Our Program Mission

The mission of the UNM Neurological Surgery residency training program is to provide the highest quality neurosurgical care for all New Mexicans, while simultaneously training neurosurgical residents and fellows in a world-class neurosurgery program that maximizes resident learning and research. Our residents will strive to reach their full potential by focusing on patient care, research, education through mentorship and exemplary teaching. It is our purpose to excel in clinical service, education, and research while maintaining the highest ethical standards, providing compassionate healthcare services, and ensuring responsible stewardship of available resources. We aspire to train future academic leaders in neurosurgery and want to support that potential in every applicant. We will serve every single one of our patients with the highest respect, integrity, professionalism, compassion, and we will strive for excellence in every single patient encounter. 

We recognize and embrace all forms of diversity and will be sensitive and supportive to all the needs of our patients and their family members. We recognize the critical role this neurosurgical residency program plays in serving the public health of the entire state of New Mexico, as the only facility in the state with a level 1 trauma center, an advanced care stroke center, a neurocritical care unit, and an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Therefore, we maintain the highest ethical standards in our professional and personal lives, recognizing our important role in the community and the hospital as we are the only ones that can provide essential life-saving services to all who live and visit New Mexico. We also consider it a great honor to have the unique privilege of serving so many native american patients as key IHS partners as the main referral center. 

Program Aims

The aims of the neurosurgery residency are that our graduates will: Possess the diagnostic acumen, clinical judgment, and technical ability to provide the best neurosurgical care possible across the spectrum of neurosurgery and across the spectrum of different clinical settings. Have abundant research and clinical experiences during their residency so that they are highly-sought after and obtain the most sought-after fellowships across the various neurosurgical subspecialties. Possess an expert understanding of quality improvement and clinical outcomes research so that they always pursue improvement in outcomes irrespective of the type of practice they provide care in. Excel in understanding the principles of physician wellness and burnout prevention, knowing that emotionally healthy neurosurgeons are more resilient, happier, and are able to deliver the best neurosurgical care. Possess research skills in order to design,conduct, analyze, write, and present as expert researchers. Understand the critical role neurosurgeons play in preserving public health in underserved areas and be dedicated to providing neurosurgical care to all of the diverse populations of New Mexico. Comprehend the high ethical standards neurosurgeons should possess and follow, both in their personal and professional lives, by virtue of their elite training and critical service they provide to the community.