LAS VEGAS — The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas announced a $2 million philanthropic gift from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The donation will fund an endowment to support a new fellowship in rheumatology, a specialty where Nevada faces a critical shortage of physicians.
Addressing a local health need
Rheumatologists treat complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Southern Nevada, patients often wait months for an appointment because there are not enough specialists. By establishing a dedicated fellowship, the school hopes to train more doctors in this field and keep them in the region after they complete their residency.
Why the fellowship matters
“Creating an endowed fellowship will help us address a critical need in our community while attracting and retaining physicians,” said Alison Netski, interim dean of the Kerkorian School of Medicine. “Research consistently shows that physicians are more likely to remain in the geographic area where they complete their residency or fellowship.” The endowment will provide a stable source of funding, allowing the program to grow without relying on annual donations.
Anthem’s broader commitment
Joy Thomas, president and CEO of government business for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada, described the gift as part of a larger effort to remove barriers to health‑care access. “Building a healthier future for Nevada means investing in solutions that strengthen access to care for generations to come,” Thomas said.
Impact on the local health workforce
The new fellowship is expected to increase the number of rheumatologists practicing in the Las Vegas area, reducing wait times and improving outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. It also signals a partnership between a major health insurer and a public university, demonstrating how private‑sector resources can support public‑sector education and, ultimately, community health.
Looking ahead
UNLV officials plan to use the endowment to recruit top candidates for the fellowship and to develop additional training opportunities in other high‑need specialties. The school hopes the model can be replicated for future collaborations that address Nevada’s broader physician shortage.
For more information about the fellowship and how to apply, visit the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine’s website.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
