University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Medicine

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV is a public allopathic medical school established in 2014, welcoming its first class in 2017. It aims to be a world-class center for medical education, patient care, and research, dedicated to addressing the physician shortage and healthcare needs of Southern Nevada's diverse population. The school emphasizes innovative, technologically advanced medical training and strong community partnerships.

Academics

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV offers a four-year curriculum divided into three phases: foundations, clerkships, and career exploration. The teaching approach integrates foundational science with early clinical experiences, emphasizing problem-based and team-based learning in small groups. Notable aspects include community-based service learning that addresses population health and social disparities, independent research projects, and extensive clinical training at affiliated hospitals like University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC). The curriculum also includes instruction in biomedical ethics, patient safety, population health, and cultural competence.

International Students

While the broader University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) welcomes international students from 93 countries and offers support services through its Office of International Success Programs and Office of International Student and Scholar Compliance, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV generally does not accept international students for its MD program. The school prioritizes Nevada residents and those with strong ties to Nevada, with limited consideration for out-of-state applicants from the western region.

Campus & Location

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV is situated within the Las Vegas Medical District, providing students with proximity to key healthcare institutions. The school's main facility is the 135,000-square-foot Medical Education Building, which opened in October 2022 and features state-of-the-art training spaces, including a simulation suite, anatomy classrooms, and a cadaver lab. Las Vegas offers a dynamic urban environment, and while housing is predominantly off-campus, the city provides various attractions and amenities.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Medicine program are prepared for careers as physicians, researchers, and medical scientists, with opportunities in clinical practice, research, and community service. The school emphasizes community engagement, with medical students required to participate in community service throughout their four years, fostering an understanding of community challenges and resources. Physicians and MD researchers often work at academic medical centers, in private practices, for the pharmaceutical industry, and in government sectors. The school also offers residency programs in various specialties, contributing to the retention of physicians in Nevada.