Albuquerque?

So this weekend brought me out to another interview - this time in Albuquerque. U of NM's anesthesia program is a 4 year program and hence if I were to go here, I would have to repeat an intern year and have an extra year of training. But I made the interview, bought airline tickets before my interview in Galveston. For me, it was going to be a 2-3 day vacation.


Once there, I ran into a fellow UNMC student who was also interviewing there. He and I partnered up and went down to Old Town Albuquerque with our free time after the interview. Went to the oldest catholic church in NM - built in 1706 Watched this fascinating movie on an IMAX-like screen chronicling the birth of the cowboy from Morrocoo's horse riders to Spain's Vaquero to Mexico's Charro to Argentina's guachos to American cowboys. It was quite interesting - had no idea the Guachos rode barefoot. Some of the scenery - especially of the western U.S. and Canada was breathtaking. I think you all would have enjoyed it. Makes one want to quit working at the hospital and go live out on the range.


Like I said, I was not interested in a position with UNM - was just going to attend for fun. However, after listening to their description of their program, I was very impressed. Their program is especially strong in regional (peripheral nerve blocks, etc) which is VERY important to me. I think this is the future of anesthesia and I want to go to a program that is especially strong in this area.

Thus I spoke with program director Saturday night at the dinner and openly told him that I have an offer from another program but that I was more interested in UNM. He informed me that their program is only approved for 22 - they currently take 7 per year (total of 21). So there is a chance that if they like me, they could take me on as a CA1 starting this coming July.

Advantages? Well number one is that I will be close to Utah and consequently close to Anna. This is my #1 priortiy right now and why I am so excited about this opportunity. Other advantages include location - near the mountains which I miss, smaller city which is easy to get around. Like I said, tremendous regional, better call schedule and other factors. Disadvantages is UNM is not necessarily a big name, traditionally speaking but is on the rise in my opinion.


We'll see. I am not getting my hopes up yet.

Sunday morning, thanks to Nigel and Jenny, was able to make a quick trip to a nearby sacrament meeting for only half the meeting and before that a trip to the NM temple to shoot some photos. Highlight of the trip may have been being a part of the standing ovation given to U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq (assumed by their desert camo), complete with unit flags and hugs by families. Very special to witness.