History

Before the establishment of UNM Children’s Hospital, pediatrics services were provided at the Bernalillo County Indian Hospital. There were no established pediatricians—instead, children were seen by doctors from numerous practices. There were 33 beds and an ambulatory care program for children within the hospital.

The Bernalillo County Indian Hospital became part of the University of New Mexico in the late 1960s, with the promise to provide equal access of care to Native Americans—a promise UNMH has kept since.

The Department of Pediatrics

In 1966, a formal Department of Pediatrics was founded with Edward Mortimer, MD, as the first department chair. Since then, our department has only grown larger and more innovative.

We were the first department to treat children with cancer in New Mexico. And we are the only dedicated children’s hospital, pediatric emergency department and pediatric infusion center in the state.

In 2007, UNM Children’s moved into the 500,000 square foot Pavilion. Here we have a maternity center, newborn intensive care unit, child life center and dedicated pediatric surgical units and in-patient beds. Browse our services.