By Paul Takahashi (contact)

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013 | 2 a.m.

Nevadas higher education leaders announced plans last week to open a medical school at UNLV.

The news immediately generated buzz on campus and around Las Vegas.

Unlike other major campus proposals recently such as a football stadium or apartment-style dorms the UNLV medical school represents a largely academic endeavor. Supporters believe such a school will transform the university and Southern Nevada.

Proponents argue a UNLV school of medicine has the potential to cure Las Vegas health care ills, such as its physician shortages and residents poor health outcomes. They also hope a UNLV medical school would diversify Southern Nevadas battered economy by spurring clinical research and attracting new medical businesses and tourism.

Since Nevada university leaders have inked a deal, plenty of questions abound. Heres a sampling, with some answers:

Why hasnt there been a medical school in Las Vegas?

For years, Southern Nevadans have lobbied for a four-year, allopathic medical school at UNLV. They argue Las Vegas is home to the majority of the states population and is the largest metropolitan region in the country without an M.D.-granting medical school.

Many Southern Nevadans believe Las Vegas doesnt have a medical school because of a longstanding geopolitical rivalry between Northern and Southern Nevada.

See more here:

Answering questions about a proposed new medical school in Las Vegas