Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Program

Message This Program
Specialty:Orthopaedic surgery
ACGME Code:2603100001
NRMP Code:2028260C0
Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV offers a comprehensive Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program designed to cultivate proficient and compassionate orthopaedic surgeons. The program aims to furnish residents with the essential knowledge base, technical skills, and interpersonal abilities to provide exemplary patient care while adhering to ethical practices in orthopaedics.

The residency encompasses a robust curriculum that aligns with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) principles, emphasizing graded responsibility through competency-based evaluation. This structured training supports residents in developing autonomy and leadership throughout their medical journey.

Curriculum

The residency curriculum spans multiple areas of orthopaedic surgery, providing in-depth exposure to a range of subspecialties. Residents engage in a rotating core curriculum, which includes:

  • Orthopaedic trauma: 3 months
  • Spine: 3 months
  • Hand surgery: 3 months
  • Pediatric orthopaedics: 3 months
  • Adult reconstructive surgery: 3 months
  • Sports medicine/Shoulder & Elbow: 3 months
  • Night float system for orthopaedic trauma: 3 months
  • Research: 1 month

In addition to clinical rotations, residents participate in various conferences, including Grand Rounds, morbidity and mortality conferences, and a surgical skills lab. The program also encourages research, providing dedicated time for residents to present findings at national meetings which further enhances their educational experience.

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Training Sites

The primary training site for the program is the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC), which serves a diverse population, ensuring residents gain experience in managing various pathological conditions. Other training sites include:

  • Orthopaedic & Spine Institute: An outpatient setting that focuses on trauma, spine care, pediatric orthopaedics, and more.
  • VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System: Offers residents the opportunity to care for veterans, thereby understanding the unique healthcare needs of this population.
  • Community Partnerships: Involving rotations at additional hospitals such as Sunrise Hospital and Southern Hills Hospital to broaden practical experience.
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Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the residency program. Residents are required to undertake a significant research project during their training, enabling them to contribute to the field actively. Funding for attending national meetings, where residents can showcase their research, is allocated based on availability.

Resident Life

The program emphasizes a balanced lifestyle, recognizing the importance of resident well-being. The night float system reduces call burden, enhancing the work-life balance. Las Vegas offers a vibrant community with numerous lifestyle benefits, including no state income tax, a low cost of living, and a plethora of recreational activities in proximity to natural landmarks.

The camaraderie among residents is nurtured by a personal approach from faculty, who are committed to ensuring that each resident flourishes both academically and personally. Testimonials from current residents highlight the supportive environment fostered within the program, noting the value of welcoming feedback and creating an adaptive residency experience.

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Application Process

The application process for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency requires candidates to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key prerequisites include a completed application, medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores. Applicants should be aware of any specific requirements that may be pertinent to their educational background.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international graduates seeking residency training in the United States. It offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, enabling qualified international medical graduates to participate in the residency.

Competitiveness and Admission Requirements

The program is considered highly competitive and welcomes applications from both US MD/DO graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). It is essential for prospective residents to review any specific application requirements, such as the year of graduation and any maximum limits on failed USMLE exams.

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Web sources

From the Program

Program Information

Positions per year:4

Visa sponsorship:None — US work authorization only

Years since graduation cutoff:≤ 3 years

Failed exam attempts:Not considered

US clinical experience (USCE):Not required

Away / audition rotation:Recommended

Interview format:In-person

Program signaling:Participates

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Program data

ACGME History

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation5
Full accreditation0
Continued8
Warning1
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0

Program

Program Size

4, 4, 4, 4, 4 (5 years)

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: January 9, 2026)

Composition

MD · 33%
DO · 67%

Training

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1X

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: 15 days

First Year Paid Vacation: 15 days

First Year Salary: $63,617

Program source

Admission

Visa Sponsorship:--

YOG Cutoff:3

Gender

No gender data available.

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Scores

Roster

Publications

3 Publications (5 yr)

Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years

Injury2026

Trends in nature and magnitude of industry payments to residency program directors and department chairman in orthopaedic surgery.

Matthew Michelberger,1Saliha Ahmad,2Daniel Levine,1Cameron Harris,3
Clinical spine surgery2026

Open Door Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty: A Step-by-Step Surgical Technique Guide by the Cervical Spine Research Society.

Rafael Garcia de Oliveira,1Takeshi Fujii,1Michael D Daubs,2Brian W Su,3

Location

Las Vegas, NV

Population
641,903
Median income
$73,784Below
Education
28.8%Above
Employment
59.8%Above
Health
12.1%Above
Age
38On par
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences

Rate per 100,000 residents

Living in Las Vegas, NV

Crime Rate and Safety

Las Vegas has a moderate crime rate, with certain areas that may be less safe, especially late at night. It is essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas and downtown.

Fun Activities

Las Vegas is known for its entertainment industry, world-class restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and various shows and events. Outdoor activities like hiking in Red Rock Canyon or exploring Lake Mead are also popular.

Climate

Las Vegas has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Expect scorching temperatures in the summer months and cooler weather in the winter.

Races and Population

Las Vegas is a diverse city with a mix of cultures, including a significant Hispanic and African American population.

Education

Las Vegas has a range of educational opportunities, including public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Las Vegas is lower than in many other major cities, particularly in terms of housing costs. However, utility costs and healthcare expenses may be higher.

Proximity to Bigger Cities

Las Vegas is relatively isolated, with larger cities like Los Angeles approximately a 4-5 hour drive away. However, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the entertainment capital of the world.

Pros

  • Vibrant entertainment scene
  • diverse population
  • lower cost of living compared to other major cities.

Cons

  • High summer temperatures
  • certain areas with higher crime rates
  • isolated location.

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External Links

1. Program website - salary and benefits - https://www.unlv.edu/medicine/gme/salary

2. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US3240000

3. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

4. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr

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