Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Leading and evaluating a collaborative approach that encourages and supports inclusive excellence across the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV enterprise.
Welcome
The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV strives to attract and support individuals from groups historically underrepresented in medicine. Our institutional leadership is dedicated to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential pillars of our climate and culture. This is evidenced by collaborative efforts between the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the offices of Admissions and Student Affairs, Community Engagement, Faculty Affairs, and Human Resources to maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all members of our academic community.
We aspire to achieve diversity among our students, faculty, staff, and leadership that is reflective of Southern Nevada and we celebrate a culture of inclusion where all members of our medical community are welcomed, respected, and heard. We honor those devoted to increasing health equity and providing care to all in the context of cultural humility. As an academic medical center, it is our privilege and responsibility to train and mentor future healthcare providers who will understand, appreciate, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and are well-positioned to provide the best care to all people.
Contact
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at diversity@medicine.unlv.edu.
You may also fill out our Student Inquiry Form to gain access to announcements, prospective applicant events, and updates.
Learn More
Sign up for our newsletter “Making the Rounds” with Dean Marc J. Kahn and follow us on social media to learn more about us and how we are Transforming Healthcare in Southern Nevada.
Connect With Us
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) offers mentoring and coaching sessions throughout the year for students who are interested in medicine. Please contact us at diversity@medicine.unlv.edu if you would like to learn more about the following:
Small-Group Mentoring Sessions for Pre-Med Students of Color
ODEI hosts monthly small-group mentoring sessions for pre-medicine students of color at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions. UNLV medical students are present at each session to offer peer support and advice about the process of becoming a successful medical school applicant.
Small-Group Mentoring Session for Pre-Med Veterans
ODEI connects pre-medicine student veterans with current medical student veterans during small-group mentoring sessions held monthly during the academic year. These sessions allow pre-medicine students to gain access to a network of medical student veterans who share tips and advice about the process of applying to medical school.
Coaching Sessions for Pre-Med Students at NSHE Institutions
Pre-medicine students at NSHE institutions are invited to schedule one-on-one coaching sessions with an ODEI representative to learn about the pre-medicine timeline and the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV admissions requirements. Sessions are held monthly during the academic year.
Mentoring Sessions with High-School Students Leaders In Training (LIT)
Leaders In Training is a grassroots community-based program that operates as an after-school non-profit organization. LIT participants are first-generation high-school students who plan to be the first in their families to go to college. The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV is partnered with the LIT program.
Resources
Students Interested in Medicine
Want to learn more about the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV? Please visit our Admissions webpage to learn about our school’s innovative educational program and admission requirements.
See below for resources and programs that will help answer your questions while you are preparing to apply to medical school.
General Information
Southern Nevada K-12 Students
Pre-Medicine College Students
Staff
Mario Gaspar De Alba, MD, FAAP
Associate Dean
Benita D. Wolff, MEd
Director
Roberto Aguayo, Jr., MEd
Diversity Coordinator
Elizabeth De La Torre
Administrative Coordinator
Institutional Policy for Diversity
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is committed to and will provide equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or political affiliation — except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or employment qualifications or where marital or veteran status are statutorily defined eligibility criteria for federal or state benefit programs. Further, the university seeks to promote campus diversity by enrolling and employing a larger number of minorities and women where these groups have historically been and continue to be under-represented within the university in relation to availability. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at UNLV and preference may be given to substantially equally qualified candidates who can demonstrate evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Title IX Compliance at UNLV
The Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion serves as the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV’s Title IX liaison.