University Of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
Recent News About University Of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
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Celebrating Culture and Wellness on Día de Salud!
The University of New Mexico Health System, in collaboration with the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation (NHCCF), is gearing up for the second annual Día de Salud, a "Day of Health" event aimed at connecting community members with health education and resources. Jamie Silva-Steele, President of UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center, expressed excitement about the event's cultural approach, stating, "What is really exciting about Día de Salud is it is an opportunity to reach the Hispanic community in a way that embraces our cultural background and allows them to...
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UNM Health Recognized Among Top Places to Work in Health Care
The University of New Mexico Health system has been named among the 150+ Top Places to Work in Healthcare in 2024 by Becker's Hospital Review. This recognition underscores UNM Health's commitment to its employees and the community it serves.Doug Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thanks to all our leaders, employees, students, learners, and volunteers who are working to make a difference, use their creativity and innovation, be mission-focused, work collaboratively, and...
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Healthy Living & Diabetes Awareness Fair 2024
Nearly 202,000 New Mexicans have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to The American Diabetes Association (ADA). On top of that, an additional 53,000 New Mexicans do not even know they have diabetes. It’s estimated the statewide cost for people to treat diabetes is $2 billion each year.Amy Bachyrycz, PharmD, emphasized the importance of raising local awareness about diabetes and offering support, especially to residents in Albuquerque’s International District facing various health-related challenges. Bachyrycz, an associate professor and the director of community...
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A Second Chance at Life: The Miracle Behind Blood Drive at SRMC
Brenda Murray, the director of environmental services at The University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC), recently organized a blood drive with a heartfelt purpose. The initiative stemmed from a personal experience that left her deeply grateful for the generosity of blood donors. Murray's son, Joey Vigil, was involved in a severe accident that led to life-threatening injuries, ultimately requiring 74 blood product transfusions to save his life.Describing the harrowing incident, Murray recounted, "He went off a cliff and nose-dived into a cement...
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Microplastics Make Their Way from the Gut to Other Organs, UNM Researchers Find
In a recent study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers at the University of New Mexico have made a concerning discovery regarding the impact of microplastics on the human body. Led by Eliseo Castillo, PhD, an expert in mucosal immunology, the research sheds light on the journey of microplastic particles from the gut to other vital organs.Castillo emphasizes the significance of gut health, stating, "If you don't have a healthy gut, it affects the brain, it affects the liver and so many other tissues." The study revealed that microplastics...
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Sustainability to be a Major Focus for UNM Hospital’s Critical Care Tower
The University of New Mexico Hospital is setting a new standard for sustainability with its upcoming critical care tower (CCT), incorporating eco-friendly principles into its design and construction to promote a healthier future for both patients and the environment.Todd Tierney, region director of architecture and senior vice president of HDR, emphasized that the CCT goes beyond just treating symptoms. Tierney stated, “The design of the CCT does not just treat the symptoms, it helps alleviate the causes of environmental issues.” He also highlighted that the facility aims...
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UNM Nurse-Midwifery Program Ranks 11th Nationally in U.S. News and World Report
The University of New Mexico College of Nursing's Master of Science in Nursing Nurse-Midwifery program has been recognized as the 11th best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report's 2025 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools. Felina Ortiz, DNP, RN, CNM, FACNM, interim Nurse-Midwifery program coordinator, expressed her pride in the program, stating, “This ranking for the Nurse-Midwifery program is a testament to the dedication, scholarly curiosity, and passion for community modeled by UNM’s nurse-midwives and midwifery students.”The College's commitment to...
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UNM Research Teams Focus on Child Brain Development
Researchers from The University of New Mexico recently gathered at the Brain & Behavioral Health Institute (BBHI) Research Day to present their latest findings on child brain development. The event, which took place at the Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education, focused on various aspects of child neurodevelopment. Keynote speaker Ryan Bogdan, PhD, from Washington University in St. Louis, led a discussion on the genetic and prenatal influences underlying substance use disorder.The Research Day featured over 200 participants and attendees, showcasing 71 poster...
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UNM Nursing Student Inspired by Navajo Grandfather
Paris Morgan, a student at the UNM College of Nursing, shared her inspiration for pursuing a nursing degree, influenced by her Navajo grandfather who was a medicine man. She emphasized the importance of having Native American healthcare providers who understand the unique needs of rural reservation life. Morgan expressed her desire to be a nurse who recognizes the diversity within Native American communities, stating, “we are nuanced groups.”With a goal of returning to Gallup, New Mexico to serve her community on the Navajo reservation, Morgan is currently gaining...
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Even Moderate Alcohol Usage During Pregnancy Linked to Birth Abnormalities, UNM Researchers Find
University of New Mexico researchers, led by Ludmila Bakhireva, have discovered that even low to moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to subtle changes in prenatal development, affecting factors such as birth length and gestational duration. In a study published in the journal Alcohol Clinical & Experimental Research, Bakhireva highlighted some sex-related differences in the impact of alcohol consumption on fetal development.Bakhireva emphasized the importance of the study's findings, stating, "Almost everybody drinks before they know they are pregnant,...
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The University of New Mexico Health System Expands Critical Services to Roswell, NM
In an effort to improve healthcare accessibility, The University of New Mexico Health System has opened a new clinic in Roswell, NM, focusing on HIV and sexual health care services. The expansion into Roswell aims to address the lack of such services in the area, providing primary care, behavioral health care, and screenings for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.Senior Vice President of UNM Clinical Affairs, Mike Richards, emphasized the importance of creating access to healthcare without stigma, stating, "We need to be able to talk about these health care...
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Our Doctors’ Stories
Doctors at The University of New Mexico Health System shared their personal stories and experiences in honor of Doctors’ Day, shedding light on the dedication and passion they bring to their work.Dr. Miranda Aragon, an assistant professor and associate residency program director in Family Medicine at UNM Hospital, emphasized the importance of serving patients in all stages of life. She shared, “I get to take care of newborn babies, and I get to take care of people who are dying, who are much older and have lived really beautiful lives, and are near the end of their life.”...
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Initiative in New Mexico Aims to Empower Indigenous Communities through Data Sovereignty
A transformative initiative led by a team at The University of New Mexico is working to ensure that the real stories of Indigenous communities in New Mexico are accurately represented. The Tribal Data Champions (TDC) Fellowship is a yearlong training program designed to empower Indigenous people in New Mexico by enhancing their skills and knowledge in data, evaluation, and research.Rebecca Rae from the UNM College of Population Health emphasized the community-driven approach of the TDC Fellowship, stating, "We're not just teaching methods; we're also fostering a...
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Poison Prevention Week: When to Make the Call
National Poison Prevention Week brings attention to the importance of knowing when and how to seek help in case of a potential poisoning emergency. Joseph Lambson, PharmD, DABAT, Director of the New Mexico Poison Center, emphasized the need for accurate information, stating, “With the age of technology and people looking up information online, the information you find is not always reliable.” The center, in collaboration with Medical Director David Gummin, MD, compiled essential information for the public on poison prevention and response services in New Mexico.Gummin...
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UNM Lifeguard Training: Putting Patient Safety First
The University of New Mexico Hospital Lifeguard Team prioritizes patient safety through quarterly training simulations that prepare them for unexpected and high-pressure situations. Amy Armbruster, an RN, CCRN, CFRN, NRP, FPC, who serves as a flight nurse and educator for UNM Hospital Lifeguard, highlighted the unique nature of their training, stating, "No other team, no other nurse, medic or flight physician is going to get this training anywhere else."During a recent training session, Armbruster described a scenario as a "pediatric mass casualty event," where first...
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UNM Hospital Employee Celebrates 55 Years of Service
Marilyn Baumgardner, a senior medical records clerk in the Health Information Management (HIM) Department at UNM Hospital, has reached a remarkable milestone by celebrating 55 years of service at the institution. Baumgardner was honored at the hospital's annual anniversary and retirement banquet, where she was recognized as the longest-serving employee in UNM Hospital's history.Expressing her love for her job, Baumgardner stated, "I love my job, and I am proud that I am still able to work and do the best that I can." She attributes her long tenure to the supportive work...
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New Tools Help UNM Physician Assistant Expand Street Medicine Services
Lindsay Fox, MSPAS, PA-C, a physician assistant at The University of New Mexico, is leading the charge in bringing medical care directly to those in need through street medicine. Fox, who works within UNM's Department of Internal Medicine, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness or transitional housing in accessing traditional healthcare services. She emphasized the importance of bringing medical care to them, stating, "Rather than forego medical care, we bring it to them."To enhance her street medicine services, Fox now has a new truck...
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Powerful Voices: UNM Nursing Students Engage in Legislative Session
Nursing students from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing recently had the unique opportunity to participate in the 2024 State Legislative Session in Santa Fe, gaining valuable insights into the intersection of nursing and policymaking.Accompanied by faculty members, the students delved into the world of health care policy and legislation, realizing the significant role nurses play in shaping the future of health care in New Mexico. April Tafoya, DNP, RN, NC-BC, BSN level one coordinator and College of Nursing lecturer, highlighted the enriching experience,...
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Destined to Care: Origin Stories of UNM College of Nursing Students
In the world of health care, the journey to becoming a nurse often begins with a pivotal moment – a moment that sparks a deep-seated passion for helping others. For Cody Cottle and Anna Smagacz, two level four students from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing Pre-Licensure BSN program at the Health Sciences Rio Rancho campus, these moments came in the form of traumatic experiences that ignited their desire to pursue a career in nursing.Cottle's passion for nursing was ignited when her brother suffered a severe hand injury during her childhood. Witnessing the...
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UNM Hospital Implements New Centralized Check-in System
UNM Hospital has recently introduced a new centralized check-in system for outpatient care, aiming to provide a more streamlined and convenient experience for patients. Instead of checking in at their respective clinics, patients will now use the centralized check-in (CCI) process."This is a big and exciting change for our campus," said Aaron Williams, Senior Executive Director of Ambulatory Operations at UNM Hospital. "The centralized check-in will further our mission of providing accessible, high-quality, safety-focused, and comprehensive care for the people of New...