Robert Daugherty, M.D., Ph.D., former dean of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) passed away on September 1, 2025, at 91 years old. Dr. Daugherty served as dean from 1981 to 1999 and was a driving force behind the growth of the first medical school in Nevada.

He devoted his 18-year tenure to guiding UNR Med through periods of growth and transition, not just imagining the future of medical education, but working to make it a reality. Under his leadership, the school built new infrastructure, established graduate programs and advanced medical education through the development of new departments and strengthening its statewide presence. Many of the educational programs still in place today were started during Dr. Daugherty’s time as dean. 

These foundational efforts set the stage for broader statewide initiatives, reflecting his confidence in Nevada’s medical community. He established the Nevada Health Service Corps, supporting medical services in rural Nevada as well as a clinical campus in southern Nevada. As these programs expanded, his work grew to include larger changes that strengthened both training opportunities and patient care across the state. This included the development of statewide residency programs, Nevada’s first Medicaid-managed care and strong relationships with public, private and VA hospital affiliates. 

Dr. Daugherty’s influence also reached the Nevada Legislature. He joined the Washoe County Medical Society and the Nevada State Medical Association where he advocated for the expansion of medical education institutions. This effort would later support graduate programs, mental health programs and research enterprises. 

Beyond his local impact, Dr. Daugherty was also recognized nationally for his contributions to medical education. He served as chairman of the Council of Deans of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), completed three elected terms on the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Council on Medical Education, and represented the AMA on both the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and the National Board of Medical Examiners. In 2002, he also served on the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Introducing Behavioral and Social Sciences into Medical School Curricula. Together, these roles reflected his enduring commitment to shaping the future of medical training on a national scale.

Dr. Daugherty’s work not only influenced UNR Med — he also influenced the local community. His dedication to uplifting medical education has made a lasting impact and sparked endless opportunities for faculty and students. Colleagues remembered him as both a visionary leader and a steady advocate of continuous improvement of medical education. Dr. Daugherty’s legacy continues through the many physicians, educators and leaders who were inspired by his mentorship and vision.

To celebrate Dr. Daugherty’s enduring legacy, please make a gift to the Dr. Robert M. Daugherty, Jr. Faculty and Student Leadership Development Initiative for Medical Education.