Las Vegas native, Bonanza High School and UNLV graduate, Colby Shreve, 29, is now a first-year student at the UNLV School of Medicine.  Chosen from a field of more than 800 students for the inaugural class, Shreve’s non-traditional path to medicine included a six-year stint as a professional baseball player after being drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008 from the College of Southern Nevada.

A pitcher, Shreve played with a number of minor league farm teams associated with the Phillies throughout his baseball career, including the Clearwater Threshers and Lakewood BlueClaws.

“I always knew I wanted to end up with a science-based career after baseball,” said Shreve. “So being chosen as part of the inaugural class of the UNLV School of Medicine is both an honor and a dream come true for me. My end goal is to become the go-to doctor in my chosen field in my hometown of Las Vegas, inspired by my own elbow surgery with one of the country’s finest orthopedic surgeons, Dr. James Andrews.”

Shreve has a particular interest in radiology, due in large part to all the x-rays and diagnostic imaging tests he received as a professional athlete.  However, as a first-year medical student, he is enjoying exposure to all facets of medicine and has a long time to declare his specialty.

“My wife and I are expecting our first baby in April, so I have lots of motivation to stay on top of my studies to become the very best doctor I can be, while giving back to the community where I grew up.  I can’t explain what it means to me to be studying medicine in my hometown with my growing little family by my side.”

Photo: Colby Shreve, UNLV School of Medicine