Milestone Progress

UNLV Academic Health

UNLV’s health science schools, along with programs in behavioral and mental health, are working together as they develop plans and actions to guide their efforts as they continue to chart a path forward. Through the continued efforts and significant progress made over time, plans continue forward with developing an Academic Health Center.

What is an Academic Health Center?

An Academic Health Center – Key Entities

The Academic Health Center in Las Vegas consists of University Medical Center (UMC) and UNLV’s Health Sciences: The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Dental Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and Integrated Health Sciences, as well as Behavioral and Mental Health groups including Counseling, Clinical & School Psychology, Social Work, Couple & Family Therapy, and Psychiatry.

The Path Forward

This interdisciplinary group is represented by leaders of departments at UMC and Deans and Directors of programs at UNLV. The overarching goal is to develop coordinated plans for education, community engagement and research. This work provides opportunities for collaboration, information sharing on best practices, and ongoing discussions of research directed at community needs. Opportunities for interprofessional education across the hospital and the various academic units already exist and will continue to be expanded with the goal of improving the coordination of care.

History: Significant Dates

• During 2023-24, plans continue forward with further development of the Academic Health Center.
• In October 2022, the Medical Education Building was opened. The generous funds from donors made this building at UNLV a reality.
  • This building is part of a citywide effort to create a state-of-the-art Medical District. The 214-acre medical district is located just North of the city center — West Charleston Boulevard and the 1-15 corridor.
  • The building is located at Shadow Lane on nine acres, near two major hospitals — the University Medical Center, our major teaching hospital with the only Level 1 trauma center in Nevada, and Valley Hospital.
  • Also nearby is the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Construction is anticipated to begin November 2020 with a two year planned construction timeline.
• During spring 2021, the UNLV School of Medicine was renamed in honor of Las Vegas icon Kirk Kerkorian. The school became known as the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV in recognition of private support from the Kerkorian Estate and other private donors.
• Dr. Marc J. Kahn, Dean of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, was named Vice President for Health Affairs, a founding role that brings together UNLV health units and the larger community.
• In February 2021, UNLV School of Medicine receives full accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
• During 2015-16, the Clark County Commission approved a transfer of nine acres at Shadow Lane to UNLV, with the site to be used for Academic Health buildings.
• During 2014-15, with the UNLV School of Medicine and the existing academic health units, UNLV identifies an academic health center concept as part of the university’s strategic plan, Top Tier.
• In August 2014, The UNLV School of Medicine is officially established.
• During October 2013, The Lincy Institute commissions nationally recognized consultant Tripp Umbach to prepare an economic impact report on the effects of developing a four-year allopathic medical school in Las Vegas. The report details how a new UNLV School of Medicine will generate $1.2 billion in economic impact and create 8,000 jobs by 2030.
• Prior to 2013, UNLV had established schools focused on health including Dental, Nursing, Integrated Health Sciences, and Public Health. In addition, programs in Counseling, Clinical & School Psychology, Social Work, Couple & Family Therapy, and Psychiatry had been established.