Beyond the five-star resorts, dynamic entertainment, and bright lights of The Strip, lies a passionate network of professionals seeking to deliver the highest quality of healthcare.
The Las Vegas community has worked diligently to establish itself as a credible medical destination, whereby healthcare professionals can plant and grow their careers.
How is Las Vegas Optimizing its Opportunities in Healthcare?
Las Vegas is taking a proactive and transformative approach towards the city’s healthcare industry. Lively establishments such as the Las Vegas Medical District represent the heart of Vegas healthcare and have made a large impact on the community in recent years.
The LVMD’s mission is to “further the availability of services complementary to current medical providers, build on the sense of community, and enhance the quality of healthcare for all southern Nevada”. With this goal in mind, the medical collective is set to become a center of academic medicine with various partners collaborating in treatment, research, and education. Their anchor partners include Desert Radiology, University Medical Center, Valley Hospital Medical Center, and Kirk Kerkonian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine welcomed its inaugural class of 60 students in 2017. It’s the first and only medical school in Southern Nevada. Its curriculum has an emphasis on community-based learning and clinical experience. With its research program funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Kirk Kerkonian School of Medicine is an invaluable asset to Southern Nevada and to the future of Las Vegas’ healthcare industry.
Vegas Healthcare’s Hidden Gem? Medical Meetings
It’s no surprise that Las Vegas has housed a plethora of conventions due to its vibrant nature and prime West Coast location. According to the Trade Show News Network, Las Vegas reigns as, “the United States’ top tradeshow destination 22 years in a row”.
As Las Vegas progressively becomes a bustling center for passionate medical professionals, meetings in specializations such as bariatrics, neurosurgery, and orthopedics are becoming more prominent. Like-minded healthcare practitioners, physicians, and surgeons can expand their network or enhance their skills with attendees who reside locally or internationally.
The popularity of medical conferences is still on the rise in the United States with “over 2,000 conferences scheduled to take place in 2023 and roughly 2,100 in 2024” (International Conference Alerts). Societies like the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons hosted their annual meeting at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center in 2023, while the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics plan to hold their Annual Spring Meeting at the Bellagio Resort in April of next year.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority expressed how the attractiveness of the glitzy Sin City backdrop naturally generates more traffic. “On average, attendance increased 15 percent when conventions rotate into Las Vegas. Research also shows that attendees spend more time in their meetings and on the trade show floor when programs are held in Las Vegas”.
The Leading Venue for Medical Events
With the high frequency of medical events that occur throughout the year, educational facilities are popping up across the valley to accommodate the rising demand. Viticus Group stands as a premier lab rental space and education center, offering an unparalleled venue for a wide range of medical events.
Andrea Davis, chief executive officer (CEO), Viticus Group, strongly believes that “between the excellent higher level medical education, training, institutions, phenomenal physicians, highly accessible international airport, world-class hotels, and all-around incredible city atmosphere, Vegas is the ideal place for all things medical tourism”.
Located just five minutes from Harry Reid International Airport and less than 10 minutes from the iconic Strip, attendees can effortlessly commute to and from the events. The facility is valued for its meticulous staff, cutting-edge equipment, and expertise in anatomical specimen procurement and preparation.
Dr. Michael Hanes of Jax and Spine Pain Centers enthusiastically describes the Viticus Group Education Centers as the “greatest facility” for hosting cadaver labs. He expresses admiration for the center's capacity to attract “hundreds of physicians to learn new techniques and therapies”.
Medical organizations may opt for a comprehensive in-house solution to deliver impactful and groundbreaking meetings with ease and affordability.
The Future of the Medical Landscape
Despite facing challenges, Las Vegas continues to redefine its medical landscape through a focus on spotlighting research and education. Once primarily renowned for its entertainment and nightlife, the city is emerging as a dynamic force in the realm of healthcare.
Sharlene Guevarra
