Annual Pub 2024 accessible 07262024 (1) - Flipbook - Page 9
SUMMER 2024 MAGAZINE
REBELS & WOLFPACK
WORKING TOGETHER
B Y PA U L J O N C I C H
Nevada9s two public medical schools, the Kirk Kerkorian School
of Medicine at UNLV and the University of Nevada, Reno
School of Medicine (UNR), are working together to convince
lawmakers to increase the number of residency and fellowship
positions in the state.
After developing a strong working relationship, leaders of the
two schools, Marc J. Kahn, MD, and Paul J. Hauptman, MD,
decided to organize roundtable discussions in Las Vegas and
Reno, welcoming policymakers, Nevada System of Higher
Education (NSHE) Regents, and state representatives to
discuss the dire need for more residency spots.
Residency and fellowship positions are funded in large part
by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Unfortunately for Nevada, the number of slots was capped
by the Balanced Budget Act in 1997. Since then, Nevada9s
population has increased dramatically, but the number of
residency spots has not. Nevada now ranks at the bottom
for the number of funded residency positions per population
with a total of 404 residencies.
The end result is that most newly graduated physicians must
leave the state to perform their residencies. Often, they go on
to meet a spouse or put down roots near their jobs, and many
do not return.
ADOBE STOCK
Constance Brooks, UNLV9s vice president for government
and community engagement, along with Sheila Bray, UNR9s
director of government and community engagement, helped
facilitate the meetings with lawmakers.
