Hand & Upper Extremity Fellowship

UNM’s division of hand surgery was founded in 1970 by Dr. George Omer, becoming the nation’s first academic division of hand surgery.  Dr. Omer was one of the nation’s most renowned orthopaedic surgeons, was President of the American Society of Surgery of the Hand, and was Chair of the UNM Orthopaedic Department.

In 1976, he was joined by Dr. Moheb Moneim, who continued to build the hand surgery division and also later served as department chairman.  Including the early apprentices under Drs. Omer and Moneim, the Hand Division has trained over 100 fellows to date!  Since 1991, we have been ACGME-accredited for two fellows.

The Hand Fellowship is a 1-year fellowship in the Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, running from August 1st through July 31st.  Completion of an approved orthopaedic, plastic, or general surgery residency program is required for admission.  Our previous fellows have come from diverse backgrounds and, valuing the cultural diversity of New Mexico, we hope to continue to be an institutional model of diversity and inclusivity, embracing all individuals regardless of their race, creed, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or military status.