About
Community affairs advances the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV's commitment to community engagement by fostering strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships and developing comprehensive programs that address community health needs, promote educational and career pathways, and support personal and professional growth. We aim to strengthen the bridge between academic medicine and the diverse communities we serve through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, ultimately enhancing overall well-being.
Scope of Responsibility
Community Initiatives
Well Connect
Well Connect connects individuals and families to vital community resources such as food, utility assistance, clothing, job training, and employment services. Medical students lead this initiative by identifying available resources and providing personalized support to those in need. The program strengthens students’ advocacy skills and cultural awareness while ensuring community members receive the assistance they deserve. For additional information, please contact the program manager at 702-545-2009.
UNLV Community Clinic (UCC)
The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, in collaboration with Volunteers of Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN), provides free medical care to underserved populations in Las Vegas at the UNLV Community Clinic. Faculty physicians, residents, staff, and students work side-by-side to deliver quality healthcare while training the next generation of medical professionals. This initiative expands access to care and reinforces our commitment to service, education, and community health. For eligibility information, please contact VMSN at 702-967-0530.
Community Partners
- University Medical Center
- VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System
- Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada
- Southern Nevada Health District
- Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority
- City of Las Vegas - Parks and Recreation
- Clark County - Parks and Recreation
- City of North Las Vegas - Parks and Recreation
- Clark County School District
- Nevada State University
- College of Southern Nevada
- Touro University
- UNLV School of Dental Medicine
- UNLV School of Nursing
- UNLV Integrated Health Sciences
- UNLV School of Public Health
- UNLV Center of Academic Enrichment and Outreach
- UNLV Pre-Professional Advising Center
- Special Olympics of Southern Nevada
- Nevada Cancer Coalition
- Purse Power
- Betty’s village
- Achiles International
- Lumina
- Urban Village
- Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum
Pathway Programs for Prospective Students
High School Partner Visitation Program
Offered in partnership with Clark County School District (CCSD) magnet schools focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or pre-health programs throughout Nevada, this initiative inspires high school students to explore careers in medicine through campus visits, hands-on anatomy and simulation activities, and interactive Q&A sessions with medical students.
Undergraduate Pre-Med Programs
This program is a multi-year, pre-medicine cohort program that meets quarterly during the academic year. Freshman, sophomore, and junior level students at UNLV, who are interested in pursuing medical school, are welcome to join. The Gateway Program offers support services, mentoring, guidance, and a significant mix of presentations and insights during each quarterly session. Longitudinal participation in the program, starting at the freshman year and continuing until graduation, can also result in a certificate of participation, which is applicable to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) process as an experience listing.
The Annual Pre-Medicine Conference is open to first and second-year pre-medicine students at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions. The primary goal of the conference is to share information about the process and timeline for applying to medical school. Conference sessions are tailored to meet the needs of all prospective medical students, and are inclusive of information that may be pertinent to first-generation students.
The Annual Allopathic Medical School Application Workshop is open to prospective students who plan to apply to medical school within 12 months. The workshop is designed to provide tips for submitting a competitive application to AMCAS, the centralized application system used by applications to allopathic medical schools. The workshop is designed to meet the needs of all prospective students, and is inclusive of information that may be pertinent to first- generation students.
Pre-medicine students at NSHE institutions are invited to schedule one-on-one coaching sessions with an office representative to discuss their progress toward the pre-medicine requirements. Sessions are held during the academic year. The sessions are offered to coach and encourage students who are experiencing some difficulty with an aspect of the pre-medicine curriculum. Efforts are made to help pre-medicine students meet key medical school admissions requirements. Office staff maintains contact with students between coaching sessions.
Pre-medicine prospective students are connected with current first-generation medical students during small-group mentoring sessions held monthly during the academic year. Prospective students gain access to an extensive network of first-generation medical students who share tips and advice about the process of applying to medical school.
Pre-medicine prospective students are connected with current veteran and active-duty medical students during small-group mentoring sessions held monthly during the academic year. Prospective students gain access to an extensive network of military affiliated medical students who share tips and advice about the process of applying to medical school.
Pre-medicine prospective students are connected with current rural background medical students during small-group mentoring sessions held monthly during the academic year. Prospective students gain access to an extensive network of rural background medical students who share tips and advice about the process of applying to medical school.
Service-Learning Opportunities for Medical Students
Community affairs connects medical students with schools and community organizations to promote health education and awareness. Through presentations, hands-on workshops, and mentorship, students help community members make informed, healthy choices while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Programs are offered both in the community and on campus at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV.
Introduces elementary and middle school students to human biology and health through fun, interactive lessons led by medical students.
Introduces middle school students to interactive activities, mentorship, and educational presentations designed to spark curiosity in STEM. This initiative aims to cultivate an early interest in the medical and health sciences, empowering young learners to envision themselves as future leaders in medicine.
A medical student speaker’s bureau that delivers community presentations on a variety of health and wellness topics. Presentations cover areas such as preventive health, chronic disease management, nutrition, physical activity, and STEM education, empowering audiences with knowledge to make healthier, more informed choices.
A nationally recognized program that teaches community members practical skills to respond to traumatic bleeding emergencies, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to save lives.
