The University of New Mexico Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency Program will provide training to diagnose, treat and manage vascular disease ranging from dialysis access to complex aortic disease. This training will largely occur at the University of New Mexico Hospital, a tertiary care medical center that serves as a catchment hospital for the state of New Mexico and is a referral center for specialized vascular care in the Southwest United States.
Respect is fundamental to the academic and clinical mission of our vascular surgery residency. In the rigorous environment of surgical training, respect ensures the preservation of a collaborative learning culture, the dignity of every patient, and the intellectual integrity of academic inquiry. The expectation is to demonstrate respect by valuing diverse perspectives, acknowledging the contributions of all members of the healthcare team, and engaging in scholarly dialogue with humility and openness—in the operating room, on rounds, and in research.
The cornerstone of the vascular surgery residency is to uphold a respectful atmosphere where questioning is encouraged, feedback is constructive, and learning is prioritized. Respect for evidence-based practice, for the complexity of human disease, and for the lifelong pursuit of surgical excellence is central to development of a vascular surgeon.
Accountability is a cornerstone of professionalism and excellence in our vascular surgery residency. The resident is expected to recognize that their actions directly impact patient outcomes, team dynamics, and institutional trust. The resident needs to be committed to maintaining the highest standards of clinical care, ethical conduct, and continuous learning. This means taking ownership of decisions, being honest about mistakes, and actively seeking feedback for improvement. This includes being responsible not only for technical performance but also for timely communication, patient advocacy, and respectful collaboration with colleagues.
True accountability fosters a culture of safety, growth, and integrity—values that are essential in the high-stakes field of vascular surgery.
Effective communication is a critical competency in vascular surgery residency, underpinning both patient care and academic growth. The resident needs to understand that clear, respectful, and timely communication enhances surgical safety, fosters team efficiency, and supports the transmission of knowledge in high-pressure environments.
Central to this is the practice of active listening—an essential skill that allows us to fully understand the perspectives of patients, colleagues, and mentors. By listening attentively, we are better equipped to synthesize complex information, ask informed questions, and contribute meaningfully to academic discussions and multidisciplinary care.
In the academic setting, communication extends beyond the spoken word to include the clear presentation of data, thoughtful participation in case conferences, and collaborative research efforts. The resident needs to strive to communicate with precision, intellectual curiosity, and mutual respect, creating a foundation for learning, mentorship, and innovation in vascular surgery.
Integrity is the foundation of trust, excellence, and credibility in our vascular surgery residency. In both clinical and academic settings, commitment to upholding the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and ethical behavior is essential. This means consistently aligning one’s actions with evidence-based principles, accurately representing data and outcomes, and acknowledging the limits of one’s knowledge with humility and transparency.
By embracing integrity in every aspect of one’s training, the vascular surgery resident is able to cultivate a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and principled leadership—qualities that are indispensable to the role of an academic vascular surgeon.
Training in a high-volume academic Level I trauma center offers unparalleled exposure to the complexity and urgency of vascular pathology. As a vascular surgery resident, this environment provides critical opportunities to manage diverse cases—from penetrating and blunt vascular trauma to ruptured aneurysms and limb-threatening ischemia—often under extreme time constraints. The intensity and frequency of these cases sharpen decision-making, technical proficiency, and adaptability, while also reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. This high-acuity, high-volume setting fosters accelerated learning and prepares residents to deliver confident, evidence-based care in the most demanding clinical scenarios.
Common cases seen in the Division of Vascular Surgery at UNMH:
Vascular surgery residents will benefit from a high-volume, diverse operative experience through rotations at multiple institutions, including UNMH Main, SRMC, Lovelace, and the VA. UNMH Main, a Level I trauma center, handles approximately 11,000 operative cases annually, offering a robust and varied surgical experience. Lovelace contributes an additional 3,800 cases per year, further enhancing clinical exposure. Residents will rotate across all sites, gaining broad operative and perioperative experience.
Currently, SRMC serves primarily as a site for hemodialysis access cases, but we are actively expanding the case mix to include a broader spectrum of vascular procedures. Similarly, efforts are underway to increase the volume and complexity of cases at the VA. This multi-institutional structure ensures that residents are exposed to a comprehensive range of vascular pathology and operative techniques, supporting both technical development and clinical decision-making skills.
Vascular surgery residents are expected to actively participate in research as an integral component of their training. Residents will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Ross Clark and Dr. Rumma Rowza, both of whom are accomplished vascular surgeons and surgeon-scientists with extensive research experience. Monthly division-wide vascular surgery research meetings, led by Dr. Ross Clark, will provide structured guidance, foster collaboration, and promote ongoing academic development.
Dedicated research time is built into the curriculum, with two six-week research rotations during the PGY-3 year and an eight-week rotation during the PGY-4 year. These protected blocks are designed to support meaningful scholarly activity and provide residents with the opportunity to contribute to the field through publication and presentation of their work.