Urban Medicine

5 Reasons to Practice Medicine in Reno, Nevada

Everything you need to know about living and working in Reno, one of Nevada’s most popular tourist destinations.


In the western corner of Nevada, Reno sits in the High Eastern Sierra foothills on the edge of the California border. Known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” this tech hub and casino and tourism hot spot is surrounded by some of the greatest beauty nature offers, from clear mountain lakes to stunning desert landscapes to rolling fields of flowers. Opportunities for outdoor activities, such as snowboarding, hiking and skiing, are just a few miles outside the city.

For residents, the city offers a bustling schedule of events throughout the year, and for healthcare providers, it offers a diverse and growing patient population. Learn more about why living and practicing medicine in Reno is both enticing and exciting.

5 Reasons to Live in Reno, Nevada

Connect with Our Healthcare Partners in Reno

PS&D is proud to work with Carson Tahoe Health, a progressive healthcare leader in Northern Nevada with more than 2,000 employees. Carson Tahoe provides high-quality care to a population of over 250,000. Since its founding in 1949, it has remained committed to its pursuit of putting patients first and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Carson Tahoe Urgent Care

Carson Tahoe Urgent Care is comprised of three local facilities serving patients across Carson City, Minden and Dayton, Nevada. Providers work with a wide range of simple or moderately complex non-life-threatening issues and are assisted by Carson Tahoe's large regional network.

Carson Tahoe Medical Group

With facilities conveniently located throughout the greater Carson-Douglas area of Nevada, Carson Tahoe Medical Group offers patients of all ages high-quality, comprehensive and compassionate care. Its more than 240 board-certified physicians represent a vast array of specialties, including Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Neurology, Oncology, Psychiatry and Rheumatology.

Carson Tahoe Retail Clinics

Carson Tahoe Retail Clinics offer fast and affordable treatment options, with three regional locations inside local Walmart stores. Services include diagnostic testing, physicals, vaccinations and basic get-well check-ups.

Carson Tahoe Cancer Center

Carson Tahoe Cancer Center provides patients with early intervention, advanced treatments and top Oncology expertise at its 35,000-square-foot facility in Carson City. Affiliated with the Huntsman Cancer Institute and known for its clinical trials, its services include full-time medical and radiation oncology practices, an ambulatory infusion center, a comprehensive breast center and extensive support services.

Most Popular Destinations Near Reno

Reno has much to offer if you enjoy the outdoors and want to spend as much time as possible in nature. Within a few hours’ drive west, the city is bordered by dense white fir and ponderosa pine forests, mountain lakes filled with campgrounds, and snow-capped peaks perfect for hikes or sight-seeing. If city life is more your speed, you can enjoy the many grand hotels and casinos in Reno’s downtown core.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe may be famous for its opulent homes, but it also boasts breathtaking views. The clear water is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking, and the beaches offer quiet spots for relaxation. Staying until nightfall rewards you with spectacular star-gazing, and wintertime turns the lake and its snowy peaks into a playground for snowshoers, skiers and snowmobilers.

Downtown Reno

Reno is known for its thriving entertainment and tourism industry, with more than 20 casinos spread in and around its downtown core. The Row is three connected but distinctive casino resorts — Eldorado, Circus Circus and Silver Legacy — spanning six city blocks. Locals and tourists alike enjoy other favorite casinos, like Harrah’s, Atlantis and Peppermill. The trendy area known as Reno MidTown District is home to more than 250 local business, including boutiques, bars, live music venues and restaurants.

Steamboat Hot Springs

Just a quick 20-minute trip outside Reno, Steamboat Hot Springs is a natural spring with geothermal mineral water. Named by Mark Twain, it was once home to the third-largest geyser in the United States, which erupted up to 80 feet in the air. Today, things are calmer, and visitors can relax in mineral-rich water that contributes to overall wellness.

Highway 50

For lovers of the open road, Highway 50 is intriguing. Although the roughly 500-mile stretch is known as the “Loneliest Road in America,” the drive offers many attractions. This route is dotted with hidden gems and incredible desert scenery, from ghost towns to mining communities to multiple state parks.

Fun Facts About Reno, Nevada

FAQ

Why should I practice medicine in Reno, Nevada?

You’ll have plenty of opportunity to find and develop your niche serving Reno’s large, growing and diverse patient population. Build your network, pursue your medical interests and enjoy the support that comes from living and practicing in a big city with plenty of specialists.

Why practice medicine in urban areas?

Practicing medicine in an urban area offers physicians support, resources, growth and many times, higher salaries. Working in a big city will give you the chance to specialize and build your expertise in an area of medicine you’re passionate about. You’ll have the resources you need at your fingertips, including support staff, specialists, labs, research connections and opportunities, and testing facilities — all of which make diagnosis and treatment easier. Urban centers also offer diversity, convenience, and amenities like restaurants, entertainment venues, fitness facilities and cultural events, usually within a 15-mile radius.

What is the Nevada physician licensing process?

The physician licensing process for every state requires verification of your education and graduate training, exam scores, references, hospital privileges and any current or past licenses. You must submit proof that you’ve completed all three United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) steps. It’s important to learn what to expect, as the physician licensing process — from when you submit your application until your license is granted — typically takes at least 60 days.

Are physician relocation loans common?

Yes, physician relocation loans are common, especially in the form of medical residency relocation loans. Unlike student loans, medical residency relocation loan funds go directly to the borrower. In addition to moving costs, they can pay for board certification, clinical exams and living expenses. These loans frequently have lower interest rates and are only available to medical residents who can provide proof of residency or internship, such as a match letter.

Some practices also have a set amount of money dedicated to relocation packages. These loans typically cover your expenses for travel, flights, hotels, meals, house-hunting and moving your belongings. It’s important to note that any physician relocation loans you receive are considered taxable income, so plan accordingly.

How do you write a physician resignation letter?

If you choose to leave a job, you’re not alone. In fact, 70% of doctors in all specialties will leave their first job within two years. Writing an effective physician resignation letter is important if — and when — you decide to move on. You’ll also want to ensure that you are legally compliant. Be sure to review what's required.

As you write your physician resignation letter, make sure to include:

  • A clear statement that you’re leaving.
  • Where you’re going.
  • Your professional contact information.
  • A personal reflection on your time at the practice.
  • Reassurance that patient medical records are available upon request.
  • Recommendations for other physicians.

Is Reno right for me?

Connect with Provider Solutions & Development to learn more.

Our provider and physician recruiters understand the full picture of what it's like to live and work in Reno, Nevada and cities across the country.

PS&D supports more than 30 health systems, from Hawaii to Alaska to Reno. We serve physicians and advanced practice clinicians with heart, from residency to retirement so that they can do the same for their patients. With exclusive access to hundreds of positions, PS&D offers holistic recruitment advice and placement that puts clinicians’ needs first.

Want to explore job opportunities in Reno? We can help connect you to a role that will elevate your career and enrich your life. Reach out today. Let's start the conversation.

PS&D supports more than 30 health systems, from Hawaii to Alaska to Reno. We serve physicians and advanced practice clinicians with heart, from residency to retirement so that they can do the same for their patients. With exclusive access to hundreds of positions, PS&D offers holistic recruitment advice and placement that puts clinicians’ needs first.

Want to explore job opportunities in Reno? We can help connect you to a role that will elevate your career and enrich your life. Reach out today. Let's start the conversation.