For most students, the new school year means new supplies, such as notebooks, pencils and backpacks. But for sixty medical students entering their first year at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine, their new school supplies include a white coat and stethoscope.
On August 24, students in the second class of the UNLV School of Medicine attended their White Coat Ceremony. The ceremony denotes the students' entrance and commitment to medical school and focuses on professionalism, caring and trust.
During the ceremony, acting school President Dr. Marta Meana and School of Medicine Dean Dr. Barbara Atkinson shared the school's commitment to addressing the extreme physician shortage in Nevada. According to America's Health Rankings, Nevada currently ranks 46th in the nation for the number of primary care providers per 100,000 residents. Nevada has 107 physicians per 100,000 residents compared to the current national average of 149 physicians per 100,000 residents. The new medical students join the inaugural cohort of students from 2017 -- all with strong Nevada ties and the intention to remain in the state once their schooling is complete.
In recognition of the physician shortage in Nevada, the United Health Foundation in 2015 awarded a five-year, $3 million grant to UNLV School of Medicine to develop a new, innovative medical school curriculum at the newly established and only medical school in Nevada. This investment not only addresses the physician shortage, but also supports the development of an innovative model to create a successful 21st century health workforce.
Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
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