ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine's Department of Neurosurgery has received full accreditation for its physician residency program from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This achievement ensures that New Mexico's only neurosurgery training program will continue to develop specialists to serve the state.

Initially accredited in 2022, the residency program underwent a site visit in September 2024. After a comprehensive review, the ACGME granted "Continued Accreditation without Outcomes," the highest status for a new program.

"We are pleased to have been granted unqualified accreditation. This recognition reflects the commitment and effort of our department and institution toward excellence in education and training," said Christian Ricks, MD, the residency program director and an assistant professor of Neurosurgery at UNM’s School of Medicine.

Dr. Ricks emphasized their strong group of residents and plans to expand annually, aiming to prepare trainees to deliver high-quality neurosurgical care. The program is crucial for New Mexico's healthcare landscape as it is the state's sole neurosurgery residency program.

"The neurosurgery residency training program is a foundational component of UNM Hospital’s Level I Trauma Program," said Griffith Harsh, MD, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery. "The residency enhances the faculty’s ability to respond quickly to acute presentations of neurologic disease or injury for which timely intervention is critical to patient outcome."

The accreditation aligns with UNM's mission to expand New Mexico's physician workforce. Dr. Harsh noted that accredited programs help recruit and retain doctors locally, enhancing patient care quality and fostering scientific discovery.

UNM plans to increase its resident numbers by one annually until reaching seven before proposing further growth. With over 200 applications yearly for one first-year position, there's clear demand for more trained neurosurgeons in New Mexico.

"We currently have four excellent residents highly committed to caring for the underserved of the state in accord with the highest standards of the profession," Ricks stated. He expressed gratitude towards UNM Hospital and university resources aiding in reestablishing the residency.

As UNM’s neurosurgery residency progresses with full accreditation, its impact on state healthcare will grow, ensuring access to life-saving care for New Mexicans.