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As a proud Norteña from Santa Fe, I am both honored and excited to serve as the president of the UNM School of Medicine Alumni Board. My name is Dr. Elizabeth Garchar, and I am from the MD class of 2016. I work as a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at Piñon Perinatal, where I have the privilege of serving patients in Albuquerque and throughout the state, including Rio Rancho, Raton, Grants, Roswell, and Las Cruces. It is deeply rewarding to care for my fellow New Mexicans, and as president, I look forward to connecting with fellow Lobos both within our state and in surrounding regions, sharing the spirit of our Land of Enchantment with alumni near and far.
One of my top priorities as president is the inclusion of the greater health sciences community to bring diversity into our alumni family. I am also committed to supporting current students by expanding scholarships, creating opportunities, and building a network of support from medical school through their transition into healthcare careers. This is an exciting time to be part of the UNM School of Medicine, as plans for workforce expansion and improvement take shape to address healthcare needs across New Mexico. Additionally, one of my goals is to establish a platform that assists alumni interested in returning to New Mexico in finding meaningful career opportunities, with guidance and support from our network of fellow graduates.
It is a privilege to serve as president during such an exciting time for our school and our alumni community. I look forward to building connections, fostering collaboration, and celebrating the achievements of our Lobos as we work together to advance healthcare in New Mexico and beyond.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Garchar, MD (Class of 2016)
Alumni Association President
The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage for entering medical students as they are welcomed into the medical community. The ceremony emphasizes the importance of humanism, compassion and honor as integral parts of a medical career. In addition to receiving their coats, students also receive a gift certificate for their first stethoscope. Give your $250 gift to the White Coat Campaign for the class of 2027
Match DayEvery spring, graduating students gather to share in the excitement of learning where they will complete their medical residency. The School of Medicine Alumni Association sponsors some of the student awards presented each year in the amount of $1,000 each.
Travel GrantsThe Alumni Association allocates $2,000 per school year to help sponsor students to further their education through conferences, research and professional development opportunities. Once a travel grant is awarded, the student is asked to share their experience with the Alumni Office and their peers. Do you want to connect with students presenting at annual conferences in your field or while they are in your city? Contact emanderson@salud.unm.edu.
Student NookThe Student Nook is a fun, friendly and healthy place for medical students to take a break between classes. Located in the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, the Student Nook features Keurig coffee, fresh fruit and a variety of healthy snacks. Recently, the Nook has seen an exponential increase in student visitors from the MD, PT, OT, PA, and Health Professions programs of the School of Medicine. Help us to raise a minimum of $1,000 a month to fund the student nook. Give to support the Nook with a gift to the White Coat Campaign today!
Emergency LoansResidents are invited to apply for 90-day interest-free loans. These loans assist them with unexpected expenses. Residents can apply for Emergency Loans for up to $500 in the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office. Contact Ashley Salazar to apply or for more information at asmsalazar@salud.unm.edu.
THE NOMINATIONS WINDOW FOR THE 2024 ALUMNI AWARDS HAS CLOSED. RECIPIENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON.
The true measure of the UNM School of Medicine's greatness is found in the achievements of its alumni. The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes an alumnus who has made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations and career exemplifies the School of Medicine’s legacy of excellence.
Eligibility: The recipient must be a graduate of the UNM School of Medicine MD Programs – MD, MD/PhD, and/or Residency. The recipient must have an outstanding record of achievement in professional practice, service and/or research.
Selection Guidelines: Nominees shall be considered based on their professional practice, service and/or research. The recipient must be able to attend the next in-person Alumni Reunion Awards Banquet.
Dr. Napolitano was the UNM School of Medicine's third dean (1972-1994). His many contributions include his commitment to getting to know patients as individuals, which led to the development of the School of Medicine’s nationally recognized Primary Care Curriculum. The Leonard M. Napolitano, PhD, Award recognizes an alumnus who, like Dr. Napolitano, has built strong public and private partnerships while successfully advocating for and showing dedication to the School of Medicine and its patients through innovation and commitment to education.
Award Eligibility: The recipient must be a graduate of the UNM School of Medicine MD Programs – MD, MD/PhD, and/or Residency. The recipient must be able to attend the next in-person Alumni Reunion Awards Banquet.
View Past Recipients of the Leonard M. Napolitano, PhD Award
Visionary Site of the Year, established in 2017, is an award that recognizes a New Mexico health system(s) that embodies the mission of the UNM School of Medicine in their dedication to education, creating a diverse network of health care professionals and providing compassionate care to all New Mexicans.
Eligibility: The site must be in New Mexico; the parent company may be based outside of New Mexico.
Nominations: Health systems may self-nominate.
Selection Guidelines: Nominees shall be considered based on the above criteria. At least one representative of the health system must be able to attend the next in-person Alumni Reunion Awards Banquet.
In celebration of over 15 years of graduating classes from the UNM School of Medicine's Combined MD & PhD Degree, the Alumni Association is partnering with the program to begin a new tradition of honoring the achievements of UNM's MD/PhD gradutes.
Eligibility: Members of any class of the
UNM Combined MD & PhD Program
OR any individual who earned both
an MD & PhD degree from the
UNM School of Medicine are eligible to receive the award.
Recipients must be able to attend the
Lobo MD Reunion Alumni Awards Banquet on September 30, 2023.
Selection Guidelines: This award honors an exceptional physician scientist who trained at UNM. The selection committee will consider contributions to research, education, and clinical service to improve health in New Mexico and beyond.
UNM Medicine magazine is the flagship publication of The University of New Mexico School of Medicine.
This biannual publication showcases the experiences and accomplishments of our faculty, students, alumni and donors.
Contact us today to get more involved with your MD Alumni Association.