School of Medicine Alumni Association

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.

Every 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 a parting gift for graduates.

The 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.

The 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.

Residents 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.

Alumni Reunion:

Reconnect with your School of Medicine classmates and fellow alumni at the annual reunion. Activities include campus functions with leadership, a family friendly event, class dinners and the alumni awards banquet.

Register Here

Distinguished Alumnus Award

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.

View Past Recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award

Leonard M. Napolitano, PhD Award

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 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.

View Past Recipients of the Visionary Site of the Year Award