The Department of Emergency Medicine (EM) is dedicated to transforming the future of emergency care through exceptional research, education and service. Together, we seek to promote A Healthy Nevada by providing a positive, healing environment for patients and unique educational opportunities for students and residents.
Our mission is to meet the ever-changing needs of emergency medical care by training the next generation of skilled physicians. In partnership with Renown Health and Western Emergency Physicians, the Department of Emergency Medicine is committed to advancing education and patient care with best-in-class, evidence-based bedside instruction. Through our research and service, we seek to provide high quality, equitable and empathetic care for patients and their families to positively impact the health of our fellow Nevadans.
Bret Frey, M.D., Interim Chair, leads the newly formed Department of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Frey’s career began in research, as an electrophysiologist before his matriculation at UNR Med school, following his training at the University of Connecticut, he returned to Nevada. His significant community work, including current President of Western Emergency, Vice President of the State Board of Medical Examiner, past and current roles in Renown leadership including Chief of Staff at Renown South Meadows, give him the broad perspective needed to lead the inception of the Department.
Dr. Frey leads the EM Department with David Benaron, M.D., Vice Chief. Prior to this role and the expanded affiliation, Dr. Benaron served as the Educational Liaison from Western Emergency Physicians as well as a member of the Board. In 2022, he was honored with the UNR Community Faculty Spotlight.
A call to serve, in uniform and in medicine
UNR Med students share how their experiences in the armed forces inspire their mission to care for others
Rooted in Nevada, driven by compassion
Madison Schuster’s journey from childhood patient to physician assistant, dedicated to rural emergency care and mentoring the next generation
Megan Biagi named the 2025 recipient of the F. Donald Tibbitts Distinguished Teacher Award
'My ultimate goal is to help shape safe, competent and compassionate medical providers'
The Department of Emergency Medicine consists of a diverse team of more than 60 boarded EM providers, including five pediatric specialists. We are dedicated to furthering our mission through excellence in education, research and mentoring. Our leadership team passionately provides diverse adult emergency medicine, pediatric EM education and unique research opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment.