1.	Briefly describe the patient population and types of disorders that routinely present at your clinic. Also, provide the typical number of patient encounters you have in a day. Gallup Indian Medical Center primarily serves the Navajo Nation of northwest NM and northeast AZ. This population has an unusually incidence of diabetes (type II), anterior uveitis, and retinitis pigmentosa. A typical day consists of 8-10 full exams and a variety of walk in patients. Foreign body and trauma of the anterior segment is not uncommon. I see approximately 8-14 patients on a given day.
2.	Describe other activities that you are available to participate in besides direct patient care. (i.e. Grand rounds, internal lectures, interaction with other health professionals, staffing of student interns) The resident is considered part of the medical staff and as such attends monthly staff meetings. There are internal lectures presented for the medical staff covering a variety of topics. In addition, the resident takes part in planning and presenting case discussions within the Eye Clinic. I also meet with other residents quarterly for a journal club and discussion. In addition to my own patients, I oversee a 4th year optometry student from SCCO approximately 20% of the time. Time can be arranged to observe surgeries and procedures with the staff ophthalmologists, take part in rounds with the medical staff.
3.	Briefly describe the setting of the clinic (hospital, co-management. . .etc). Gallup Indian Medical Center is a 200 bed facility which employs about 500. It serves an area population of approximately 60,000 and is a referral center for many more from the surrounding reservation.
4.	What are some strengths of the program and what areas do you feel could be enhanced. This residency program is full of great learning experiences and patients unlike any other. As a part of the Indian Health Service, it offers a large variety of patients and an opportunity to interact with many practitioners in all branches of medicine. Additionally, I am responsible for acute care and urgent eye problems of walk-in patients and inpatients. Being a part of the hospital medical staff, I had the opportunity to attend interesting educational lectures on a variety of topics from Hanta virus to Native American Healing. I also work closely with the ophthalmology department and have had opportunity to observe ophthalmic procedures. Another important aspect of my residency is overseeing exams and dispensing glasses to children sponsored by Save the Children. Our clinic is full of children in need of exams and new glasses for each school year. Save the Children also sponsors the residency by providing funding through SCCO for the resident’s salary.
5.	Briefly describe the geographic location/area of your residency program (what should one expect). Gallup NM has a population of about 30,000 and has services to provide for a surrounding rural area of 60,000. It is located in western NM between AZ and the Continental Divide. As such, it is at a higher altitude than most expect, about 6,500 feet, and can undergo abrupt changes in weather and temperatures. Regardless of the season, humidity is negligible, and temperatures drop when the sun goes down. Summer temperatures range from 90 in the day to 60’s at night; winter temperatures might rise to 50 in the day but drop below freezing at night. The town supports a branch campus of the University of New Mexico, a small mall, and cinemas. The nearest metropolis and major airport, Albuquerque, is a 2 hour drive. The surrounding region is rich in outdoor adventure. Skiing, hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking are among the activities within 3-4 hours near Santa Fe and southern Colorado (Purgatory), as well as in the nearby ponderosa pine forests surrounding Gallup.
6.	Has your residency thus far been what you expected? Yes, I highly recommend this program to graduating optometrists looking for an exciting and rewarding experience in primary care optometry and beyond. It is a great opportunity to learn about another culture and immerse yourself in the southwest. The practical experience is invaluable, perhaps several years of experience packed into one. I have enjoyed the working environment and scope of practice at GIMC and am extending my stay in the southwest with the Indian Health Service.
7.	What were your reasons for applying for a residency and have they been addressed? I wanted a primary care residency experience that was broad based. At GIMC I see a variety of ocular conditions in a great range of age groups. I also wanted to become comfortable working in a setting with other health care practitioners. A hospital setting is ideal for that. I routinely interact with pharmacists, occupational therapists, internists, physician assistants, and others. Additionally, X-ray, neuroimaging and laboratory are located within the building and available as needed. This is convenient for patient care and enhances my learning experience. I feel more confident in handling emergency cases because of the urgent care cases I have been involved in at GIMC over the past year.