Annual Publication 2025 FINAL 05292025 accessible - Flipbook - Page 65
T
hroughout history, many of the greatest medical
advances were made possible by support from altruistic
individuals and organizations. Patronage from the
Accademia dei Lincei and the family of Federico Cesi
led to Galileo’s design of the microscope in 1625 A.D.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, vaccines for smallpox,
polio, and measles were developed with funds from universities,
charitable organizations, and governments. Complete mapping of the
human genome in 2003 was almost entirely funded by public grants.
More recently, and closer to home, scholarships from many generous
donors covered the four-year tuition costs of the entire charter class of
the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV.
Today, philanthropy continues to propel medicine forward by providing
essential funding and resources that drive innovation, research, and
improved health outcomes. Private donations often bridge critical funding
gaps, enabling the pursuit of long-term medical research projects that
may not receive su昀케cient support from public sources. This 昀氀exibility
allows for the exploration of novel ideas and the development of
groundbreaking treatments. In addition to funding research, philanthropic
contributions support the education and training of future healthcare
professionals, ensuring a well-equipped workforce to tackle emerging
health challenges. Such investments enhance medical education
programs, provide scholarships, and fund residencies, fostering a culture
of continuous learning and excellence in patient care. Philanthropy also
plays a crucial role in raising awareness about speci昀椀c health issues,
mobilizing resources, and in昀氀uencing public policy. By championing
causes and funding advocacy efforts, philanthropists can drive systemic
changes that lead to better health outcomes on a global scale.
Philanthropy helped establish the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at
UNLV, and a decade later, philanthropy continues in that leading role by
providing scholarships for deserving students, supporting faculty-led
research, and delivering care to impoverished communities in Las Vegas
and throughout Southern Nevada. The history of modern medicine
shows us that charitable investments made today will have long and farreaching impacts for years to come.
Often, we think of science as the engine that drives medicine. However,
while bioscience and technology may be the engine of medicine,
philanthropy is the fuel.
SUMMER 2025 MAGAZINE
65
