A Mission To Serve

By Robin Biffinger

For a school that places such a strong emphasis on community, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV has the ideal leader in one of its most vital roles. Jennifer Young, director of community engagement, has built a life and career rooted in care, partnership, and public service, an impact recently recognized by the City of Las Vegas. 

In January, Young received the African American Trailblazer Service Award in Education, part of the city’s annual Black History Month celebration honoring individuals who demonstrate outstanding civic engagement and contributions to the community. The award recognizes educators who excel in mentoring and guiding others to achieve their full potential. 

“It was really lovely,” says Young. “I’ve not always thought of myself as an educator … so it was nice to receive that recognition. It was an honor to be nominated and a privilege to be selected.” 

Young’s journey began early. Raised in Asia and Europe as the child of an Air Force father, she eventually returned to the United States, settling in Las Vegas when her father was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. Her first job in healthcare came soon after high school at University Medical Center (UMC), where she worked across departments including Quick Care, pediatrics, and trauma. 

During that time, she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UNLV and later served as a patient advocate, acting as a liaison between patients, medical staff, and community agencies, while also managing hundreds of hospital volunteers. Her work consistently centered on bridging gaps between systems and the people they serve. 

After continuing her education, Young joined the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, an experience she describes as “eye-opening,” particularly in working with older populations facing conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The role broadened her perspective beyond acute care and deepened her understanding of healthcare disparities. 

Young joined the school of medicine in 2018 and became director of community engagement in 2020. In this role, she leads both external partnerships and internal education. She develops community service, scholarship, and research opportunities while also teaching medical students about public health, health policy, and social determinants of health. 

“I’m lucky that I get to see their development,” Young says of her students, describing a curriculum that evolves from community awareness in early years to clinical systems, policy, and advocacy by the fourth year. 

Central to her work is the school’s mission “to serve.” Young emphasizes the responsibility of training physicians who understand not only what happens inside the exam room, but also the external factors affecting patients’ lives, and how to advocate for change. 

Programs like Well Connect and the UNLV Community Clinic reflect that mission in action. Students connect community members to resources such as housing, transportation, and healthcare, while also providing free medical services alongside faculty and local partners. 

Colleagues credit Young as foundational to the school’s community relationships and service-learning curriculum. Her impact extends beyond the institution, with initiatives like early work on human trafficking screening protocols still shaping local healthcare practices today. 

Through decades of service, Jennifer Young continues to strengthen the connection between medicine and community, helping ensure that care, education, and advocacy go hand in hand.