The University of Nevada, School of Medicine in Reno opened its doors to community leaders today, to show them what it takes to become a doctor. Dr. Thomas Schwenk, Dean of the Medical School, says it helps people understand what medical school is all about. "We want people to know what we're doing. We want people to know why we're here. We want people to know what it means to have medical students and residents here in the community," Schwenk said.
The informational program lasted all day, and included lectures and lab work. Participants included politicians, business leaders and community decision makers. They had a chance to learn about what it takes to become a doctor, and what it takes to educate physicians.
Medical students showed the group what they're learning in the school's state-of-the-art anatomy lab.
Dr. Timothy Baker, Associate Dean of Medical Education, says “Project Medical Education Nevada” is a great way to show people what it's like behind the classroom doors. "Those who make decisions about funding can really gain some insight into what it really takes to educate students,” he said. “It takes money to make doctors,” he explained.
The goal of the program is to give community leaders and decision-makers a first-hand look at the medical school, in part, so they can make informed funding decisions in the future.
