Exciting things are happening at the 69老湿机福利 School of Medicine (UNR Med), where a new Department of Emergency Medicine was launched in partnership with Western Emergency Physicians (WEP) and Renown Health in January 2025. As part of the mission to prepare physicians and providers dedicated to the shared vision of a healthy Nevada, this development offers exciting training opportunities for students and residents.
Emergency medicine is a vital component of medical education, and the creation of the department is aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled emergency physicians. In 2024, emergency medicine was the second most popular Match specialty among UNR Med M.D. graduates with residency programs growing nationwide.
Vice Dean Timothy Baker ’04 M.D., worked in collaboration with UNR Med academic leadership and Interim Chair Bret Frey ’89 (biology), ’00 M.D., and his team at WEP to design a partnership that provides experience in diverse clinical settings. “The establishment of the new department not only expands educational opportunities for our students but also lays a strong foundation for advancing medical research and improving patient care for the northern Nevada community,” shared Dr. Baker. “We are excited to launch this partnership, which supports our strategic objectives and advances our vision of creating Nevada’s first integrated academic health system.”
Assisting in the department is Vice Chair David Benaron, M.D., whose collaboration and expertise in education enhances the department’s mission to deliver exceptional training for Nevada’s future health care providers. The joint faculty team is comprised of more than 60 board-certified emergency medicine physicians, including five specialists in pediatric emergency medicine. These physicians contribute directly to UNR Med’s teaching mission through education, research mentorship and advising.
“Western Emergency Physicians is more than excited to be in partnership with UNR Med on critical education and research priorities,” said Dr. Frey. “This strategic alliance will benefit the regional community for decades to come, providing patients access to high-quality emergency care in rural and urban settings, enhancing the resilience of emergency care through clinical care, research and workforce development.”
With the establishment of the department, UNR Med continues to expand its northern Nevada-based curriculum, ensuring that students receive robust, handson training in various clinical settings. The initiative not only demonstrates the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence in medical education, but also to advancing health care throughout the state.
“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to our strategic plan,” said Dean Paul J. Hauptman, M.D. “It strengthens our dedication to fostering a connected community, promotes educational excellence and offers opportunities for advancing research and health care innovation, while building an integrated academic health system with Renown.”
*Photo courtesy of Brin Reynolds, '12, '15 MBA