Making the Rounds: Next Wave of Resident Physicians "An Impressive Group"

Making the Rounds

March 31, 2020 Issue 236

Breaking News

Dr. Marc Kahn officially assumes the role of UNLV School of Medicine Dean on Wednesday, April 1st. Welcome Dean Kahn!
UNLV Medicine's curbside COVID-19 testing continues this week. After increasing capacity each day, more than a thousand tests have been administered so far. UNLV Medicine's call center is receiving more than two thousand calls per day.

Friends and Colleagues,

It is time for me to pass the UNLV School of Medicine leadership torch to Dr. Marc Kahn. He’ll be a fine Dean -- he helped make the Tulane University School of Medicine one of the nation’s top medical schools. It was six months ago when I was appointed by President Meana to lead our school until a new permanent Dean was selected to replace Founding Dean Dr. Barbara Atkinson, who stepped down to take an advisory position. The work I have done over the past months is some of the most rewarding of my life. I became even more aware of how committed students, faculty and staff are to ensuring that our school, which first opened its doors in 2017, brings a better healthcare future to the people of Southern Nevada. I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to help shape your talents and energy toward that noble goal. When I learned recently Dr. Elissa Palmer climbed a ladder so a long haul trucker could be examined in his cab for COVID-19 as part of our UNLV Medicine curbside testing program, I wasn’t surprised. We do what is necessary to get the job done. I now go back full time as Chair of the Department of Surgery, where I will work with some of our new residents, the subject of today’s newsletter. It has been a privilege serving as your Dean and will continue to be an honor to work with you.

Coronavirus Crisis

Here's How You Can Help

The UNLV Foundation has set up a site for those wanting to support the relief efforts, including an emergency fund for School of Medicine students (Nancy Atkinson Perkins Memorial Fund) and a UNLV Medicine Fund for Patient Care to help cover medical expenses for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Dr. Barbara Atkinson will match any gift to the Nancy Atkinson Perkins fund up to $5000.

Give Today

(Go to the page and click on “View all giving opportunities”)

Match Day: New Wave of Residents Signed and Sealed

Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Kate Martin, conducts resident orientation (2018).

Eighty-three new physicians from across the country will soon begin their graduate medical education specialty training -- they’re then called residents -- at the UNLV School of Medicine.

Medical school students in the United States about to earn their degrees and become doctors learned March 20 -- known as Match Day -- in which U.S. residency programs they'll train for up to seven years.

The new physicians matching with the UNLV School of Medicine start orientation in June and their first day of clinical rotations begins July 1.

“We have talented people coming from near and far,” said Dr. Kate Martin, the UNLV School of Medicine Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education. “Many have ties to the state and have plans to remain here after completing their residency programs.”

UNLV has residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, pediatrics, plastic surgery, emergency medicine, family medicine, rural family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry and general surgery.

Studies have repeatedly shown that a majority of physicians remain in the state where they complete their graduate medical education. An important mission of the UNLV School of Medicine, which opened in 2017, is to produce more physicians for Nevada, which needs more medical professionals as one of the nation’s fastest growing states.

“We celebrate our incoming residents and also appreciate those who are already here, dedicated to the health and well-being of this community." -- Dr. Kate Martin

Dr. Martin pointed out that current UNLV residents are now caring for some of the community's most vulnerable patients during the COVID-19 crisis.

One of those resident-physicians, Dr. Nabil Noureddin, who’s training in internal medicine, said he and other residents truly value helping patients throughout this challenging time.

“It is a privilege and a responsibility that we are proud of, to be on the front lines serving our community,” he said.

Dr. Martin is impressed with the quality of the current and incoming UNLV residents.

“We celebrate our incoming residents and also appreciate those who are already here, dedicated to the health and well-being of this community,” she said.

This year marks the first time that all allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) applicants for residency programs participated in one matching program. The 2020 Match Day was the largest in history -- 40,084 applicants submitted program choices for 37,256 positions.

UNLV’s new residents -- nearly 20 percent come from Nevada medical schools -- come to Southern Nevada from schools that include: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Science, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Boston University School of Medicine, Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.

“UNLV’s charter class of medical students will participate in the Match next March,” said Dr. Martin.

Residency programs start recruiting in late summer, reviewing applications and conducting interviews with fourth year medical students.

“By mid-February, the programs submit their lists of their top recruits in order of preference,” Dr. Martin explained. “The students do the same and the National Resident Match Program facilitates the match process that assigns students to programs.”

Thank You, Dean Fildes!

Over the years most Southern Nevadans came to know Dr. John Fildes as the man who led the UMC Trauma Center. He was the physician who coordinated the Oct.1, 2017 medical response to the mass shooting on the Strip that killed 58 and injured more than 800. At the UNLV School of Medicine, we’ve been fortunate. We first got to know him as our inaugural chair of the department of surgery and later, as Dean. Here’s a sampling of how his unique brand of leadership was prized by students, faculty and staff:

I will never forget when Dean Fildes took time out of his undoubtedly busy schedule to meet with me and a group of third year medical students during our surgery rotation. He wanted to hear what was going well, what could be better and how we could do that. As a medical student, typically the lowest ranking person on the team, it meant a lot to have our opinion valued and feel heard -- that’s the type of person Dr. Fildes is.

Lauren Hollifield, MS

MD Candidate, Class of 2021

In addition to his administrative, research and clinical accomplishments, Dean Fildes exhibited a commitment to teaching. And despite his administrative duties, he worked trauma shifts, published, and supervised residents and fellows. Confirming a commitment to diversity, Dr. Fildes worked with and recruited women and men of diverse backgrounds. When it comes to setting priorities, he did not have a built-in loyalty to one perspective or one group, but rather he thought about what was going to be in the best interest of the overall institution and the UNLV School of Medicine’s mission. He is not just a list of amazing national and international accomplishments and awards, but an individual who genuinely cares about our school --- the students, faculty and staff.

Elissa J. Palmer MD FAAFP

Professor and Chair

Department of Family & Community Medicine

Dr. Fildes stepped in as acting dean during a difficult transitional time for the school. He brought a lot of calm, steadied the ship well. Dr. Fildes is a very respected clinician and leader, and I hope he has a continued role in bringing stability and growth within the school -- the developing clinical side of the school will benefit tremendously from his ongoing engagement.

Dr. Johan Bester

Director of Bioethics

Assistant Professor, Medical Education

During his tenure as Dean, he supported and inspired medical students, provided leadership and guidance on innovative curricular opportunities, and ensured that we continued on the path to full accreditation. Dr. Fildes’ experience and leadership in graduate medical education supported the growth and development of our important residency and fellowship programs that provide training opportunities for our upcoming graduating medical students and provide new physicians to address Nevada’s physician shortage. He has strengthened the infrastructure of our school and practice plan and has supported faculty in their academic and practice plan missions. He has devoted nearly three decades of his career to improving the health of Nevadans, and his tenure as Dean demonstrated his continuing commitment. We welcome him back as Chair of the Department of Surgery as we welcome our new Dean, Dr. Marc Kahn.

Dr. Deborah Kuhls

Professor of Surgery

Chief, Section of Critical Care, Division of Acute Care Surgery

Program Director, Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program

I have been lucky in my career and throughout my life to work with, get to know, and learn from a number of high quality individuals. From the first time I met Dr. Fildes as the Chair of Surgery, I was impressed with the strength of character he has shown. He is, by all accounts, a world class surgeon. I would add that in my opinion, he is a world class leader, and individual. I am struck by how he treats everyone with calm dignity and respect. When you need his attention, you get his undivided attention. He holds you to a high standard, and holds you accountable, and does so in a manner that makes you want to do your best.

Ron Bates

Assistant Dean of Finance, UNLV School of Medicine

When Dr. Fildes became Dean, he made time to get to know the students. I remember him setting up multiple events to meet with students -- to get to know us and our concerns about our school. He always has a smile on his face and takes time to greet students by name in the hallways of the hospital or school. As a new school with a new clinical curriculum, there were certainly bumps along the way as we started clinical rotations and Dean Fildes did an excellent job helping our class with the transition. We will certainly miss him as Dean but we look forward to continuing to work with him at UMC.

Caleena Longworth

MD Candidate. Class of 2021

Prior to his becoming Dean, I had worked with Dr. Fildes as the Surgery Chair and in his many leadership roles in the faculty practice plan. Almost immediately, we started to meet regularly, and I soon learned that when he does something, he does it efficiently, effectively and with the highest quality. He has been no different in his role as Dean. The other component that is important to understand about John Fildes, is his kindness towards others. He always takes the time to compliment staff and those that report to him, and even in a tough situation, takes the time for a learning moment. He loves the medical school and the entire team that has worked hard to make this school important in the community. I know he will continue to work hard for the school as he returns to his role as Chair of Surgery.

Joanne Strobbe, M.Ed.

Senior Associate Dean For Administration & Finance

Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Fildes truly values the success of the medical school, faculty practice plan, and building a lasting, quality healthcare community in southern Nevada. His strategic ability to navigate the business challenges of the medical school has not only demonstrated his strong leadership but his compassion toward people. I am proud to have worked with Dr. Fildes in his role as our Dean and look forward to working with him as Chairman of the Department of Surgery.

Kim Case-Nichols

Executive Director of Space & Facilities Management

I cannot say enough positive regarding Dean Fildes. His passion for the success of the UNLV School of Medicine is inspiring. He is a compassionate, personable professional who embodies the values of the school at the highest level. I hope to continue working with Dr. Fildes as Chair of Surgery for many years to come.

Wonda Riner

Executive Director of Information Technology

Interim Director of Marketing & Communications

To me, he's one of those great role models or mentors that you want to strive to be. He saves lives as a trauma surgeon, yet he is humble. He is kind and a generous man with his time and knowledge. I will greatly miss his calm presence. I hope that I will get to work with him in other capacities in the future.

Elaine Aromin, MBA

Manager of Contracts

Dr. Fildes provided strong, steady leadership for our entire program when we needed it most -- when our Founding Dean Dr. Barbara Atkinson, who seemed irreplaceable, stepped down. For the amazing work he has performed, and will continue to perform, in the operating room at UMC, he will surely always be lauded and leave a lasting legacy. But for me and the rest of my classmates, we will remember his commitment to our young medical school at a critical time -- a commitment that will help ensure the school’s continued success. I am extremely proud and grateful to have such a professional and gracious individual as a role model.

Addison Guida

MD Candidate. Class of 2022

UNLV Medicine's COVID-19 Testing in Media Across the U.S.

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