LAS VEGAS – The Valley Health System Family Medicine Residency Program, partnered with Optum Nevada, has been recognized as the 2025 Leape Ahead Award Winner. This prestigious award, presented by the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL), recognizes organizations that have exhibited innovation in the creation of education or training programs to advance physician leadership and improve health care for medical students or residents.
Dr. Gaurav Zirath and Dr. Justine Suba-Cohen, both of Southwest Medical, part of Optum, were recognized for their outstanding efforts and involvement with the residency program. The committee’s decision to recognize both physicians reflects their admirable dedication and the significant impact they have made. Their commitment to fostering a culture of leadership and excellence has been instrumental in the program’s success.
Established in 2011, the Leape Ahead Award recognizes organizations that have exhibited innovation in the creation of education or training programs to advance physician leadership and improve health care for medical students or residents. The award honors the vision and commitment to developing the skills of future health care leaders demonstrated by Dr. Lucian Leape.
About Southwest Medical
Southwest Medical, part of Optum, was founded in Las Vegas in 1972 and is Nevada’s largest multi-specialty medical group with over 350 local health care providers through Southwest Medical, including six urgent care centers and two outpatient surgery centers.
Our full spectrum of health care services includes Southwest Medical Hospice, improving the quality of life for people experiencing a terminal illness. We also bring care and comfort home to our patients through Home Health Services. For half a century we have provided experienced, compassionate, innovative and high-quality care to patients throughout Southern Nevada. From our 24-hour urgent care center to industry-leading technology such as convenient e-visits and online options like the NowClinic® 24/7 telemedicine and virtual appointments, Southwest Medical’s goal is to bring patients the health care they want, the way they want it.
For more information: SMALV.COM
