The University of New Mexico residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology exists to recruit, mentor, and retain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce of outstanding providers to practice the full scope of complex obstetric and gynecologic care for a culturally diverse, underserved, and rural patient population including historically made marginalized peoples. We desire to train providers who intend to give dignifying care to patients that reflect New Mexico’s patient population as a lifelong pursuit. We continue to grow in our efforts to recruit diverse talents and strive to create just educational and clinical environments that will shape leaders in the field of OB/Gyn. We aspire for these leaders to demonstrate commitment to social responsibility and health equity while maintaining clinical excellence and the creative pursuit of scientific knowledge.
To best achieve our mission, our training program prepares graduates to:
Nicholas Andrews, MD/PhD
Program Director
Courtney Forbis, MD, MS
Associate Program Director
I grew up in rural Kentucky and despite not having any physicians in my family, I always knew I wanted to be an OB/GYN. I attended medical school and OB/GYN residency at the University of Louisville followed by a fellowship in Complex Family Planning at University of Chicago. Prior to coming to University of New Mexico, I spent several years working in Tennessee and Illinois. Since coming to UNM, I have expanded upon a passion for residency education and wellbeing and am excited to start my journey as APD. My work passions include abortion care, complex contraception, menopause care, transgender care, and general gynecology. I love labor and delivery because it is my favorite opportunity to teach. Outside of work, I spend lots of time reading, traveling, hiking, and horseback riding. I am also a collector of black cats.
Chelsea Kies, M.Ed.
Program Coordinator
Hi there! I’m a transplant from a small town in Southeast Iowa, former 6-12 Social Studies teacher, and earned my Masters in Education at Iowa State University. I initially got involved with medical education after both my cousin and friend participated in SOAP and provided them professional support with their application materials and offering emotional support during the chaotic ride that is SOAP. Eventually, that led me to the world of being a medical education coordinator and led me to the Land of Enchantment and UNM in May 2023. I started out as the Complex Family Planning Fellowship program coordinator for over a year and then found my way to the Residency Program in July 2024. My mantra as a coordinator is “help those who help us.” Our doctors do so much for us, and I want to do what I can to help new doctors get through their residency training and set them up for success! In my free time, I enjoy exploring new areas of New Mexico and the Southwest (there are so many!), hiking/being outside, reading, estate sale shopping, and finding my next triathlon!
Chloe Fournier-Hall, MD
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, and I am thrilled to be home for OB/GYN residency! I went to college at Princeton, where I majored in Religion and Creative Writing, and earned my MD-MPH at the University of Chicago, where I learned to dress for Midwest winters and swam all summer in Lake Michigan. Between undergrad and med school, I spent several years in Indonesia, Santa Fe (where I worked as a bilingual community sex educator), and the Philadelphia suburbs, where I completed a post-bac at Bryn Mawr College.
I decided to train at UNM because I love Albuquerque, the warm and supportive culture of our program, the opportunities for full-spectrum training including abortion care, and our amazing patient population, which comes to us from all over the Southwest. I'm also grateful to be closer to my family, including my nieces (ages 4 and 7). My interests in OB/GYN include family planning, substance use disorders in pregnancy, and Indigenous maternal and gynecological health.
Outside of work, you can find me walking or biking in the Bosque (my husband and I live in the North Valley, in the neighborhood where I grew up), roasting a chicken, reading a novel, or soaking in one of New Mexico's many delightful hot springs.
Kenzie Corbin, MD
Hi everyone, my name is C. Kenzie Corbin, and I’m incredibly grateful to be an OB/GYN resident here at UNM.
I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and went to Lafayette College in Easton, PA, for undergrad, where I completed a dual degree in Neuroscience and French with a minor in bioengineering. After graduation, I worked as an English Teaching Assistant in Lille, France. I then moved back to the Midwest for medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where I became passionate about medical trainee mental health and wellbeing, as well as the intersection of mental illness and substance use in pregnancy. I chose OB/GYN because it allows for great continuity of care with patients and incorporates both surgical and clinic-based work. I fell in love with the Southwestern culture after doing an away rotation and knew that UNM would be the perfect fit. I was ecstatic to match at my number-one choice!
In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, yoga, everything Peloton, going on hikes with my partner and our chihuahua-cattle dog, Munchie, and talking about chakras and crystals.
Jessica Benally, MD
Yá'át'ééh, I am a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and was raised in a small community north of Gallup, NM, called Rocksprings. After graduating from UNM medical school, I chose UNM OB-GYN because I wanted a specialty that combines primary care, surgery, and the ability to advocate for reproductive rights in underserved and rural communities. UNM also serves a culturally diverse and medically complex population, including more than 20 Native American tribes. Currently, I am interested in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Indigenous Health. In my free time, I enjoy growing my plant collection, watching The Mindy Project with my daughter, and visiting the Gallup flea market on my weekends off.
Connie Cardona, MD
Traci Scott, MD
Shana Vorenberg, MD
I was born and raised, and educated in New Mexico, and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to continue to care for my community as an OBGYN in training. After finishing my undergraduate degree in Biology at UNM, I spent two years working and traveling as I explored some of my long-held interests -- sustainable farming, black and white film photography, and biological anthropology (excavating Roman remains in Spain from the 3rd century AD!) I chose to pursue medical school at UNM as well, where I continued to establish roots in Albuquerque and discovered my passion for Women's Health. I feel privileged to now be included in such a warm and supportive environment in a residency program that gives me an opportunity to serve and advocate for women in this geographically large and medically underserved state. If it’s not clear already, I am New Mexico’s biggest fan, and when I am not in the hospital you can find me soaking up all this wonderful state has to offer -- hiking, skiing, white water rafting, staring up at the beautiful skies, and eating green chile!
Brenna Banwarth-Kuhn, MD
Andrea Esparza, MD
Krystal Garcia, MD
Bailey Rivera, MD
Brittany Montesino, MD
Thane Rosette, MD
Nicolette Abeyta
Gabrielle Luu
I grew up in Arizona where I became well-acquainted with the desert climate. I graduated from The University of Arizona-Tucson College of Medicine with a mission of serving the underserved. My passions within OBGYN are providing safe spaces and quality care to those who need it the most, sharing evidence-based knowledge in a web of misinformation, and continually improving my own clinical and surgical skills. I feel immensely privileged to be training in a program dedicated to fostering the growth of physicians who care for and advocate for our most marginalized communities such as UNM OBGYN. Outside of medicine, I enjoy photography, painting, crocheting, hanging out with my dog, and virtually anything requiring my hands and a creative eye.
Albert Machuca
Cassandra Shafike
I am proud to call Albuquerque, New Mexico home and am honored to serve my community, and I am incredibly excited to be pursuing OB-GYN at UNM. I am especially passionate about women’s health advocacy and advancing access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare within my home state and beyond. Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog, exploring new restaurants, trying new workout classes, and traveling whenever I can.
Ayanna Shambe
I am from Denver, Colorado and attended Saint Louis University for medical school. I am excited to be trained in full spectrum of Ob/Gyn care and to be in such a supportive learning environment here at UNM. I am passionate about medical education and addressing health disparities. My hobbies include exploring local coffee shops / dessert shops, as well as traveling.
Farah Alqawasmi
I am Palestinian, born and raised overseas, and moved to Albuquerque in high school and I have proudly called it home since. I am thrilled to be staying home for my OB/GYN residency training. I earned my B.S. in Biology at the University of New Mexico and went on to complete medical school at UNM, where I developed a deep commitment to women’s health and patient-centered care.
Throughout my training, I have been especially drawn to the moments that allow me to support patients through some of the most vulnerable and meaningful times in their lives. I chose to train at UNM because it gives me the opportunity to give back to the community that welcomed me. I admire the program’s supportive and collaborative environment, the emphasis on comprehensive, full-spectrum OB/GYN training, and the privilege of serving a diverse and resilient patient population. Being close to my family and community is incredibly important to me, and I feel grateful to continue my training in a place that has shaped who I am.
My clinical interests include high-risk pregnancy care, medical education, and global health. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, practicing tatreez (Palestinian cross-stitch), reading, and exploring New Mexico’s beautiful mountains.
Thomas Ferrer
I was raised in San Antonio, Texas, but moved to Albuquerque as quickly as I could. I’ve been a Lobo since 2015, completing both my undergraduate and medical education here at UNM. I was drawn to OBGYN for the unique considerations involved in obstetric care and the advocacy inherent to the specialty. I currently plan on pursuing a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy being a mediocre runner, eating cheese, and reading science fiction and fantasy.
Hayley Glantz
Hi, I'm Hayley Glantz and I'm incredibly grateful to do my training at UNM!
I was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, but went to undergrad and medical school in the Pacific Northwest. I spent my time between undergraduate and medical school doing HIV vaccine research in Seattle, where I became interested in de-stigmatizing sexual and reproductive health. I love OB/GYN because it allows me to work on a team with my patients to help them understand their bodies and feel empowered and supported in the process.
In medical school, I became interested in wilderness medicine, which has evolved into an interest in rural and low resource medicine. It was important to me to do residency in a state with a large rural population, which is why I feel so honored to be able to learn from and serve the people of New Mexico as a resident physician.
Czarina C. Retana
Howdy! I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, and attended the University of Arizona, where I earned a bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Physiology, followed by master's coursework in Molecular and Cellular Medicine before attending medical school, also at the University of Arizona.
I am excited to be in Albuquerque for my OB-GYN residency at UNM! I was drawn to the program by the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population while training to provide full-spectrum women's and reproductive healthcare. My passion for women's health began with the strong women in my life, my mom and nana, and has continued to grow through the guidance of incredible mentors and experiences in surgery.
Outside of the hospital, you'll usually find me cuddling with my pup, Maximus, binge-watching a crime documentary, trying a new fitness class, working on an amateur knitting or crocheting project, or enjoying a comedy show or movie with my partner."
Fatouma Tall
Hometown: Tucson, AZ (Born in Niamey, Niger)
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix
Professional Interests: My commitment to obstetrics and gynecology is rooted in a lifelong dedication to health equity and empowering historically marginalized communities. Having witnessed the profound impact of obstetric fistula and maternal mortality in Niger, I am driven to provide high-quality, culturally sensitive care that addresses systemic barriers women face. My clinical interests focus on comprehensive women’s healthcare, with a specific goal of pursuing a fellowship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS).
Why I Chose UNM: I chose the University of New Mexico because of its strong commitment to serving a diverse, medically underserved population, which aligns perfectly with my mission as a physician-advocate. UNM offers the intensive surgical training and high-volume clinical experience I seek, along with a culture that values community involvement and health equity. I was especially attracted to the program’s expertise in sub-specialty care and the opportunity to learn from faculty leaders in both clinical excellence and systemic change. I am eager to join a team that feels like a family and shares my commitment to improving outcomes for all women in the Southwest and beyond.
Personal Interests & Hobbies: As a Black Muslim mother of two and an immigrant, I have developed a deep sense of resilience and balance. I stay grounded by prioritizing time with my family, exercising, and cooking traditional dishes from various cultures. In the evenings, if I am not too tired, you will probably find me relaxing with my favorite Asian dramas.
Madison Whitekiller
ᎣᏏᏲ (Osiyo), I’m Madi Whitekiller! I’m from Oklahoma and a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. I completed medical school at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine with the help of my iconic 6-pound study buddy pup, Big Boy.
In residency training, I am interested in community-based care and serving diverse populations, with a particular interest in reproductive and general health disparities in rural and Indigenous communities. I found my way to OBGYN through meaningful patient connections, unforgettable moments in the OR, and a deep commitment to honoring and advocating for the women who shaped me. I chose UNM for its dedication to caring for diverse patient populations, including tribal communities, and for its genuinely supportive, team-centered environment.
From the start, it felt like a place where I could grow into a confident, compassionate physician while being surrounded by people who would challenge, support, and celebrate me along the way. Outside of the hospital, you can usually find me with a romantasy novel in hand, catching up on reality TV, hitting the gym with my mom, or searching for the perfect local coffee shop with my other small (but equally iconic) dog, Coffee Bean.
Learn more about the UNM Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency program.
Nicholas Andrews, MD
Program Director
Courtney Forbis, MD, MS
Associate Program Director
Chelsea Kies
Residency Program Coordinator
obgynresidencyprogram@salud.unm.edu
Physical Address
Obstetrics & Gynecology
2211 Lomas Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-272-4051
Mailing Address
UNM School of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
MSC 10 5580
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001