Reno Reporter

A new pediatrics residency program has been announced by the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Renown Health.

According to a news release issued by the school, the first class of pediatric residents will begin their residency in July 2023 with the program expected to alleviate the burden of physician specialist shortage in the state and country.

“Creating a Pediatric Residency Program for our community has been a dream more than five years in the making,” Max Coppes, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., pediatrician-in-chief at Renown Children’s Hospital, said in the release.

The program will last for three years with four physician prospects chosen yearly for a total of 12 residents.

Coppes, who is also a former Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, said,  “Currently, UNR Med students interested in becoming pediatricians must leave the area to complete their residency training elsewhere. The Pennington Foundation has paved the way for this program, which will create a pipeline of much-needed pediatricians for our state-especially under-served and rural areas – to serve vulnerable children and families of Nevada with high quality, affordable care.”

Kristina Deeter, M.D., MBA, FAAP, interim UNR Med chair of pediatrics and physician-in-chief at Renown Children’s Hospital, said it was a great platform to train pediatricians as the state continues to grow.

“This new Pediatric residency-training program will allow Nevada to have a supply of outstanding, compassionate physicians, now and into the future. With our exceptional team of existing pediatricians, pediatric specialists, medical teams, and support staff, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and rewarding educational experience for our trainees,” Deeter said.

Lawrence Duncan, M.S., vice president and administrator for Renown Women & Children’s Hospital, said the program would not be possible without the Program Director Dr. Caroline Barangan and Associate Program Director Dr. Shilpi Garg, a 2012 UNR Med alumna.

“Between now and summer 2023, we will add the foundational pieces needed to ensure the success of the program including recruiting a Chief Resident, ongoing faculty development, and ensuring that all components are in place for recruiting, teaching, supervising and mentoring residents,” Duncan said.