LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Fifty-four graduates of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV walked across the stage and accepted their degrees today.

After four years of medical school, the new doctors will soon begin seeing patients during their residency training. Some of them will be staying in Las Vegas as they begin their careers.

“I think what excites me most about the future, especially here in Las Vegas, is just being able to work here to give back to the community. There’s a lot of room for growth and development, and I’m really excited to be a part of that,” said Charlton Bassett, a Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine graduate.

The graduates reflected on the demanding process to get to graduation day.

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“When I think back on the last four years, the first thing that comes to mind truly is just the amazing relationships and friendships that I’ve made during my time here. Everyone here has been amazing. Everyone in the class has been so supportive,” said Kaitlyn Novotny Leadbeter, a Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine graduate.

“It feels amazing. This has been a long road the past eight years, undergrad, medical school. It’s been quite a process, long nights, but it’s been all worth it,” said Axel Rivas, a Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine graduate.

The new doctors are going into a variety of fields. The most popular among them are anesthesiology, family medicine and internal medicine.

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