Since becoming a patient within the UNM system, I have repeatedly encountered situations where I was directed to seek care outside the system because services were not available. For example, my primary care physician told me that I would need to find treatment elsewhere for my PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder because UNM’s psychologists and psychiatrists were largely functioning in administrative, teaching, or supervisory roles rather than treating patients directly. As a result, my PCP attempted to manage my psychotropic medications using trial-and-error adjustments. That approach led to severe emotional instability, including periods of intense anger and depression. In such circumstances, the potential consequences could have been catastrophic, yet the system offered little meaningful support. I also experienced a misunderstanding with an eye surgeon, after which I was told that the surgeon would not perform the procedure and that I would need to find another specialist outside the UNM system. Without that surgery, I risk permanent vision loss. Once again, the responsibility for locating necessary medical care has been placed on me. I am currently dealing with a serious medical issue that requires an ultrasound for diagnosis, yet the earliest available appointment was six months away. I previously had to wait five months for an initial appointment with sleep medicine, even though I already had a diagnosis of sleep apnea.
While the University of New Mexico Hospital continues to expand and renovate its main facilities, many patients are struggling to access basic medical and behavioral health services because of severe provider shortages. I understand that some funding is restricted to capital projects. Still, from a patient’s perspective, the emphasis on physical expansion and modernization can feel disconnected from the realities of care delivery.
Buildings do not treat patients—clinicians do. When patients face long delays, fragmented care, and limited access to specialists, it raises important questions about priorities. The result is a system that may appear increasingly modern, yet is becoming harder for patients to navigate and less humane for those who depend on it.
To be clear, I do not believe the frontline staff is the problem. Many of them are dedicated professionals doing their best under difficult conditions. The issue appears systemic and reflects institutional decisions that prioritize expansion and infrastructure over accessibility, continuity of care, and patients' practical needs.
For those of us who depend on UNM for medical care, the current situation raises serious concerns about whether the system is fulfilling its fundamental mission to provide timely and humane treatment.
**** Medicare's rating of UNM Medical is 2 out of five stars. That speaks volumes about the quality and quantity of care available to seniors from UNM Medical.
