University of New Mexico School of Medicine

UUniversity of New Mexico School of Medicine History

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine came about through the vision of a group of medical educators, from all across the United States. In the early 1960s, these people undertook this mission in the form of an experiment. They wanted to create a medical school in a state with daunting geographic barriers and poverty. Through hard work and perseverance, we see their dream alive and flourishing today. We see today that the New Mexicans stand tall and proud of their School of Medicine.

The UNM School of Medicine came into existence in 1961, and by 1964 admitted its first class of medical students, while producing its first graduates in 1964. To date, it has the honor of being the only medical school in New Mexico, which has produced more than 2,300 physicians.

University administration, in 1994, decided to combine the School of Medicine, with other programs in Physical and Occupation Therapy, Biochemistry, Medical Laboratory Sciences, as well as others into one united organization called the UNM Health Sciences Center, to combine research and education in one. However, on a day to day basis, each department has some independence to its own.

An Overview – What UNM Stands for

The University of New Mexico has earned a reputation for promoting diversity in the environment one of their priorities. The University’s programs in rural and family medicine are nationally recognized and its BA/MD program has allowed many students to start their medical careers. UNM is celebrated for its innovative thinking in medical education. In addition to this, the School of Medicine has grown into playing a substantial role in the health care infrastructure of New Mexico – with programs in almost 141 communities. While serving as the main Trauma level 1 health system. For someone interested in Trauma training this system will bring about opportunities you’ll want!

Where education is concerned, the UNM Office of education represents and brings forth the many different educational programs in the School of Medicine that cover the theoretical part as well as a practical approach. All the while providing a structure for leadership, and support for educational programs. The Mission of the Office of Education at the University of New Mexico’s School of Medicine is to make sure a healthy learning environment is provided to the student with the utmost dedication to excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the study environment. From the point of view of society, they strive to fulfill the health needs of all New Mexicans, moving to an educational perspective and inculcating lifelong learning. The value held most important by this institute in terms of education is the unwavering commitment for the pursuit of knowledge. As an institute, they strive to encourage personal and professional development. As a student, your medical career Kickstarter!

At UNM they make decisions based on their core values, Excellence and Accountability are practiced in education, research, patient care as well as community engagement. Compassion, an important value for the UNM School of Medicine to stand by – practiced inpatient care and the interactions on a societal level. Diversity, the appreciation of all levels existing in the academic community as well as finding each person unique in their way, UNM promotes innovation.  Integrity, Professionalism, and Ethical Behavior stand as tall contributors to the principles of altruism, beneficence, and justice, promoting patient care, learning, research, and productivity. With all of this combined, as a student, you will find yourself in a positive and ethically strong environment supported by your peers.

The UNM School of Medicine takes its Social Responsibility very seriously. For instance, the commitment to health promotion while focusing on disease prevention; and self-evaluation, quality and distribution of their health care professionals and services.

Research at NMU School of Medicine is directly powered by creativity and innovation, for example, translating biomedical research into benefits for individuals and the community’s health. Also, in the Albuquerque campus, graduate-level training in research education is offered through a program called the Biomedical Research Education Program, also known as BREP – which aims to train faculty members as well as students in basic science and research methods with the aim to,

1. Conduct laboratory-based and clinical biomedical research
2. Write manuscripts and grant proposals
3. Make presentations etc.

The overall goal here is to understand human health at the level of molecules, cells, and organisms through training investigators to help increase our knowledge and understanding of this.

At the UNM School of Medicine, you will find a variety of professionals from emergency room trainees to physicians delivering babies and training other doctors who will perform lifesaving feats in cardiology, pulmonology, neurosurgery and more, the UNM School of Medicine is training the future of health care. – You can too be the future of healthcare.

University of New Mexico School of Medicine Application Process

The selection of medical students in University of New Mexico School of Medicine is the responsibility of the Committee on Admissions, which uses a holistic process. This takes under consideration their academic achievements, motivation for the study of medicine, problem-solving ability, self-appraisal, ability to relate to people, maturity, breadth of interests and achievements, professional goals, and the likelihood of them contributing to the New Mexico community’s medical needs after their postgraduate training.

“Our idea is to offer free tuition to medical students going to UNM School of Medicine in exchange for them having to come back to the state after their training and provide medical services for citizens of the state,” said Dr. Paul Roth, dean of UNM School of Medicine.”

Minimum requirements:

1. Minimum GPA of a 3.0
2. Minimum MCAT of a 494
3. Completion of all required prerequisites,

4. Meet residency requirements
5. Must be a resident of New Mexico for at least one year
6. Have strong ties to New Mexico
7. Have studied in High school in New Mexico for a year at least
8. Enrollment members of federally recognized Indian tribes
9. Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education – residents of participating states given consideration too.
10. Foreign national applicants must reside in New Mexico for a least one year

In case of an application not getting accepted due to residency issues, the applicant may make a residency appeal.

BA/MD – Admission Requirements

(Currently, the MD program enrolls about 100 new students each academic year)

1. Current High School Senior
2. Commit to pursuing a medical career in New Mexico’s rural or medically underserved areas.
3. Meet Minimum ACT/SAT scores

	ACT	SAT
Math	22	510
Reading	19	450
Science	19
English	19

Other aspects to consider

• Academics (e.g., GPA, ACT/SAT scores, honors course, Advanced Placement courses, and International Baccalaureate courses)
• Community involvement
• Volunteer experience
• Commitment to practicing medicine in New Mexico
• Honors and awards
• Extracurricular activities
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Interview

FOR APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOT US CITIZENS, Contact Karen McGillvray, Program Manager, karenmc@unm.edu, 505-277-2128

How to Apply at University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Timeline

• Application Available – August 1
• Application Deadline – First Thursday of November at 5:00 PM (MST)
• Interviews – November –February
• Final Decision Notification – April
• Applicant Commitment – May 1

Fees,

• Before October 1st will not be charged an application fee. – “pay later” option when you complete your UNM application. 
• After October 1st, UNM charges a $25 application fee. (There is no fee to apply to the BA/MD program.)

Checklist,

• Complete the UNM Undergraduate Application for Admission, including official transcript requests (separate from BA/MD transcript requests).
• High School Transcript Request Form for the BA/MD Program office.
• College Transcript Request Form for the BA/MD Program office. (if applicable)
• Obtain a copy of ALL official ACT and/or SAT Test Score Reports for the BA/MD Program office.
• Complete application for UNM Regents and/or Presidential Scholarship (if eligible)
• FAFSA deadline May 11, 2020

Cost

Tuition and fees for the 2019-2020 academic year – estimated

Resident tuition	$15,848
Non-resident tuition	$45,396
Disability Insurance, per year	$103
Needlestick Insurance, per year	$60
Curriculum Fee	$2,700
Diagnostic Equipment (1st-year students only)	$640
Library Fee	$262
Microscope Fee(1st-year students only)	$100

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Life at University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Low student-to-faculty ratio

throughout the four years here at medical school. This results in greater attention being paid to the students by faculty members as well as residents. Leading to the students having a more quality clinical experience. Permanent faculty members are usually staffing tutorials; of which many are internationally recognized.

International recognition

has been given to five schools of medicine departments, being consistently ranked in the top 40 National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant-funded departments in the nation. The UNM cancer center has received the elite National Cancer Institute’s comprehensive designation. The faculty members here are well known for their work in cancer diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. Other research programs with international importance include novel functional imaging methods for the study of the brain and mental disorders, new techniques in drug discovery, the effects of alcohol on the nervous system, the pathology of hypertension, the function of the immune system and the biology investigation and vaccine development for human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, and hepatitis C. If you are an aspiring researcher, start here. UNM research programs are funded by many private foundations. 

Diverse learning techniques,

spanning over a range of methodologies. Not just lectures, laboratory session and clinical rotations –  PBL is used. (problem-based learning) which incorporates case studies aiming towards integrating biological, behavioral and population perspectives into the curriculum.   

Student research,

not many medical schools require students to conduct their research – here students are supposed to do this under the supervision of a faculty member. These students then present their projects at national meetings and many publish their findings in scientific and medical journals. This research experience gives the students a significant advantage while applying to many of the highest quality residency programs in the nation.

The campus itself

The campus itself is located below the Sandia Mountains, a beautiful sight to see with many new facilities coming into place. Amongst the newest facilities are, a new ambulatory surgery center, a new women’s and children’s hospital, a new cancer center and a new education facility. 

The cultural diversity of the students

gives way for them to learn from each other and presents as an exciting opportunity to learn from one and another and increase their idea pools. These students also participate in several interest groups leading to the wisdom of experience. The learning experience in rural areas, UNM Medical School provides students with the opportunity to travel around the state and nation to learn more about health care issues from a more diverse canvas.

Early exposure to clinical medicine,

while clinical experience is something most students in the US get after their second year, here at UNM School of Medicine, students have direct patient contact from the start – Clinical Skills Course, Continuity Clinics, an eight-week summer Practical Immersion Experience in rural and urban communities across New Mexico, and participation in Albuquerque student-run clinics, including the Immigrant Clinic and Clinic for the Homeless.        

School of Medicine’s tuition and fees are among the lowest in the nation.

Dr. Najeeb Lectures – A Helping Hand

Dr. Najeeb Lectures has clarified millions of concepts for students using these lectures comprised of visualizations of knowledge delivered by books. The teaching methodology he follows inculcates a sense of humor, and his brilliant illustrations have known to make everything stick well to one’s memory. “His ability to illustrate 3-dimensional relationships has been useful for excelling in anatomy.” as said by some students. For someone who truly wants to understand medicine and excel at it, Dr. Najeeb is recommended 10/10.

Dr. Najeeb is an online professional in the medical world, with teaching experience of over 32 years. Regarding students across the globe, he has been of help to many. These video lectures are an incredible source for self-studying (a great tool for success) – covering topics from Gross Anatomy, Neuro-anatomy, Embryology, Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology.

Dr. Najeeb’s Lectures are an essential tool for anyone to use for students all over the world, in any stage of their academic career, be it applying and studying for the MCATs or students in the MD programs or even later. While applying or getting accepted to UNM School of Medicine Dr. Najeeb’s lectures can come in handy. Especially concerning how the school has a very stern approach to education and research. A strong grasp of concepts is essential to succeed in the environment UNM provides especially with all the fieldwork and courses for student patient contact. With hands-on experience early on, the students can use these lectures to further clarify their concepts in a focused environment outside the tough routine of making rounds and writing their research papers – another step calling for help from Dr. Najeeb. In the case of classroom lectures, students may use these lectures to pre-prepare themselves for class or couple them with their class notes for better averaging scores in the exams. In PBL activities as well as group assignments – Dr. Najeeb Lectures may be an easy and effective way to meet deadlines efficiently. 

UNM emphasizes the importance of research in their curriculum, for this to be a successful project for students their concept of the “before” must be very clear before they can go on exploring the “new”. Dr. Najeeb Lectures becomes the most trusted ally in this situation for a medical school student.

For a medical student, any help is most welcome, especially because of the long hours and tough routine, with the overload of information and the workload, time management becomes tricky. Pause, repeat, rewind your information as you go along! To become a better and more responsible doctor – use Najeeb Lectures to strengthen and integrate this knowledge with regard to your future and the future of those you will one day help.

To Conclude…

Including academics, the University of New Mexico School of Medicine has shown tremendous promise and excellence in the field as well. Being one of the top schools in the country with internationally recognized faculty the university focuses on long term learning with field experience before almost any other school. Encouraging students to write their papers and developing new world-class facilities, UNM School of Medicine stands out. Apart from producing trained professionals, The School of Medicine has a very strong worth ethic and a knack for development – their views, core ideas, and missions stand out and can be reflected in their day to day activities. Their view is that medicine goes from “bench to bedside to community.”

If you join this institute it will groom you and your career in ways that will last a lifetime.