Future doctors start here.

The journey to becoming a doctor begins here. At UNR Med, we’re dedicated to guiding and supporting you through every step, fully committed to your success from day one to graduation and beyond.

medical student with patient in a clinical setting

UNR Med's M.D. Program

At UNR Med, you'll embark on an immersive medical education journey from day one. Our M.D. program, fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education since 1971, offers a comprehensive medical education that integrates classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience starting in your first year. Our foundational biomedical and behavioral sciences combined with early patient interaction, advanced clinical simulations and diverse training sites, you'll have the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to excel as a physician.

Learn more about our accreditation

What courses, clinical experiences and training make up our M.D. program?

Years 1 and 2

In the first two years of our M.D. program, you'll dive into a blend of classroom learning, hands-on lab work and early clinical exposure. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to equip you with a solid foundation in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, integrating these disciplines with real-world clinical cases to prepare you for the complexities of modern medicine.

Learn more about years 1 & 2

Years 3 and 4

As you move into your third and fourth years, you'll experience a balanced mix of ambulatory and inpatient care, preparing you for the challenges of residency and beyond. You’ll also train in diverse settings beyond Reno, branching from urban settings to rural locations across the state of Nevada and northeastern California.

Learn more about years 3 & 4

Medical Education News

Medical students volunteering at the Rural Outreach Clinic.

UNR Med students expand access to care through rural outreach

Faculty mentorship and student leadership bring free medical services to underserved Nevada communities

Samuel Lee, Travis Stewart, Hannah Schultz, and Riley Gillis in a laboratory wearing lab coats and smiling at the camera.

Dr. Samuel Lee leads students to professional success through fungal research

Chair of the Department of Medicine, Samuel Lee, M.D., Ph.D., bridges the gap in antifungal research through mentorship

A hand pointing at a poster with research findings.

UNR Med students make an impact through research

Driven by curiosity and compassion, medical students are conducting research that bridges science and community impact

Read more UNR Med news

Milestone Ceremonies and Celebrations

Throughout their time at UNR Med, our medical students experience a series of meaningful events that mark key transitions on their path to becoming physicians. From donning the white coat for the first time to crossing the stage at commencement, each milestone reflects the hard work, dedication and compassion that define the UNR Med Community.

Medical students reading their Physician's Oath at their White Coat Ceremony.

White Coat Ceremony

The White Coat Ceremony marks the official beginning of a medical student’s journey into the profession of medicine. During this special event, first-year medical students receive their white coats – a symbol of their commitment to compassionate care, professionalism and lifelong learning.

A student pinning their residency location on a map.

Match Day

Match Day is one of the most anticipated days in a medical student’s journey. Each March, fourth-year students join peers across the nation to discover where they will complete their residency training. The envelope-opening moment is filled with excitement, pride and celebration as students, families and faculty gather to share in this milestone achievement.

Two graduated medical students hooding one another at Commencement.

Commencement Ceremony

The culmination of four years of rigorous study and training, the Commencement Ceremony celebrates our graduates as they officially earn the title of Doctor of Medicine. This event recognizes the perseverance, compassion and excellence that define UNR Med physicians and honors the families, faculty and mentors who supported them along the way.

residents in clinical setting

Secure your dream residency match

At UNR Med, we’re committed to guiding you towards a successful residency match, whether you’re aiming for a program right here in Reno or across the country. We provide personalized support throughout your medical education and match process, leveraging our extensive network of residency programs nationwide to help you find the perfect fit for your career goals. Explore the opportunities awaiting you at UNR Med and beyond, and let us help you take the next step in your medical journey.

Learn more about our residency programs

Supporting M.D. students on their educational journey

We are committed to fostering academic excellence and personal well-being for our medical students. Our comprehensive support services include access to learning specialists and wellness programs that nurture mental, emotional and physical resilience. Additionally, our dedicated career advisors provide specialized guidance tailored to each stage of medical school, from year one through year four. This personalized support helps M.D. students explore career pathways, refine their professional goals and successfully navigate the residency application process.

Career Advising Resources Learning and Wellness Support

A medical student being taught by a faculty member in the simulation lab.

Experience real-world medicine with our Clinical Simulation Center

Our Clinical Simulation Center offers three cutting-edge labs equipped with advanced patient simulators like SimMan3G, SimMom and SimBaby. These simulators cover scenarios from cardiopulmonary sounds to childbirth, providing hands-on practice in real clinical settings. In addition, Standardized Patients (SPs), trained to act as real patients, give students an opportunity to practice giving physical exams and communicating with patients.

Learn more about our Clinical Simulation Center
A medical student working with a patient and supervisory physician in the Student Outreach Clinic.

Hands-on experience in the Student Outreach Clinic

Since 1996, the Student Outreach Clinic (SOC) has been serving Northern Nevada by offering free medical care to uninsured or underinsured individuals. This clinic provides medical students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to work under the direct supervision of licensed physicians while making a real difference in the community. This experience not only helps students refine their clinical skills but also fosters a commitment to community service and health equity.

Learn more about the Student Outreach Clinic

UNR Med has played a significant role in helping me develop the skills needed to connect with patients and deliver compassionate care. Working with Standardized Patients allowed me to refine my communication, motivational interviewing, and clinical skills. Volunteering at the Student Outreach Clinic has also been instrumental in this aspect, giving me ample opportunities to practice patient interaction and history-taking, which has been particularly beneficial during rotations in third year.

Olawale Akinyemi - M.D. Program, Class of 2026

Olawale Akinyemi holding up a sign that reads, "My White Coat... Symbolizes that even with the odds stacked against you, with perseverance and hardwork, you can achieve anything you want."
medical education clinical research presentation

Contribute to the advancement of medicine at Medical Student Research Day

Our Translational Research Center (TRC) works closely with researchers and medical trainees to pursue clinical, translational and biomedical research. The TRC provides consultations and research support to assist students with finding suitable matches, synergize research objectives and expose students to unique and broad research opportunities.

Research opportunities

Explore specialized areas through our Scholarly Concentration Program

The Scholarly Concentration Program offers M.D. students the opportunity to enrich their medical education by pursuing a specialized area of interest. This voluntary, four-year track runs alongside the standard curriculum, enabling students to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in a focused medical field, enhancing their expertise and preparing them for unique career opportunities.

Scholarly Concentration Program

Top-tier medical education

UNR Med provides a high-quality medical education at an affordable price, making it one of the best values in health care training. With low tuition and exceptional learning experiences, you’ll be well-prepared for your future in medicine. Start your journey toward excellence and affordability today.

Learn more about our tuition and fees

Ready to make a difference in health care?

UNR Med offers an exceptional medical education where affordability meets quality, and close-knit classes ensure individualized attention. Take the leap toward a fulfilling career in health care — apply now and join a medical school that’s committed to your success.

Start your application today
medical students in clinical setting

Connect with a member of our team

M.D. Admissions
M.D. Student Affairs
M.D. Curricular Affairs