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How Cancer Care is Evolving: Personalized, Targeted Treatments​

10/21/2025

 
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Advances in precision oncology are reshaping cancer treatment. Learn how physicians screen for early detection and use genetic, molecular, and cellular information to tailor treatments to each patient’s individual needs. By analyzing the unique characteristics of every cancer, doctors can identify therapies that are more effective, minimize unnecessary side effects, and improve outcomes.
Moderator:
Dr. Timothy McFarren, OB/GYN, Carson City
Panelists:
Dr. Ragneel Bijjula, Medical Oncology/Hematology, Carson Tahoe Health
Lindsey Foxen, R.N., Oncology Nurse Navigator, Carson Tahoe Health
Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno
Audience members will have the opportunity to submit written questions during the event.

RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating. 
​Let us know you're coming!
RSVP Now
​Event Details
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall
Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703
Admission: Free and open to the public

​Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums
​
Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio and The Nevada Appeal

Meet Our Speakers

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Dr. Timothy McFarren
Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Carson City
Dr. McFarren is a board-certified OB/GYN providing women’s health care in Carson City. He brings extensive experience in clinical practice and patient care, and will guide the evening’s discussion on how cancer treatment is evolving through personalized, targeted therapies.
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Dr. Lee Schwartzberg
Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno
Dr. Schwartzberg is a nationally recognized oncologist and researcher with more than 30 years of experience in cancer care and clinical innovation. His work has advanced the fields of precision medicine and supportive care, and he continues to shape oncology practice through research, teaching, and leadership at Renown Health and UNR.
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​Dr. Ragneel Bijjula
Medical Oncology/Hematology, Carson Tahoe Health
Dr. Bijjula is a board-certified oncologist specializing in precision medicine and targeted cancer treatments. He joined Carson Tahoe Cancer Center in 2023 after completing his medical training in India and fellowships in Kansas and Tennessee. His work focuses on individualized therapies for a range of cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal.
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​Lindsey Foxen, R.N.
Oncology Nurse Navigator, Carson Tahoe Health
With more than 15 years of oncology nursing experience, Lindsey Foxen helps guide patients through every step of their cancer journey. She is an Oncology Certified Nurse and serves as a trusted resource for patients and families, ensuring coordinated, compassionate care at Carson Tahoe Cancer Center.

Join us on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, for "How Will 'The Big Beautiful Bill' Impact Nevada?"

9/26/2025

 
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The recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” is one of the most sweeping pieces of legislation in recent history. But what does it really mean for Nevadans? Join Sierra Nevada Forums as a panel of experts breaks down the financial and social impacts of this complex bill.
 
Topics will include:
  • Tax changes and revenue cuts
  • Shifts in health and human services, including Medicaid and SNAP
  • Effects on Nevada’s small businesses
  • Who benefits, who doesn’t, and when changes will roll out
 
With backgrounds in economics, politics, health care, and small business, our panel will bring clarity to this complex law and offer insight into how it may affect Nevadans, their families, and their communities.

RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating. 
​Let us know you're coming!
RSVP Now
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall
Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703
Admission: Free and open to the public

​Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums
​
Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio and The Nevada Appeal

Meet Our Speakers

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Tabitha Mueller
Capital Bureau Chief, The Nevada Independent
Moderator
​Tabitha Mueller is the Capital Bureau Chief for The Nevada Independent, where she leads political and legislative reporting. Her work has received numerous awards for excellence and impact, including Journalist of Merit from the Nevada Press Association. Tabitha focuses on the human stories behind policy and accountability.
Fred Lokken
Professor of Political Science, Truckee Meadows Community College
​Panelist
​Professor Lokken has spent more than two decades teaching political science at TMCC. In addition to his academic leadership roles, he is widely recognized as a commentator on Nevada and national politics. He frequently provides expert analysis for local and national media, helping audiences understand today’s political issues.
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​Elliott Parker, Ph.D.
​Chair of Economics, University of Nevada, Reno
Panelist
​Dr. Parker is a professor and chair of the Economics Department at UNR. His research examines how policies impact economies both globally and in Nevada, with a focus on migration, inequality, and fiscal policy. He has written extensively on Nevada’s recovery from the Great Recession and teaches courses ranging from international trade to comparative economics.
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Stacie Weeks, JD, MPH
Director, Nevada Health Authority
​Panelist
Weeks was appointed Director of the Nevada Health Authority in 2025 after serving as the state’s Medicaid Director. She has led major health care reforms, including expanding Medicaid managed care and improving children’s behavioral health services. With experience in both Nevada and Minnesota, she brings a strong background in health policy and innovation.
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Randi Thompson 
Owner, Randi Thompson Consulting
Panelist
Thompson has more than 30 years of experience in public relations and government affairs. She has lobbied at the Nevada Legislature since the early 1990s and works closely with small businesses to help them navigate the challenges of changing laws and regulations. In addition to her consulting work, she remains deeply active in Northern Nevada community organizations.

Join us on September 9, 2025 - The Fourth Estate: Local Media's Role in Reporting on Nevada Politics

8/7/2025

 
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The Fourth Estate: Local Media's Role in Reporting on Nevada Politics
A community forum on how local journalists serve, inform, and engage Nevadans.

In an era of rapid information and shifting public trust, local journalism remains a vital part of a healthy democracy and of our community.
 
Sierra Nevada Forums invites you to a thoughtful, nonpartisan conversation featuring respected journalists from Northern Nevada’s own print, radio, and television newsrooms.
 
These are the reporters who sit in our legislative hearings, attend our town halls, and speak directly with our neighbors. Together, they will explore the evolving role of the press as the Fourth Estate. This key pillar of democracy is tasked with providing accurate information, promoting transparency, and helping citizens understand how policy decisions affect their lives.
 
The evening will include a look back at Nevada’s recent legislative session, a discussion of journalistic ethics and fact-checking practices, and an honest examination of the challenges local media face. Topics will include building public trust, ensuring freedom of expression, and adapting to a rapidly changing landscape.
 
Whether you closely follow state politics or simply want to better understand how news is gathered and shared right here in Northern Nevada, this forum offers a respectful and community-focused space to listen, learn, and engage.
 
Why This Matters to You
When we talk about “the media,” we are not referring to a faraway institution. We are talking about the journalists who live and work right here in our region.
 
They report on our local school boards, attend city council meetings, cover legislative sessions, and help us make sense of the policies that shape our everyday lives. They are part of our communities, and their work directly impacts how we understand the issues facing Northern Nevada.
 
This forum is for anyone who:
  • Wants to hear how local journalists approach covering politics and public policy
  • Values transparency, accuracy, and civil dialogue
  • Is curious about how trust is built between the media and the public
  • Believes that strong communities are built on shared facts and informed decision-making
 
No matter your political perspective, if you care about truth, accountability, and respectful conversation, this is a discussion you will want to be part of.

RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating.
Let us know you're coming:
RSVP Now
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall
Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703
Admission: Free and open to the public

​Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums
​
Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio and The Nevada Appeal

Meet Our Speakers

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Lucia Starbuck
KUNR
​Moderator
​
Lucia Starbuck is an award-winning political journalist covering state government for KUNR Public Radio, Northern Nevada’s NPR affiliate. She hosts the monthly show Purple Politics Nevada and is known for making complex policies accessible and relevant to voters. Lucia has previously moderated Sierra Nevada Forums on legislative and congressional topics.
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Adam Trumble 
Nevada Appeal​
Panelist

Adam Trumble is the publisher and owner of the Nevada Appeal, Carson City's long-standing local newspaper. With deep roots in community journalism, he leads coverage that keeps residents informed about local government, policy decisions, and public affairs.
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Arianna Bennett
KTVN 2 News
Panelist
​
Arianna Bennett is a veteran anchor and reporter with KTVN 2 News in Reno. Her in-depth coverage and approachable reporting style have made her a trusted voice for Northern Nevada viewers, particularly in coverage of government and community issues.
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Tabitha Mueller
The Nevada Independent
Panelist
​
Tabitha Mueller is the Capital Bureau Chief for The Nevada Independent, where she leads political and legislative reporting. Her work has received numerous awards for excellence and impact, including Journalist of Merit from the Nevada Press Association. Tabitha focuses on the human stories behind policy and accountability.
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​​Paul Boger
KNPR
Panelist 
​
Paul Boger is KNPR's Northern Nevada reporter and producer. He has reported extensively on state politics, elections, and policy, and now oversees statewide news coverage focused on providing context and clarity to listeners across Nevada.

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