In 1969, Martha Schwebach became the first Family Nurse Practitioner in the United States after completing a pilot program at The University of New Mexico (UNM). At that time, Estancia, New Mexico, did not have a physician, and residents often had to travel long distances for medical care. Schwebach’s training allowed her to provide comprehensive health services locally, addressing an urgent need in rural communities.
Physicians at UNM identified untreated infections among children as a significant issue due to the lack of local providers. Schwebach received cross-disciplinary education in pediatrics, radiology, surgery, and family medicine. This enabled her to assess patients, make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and offer treatment.
Schwebach’s daughter, Cyndi Schatzman—also a registered nurse and UNM College of Nursing alumna—said: “The medical profession met the nursing profession, and they said, ‘We see a problem — let’s solve it.’ Mom was right there in the middle of it—dipping her own X-rays, reading them by hand, treating patients who might’ve gone without care otherwise. That collaboration was so beautiful and rare.”
At Hope Medical Center in Estancia, Schwebach provided care across Torrance, Santa Fe and Bernalillo counties. She handled emergencies and managed chronic illnesses for families who often saw her as one of their own. On occasion she assisted with home births when hospital access was not possible.
“She didn’t just treat the body,” Schatzman said. “She treated the soul. She sat beside people as they were dying. She counseled families, vaccinated children, helped grandparents manage their medicine. Health care was her ministry.”
By 1977 Schwebach opened the Moriarty Medical Clinic and later expanded to Central New Mexico Medical Center. She advocated for independent practice rights for nurse practitioners by testifying before lawmakers in Santa Fe.
Her efforts contributed to New Mexico becoming one of the first states to grant Full Practice Authority to nurse practitioners—a policy allowing them to provide care independently based on their education and training.
“She was a woman of excellence in everything she did,” Schatzman said. “Even at 85, her mind was sharp. She remembered every patient story, every rotation. She believed in preventive care and the power of education. Her legacy is one of wholeness—of helping people understand how to stay well.”
Schwebach’s work earned recognition beyond state borders; President Gerald Ford named her one of Ten Outstanding Young Women of America in 1974. She also received awards including the Governor’s Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women and the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence Legend Award in 2023.
Today there are more than 431,000 nurse practitioners practicing across the U.S., with nearly 70% certified as family nurse practitioners according to data from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (https://www.aanp.org/about/all-about-nps/np-fact-sheet).
Christine Cogil DNP MPS RN FNP-BC FAANP directs UNM’s Family Nurse Practitioner program: “The same health care provider shortage that sparked the nurse practitioner movement is again impacting New Mexico,” Cogil said. “In response, the UNM College of Nursing is actively preparing a new generation of providers. They are developing the advanced skills and dedication necessary for advanced practice nurses to deliver quality patient care where it’s needed most.”
This fall more than 70 nurse practitioner students began studies at UNM College of Nursing—including over two dozen future family nurse practitioners—continuing Schwebach’s legacy.
“She was a gem from UNM,” Schatzman said. “From the medical school to the nursing school, both poured into her. What was once so rare that people couldn’t quite define it has now become the standard of care.”
During National Nurse Practitioner Week under this year’s theme Trusted Voices, Proven Care from AANP (https://www.npweek.com/), UNM College of Nursing honors Schwebach’s foundational role in shaping modern health care delivery.
Applications remain open for those interested in pursuing advanced nursing degrees at UNM College of Nursing.
