Crystal Avila-Schroeder, MD

Medical School: University of New Mexico

Why UNM is My Choice for Residency: I attended medical school at UNM and, after traveling to several interviews in other states, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else but here. I chose UNM for three main reasons: the academics, residents/faculty, and my family. NM is a very widespread state with many satellite cities and towns. As a result, the resources are low and access to healthcare is difficult. Many patients get transported to UNM from around the state and give us the opportunity to see the “bread and butter” as well as rare and unique pathologies. UNM also has a strong advocacy program, giving residents the opportunity to go into the communities and advocate for our patients and their families. My second reason for choosing UNM is the residents/faculty, which also ties in with my final reason, family. Upon meeting various individuals in the program, I found they all had something in common: the ambition to learn about the diagnosis but also the empathy to see the whole individual in front of them. Because of that small but very important quality, I have fully entrusted my daughter’s medical care in their hands. Taking into consideration that all patients at UNM are cared for with knowledgeable, experienced, empathetic, and passionate pediatricians, I knew that this is the place for me to learn and grow as a physician.