Biography
Dr. Serna-Gallegos is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Division of Urogynecology at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center. She is double board-certified, both in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Urogynecology. She completed her residency at the University of California and her fellowship in Urogynecology at UNM. A published researcher with numerous peer-reviewed articles. She has presented nationally on topics related to pelvic health. Dr. Serna-Gallegos clinical expertise focuses on genitourinary fistula care, pelvic floor disorders, and surgical outcomes. She also serves as an international fistula surgeon in Rwanda. Her academic and clinical work is driven by a deep commitment to advancing women’s health through research, education, and compassionate care in her native state of New Mexico.
Personal Statement
As a Urogynecology faculty member at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to care for women both locally and globally. I have a strong interest in providing international genitourinary fistula care, where I can help restore dignity and quality of life for women facing profound challenges. I am equally passionate about studying patient outcomes and addressing healthcare disparities, as I believe that every woman deserves access to compassionate, evidence-based care regardless of her circumstances. These commitments guide my work as a clinician, researcher, and advocate for women’s health.
Areas of Specialty
Urogynecology / Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Education
EDUCATION:
7/2019 -6/2022 Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery FellowshipUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAlbuquerque, NM
6/2015 - 6/2019 Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency University of California, Irvine, Medical CenterOrange, CA
7/2011 - 5/2015 University of New Mexico School of MedicineM.D. Alpha Omega Alpha InducteeAlbuquerque, NM
8/2007 - 5/2011 Occidental CollegeB.A. Biochemistry, Minor in SpanishDivision III Softball Player Los Angeles, CA
Certifications
LICENSURE:
American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (issued 1/14/2022, renewal12/31/2024New Mexico Full Medical License (exp. 7/01/2025)
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Subspecialty, BoardEligible
Achievements & Awards
HONORS AND AWARDS:
1. Karen L. Noblett Excellence Award in Pelvic Surgery, UC Irvine Residency, 20192.
2. Certificate of Public Health, UNM School of Medicine, 20153.
3. Alpha Omega Alpha Inductee, UNM School of Medicine, 20144.
4.Gold Humanism Honor Society Nominee, UNM School of Medicine, 20145.
5.Alday Fund Scholarship, Albuquerque, NM, 20146.
5.Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico Scholarship, Albuquerque, NM, 2011-20147. 6.Dr. Alonzo Atencio Memorial Scholarship, Albuquerque, NM, 2011-20128.
7. Cum Laude Graduate, Occidental College, 20119.
8.Zachary T. Malaby Scholarship, Occidental College, 2010-201110.
9.Division III Softball Player, Occidental College, 2008-201111.
10. American Cancer Society Scholarship, Occidental College, 2007-201112.
11.W.M Keck Foundation Scholarship, Occidental College, 2009-201013.
12. American Society of Hematology Research Training Award, Albuquerque, NM, 2010
Languages
- English
Courses Taught
INVITED LECTURES:
Sept 2020 “Surgical Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse”, University of New Mexico HospitalDepartment of Urology Grand Rounds, Albuquerque, NM
EDUCATIONAL LECTURES:
Sept 2024 “Conservative Management for Prolapse,” UNM FPMRS Conference, Albuquerque, NMJune 2024 “Literature Review of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation and SacralNeuromodulation,” UNM FPMRS Conference, Albuquerque, NM
Feb 2024 “Pelvic Anatomy”, Kibagabaga Hospital for Medical Student Didactics, Kigali, Rwanda
Feb 2024 “Native Tissue Surgical Options for Prolapse,” Kibagabaga Hospital for Medical StudentDidactics, Kigali, Rwanda
Feb 2023 “Basics of Cystoscopy for Fistula Diagnosis”, Kibagabaga Hospital for Medical StudentDidactics, Kigali, Rwanda
Feb 2023 “Surgical Options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse”, Kibagabaga Hospital for Medical StudentDidactics, Kigali, Rwanda
Oct 2022 Cystotomy and Complicated Colpotomy Simulation, UNM Ob/Gyn Resident Didactics,Albuquerque, NM
Sept 2021 “Education For All (EFA) Ob/Gyn Fellowship Showcase”, National Virtual Conferencefor Ob/Gyn Residents, Albuquerque, NM
Sept 2021 “Pelvic Organ Prolapse for the Ob/Gyn Resident”, UNM OB/GYN Annual InternDidactics, Albuquerque, NMJuly 2021 “Anterior and Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse” UNM FPMRS Conference, Albuquerque,NM
Sept 2020 “Intraoperative Management of Urinary and Bowel Injuries” UNM FPMRS Conference,Albuquerque, NM
July 2020 “Introduction to Urinary Incontinence”, UNM OB/GYN Annual Intern Didactics,Albuquerque, NM
June 2020 “Overactive Bladder and Detrusor Overactivity, Physiology” UNM FPMRS Conference,Albuquerque, NM
Feb 2020 “Stress Urinary Incontinence with Prolapse Repairs” UNM FPMRS Conference,Albuquerque, NM
Aug 2019 “Basics of Urodynamics” UNM FPMRS Conference, Albuquerque, NM
Feb 2019 “Gynecologic Oncology Morbidity and Mortality Conference”, UC Irvine MedicalCenter Grand Rounds, Orange, CA
Dec 2018 “Gynecology Morbidity and Mortality Conference”, UC Irvine Medical Center GrandRounds, Orange, CA
Sept 2018 “Obstetrical Morbidity and Mortality Conference”, UC Irvine Medical Center GrandRounds, Orange, CA
Mar 2018 “Family Planning Morbidity and Mortality Conference”, UC Irvine Medical CenterGrand Rounds, Orange, CA
Research and Scholarship
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS:
1. Shinnick JK, Jackson AA, Stanley R, Serna-Gallegos T, Boyd B, Joseph I, Das D,Pancheshnikov A, Scarpaci MM, Sung VW. Prolapse Treatment-Related Decisional ConflictAfter New Patient Visits. Urogynecology (Phila). 2024 Sep 27. doi:10.1097/SPV.0000000000001570. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39331797.2.
2. Serna-Gallegos T, Komesu Y, Dunivan G, Meriwether K, Ninivaggio C, Petersen T, Jeppson P.Randomized Trial on Expectations and Pain Control Advancement in Surgery: The REPAIRStudy. Urogynecology (Phila). 2024 Jan 1;30(1):7-16.3.
3.Serna-Gallegos T, Dutta S, Crowder C, Wadensweiler P, Whitcomb EL, Guaderrama NM. RiskFactors for De Novo Overactive Bladder After Midurethral Sling. Urogynecology (Phila). 2023Jun 14.4.
4.Jansen SM, Ghatalia D, Mayo A, Lokke A, Petersen TR, Serna-Gallegos T, Meriwether KV.Factors Associated With Increased Estimated Blood Loss and Factors Associated WithUtilization of Type and Screen in Benign Gynecology: A Retrospective Chart Review.Urogynecology (Hagerstown). 2023 Feb 1;29(2):195-201.5.
5.Serna-Gallegos T, Jeppson PC. Female Pelvic Fistulae. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2021Sep; 48(3): 557-570.