In recognition of Dr. Schwenk's contributions to medicine, health research, education and public health — and his retirement today — Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a congratulatory proclamation naming Aug. 31 “a day in honor of Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D.”

A Proclamation by the Governor

“WHEREAS, Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D., is retiring from a decade of remarkable and dedicated service as Dean of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Vice President of Health Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno; and

"WHEREAS, UNR Med experienced transformational growth under Dr. Schwenk’s leadership that expanded health care services and medical education in Northern Nevada through the transition of the school’s Las Vegas-based resources to the UNLV School of Medicine; and

“WHEREAS, as VP of Health Sciences, Dr. Schwenk gave voice to institutional-level issues and health care workforce development as part of the University’s executive leadership; and

“WHEREAS, during Dr. Schwenk’s tenure, UNR Med celebrated 50 years of improving the health and well-being of all Nevadans through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, basic and clinical research with local, national and global impact; and

“WHEREAS, Dr. Schwenk’s recognition and support of basic biomedical research as one of the UNR Med’s greatest strengths ranking the School of Medicine in 2021 by U.S. News & World Report in the Top 25 for federal research grants per full-time faculty member; and

“WHEREAS, Dr. Schwenk realized innovative and collaborative benefits from a historic and transformative affiliation with Renown Health establishing the first fully integrated health system in Nevada to advance health and health care through world-class medical education, clinical research and patient care for our community and state; and

“WHEREAS, Dr. Schwenk advanced the importance of creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for training a more diverse and culturally competent medical workforce to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population in Nevada; and

“WHEREAS, Dr. Schwenk’s exceptional career in family medicine and commitment to inspiring generations of physicians and health care professionals through his leadership, integrity and humanity are representative of his enduring legacy at the School of Medicine and achieving a vision for ‘A Healthy Nevada’

“Now, therefore, I, Steve Sisolak, Governor of the State of Nevada do hereby proclaim August 31, 2021, as a day in honor of Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D.”

Congratulations to Dean Schwenk on his retirement!