Message from our Diversity Liaison

Jimena Franco, MD

Our population is growing more diverse and the field of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences needs to reflect this change.  There has been an increased focus on increasing diversity in our field which the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of New Mexico fully supports.  We recognize the value and the strength inherent in our diverse population in New Mexico.  We are a unique state with patients that are diverse in many ways.  We are the only level 1 trauma center and children's hospital in the state.  Therefore we draw patients from the entire state as well as some of the bordering cities in neighboring states.  We have a large indigenous population, immigrants, urban and rural patients as well as the full range of socioeconomic status.​  We are aligned with the University of New Mexico Health System in our mission, vision and values.

University of New Mexico Indigenous Peoples Land and Territory Acknowledgement UNM Land Acknowledgement Statement

Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico – Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache – since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations and also acknowledge our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples. We gratefully recognize our history.

Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program

University of New Mexico participates in the MOM program. The goal of this program is to help under represented minority students (including black, Hispanic, and/or native American) become competitive ophthalmology residency applicants through one-on-one mentorship, educational resources and networking opportunities.

For students interested in being part of the 2023 MOM class please click on the link below:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6910909/MOM-Student-Interest-Form-Website

Applications for the Class of 2023 will open November 2022. 
Early Decision Deadline: April 15, 2023
Final Decision Deadline: June 15, 2023

For ophthalmologists interested in becoming mentors please click on the link below:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6455519/Mentor-and-Speaker-Interest-Form-Class-of-2022

Yes Eye Can

Yes Eye Can is a summer camp program run by medical students that targets kids ages 5 to 14 in order to increase their interest in medical sciences, in particular ophthalmology. The program was started in summer of 2022 and the event was coordinated with the Raymond G Sanchez summer youth program.