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Over the past several weeks, the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ School of Medicine (UNR Med) has been actively advocating for the future of health care in Nevada while visiting the State Legislature in Carson City. Medical students alongside Dean Paul J. Hauptman, M.D., have engaged in discussions with legislators, including Senator Julie Pazina and Assemblymembers Rebecca Edgeworth and Reuben D’Silva—who was UNR Med’s White Coat Ceremony speaker in 2024. They emphasized the critical need for expanding Graduate Medical Education (GME), advancing research, and strengthening access to health care across the state. 

Third-year medical students Jacob LaMay, Maureen Scott, and Claudia Watkins played a hands-on role by testifying before lawmakers on the importance of GME funding.

Scott, motivated by her passion for equitable health care, spoke before the Legislature about the urgent need for more residency opportunities. 

"I entered medicine to address health care disparities, and a core task to make that possible is having enough physicians to deliver health care services," she said. "As Nevada has not increased their state-supported residency opportunities since 1997, our state has fallen behind many other areas in the nation for health care accessibility. Expanding GME will directly address this issue and increase residency opportunities for learners while improving health care access in Nevada."

Reflecting on her experience, Scott added, "Testifying at the Legislature felt very impactful as you could witness the discussions that lawmakers were having about a proposed bill and immediately respond within your commentary. I would encourage any students to seek out opportunities during this legislative session, whether it’s testifying, calling in to sessions, or submitting your thoughts online."

LaMay also spoke about the urgent need for sustained and expanded GME funding.  

"It was a truly memorable experience, witnessing the collective voice of Nevada’s medical community," he said. "My testimony stemmed from an understanding of the vital role GME plays in shaping Nevada’s health care future. When we invest in GME, we invest in a pipeline of physicians who are more likely to stay and practice in our state. This directly addresses the physician shortage that plagues Nevada and ensures our communities have access to the specialized care they need."

LaMay also emphasized the power of collaboration in advocating for change. "It was incredibly powerful to stand alongside deans of Nevada medical schools, CEOs of hospitals, medical residents, and fellow medical students, all united in our support for GME," he said. "Ultimately, supporting GME is about building a healthier Nevada for generations to come, and the collaborative effort displayed reinforced that belief."

The introduction of new residency programs, like UNR Med’s OB/GYN residency set to launch in summer 2026, makes GME expansion even more critical. Watkins underscored this point in her testimony, highlighting the direct impact of funding on the future of medical training in Nevada. 

"It was an amazing experience to represent UNR Med at the Legislature," Watkins said. "I chose to testify because I understand the vital impact GME funding would have on UNR Med, particularly with the launch of the new OB/GYN residency. This funding is essential for the addition of residency programs in Nevada and gives us, the next generation of physicians, the opportunity to remain in Nevada and serve our communities as we intended."

As UNR Med continues to advocate for policies that support graduate medical education and health care access, we are grateful for the collaboration of our legislators and the dedication of our students in shaping Nevada’s medical future.

On Monday, March 24, 2025, medical students will take this commitment to the Capitol for "UNR Med Day at the Legislature," where they look forward to further highlighting the critical need for GME.