Join the ranks of future neurosurgical leaders. Apply to UNM School of Medicine today.
UNM Department of Neurosurgery Chairman Dr. Meic Schmidt is a neurosurgeon with specialized expertise in spine surgery and neuro-oncology. Dr. Schmidt is known internationally for his role in establishing a new thoracoscopic spine surgery technique for tumors and fractures.
Dr. Schmidt has a longstanding research interest in fluorescence and photodynamic therapy for brain, pituitary and spinal tumors. Both techniques combine a light source with light-sensitive substances to image and treat tumors via the photochemical reaction.
His passion and innovation attracted funding from prestigious sponsors—including NASA. In April of 2000, the NASA Space Technology Hall of Fame awarded Dr. Schmidt the Space Technology Research Award for his work using LED technology to treat cancer with photodynamic therapy. Explore research opportunities at UNM.
Dr. Schmidt offers his perspective on the future of neurosurgical training. Watch now, then find the program that sparks your synapses!
A dedicated teacher, Dr. Schmidt is a sought-after visiting professor at prestigious national and international academic institutions. He has trained many clinicians from Germany, Switzerland and Mexico. In 2014, he received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the neurosurgery residents at the University of Utah.
Dr. Schmidt is actively involved in spine and neurological surgery education at UNM. He and our department faculty welcome medical students, residents and fellows into the clinics and labs to conduct innovative research and patient care, side by side.
It is my privilege to welcome you to the Department of Neurosurgery at University of New Mexico and University of New Mexico Hospitals. The faculty, residents and staff of our department apply our mission principles every day at UNM:
The patient is at the center of our mission. Patient care, education and research are delivered in all neurosurgical subspecialties including:
In each area, we collaborate with world-class clinical and research experts from other closely related specialties, such as Orthopedics, Otolaryngology, Anesthesia, Radiology, Neurology and Rehabilitation.
UNM Hospital is New Mexico's only Level 1 Trauma Center. The operating rooms, interventional suites and intensive care units feature the latest and most innovative technologies so we can take care of the most complex patients.
We are staffed by neurosurgical traumatologists, dedicated neurocritical care specialists and endovascular neurosurgeons. Our youngest patients receive care by fellowship trained, experienced pediatric neurosurgeons at UNM Hospital. Thus, there is no case or problem too small, young or complicated for our team.
On behalf of our faculty, residents and staff, I invite you to take a glimpse at our department. You will see why our program is a recognized leader among the academic neurosurgery community. Learn more.
Meic H. Schmidt, MD, MBA, FAANS, FACS
Professor and Department Chair of Neurosurgery
Dr. Schmidt's main clinical focus is on management of patients with tumors and injuries to the brain, spine and spinal cord. Dr. Schmidt's clinic sees patients using a team approach to maximize patient-centered, informed decision-making. We aim to continuously improve the quality of care provided.
In addition, because of his expertise in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgical techniques, he sees complex patients with degenerative spine disease. Some of these conditions include thoracic disc herniation and spinal cord compression in the neck and back, which requires microsurgery. Explore patient care services.
Medical students and fellows get exceptional clinical education and research opportunities at UNM.
Your generous gift allows our expert surgeons and rehabilitation specialists to continue mentoring and training future health care leaders.
