaboration projects like these between Renown Health and UNR that engage large populations where participants share both their genetic information as well as electronic health records drive advancements in preventative medicine, as well as fundamental biological research.”   The research paper was officially accepted on Jan. 29, 2024, and will be published by Elsevier, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The contents of the paper will appear in the international journal Genetics in Medicine Open. Read the full article by visiting sciencedirect.com. The Healthy Nevada Project is currently recruiting new study participants. Free to all Nevadans with a saliva sample or blood draw, participants and their referring providers receive access to whole-exome sequencing and clinical grade results that help provide insight into their unique genetic risks tied to heart disease and certain cancers. If you are interested in enrolling in the study, schedule a Virtual Consent Appointment through MyChart or contact the Renown Institute for Health Innovation at RenownIHI@renown.org or (775) 982-6914 to be connected to a Genomic Representative. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’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 region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers. About Helix Helix is the leading population genomics and viral surveillance company operating at the intersection of clinical care, research, and data analytics. Helix enables health systems, life sciences companies, payers, and government partners to accelerate the integration of genomic data into patient care and public health decision-making. Learn more at helix.com.

Read More About Research Shows Genetic Approaches to Breast Cancer Screenings Yield More Accurate Results

Renown Children’s Hospital pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Mitchell Strominger hosts state-wide virtual event to provide routine vison screenings for children and Walk with a Doc. Renown Children’s Hospital pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Mitchell Strominger is set to host a virtual Walk with a Doc event on Sunday, June 14 at 10 a.m. for elementary school children and their parents. During this free event, Dr. Strominger will give a brief, kid-friendly talk about the importance of routine vision screenings and show parents how to conduct a vision screening with their kids at home. He will close out the morning session with a live Q&A. Following the event, families are encouraged to get outside and enjoy a walk in the great outdoors. The event is sponsored by Renown Children’s Hospital and free to participants, however you must register to receive the link to attend. “Vision is important for learning, experiencing new things and interacting with others, which is why it’s critical for children to get vision screenings early and routinely,” said Dr. Strominger. “The best time to screen a child’s vision is kindergarten through third grade as the cells in the brain responsible for vision are continuously developing up until age eight. If we detect vision problems early, we here at Renown Children’s Hospital have the expertise and technology to correct these vision problems and enable children to live healthy, productive lives.” Individuals who register for this event will be emailed a vision-screening sheet to help facilitate an at-home screening, as well as a form to send back to their child’s pediatrician or pediatric ophthalmologist upon completion to determine the best course of action. Dr. Strominger added, “Many parents and schools have put off vision screenings due to COVID- 19 school closings, hesitations of safely leaving their homes or potential financial costs. I am pleased to host this virtual event on behalf of Renown Children’s Hospital, to engage kids and parents in a conversation on the importance of vision and to remind the community that we are here to help and provide the care they need, both in-person and virtually—be it over a smart phone, tablet or computer screen.” This virtual event will take place in the newly renovated Fianna’s Healing Garden which re-opens later this month and has been funded 100% by donations through the Renown Health Foundation. Located in the heart of Renown Regional Medical Center, the healing garden serves as place to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the outdoors. Dr. Strominger is one of 26 pediatric subspecialists recruited to Renown Children’s Hospital since 2016, thanks to the Pennington Foundation's $7.5 million donation made to the non-profit Renown Health Foundation to expand children’s health services. June marks the four-year anniversary of the Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (Nevada APP) participation in the national Walk with A Doc event. Dr. Strominger is the secretary and treasurer for the Nevada AAP. From pediatric specialties, 24/7 ER care and surgery, to imaging, pediatric ICU and child life specialists, Renown Children’s Hospital is dedicated to helping kids feel welcome, safe and well cared for. Through each visit, parents can expect the highest level of care for their child’s health and well-being from birth and beyond. To support Renown Children’s Hospital and help local children in need get access to vital health services like routine vision screenings, please visit the Renown Health Foundation.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, Renown Children’s Hospital, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Elementary Schoolers: Take Part in Free Virtual Vision Screening

Patients who qualify for a “Food is Medicine Prescription” can receive a bag of food for themselves and each member of their family every week through this free assistance program. Renown Health is proud to offer supplementary food to patients in need through its food pantry. Established nearly a year ago, patients who identify as food- insecure are working with Renown’s community health workers to receive fresh produce, canned goods, non-perishable items and other pantry staples to help nourish themselves and their family at no cost. Thanks to the support of the Northern Nevada Food Bank and other local community partners, Renown’s food pantry is helping meet the food needs of homeless and low-income individuals in our community. “Patients’ responses to our food pantry has been amazing,” said Renown community health worker Seth Rubin. “They are extremely grateful when we give them a bag of food. Their eyes light up knowing that they will have enough food to eat for the week without having to worry about finding a source of food for their family.” To make this assistance program possible, Renown’s food pantry receives food deliveries every Wednesday from the Northern Nevada Food Bank. The Food Bank meets Renown’s team of community health workers, along with churches and other medical organizations, with a semi- truck loaded with a variety of foods. After receiving a pallet with their food order, Renown’s community health team collects an assortment of fresh produce, donated from local grocery stores and other community organizations. After that, the food is unloaded into Renown’s food pantry located inside The Healthcare Center. Renown’s community health workers serve patients in the hospital and emergency rooms, as well as individuals who receive care in The Healthcare Center, which provides affordable access to care for anyone in our community. After expressing a need for food assistance, patients are offered a Food is Medicine Prescription. Through this prescription, they can go to a participating food pantry once a week to receive one bag of food per person in their household. Pantry Continues Amidst Pandemic Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Renown’s community health workers have worked remotely, but that hasn’t stopped them from reaching out to patients who benefit from this program. “We’re currently coordinating outpatient deliveries to our patients,” said Rubin. “Every Tuesday and Thursday, we deliver a bag of food to the patient’s house. It has been a great way to continue providing healthy food to our patients while continuing to provide safe care to the patients we see in person at our clinic. Despite our operations being a little different, our patients’ feelings of gratitude and relief remains the same. This is extremely rewarding work and we are proud to continue serving our community throughout these challenging times.” Renown’s food pantry is currently available to patients of The Healthcare Center. Renown is working to get more refrigeration, shelving and staffing to expand the service to more Renown Medical Group patients. Renown patients who qualify for a Food is Medicine Prescription, yet aren’t patients of The Healthcare Center, are encouraged to visit these participating food pantries once a week. The Healthcare Center accepts all Medicaid plans in addition to other healthcare plans. To learn more, visit Renown’s website. For b-roll on this story, please click here.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org

Read More About Renown Health Food Pantry Is Nourishing Patients at No Cost

Passionate about food and coffee? Interested in serving patients and health care heroes? Courteous and diplomatic? Have a high school diploma? Read on to discover the career for you. When you think about the word LOVE, do you think about delicious FOOD or a mug of hot COFFEE? When you talk with friends, do your conversations start and end discussing a new recipe, a new restaurant or TV food show?  Do you get great satisfaction from preparing a great meal? Do you dream about being able to make a steaming hot latte with almond milk in minutes? Are you a nurturer who envisions creating and delivering a hot, delicious, nutritious meal to someone recovering from a surgical procedure or recovering from an illness? Would you enjoy making a special celebration meal for a family who has just delivered a baby, a cake for a wedding at a patient’s bedside, or for a family reunited with papa after receiving good news about his cancer recovery?  Are you looking for some career options to keep you connected to great food and coffee? Renown Health is now offering a number of career options that encourage you to satisfy your love for food; earn money, paid vacation/sick time, great health benefits; have a regular schedule; advance your career and earn a college or university degree at the same time.  There are some outstanding benefits to working in food-related careers at the region’s top employer and the region’s largest non-for-profit, charitable organization. Renown employees work every day to make a genuine difference in the lives of others, and we are looking for you to join us.  Many food services professionals started their careers in entry-level positions and worked their way up. Other benefits to working at Renown include transferable career skills, free or discounted food and the opportunity to give back and serve your community.  Whether you are just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, you are sure to find something that is perfect for you. Many positions require only a high school diploma or a GED. Start exploring today with our list of nine terrific food and beverage-related careers available today at Renown Health and apply online at renown.org.  1) Be a Barista at Starbucks; Renown Regional Medical Center, full/part time, all shifts If you love talking to people, have a good sense of humor and like to move fast, then this job is a great fit for you. You will meet people from every field and make friends with many of them. You will learn to be an expert in handcrafting delicious, perfect beverages—while proudly wearing the green Starbuck’s apron. You will be a part of the first Starbuck’s in the area to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Average Starbucks barista hourly pay is at the national average of approximately $12.32. In addition, you will receive paid training, tips, a full Renown Health medical, retirement, paid vacation/sick time benefit package and access to internally posted positions. You will need a high school diploma or GED; however, experience is not necessary for this entry-level position. Starbuck’s employees can drink as many lattes as they want—as most beverages are free for employees during work breaks! 2) Chef It Up as a Hospital Cook & Cook Lead; Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, full/part time, all shifts.  If you love preparing nutritious, appetizing food for others, understand the importance of individual requirements for medical and cultural diets, this may be the perfect job for you. Most people landing a job as a Cook in a hospital have five or more years of experience working in a restaurant but do not have a college degree, yet they are able to earn an average salary range: $26,860 – $61,870. Benefits include a predictable schedule, which may mean more time with your family and at home. You will also receive vacation and sick days, and health, vision and dental benefits. In addition, you would be fueling physicians, nurses and others to get through a long workday, making a genuine difference in the lives of others and having a positive impact on society.  3) Special Delivery! Food Servers; Renown Regional Medical Center, full/part time, all shifts. If you love assembling and serving meals to patients, this is the job for you. You will setup, prepare and clean up for patient meal service and may serve as the link between Nutrition Services and patients. You may also transport food carts to the patient room floors and help with kitchen general cleaning and sanitation. 4) Show Your Creative Side as a Food Prep Artist; Lead Sandwich Artist; Renown Regional Medical Center, full/part-time, all shifts In this role, you will make and serve salads, desserts, and sandwiches with fresh ingredients and promptly serve them to hungry and happy customers. Lead Sandwich artists are in demand at the Subway restaurant located within Renown Regional Medical Center.  5) Making it Just for You! Nutrition Representative; Renown Regional Medical Center; per diem, all shifts In this role, you will meet with patients, help them review their meal options, and ensure their special and customized meal is delivered to their room. As a customer service agent, you will answer the phone for food orders, enters the meal choices into the computer system and understand menus, diet restrictions, recipes and food inventory.  6) Cashing In as a Food Services Cashier; Renown Regional Medical Center; full/part-time, all shifts 7) Food as Medicine as a Clinical Dietitian; Renown Regional Medical Center; part time, days Patients recovering from illness need to fuel their bodies with the most nutritious foods. In this role, you will provide nutrition education and counseling, clinical nutrition assessments, planning and evaluation of infants, children, adolescents, adults and geriatric patients, and work to meet the patient's physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs through proper nutrition and education.  8) The Answer is YES! Manager of Hospitality; Renown South Meadows Medical Center; full time As our manager, you would deliver exceptional customer service in all aspects of food and environmental services. You would get to build, hire, train and lead an engaged team and provide the highest quality service to meet the needs of patients, employees, visitors, and physicians. 9) Customer Service Fanatic? Retail Food and Beverage Supervisor; Starbucks You would be very popular-leading the operations of Starbucks and Subway franchises at Renown Regional Medical Center. You would ensure lead and empower and train your team to be the best- and be sure you budget is balanced and the customer service is exceptional.  At Renown Health, we share a boundless vision that inspires us to learn, grow and exceed expectations for patients, their families and one another. A career with us offers you: • An uplifting and progressive environment focused on community health and wellness initiatives. • A culture that values your contributions and supports your personal and professional development. • Affiliations with the University of Nevada, Reno, Desert Research Institute and other organizations that help spur innovation and opportunity. To apply for these career opportunities and others, please visit us online at https://careers.renown.org/  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. 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 region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Food is Love! Nine Career Options at Renown to Satisfy Coffee Enthusiasts & Foodies