Selina Silva, MD
Our population is growing more diverse and the field of Orthopaedic Surgery needs to reflect this change. There has been an increased focus on increasing diversity in our field which the Department of Orthopaedics 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.
Women make up an average of just 9% of orthopaedic faculty at U.S. medical schools. Women make up 25% of the Ortho faculty at the UNM School of Medicine and nearly twice the national average of its Ortho residents are women.
To advance diversity, equity and inclusivity for all throughout New Mexico’s Health Science institutions and the communities they serve.
A diverse and inclusive UNM Health Sciences fosters health and well-being throughout New Mexico by weaving cultural humility and respect for all people.
The UNM Health Sciences Center’s most important value is a steadfast duty to improve the health of all New Mexicans. We will serve our patients and the public with integrity and accountability. We will strive as an institution and as individuals to recognize, cultivate and promote all forms of diversity; to fully understand the health needs of our communities; and to advance clinical, academic, and research excellence. We are committed to perform our duties with compassion and respect for our patients, learners, and colleagues; and always to conduct ourselves with the highest level of professionalism.
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.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons strategic goals:
- Understanding and responding to the diversity of the patient population.
- Enhancing the delivery of culturally competent care.
- Supporting efforts to diversify the profession and orthopaedic work force.
Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society:
- Promote professional development of and for women in orthopaedics throughout all stages of their careers.
American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons:
- The American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons represents not only members of Latino descent, all orthopaedists who treat members of the Latino and Hispanic communities.
Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society:
- The mission of the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society (JRGOS) is to increase diversity within the orthopaedic profession and promote the highest quality musculoskeletal care for all people. The JRGOS boasts the largest membership of black orthopaedic surgeons in the world. Our members include surgeons from every orthopaedic subspecialty along with many orthopaedic department chairpersons and program directors. Become a member and support the Gladden Society’s mission to increase diversity within the orthopaedic profession and promote the highest quality musculoskeletal care for all people.
Academic Office
1 University of New Mexico
MSC10 5600
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone: (505) 272-4107
Fax: (505) 272-8098