The UNLV School of Medicine 60-member class of 2023 arrived on campus with impressive credentials, including a 3.7 GPA and 510 MCAT. They come from top universities, including Princeton, Cornell, Vanderbilt, UC Berkeley, UCLA and USC. Twenty-five graduated from UNLV, 13 from UNR, and 1 from Nevada State College.

Orientation day at the Shadow Lane campus included a group breakfast, a white coat fitting, and the opportunity to learn about upcoming curriculum. Following a formal welcome from Dean Barbara Atkinson who formally welcomed them to campus, students enjoyed a surprise visit from Chance, mascot for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Almost all of the students are either from Nevada or have strong ties to the area, making it more likely they will stay and practice here after graduation. Among the 31 males and 29 females, seven are first in their families to graduate from college, three are military veterans, one comes from a family of professional acrobats, and another is 2018 Miss Nevada Alexis Hilts.

All members of the Class of 2023 are scheduled to formally receive their white coats during a ceremony on August 23.

Photo: Courtesy of UNLV School of Medicine – Class of 2023