University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The University of New Mexico (UNM) Preventive Medicine Residency Program at the School of Medicine provides advanced training focused on health promotion and disease prevention. This program prepares physicians to lead health improvement initiatives addressing individual and community health. Graduates are equipped for diverse roles in healthcare, public health agencies, and community organizations.

The residency program trains residents in both clinical medicine and population health, bridging the gap between these fields to tackle various issues impacting populations. Core competencies developed through the program include:

• Health promotion and wellness
• Environmental and occupational health
• Prevention in clinical medicine
• Healthcare organization management
• Epidemiology as applied to prevention
• Biostatistics and data synthesis
• Health advocacy and policy
• Research on injury and disease prevention

The program is highly regarded for offering unique opportunities not commonly found elsewhere. Key features of the residency include:

• In-depth training alongside the New Mexico Department of Health staff on public health practice activities.
• Direct experience working with diverse populations, including Hispanic and American Indian groups.
• Community-based prevention activities and involvement with the CDC-funded Prevention Research Center.
• Development of skills for working with adolescents within Albuquerque Public Schools through School-based Health Clinics.
• Clinical skill-building focused on addiction through the UNM Addiction and Substance Abuse Program.
• Engagement in telehealth projects in collaboration with Project ECHO, aimed at enhancing community healthcare delivery.
• Personalized mentored research experiences aligned with residents' individual interests.
• Participation in local and national professional meetings to contribute to broader conversations in the field.

The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and adaptable, allowing for individualized education plans that reflect residents' interests. The training spans two years and includes coursework for a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, for which tuition is fully covered by the program. The program's structure is as follows:

Curriculum Overview

Year one focuses on core courses covering Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Patient Outcomes Research, Scientific Writing, Ethics, and Cultural Competency. During year two, residents undertake independent study courses and complete a research thesis.

Residency Program Rounds

This includes journal clubs and didactic series covering various topics such as Environmental Health, Clinical Preventive Services, and Health Services Management.

Longitudinal Clinical Preventive Medicine

Residents engage in clinical rotations at various sites, completing at least half a day in a clinic each week, including clinics focused on occupational and addiction medicine.

Cornerstone Projects

Residents can initiate projects within preventive medicine, accommodating unique educational opportunities, including outbreak investigations, establishing refugee clinics, and improving access for underserved populations.

Practicum Rotations

Rotations at the New Mexico Department of Health familiarize residents with public health activities on various governmental levels. Residents also gain practical experience in addiction medicine settings, earning certification in prescribing buprenorphine, and being involved in harm reduction and telehealth initiatives.

Residency Requirements

The program offers visa sponsorship for J-1 visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates (IMGs) and those with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. It is essential for applicants to meet NM medical license requirements, and all qualified candidates who submit completed applications on time will be eligible for consideration.

Competitiveness and Selection

The residency program is competitive, emphasizing a strong record in public health and preventive medicine. Candidates who graduated within the last three years and have not failed any component of the USMLE more than once are preferred. The selection committee evaluates applications on a rolling basis, ensuring broad accessibility while maintaining high standards.