Irma Corral, PhD, MPH, is the associate dean for community affairs and associate professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral health for the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV.

Dr. Corral is a clinical psychologist who has spent her entire career in academic medicine. Prior to joining UNLV in 2023, she was at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, where she was a course director in psychiatry education, a clinical service chief for a division of behavioral medicine, and an assistant dean.

Dr. Corral grew up in Las Vegas and earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from UNLV. She completed a master of science degree (MS) in psychology and a master of public health (MPH) degree with a specialization in health promotion from San Diego State University (SDSU). She then earned a PhD in clinical psychology from SDSU and the University of California, San Diego’s joint doctoral program. An experienced educator, Dr. Corral has led curriculum innovation projects in social and behavioral science topics in medical education including psychiatry, behavioral medicine, and population health. As an academic medicine leader, she has a track record of advancing institutional missions through strategic leadership and oversight of outreach and retention programs. Her past work has focused on contributions to biomedical pipeline programs, medical student and resident success, addressing the physician shortage, and increasing access to care. Dr. Corral has a career-long history of cultivating and sustaining collaborative relationships with community partners through her research and professional roles, including leading and managing grant-funded projects focused on improving health in underserved communities and serving as a liaison to community organizations.

Dr. Corral is also a member of the American Psychological Association, the Society of Behavioral Medicine, and the Association of Psychologists in Academic Medical Centers. She is a licensed clinical psychologist, credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, and is licensed to practice psychology in Nevada and North Carolina. In addition to her clinical specialization in pre-surgical psychological evaluation and behavioral chronic illness management, her research focuses on sociocultural and structural factors in health behavior and chronic illness, as well as racial/ethnic disparities in physical and mental health.

Dr. Corral’s work has received several honors, including the East Carolina Centennial Award for Excellence in Leadership for her servant leadership in the area of patient care, the Brody School of Medicine Master Educator Award for excellence in teaching, and the East Carolina University Creed Award for exemplifying the values of the institution in the areas of diversity and inclusion.