Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Program

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV offers an Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program designed to deliver comprehensive training in the field. This four-year program is fully accredited and recognized for its robust clinical experience across various medical settings, including university, private, and military hospitals. Notably, the primary training sites include University Medical Center (UMC) of Las Vegas, Sunrise Medical Center, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and Nellis Air Force Base Hospital. The outpatient clinics affiliated with the program feature multiple sites including UNLV Maternal and Fetal Medicine Centers, Women’s Healthcare Center, and private practices within the Las Vegas community. 1

Program Structure

The residency program emphasizes a blend of extensive clinical exposure and focused educational experiences to develop proficient obstetricians and gynecologists. The first year primarily concentrates on the management of normal and high-risk obstetric patients, providing residents with essential experiences such as deliveries, cesarean sections, and managing pregnancy-related complications. Each subsequent year progressively builds on surgical and clinical exposure.1

Curriculum Overview

The program adopts a core curriculum aligned with the educational objectives outlined by the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG). The curriculum is patient-oriented and problem-solving based, equipping residents with not only medical knowledge but also practical surgical skills.1

Through a meticulously designed rotation schedule, residents engage in various specialties such as maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, and reproductive endocrinology. Training involves rotations in both high- and low-risk settings, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the complexities encountered in OB/GYN practices.1

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research activities, which are essential for quality enhancement within clinical practice. Residents are assigned mentors who guide them in initiating clinical or basic research projects, culminating in a required scholarly activity presented annually.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at UNLV is characterized as highly competitive, attracting candidates due to its esteemed reputation and quality of training. Applicants must have graduated from a medical school recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools. Additionally, candidates must hold U.S citizenship, have a Green Card, or possess a J visa during the residency tenure. Applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS) only, and the program will not consider applicants with more than two attempts on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). All applicants must also present their USMLE or COMLEX Step 1 and 2 scores before their application is reviewed, and no more than five years should have elapsed since the last formal training.1

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Recognizing diversity as integral to effective healthcare, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine has established a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee. This committee collaborates with faculty and residents to enhance understanding and practices surrounding DEI in clinical education and patient care. Efforts include incorporating DEI curricula and promoting engagement with underrepresented community members, thereby striving to improve health equity.2

Visa Support

The program supports J visas; applicants with J visas are welcome to apply and will be sponsored accordingly during their residency.1

Faculty and Resident Interaction

Interaction with faculty is a critical part of the training process. Faculty members are deeply committed to both patient care and resident development, fostering a collegial and supportive environment. Additionally, residents are expected to engage in teaching junior residents and medical students, enhancing their educational experience through mentorship roles.1

Clinical Training Sites

The primary clinical training facilities for residents include not only university hospitals but also community and military settings, which allow comprehensive exposure to diverse patient populations. The volume of approximately 5,000 deliveries per year at these facilities provides ample learning opportunities, equipping residents with comprehensive clinical knowledge and surgical experience.1