Dr. Albert Kwan graduated from UNM School of Medicine in 1983 and completed surgical residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 1988. Dr. Kwan served as a general surgeon and flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force from 1988 to 1993. He has been Chief of Surgery in three Air Force Hospitals, including deployment to Desert Storm, then assignment back to Kirkland Air Force Base. During his years in service, Dr. Kwan received an outstanding achievement citation by the Inspector General, plus five Distinguished Service Medals.
Upon completion of his military service, Dr. Kwan served as a general surgeon in the underserved areas of Clovis for 30 years. His local accomplishments include bringing advanced laparoscopic surgery to the area, serving as chief of surgery, and later serving as president of the medical staff for ten years, which is the longest tenure in the history of Clovis. Dr. Kwan also served as Medical Director of Plains Regional Medical Center. He founded and served as President and CEO of the Clovis Surgery Center. He received the Clovis Newspaper’s Outstanding Physician Award. Recently, he was presented the “Key to the City” by the mayor and city council of Clovis.
Dr. Kwan is well-respected by the physicians of New Mexico and served as President of the New Mexico Medical Society (2007-2008). During his tenure, Dr. Kwan advocated for the importance of retaining physicians to serve in underserved areas to the legislature. This resulted in the Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit for all physicians serving in underserved areas, which continues to encourage physicians to work in these areas today. Dr Kwan has been serving as a clinical faculty member for the UNM SOM since 1990 and recently received the I Teach Award.
Dr. Kwan has been active in national medical services and has served as Delegate to the AMA, Governor of the American College of Surgeons (2007-2013), and ranking member of the Committee on Perioperative Patient Safety. Dr. Kwan served as President of the American Society of General Surgeons, as well as President of the Organization of State Medical Association Presidents (2017-2018). Dr. Kwan is also a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society.
Dr. Albert Kwan has truly exemplified service to his local community, state and nation, bringing honor to the UNM School of Medicine