Founding dean of University of Nevada, Las Vegas medical school hospitalized

Barbara Atkinson, MD, founding dean of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Medicine, was hospitalized after her intestine allegedly ruptured and caused a serious infection, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Dr. Atkinson was admitted to Las Vegas-based University Medical Center of Southern Nevada during the July 4 weekend to undergo surgery for the rupture, which UNLV officials said was successful. Officials told the Review-Journal Dr. Atkinson "continues to make incremental positive gains" and that she "can make a full, positive recovery."

Officials met last week and "[have] had follow up communications" to discuss appointing an acting dean to fill in for Dr. Atkinson until she can resume her role, according to the report. Dr. Atkinson will provide her input on the issue, officials said.

Dr. Atkinson became dean of the medical school in 2015 and oversaw numerous fundraising efforts to get the school up and running, including procuring a $25 million donation by an anonymous donor in early June.

The inaugural class of students is set to begin classes July 17.

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