Name: John Jensen

Hometown: Albuquerque, NM

Undergrad: New Mexico Military Institute, University of New Mexico

Med School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Interests/Hobbies: Hunting, golf, traveling, going to breweries, off-roading

I chose Orthopaedics because it is the best field of medicine because it combines innovative technologies, immediate impact on patients' lives, a hands-on approach to patient care, high job satisfaction, and a wide range of subspecialties. This variety allows you to tailor your practice to your specific career and personal interests.

 I am thrilled to be part of the outstanding residency program at UNM. The culture among the residents, fellows, and attendings is unparalleled, and working with such an exceptional team daily is one of the main reasons I chose UNM. I sought a residency where I could be with colleagues I enjoy, have the opportunity to work diligently, gain extensive surgical experience, see a wide range of consults, and ultimately complete my residency as a well-trained and proficient surgeon.

Compared to other programs, UNM truly stands out as a diamond in the desert. As the only Level 1 trauma center in New Mexico, we have the privilege of caring for a diverse patient population from Texas, New Mexico, and Southern Colorado. The close-knit group of residents and faculty here have created an unbeatable culture, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a resident at UNM.

One of my favorite experiences during my sub-internship at UNM was rotating with the spine team. During a 10-hour spine case, a future chief resident and I were scrubbed in together. After finishing, we immediately had to head to our next case. We grabbed a few cups of water, laughed about how tired we were, and jumped right back into the OR for the next procedure.