Email: nictan@salud.unm.edu
Why UNM is My Choice of Residency: I can vividly recall the first day of my Sub-I here. The first patient we rounded on that morning jumped out of bed, ran up to my attending, and energetically gave her the biggest hug while exclaiming “THIS IS THE BEST HOSPITAL EVER!” To be perfectly honest, I felt the same, and ever since that moment, my love for this hospital and program has grown exponentially. The UNM Peds program excels at countless things. I could honestly write for days and days about every great thing this program does, big or small, but the bottom line is this: UNM *gets* it. When it comes to resident training, we are challenged by attendings in a masterful way that offers both tremendous autonomy and appropriate supervision. When it comes to patient care, I cannot think of an institution more dedicated to providing culturally competent care as genuinely as I have experienced here. And lastly, when it comes to surviving the proverbial storm that is residency, I cannot think of a group of individuals I would be more willing to spend late nights with on the wards than the diverse and fun-loving group of individuals I have the absolute joy of working alongside here.
Despite the undeniable electricity of this program, the prospect of moving away from the comforts of home was terrifying. As a Los Angeles native often described as an “ultimate city kid,” Albuquerque living was going to be a huge adjustment... or so I thought! Although it is true that this city is a haven for outdoor lovers, I have been blown away by the quality and quantity of activities that feel like home to me. In my first few months here, I was able to jam out at numerous concerts from big name artists, celebrate our vibrant city with countless festivals, unwind at baseball games, eat my weight in green chile, and explore the undeniably eclectic Route 66/Nob Hill district - all during the demanding schedule of intern year.
In all, whether it’s the countless residents/attendings decked out in Disney gear, the floor-to-ceiling Star Wars decor in the Peds Infusion Unit, or the decadent breakfast tortilla sandwich in the cafeteria, I am absolutely ecstatic to call UNM Children’s Hospital and Albuquerque my home. If you are excited about the prospect of joining a program that is deeply committed to exceptional resident education, compassionate patient care, and a genuinely positive learning environment, this may be your home too!