Presentation Information
[P-8-06]Training Tomorrow’s Culturally-Informed Child Psychiatrists: The Univerisity of New Mexico Approach
*Tomoko Hamma (University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry(United States of America))
Keywords:
culture and mental health,child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship,education
New Mexico (NM), located in the southwestern United States and bordering Mexico, is known for its cultural richness, diverse history, and striking landscapes. As one of the few minority-majority states, nearly half of its population identifies as Latino, followed by 37% White, 11% Native American, 2.8% African American, 2.0% Asian, and 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (Census.gov). Additionally, 9% of residents are foreign-born, and 32% speak a language other than English at home—primarily Spanish and Navajo. NM is also one of the most rural states in the nation.
Despite its nickname, the "Land of Enchantment," New Mexico faces serious social and health challenges. It has one of the highest child poverty rates in the U.S., particularly among Native American communities. The state consistently ranks at or near the bottom in education, experiences high rates of substance use and alcohol-related deaths and leads the nation in violent and property crime. Recent increases in migration, coupled with current political tensions, have raised concerns about border safety, migrant deaths, family separation, and human rights in detention centers.
These complex issues contribute to widespread mental health challenges in NM, including elevated rates of mental illness, suicide (a leading cause of death among teens), and drug overdose deaths—all intensified by a shortage of mental health care providers. Childhood adversity, historical trauma, and poverty are significant contributing factors.
Given this context, New Mexico offers a unique and impactful setting for psychiatric training. The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine provides diverse clinical experiences that deepen trainees’ understanding of cultural psychiatry. This poster highlights our transdisciplinary educational approach and the experiences of our fellows.
Despite its nickname, the "Land of Enchantment," New Mexico faces serious social and health challenges. It has one of the highest child poverty rates in the U.S., particularly among Native American communities. The state consistently ranks at or near the bottom in education, experiences high rates of substance use and alcohol-related deaths and leads the nation in violent and property crime. Recent increases in migration, coupled with current political tensions, have raised concerns about border safety, migrant deaths, family separation, and human rights in detention centers.
These complex issues contribute to widespread mental health challenges in NM, including elevated rates of mental illness, suicide (a leading cause of death among teens), and drug overdose deaths—all intensified by a shortage of mental health care providers. Childhood adversity, historical trauma, and poverty are significant contributing factors.
Given this context, New Mexico offers a unique and impactful setting for psychiatric training. The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine provides diverse clinical experiences that deepen trainees’ understanding of cultural psychiatry. This poster highlights our transdisciplinary educational approach and the experiences of our fellows.