UNLV's Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine Elevates Anatomy Education with Innovative Program

For aspiring doctors, understanding the human body isn't just about memorizing facts; it's about developing a profound, three-dimensional comprehension that underpins every aspect of patient care. The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV is making significant strides in this critical area, according to a recent announcement. The school has substantially expanded its anatomical education program, creating what it describes as one of the most advanced offerings in the region for its medical students.

This development is excellent news for students pursuing a career in medicine, as it promises a richer, more comprehensive learning experience. It also signals a deeper commitment to equipping future healthcare professionals with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in their demanding field. The program's evolution reflects a thoughtful integration of time-honored teaching methods with modern technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful education.

Blending Tradition with Technology for Deeper Understanding

The core of the expanded program, according to the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, lies in its innovative curriculum design and state-of-the-art facilities. Housed within the impressive 135,000-square-foot medical education building, the program provides students with unparalleled access to a variety of learning modalities. These include traditional human body dissection, a cornerstone of anatomical study, alongside the integration of plastinated specimens, virtual reality platforms, and advanced digital anatomy tools.

Dr. Aftab Merchant, MBBS, FCPS, professor of medical education and assistant dean for anatomical education, has been instrumental in this transformation since joining UNLV in 2023. Drawing on his extensive background in curriculum design, Dr. Merchant's vision has guided the program from a largely virtual model to one that emphasizes hands-on, multi-faceted learning. He explains that the focus is on "clinically relevant anatomy," ensuring students acquire knowledge and skills directly applicable to their careers. This approach, he notes, helps students not only master anatomy but also cultivate compassion, professionalism, and confidence in patient care.

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A Comprehensive and Evolving Curriculum

The anatomy team at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine has meticulously integrated various disciplines into the curriculum. This includes cross-sectional anatomy, radiology, histology, and embryology, ensuring a holistic view of the human body. Furthermore, neuroscience instruction has been revitalized, and a fourth-year clinical anatomy elective has been developed, providing advanced opportunities for specialization.

The program has also expanded its use of plastinated specimens and anatomical models, which offer durable, detailed representations for study. Audiovisual facilities in the anatomy lab have been upgraded, further enriching the learning environment. These collective efforts, the school states, position them as a model for effectively blending traditional and technological approaches in medical education.

Owen McCloskey, who transitioned from anatomy lab manager to director of the anatomy lab and the anatomical gift program, plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of donor-based education. The involvement of numerous clinical faculty members also enriches student learning by providing real-world perspectives and practical insights.

Cultivating Compassion and Professionalism

A significant aspect of the program is its emphasis on professionalism, compassion, and respect for donors. Students are introduced to the dissection lab with these values at the forefront. They progress from guided prosection labs to hands-on dissection, gaining invaluable experience in understanding human variation and tissue handling. Beyond the lab, they benefit from round-the-clock access to Sectra virtual anatomy tables and immersive virtual reality dissections.

The anatomy experience culminates in the Service of Gratitude ceremony, an entirely student-led event that honors the individuals whose anatomical gifts make their education possible. This ceremony underscores the profound ethical considerations and deep respect integral to medical training.

Reaching Beyond Medical Students

The benefits of this expanded program extend beyond enrolled medical students. According to the school, the Summer Anatomy Seminar, launched in 2025, offers pre-medicine undergraduates hands-on experience with human donor specimens, simulation-based clinical experiences, and advanced technologies like virtual reality. This seminar provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to explore complex concepts in a clinical context, connect with medical students and faculty, and explore various health science careers.

Moreover, the anatomy facilities serve as a valuable resource for residents and clinical faculty, offering opportunities to learn and refine procedural skills. In partnership with the simulation center, the program supports learners at every level, from pre-medical students to practicing clinicians. This broad accessibility highlights the school's commitment to continuous learning and professional development within the broader healthcare community.

Interim Dean Alison Netski, MD, emphasizes the school's continuous pursuit of educational improvement. "Our students have always performed well, often meeting or exceeding national averages," she notes, adding that the richness of their educational experience is what truly sets them apart now. The expanded anatomy education, she explains, strengthens the curriculum and provides world-class opportunities for students to develop a deeper understanding of the human body.

With plans for an anatomical gift program, which would be the first in Southern Nevada, and ongoing investment in facilities and curriculum, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine's anatomical education program is poised for continued growth. This commitment ensures that its graduates are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and confident physicians, ready to provide excellent patient care.