HOUSE MEMORIAL 71

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Sarah Maestas Barnes

A MEMORIAL

COMMEMORATING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO'S COMBINED BACHELOR OF ARTS AND DOCTOR OF MEDICINE PROGRAM.

     WHEREAS, in 2006, the college of arts and sciences and the school of medicine of the university of New Mexico joined in a partnership to help address the state's physician shortage; and

     WHEREAS, the combined bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine program presents New Mexico high school students with the opportunity to complete a rigorous four-year bachelor of arts curriculum that prepares them for four more rigorous years in medical school; and

     WHEREAS, since its creation, the combined bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine program has focused on assembling a class of diverse students, including those from underrepresented populations and underserved communities throughout the state, who are committed to practicing medicine in New Mexico's medically underserved communities; and

     WHEREAS, thanks to years of committed support from the New Mexico legislature, the combined bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine program has served three hundred thirty-three New Mexico students representing eighty-six different communities; and

     WHEREAS, over the course of its existence, the combined bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine program has successfully recruited an average of sixty-six percent of its students from underrepresented populations, many from educationally and economically underserved areas of the state; and

     WHEREAS, with holistic standards that consider more than test scores, and an extensive support system, the university of New Mexico's combined bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine program is recognized for providing students from underserved and underrepresented communities with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed; and

     WHEREAS, counting the students who will graduate from the medical school segment in June 2017, fifty-nine students will have completed the combined bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine program, going on to varied years of residency in fields of family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine and psychiatry; and

     WHEREAS, the first students who have completed their residencies are now returning to work in the state; and

     WHEREAS, for the past two years, the university of New Mexico's combined bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine program has been identified by Excelencia in Education, a national program headquartered in Washington, D.C., for its outstanding support of Latino student success; and

     WHEREAS, the program's extensive recruitment efforts and established relationships within communities around the state help provide students with valuable mentoring and community service resources, encouraging students to consider career opportunities in all areas of health care;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the university of New Mexico's combined bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine program be recognized for ten years of academic innovation and excellence and be commemorated for its dedication to the health care needs of all New Mexicans; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the university of New Mexico's combined bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine program.

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