Those of us who have grown up here often refer to New Mexico as the “Land of Entrapment,” and after 20 years here, I have to admit that it is truly a difficult place to leave. After moving here with my family from Wisconsin at the age of 12, I have broadly explored opportunities to pursue my education elsewhere, but always found myself drawn back to Albuquerque. As an undergraduate here, the exceptional value of the education and an opportunity to play basketball kept me here. For medical school, an outstanding primary care curriculum and quietly outstanding research faculty convinced me to stay on for my MD/PhD. I searched diligently across the country for a place in which to pursue my residency training that would strike the right balance between pushing me to excel yet respecting my roles as a husband and father. Once again, I found the dedicated, passionate faculty, the happy, supportive residents, the diverse patient population, and the opportunities for basic science research here at UNM impossible to beat. When I’m not working, I love spending time out in the New Mexico sunshine with my spectacularly supportive wife, Addie and our three wonderful children, Owen, Liam, and Fiona.

A New Mexico native, I grew up in Corrales, NM on a small farm surrounded by sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. I originally wanted to be a veterinarian, but as I went through college at the University of New Mexico and graduate school in California, I realized my true calling was human medicine. I was fortunate to be accepted to the UNM School of Medicine, and fell in love with Obstetrics and Gynecology. Starting residency at UNM has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. Playing such an important role in the lives of women is a wonderful privilege, and I find that every day I have moments that touch my heart. I look forward to many amazing memories from residency, and hope to continue to practice in New Mexico once I finish my training. For now, I am content to work hard, and play hard, spending my free time with my husband, family, and friends. I love hiking, biking, and traveling, but am also known to curl up at home with good book from time to time.

Melia Lucero, MD

As a mother of two and a native of Albuquerque, staying here in New Mexico was a ‘no-brainer’ for me. I did many interviews all over the country and was able to see just how much the University of New Mexico Ob/Gyn residency has to offer doctors in training. I found that other programs weren’t able to balance the experience managing such a diverse patient population with exposure to all the specialties in Ob/Gyn while giving great training in the general practice area. Our experience with Family Planning is one of the most progressive and comprehensive that I’ve seen and is a great asset in our state.

Outside of the hospital, Albuquerque has so much to offer. Our climate is very mild and is perfect for all the hiking, camping and other outdoor activities that make our state so adventurous. The city is a great match for all people, single or coupled, with or without children. Hope you have the opportunity to come and experience it for yourself!

Growing up in Albuquerque, I couldn’t wait to escape. Until I did…and I realized all of the wonderful things that New Mexico has to offer! I came back to Albuquerque for medical school and after a clinical OBGYN rotation full of passionate residents, a friendly low key atmosphere, and a strong focus on teaching, I decided to stay here at UNM for residency. Also, I love to snowboard, hike, horseback ride and backpack - which are all amazing here and nearby! Being a provider for women is such a privilege and every day of work is enjoyable! UNM’s program encourages comfort in women’s health areas that I found other programs to be lacking, including breast care, extensive formal ultrasound training, hands-on robotic surgical experience, and midwife collaboration for comprehensive delivery skills. But what makes the fit perfect for me are the people - laid back, funny, helpful and hard working. No matter what my future as an OBGYN holds, I know I will be happy and well trained (a rare combo!) at the end of these 4 years!

Mary Sale, MD

When I was interviewing for residency programs, one of my "stock" questions was how often the residents laugh during their days. Turns out, the real key was noticing how much I* * laughed at the interviews! With that criteria, UNM takes the cake! I moved from my home state of West Virginia, and already love being in the southwest with beautiful mountains and blue skies. Albuquerque itself is loaded with art and culture- they even paint the interstates! With long hours and stresses of doctoring, coming to work with people who make you smile and laugh is genuine joy. I am so fortunate now to be part of the UNM crew.

Lauren Thaxton, MD

Texan by birth, New Mexican by choice. I was born in Dallas, TX and went to medical school at Texas Tech in Lubbock. I love waking up to mountains every morning and seeing the sunset on my walk home from work. I came to Albuquerque with my boyfriend, Daniel, who matched into the Psychiatry program. We enjoy good eats and Netflix during the week and hiking on the weekend. I think the program here at UNM is the perfect combination of dedicated faculty teachers and out-going, friendly residents.