Last month, Dr. Marc J. Kahn, dean of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, wrote an excellent piece, "What is an Academic Health Center? And Why Nevadans Deserve One." As Kahn pointed out, academic health centers (AHCs) “are traditionally focused on providing the highest standards of clinical care and treating the most complex illnesses, conducting clinical, laboratory, and health sciences research, educating future health professionals, and engaging with the community.” UNLV Health, as the associated clinical practice of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, is doing just that.
UNLV Health’s mission is to lead transformative health care through education, and improved outcomes for the people of Nevada. This journey starts with UNLV Health clinics serving an important role in the clinical education for Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine students, residents, and fellows. These learners work hand in hand with our faculty physicians to become experts in every aspect of outstanding patient care delivery. UNLV Health, like other AHC practices, also serves an important role in recruiting the primary and specialty care physicians. These physicians support the expansion and growth of our training programs and increase health care services available to the residents of Southern Nevada.
With a focus on improved outcomes for the people of Nevada, and in support of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, UNLV Health works with many partners who share this common goal. The primary academic health partner is University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC). Other hospital partners and educational institutions, insurance companies and health plans, Nellis Air Force Base with the military medicine program, and philanthropy partners have a critically important role in this important mission. In 2023, UNLV Health also solidified a partnership with the Clark County School District (CCSD) and now has two well-established CCSD locations where students can receive medical care from members of the UNLV Health Pediatrics team.
As UNLV Health President and Chief Executive Officer Joann Strobbe has stated, “Our goal is to provide excellent health care to all members in our community especially those that are most vulnerable. We must provide this care with kindness and empathy ... We are making a difference everyday because of the care we provide to our community.”
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of those in need of health care, consider contributing to the patient care fund. This fund directly supports individuals who are facing financial hardship and cannot afford the medical care they require. Donations not only alleviate the financial burden for these patients but also offer them hope, comfort, and a chance for a healthier future.
