Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Program

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV offers a comprehensive General Surgery Residency Program designed to equip residents with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful surgical career. The program extends over five clinical years, focusing on pivotal aspects of surgery including diagnostic work-up, preoperative preparation, intraoperative techniques, postoperative management, and follow-up care. Residents are trained across various surgical disciplines, ensuring a broad exposure to the surgical field.

Residents are provided with the opportunity for an optional dedicated research year between their second and third postgraduate years. This research year aims to enrich the residents' experience through participation in clinical research methodologies, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical trials, fostering a strong foundation in surgical research.

Curriculum Overview

The surgical residency program follows a structured curriculum that aligns with the guidelines established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Each resident progresses through various rotations, gaining experience in different surgical subspecialties. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training, allowing residents to perform and assist in surgical procedures early in their training.

During the first year (PGY-1), residents participate in rotations that include General Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Trauma Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, and more. The program is designed to ensure that first-year residents gain significant operative experience, working closely with attending surgeons and senior residents while being supported by faculty oversight. In the subsequent years, the responsibilities and independence of residents increase progressively, preparing them for complex decision-making and surgical management.

Training Sites and Facilities

The primary training site for the residency is the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC), which is geographically and operationally integral to the program's success. UMC is a state-designated Level I Trauma Center, the only trauma center in Nevada that offers a complete range of surgical services. Other key training sites include the Las Vegas Veterans Administration Medical Center, the Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center, and Sunrise Children's Hospital, each contributing to a well-rounded surgical education and experience.

Research Opportunities

The Department of Surgery at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine emphasizes research as a vital component of surgical education. Various grant-funded projects are undertaken, which include innovative research into traffic safety, colorectal surgery outcomes, and novel surgical techniques. Residents are encouraged to engage in ongoing research projects, enhancing their understanding of evidence-based practices and contributing to advancements in surgical care.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine prides itself on creating a supportive learning environment where teamwork, respect, and autonomy are core values. The program director is heavily invested in fostering a healthy work/life balance for residents and promoting a collegial atmosphere among faculty and residents. Additionally, residents benefit from access to state-of-the-art robotic surgical equipment and training simulators for hands-on practice.

Application Information

The residency program is competitive, welcoming applications from U.S. citizens, green card holders, and international medical graduates (IMGs) holding a J visa. The program does not accept any other visa types. Specific requirements for applicants include:

• Completion of the ERAS application.
• USMLE Step 1 and 2 scores, or COMLEX Level 1 and 2 scores.
• Three letters of recommendation, including a letter from the surgery department chair.
• Applicants must not exceed two attempts on the USMLE or COMLEX exams.

Furthermore, a maximum of five years may have elapsed since the last formal training to qualify for application consideration.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa sponsorship exclusively for the J visa, accommodating international applicants who meet the program requirements. Candidates must ensure compliance with the licensing and malpractice coverage criteria in Nevada.

Resident Life and Opportunities

Living in Las Vegas affords residents a unique blend of professional and personal lifestyles. The city's vibrant culture, recreational opportunities, and diverse population greatly enhance the residency experience. After completing residency, many graduates go on to prestigious fellowships or positions in esteemed institutions, solidifying the program’s reputation for producing well-rounded surgical specialists.