Press Release

'It has been our privilege to watch and contribute to the growth of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV during these foundational times. Back in 2015, we knew that Nevada was experiencing some of the most severe shortages of primary care physicians in the entire country,' said Dr. Rob McBeath, CEO of Southwest Medical and president of Optum Care Mountain West Region. 'Through our United Health Foundation, we formed a partnership with the school to create an integrated and innovative training program to serve the school and train its students for years to come.'

Boosting Access to Care

Physician shortages continue to be an issue in the state of Nevada, which recently ranked 45^th in the nation for a combined measure of primary care, mental health and dental providers, according to data from America's Health Rankings. In the most recent report, it also ranked 50^th in the nation for the supply of primary care providers.

'The United Health Foundation's early investment in the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV was foundational and helped us to develop unique and current training programs to set up students for successful medical careers,' said Dr. Marc J. Kahn, MD, MBA, dean of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. 'This grant is also helping the state grow and diversify its health care workforce and ability to meet the demands of a growing and aging population.'

During the graduation ceremonies on May 7, the United Health Foundation - as part of its ongoing partnership with the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV - will announce a $100,000 scholarship fund to support current medical students pursuing careers as primary care physicians.