Latest News

Renee Daffinrud Honored for Receiving Friend of Medicine Award

Posted 11/10/25 (Mon)

Renee Daffinrud

Each year, the North Dakota Medical Association (NDMA) honors an outstanding individual who has effectively advocated for healthcare and patient services in North Dakota. Renee Daffinrud, an outstanding humanitarian driven by her passion to serve, was recognized at NDMA’s Annual Meeting as the 2025 recipient of this prestigious Friend of Medicine Award.

NDMA member and Bismarck Cancer Center Medical Director Dr. Robert Reynolds nominated Renee for her outstanding volunteer contributions and commitment to physicians and patients.

Renee has devoted much of her time outside of work to volunteering at the Bismarck Cancer Center, the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women, and Gaia Home, and to serving on numerous boards.

In addition, Renee has partnered with NDMA since 2017 to ensure we receive the support we need to help physicians succeed. Recognizing the financial challenges many resident physicians face, she spearheaded the Physician Loan Program—a much-needed initiative tailored to the unique needs of physicians struggling with loan debt. Because of her outgoing nature and willingness to serve, healthcare facilities often call upon Renee to provide resident physicians, particularly those new to the U.S., with an overview of the community's services and organizations, helping new-to-the-area physicians feel more welcome.

When it comes to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, Renee initially became motivated to volunteer for the Foundation in 2007 after her father was diagnosed with cancer. Through her father’s treatment at the Cancer Center, she witnessed genuine care and true kindness. She joined the foundation’s advisory board in 2010, served as president, and is now Past President. The foundation’s “Acts of Caring” helps patients cover expenses beyond traditional medical treatment—at a time when they are needed most—to fight cancer. These services include financial assistance, transportation and lodging assistance, nutritional and massage therapy, and emotional and spiritual counseling. This is important because many patients travel long distances to receive the care they need.

Renee also served on the executive board of Go Red for Women, a program that educates and promotes awareness of heart disease in women.

Her latest effort is rooted in Gaia Home, an organization dedicated to bringing comfort, compassion, and dignity to all individuals and their loved ones as they navigate the end-of-life journey. Renee felt called to be involved with Gaia Home because she wanted to ensure others could have a better experience than what she had with her father’s journey. She played a pivotal role in establishing the organization and continues to play a key role in its fundraising efforts.

Renee has made a difference in many lives.