2025: UNLV’s Medical School Achieves Healthcare Excellence and Medical Education Milestones

In 2025, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) marked a pivotal year of growth and impact. From launching Nevada’s first hematology/medical oncology fellowship to contributing to a landmark Alzheimer’s disease detection breakthrough, the school demonstrated its commitment to healthcare excellence and medical education. This article breaks down the key achievements, highlights the milestones for students and faculty, and explains how UNLV’s initiatives are shaping the future of medical practice in the United States.

Launching Nevada’s First Hematology/Medical Oncology Fellowship

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approved the school’s application for a hematology/medical oncology fellowship—an unprecedented step for Nevada. The program, housed within the Department of Internal Medicine, will begin in July 2026 with its inaugural cohort of fellows. This initiative addresses a critical shortage of specialists in oncology and hematology across the state, ensuring that patients receive cutting‑edge care closer to home.

For students interested in pursuing a career in oncology, the fellowship offers a unique blend of clinical exposure, research opportunities, and mentorship from leading experts. The program’s launch also positions UNLV as a regional leader in specialized medical training.

Historic Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Disease Detection

UNLV’s Department of Brain Health played a pivotal role in a breakthrough that enabled the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve a new Alzheimer’s disease diagnostic test. By providing critical biomarker data, the department helped validate a non‑invasive screening method that can detect early-stage Alzheimer’s with unprecedented accuracy.

This achievement underscores the school’s dedication to translational research—moving discoveries from the laboratory to real‑world clinical applications. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as researchers from neurology, genetics, and bioinformatics worked together to refine the diagnostic algorithm.

Student Milestones: Match Day, White Coat, and Commencement

March 21, 2025, marked a historic Match Day for the class of 2025, with 100% residency placement and 41% of graduates matching within Nevada. The school celebrated the achievement with a ceremony that highlighted the students’ dedication and the program’s rigorous curriculum.

Just a week later, the class of 2027 celebrated their White Coat Ceremony, a rite of passage that signifies the transition from classroom learning to clinical practice. The ceremony emphasized the school’s commitment to fostering compassionate, evidence‑based physicians.

On May 9, 2025, the class of 2025 completed their medical school journey with an academic hooding and commencement ceremony. The event showcased the culmination of years of study, research, and community service, reinforcing UNLV’s reputation for producing well‑rounded medical professionals.

Interdisciplinary Research Symposium: Advancing R1 Status

On April 15, 2025, the Office of Research hosted its annual Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. The event brought together faculty, students, and industry partners to discuss breakthroughs across multiple disciplines, from genomics to health informatics.

By showcasing cutting‑edge research, the symposium supports UNLV’s goal of maintaining its R1 designation—one of the nation’s highest‑performing research universities. The event also provides students with opportunities to present their work, receive feedback, and network with potential collaborators.

Legislative Impact: Senate Bill 262

On June 10, 2025, Nevada’s Legislature passed Senate Bill 262, which expands the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Grant Program. The bill increases funding for residency training, allowing more physicians to be trained within the state. UNLV’s advocacy played a key role in shaping the bill’s provisions, ensuring that the school’s graduates remain accessible to Nevada communities.

Philanthropic Momentum: Raising $2.24 Million

Thanks to generous donors, the school raised $2.24 million in 2025—exceeding the combined totals of the previous two years. The funds will support scholarships, research grants, and infrastructure improvements, further strengthening UNLV’s capacity to train future physicians.

Accreditation Site Visit: Positive Feedback and Future Outlook

The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) conducted a site visit from October 27‑29, 2025. The survey team praised the school’s curriculum, faculty, and student support services. The positive feedback sets the stage for the final accreditation report, expected early next year.

Welcoming the Class of 2029

On July 15, 2025, the school welcomed its ninth cohort, the class of 2029. The orientation week included sorting ceremonies, community-building activities, and an overview of the school’s resources. With 2,375 applications received—the highest in school history—the class represents a diverse group of future physicians committed to serving Nevada and beyond.

Faculty Excellence: Recognized by Castle Connolly

Twenty‑five faculty members were named in Castle Connolly’s 2025 Top Doctors list, a distinction that places them in the top 7% of U.S. practicing physicians. The recognition reflects the faculty’s clinical expertise, research contributions, and dedication to patient care.

How UNLV’s 2025 Achievements Shape the Future of Healthcare

UNLV’s 2025 milestones illustrate a comprehensive strategy to elevate medical education and patient care:

• Specialized Training: The new fellowship expands specialty options for residents and fellows, addressing workforce gaps.
• Translational Research: Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s diagnostics demonstrate the school’s ability to move discoveries from bench to bedside.
• Community Engagement: Legislative advocacy and philanthropic support strengthen the local healthcare ecosystem.
• Student Success: High match rates and graduation achievements reflect a rigorous, supportive curriculum.
• Faculty Leadership: National recognition underscores the quality of clinical and academic instruction.

Next Steps for Prospective Students and Partners

Whether you’re a prospective medical student, a research collaborator, or a potential donor, UNLV offers multiple pathways to get involved:

• Apply to UNLV Medicine and join a program that prioritizes community health and innovation.
• Explore the new hematology/medical oncology fellowship for advanced training opportunities.
• Attend the annual Interdisciplinary Research Symposium to connect with leading scholars.
• Schedule a campus visit to experience the state‑of‑the‑art facilities and vibrant student community.
• Support UNLV Medicine’s philanthropic initiatives and help fund scholarships and research.

UNLV’s 2025 achievements demonstrate a clear trajectory toward healthcare excellence and medical education leadership. By investing in specialized training, research innovation, and community partnership, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine is shaping a healthier future for Nevada and the United States.

Ready to take the next step? Submit your application today and become part of a transformative medical community.