Annual Publication 2025 FINAL 05292025 accessible - Flipbook - Page 19
RESEARCH RESONATES
FOR RESIDENTS:
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF
GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
It’s no surprise with such a growing dynasty of research
superstars that the school is dedicated to expanding its research
curriculum for graduate medical education (GME) and is set to
launch a new research initiative later this year that will build on
an already outstanding foundation for its residents and fellows,
as well as students.
The driving force behind the expanding research curriculum
and this new initiative is a group to be reckoned with: Deborah
Kuhls, MD, FACS, professor and acute care surgery chief in
the department of surgery and associate dean for research;
Kate Martin, MD, MEd, professor in the department of family
and community medicine, associate dean for graduate
medical education, and designated institutional o昀케cial; the
aforementioned Dr. Kavita Batra, assistant professor, medical
research biostatistician, and executive director of research
and scholarly activity for the o昀케ce of research; and Aditi Singh,
MD, FACP, professor and residency program director of the
department of internal medicine.
The research curriculum was launched in the department of
internal medicine in September 2022 by Dr. Batra and Dr. Singh.
Initially informal and involving only a few residents, the program
has since evolved into a structured and successful initiative.
Within three years, it has been adopted by endocrinology,
otolaryngology, pediatrics, and pediatric emergency medicine,
with additional expansion expected.
“Research is a cornerstone of career advancement in medicine,”
says Dr. Batra. “Most residents are eager to engage in research
because it not only sharpens their clinical thinking but also builds
a trajectory of professional growth.” She explains that early
research experience often sets the tone for future opportunities.
“Medical students who publish are signi昀椀cantly more competitive
for the residency programs they desire. Likewise, residents who
contribute meaningful, high-impact research during their training
are far more likely to secure top-tier fellowships. It’s a continuous,
strategic path where each stage of academic productivity opens
the door to the next.”
Further building on these sentiments, Dr. Singh shared her
perspective on the integral role of research in medical training.
“In my view, research is a critical component of physician
training and professional development, particularly for residents
SUMMER 2025 MAGAZINE
19
L-R: ADITI SINGH, MD; KATE MARTIN, MD; KAVITA BATRA, PHD; AND DEBORAH KUHLS, MD
T
he Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
may be a young medical school, but it is rapidly
making a name for itself due to its standout
research activities. The school is home to
Jeffrey L. Cummings, MD, ScD(HC), named the
“World’s #1 Ranked Scholar” in the 昀椀elds of
dementia and drug development by ScholarGPS; Kavita Batra,
PhD, MPH, powerhouse research machine who sits on several
prominent journal editorial boards and collaborates with
scientists and researchers worldwide; and Winn Chatham, MD,
who leads critical research on lupus therapies, was instrumental
in establishing Nevada’s 昀椀rst rheumatology fellowship here at
the school, and is positioning the school of medicine among the
top academic research medical centers in North America. And
those are just for starters.
PHOTO: JULIAN FOX
BY ROBIN BIFFINGER
