Caring for — and about — the community

By Robin Biffinger

Strong communities are built by people who invest in one another. That belief guides every act of service at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, from educating tomorrow’s physicians to improving the health and well-being of the entire state. 

Nevada continues to face significant healthcare challenges, including physician shortages and barriers to accessing quality care. Since opening its doors in 2017, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine has embraced a clear mission: train exceptional physicians, advance healthcare, and strengthen the communities we serve. 

That commitment extends far beyond the classroom. 

Community engagement is woven into the medical school’s culture, curriculum, and mission. Every year, medical students contribute approximately 10,000 hours of community service, working alongside local schools, nonprofit organizations, neighborhoods, and community partners throughout Southern Nevada. These experiences help students develop the empathy, communication skills, and cultural understanding that are essential to becoming compassionate physicians.

“Our medical school exists for our community,”” says Irma Corral, PhD, MPH, associate dean for community affairs. “Our success isn’t measured only by our students’ achievements, but by the impact we make in the neighborhoods that surround us.”” 

That philosophy has led to lasting partnerships with organizations including the Clark County School District, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Southern Nevada Health District, Special Olympics of Southern Nevada, the Nevada Cancer Coalition, and many others. Together, these collaborations address real community needs while creating pathways for education, wellness, and opportunity. 

One of the school’s most meaningful initiatives is its longstanding partnership with the Clark County School District, inspiring local students to see medicine as a career within their reach. Through campus visits, classroom outreach, and hands-on educational experiences, young people from across the valley gain exposure to careers in healthcare while meeting the physicians and medical students who are helping shape Nevada’s future. 

The school’s commitment also includes innovative programs that directly serve community members. Well Connect helps individuals and families connect with essential resources such as food assistance, employment services, housing support, and other social services. The UNLV Community Clinic, operated in partnership with Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, provides no-cost healthcare for underserved residents while giving medical students invaluable clinical experience under the guidance of faculty physicians. 

These initiatives reflect a simple belief: healthier communities begin with listening. Rather than assuming what Southern Nevada needs, the school works alongside community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and residents to build programs that respond to local priorities and create lasting impact. 

As the school continues to grow, so does its investment in Nevada’s future. New programs designed to encourage students from rural communities to pursue careers in medicine, expanded community partnerships, and continued outreach across the state all support one overarching goal: improving healthcare for every Nevadan. 

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV was created to help solve a physician shortage. Today, it is doing much more. It is helping build healthier neighborhoods, creating opportunities for future generations, and strengthening the communities that make Southern Nevada home.