Dr. Yarini Quezada, an assistant professor and division director of urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, has dedicated her career to medicine, inspired by a mentor who played a critical role in her journey.
From her high school days, Quezada was guided through every stage of her medical career—from undergraduate studies to residency and fellowship—thanks to the immense support of her mentor.
“[Having] someone teaching me the ropes, guiding me and providing me feedback and encouraging me from his physician perspective really propelled me and allowed me to excel,” she reflects.
Now, Quezada finds herself in a position to give back, channeling the same enthusiasm and motivation into mentoring the next generation of physicians.
Her academic career at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine began when she collaborated with Dr. Nadia Gomez, an associate professor in the department of gynecologic surgery & obstetrics. Together, they organized targeted lectures and pelvic floor anatomy labs designed for residents in the medical school.
“She gave me a segue of what it would be like to be faculty within the university,” Quezada explains. “She knew that a part of what I was looking for is to remain academically active, so being able to do that in Las Vegas, alongside an amazing team that UNLV had within women’s health, was a huge reason why I joined UNLV Health.”
Utilizing her extensive training in residency and fellowship, Quezada is committed to enhancing the educational experiences of her residents. Throughout her journey, she has met individuals who have made arrangements for diverse learning styles, which she now incorporates into her mentorship approach.
“I’ve learned to ask residents their preferred learning styles and have an open door policy so they can approach me with questions or suggestions,” she states. “I then tailor my teaching to the particular resident’s style.”
In addition to her personalized teaching methods, Quezada is eager to share her specialized expertise. As one of the few dual board-certified urogynecologists in Las Vegas, she focuses on the diagnosis and management of female pelvic floor disorders, an area that is significantly underrepresented in the region.
Her practice includes both surgical treatments for conditions such as urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fistulas, as well as non-surgical treatments like managing urinary tract infections and overactive bladder.
Patient care is at the core of Quezada’s medical philosophy. “My view on managing all of my patients is that I individualize my care to all of my patients,” she emphasizes.
She starts with minimal invasive or conservative measures before exploring further treatment options tailored to each individual’s unique needs. “Every patient is different,” she asserts, underscoring her commitment to personalized care.
Dr. Yarini Quezada continues to embody the values instilled in her by her mentor, blending her medical expertise with a genuine passion for teaching and individualized patient care. Her journey is a testament to the profound impact of mentorship, as she strives to inspire and guide aspiring physicians in her community.
image source from：https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/guided-mentorship-how-one-physicians-support-shaped-career
