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Mentoring

Dr. Melendez is a clinical professor at the University of New Mexico, where he has been mentoring medical students for over 15 years. Dr. Melendez has contributed knowledge, encouragement, and leadership to the healthcare community by volunteering to help medical students primarily pursue careers as ophthalmologists. He has given his students the same professionalism and personable approach he shows to his patients. It has created a confident and skilled generation of doctors.

• Sean Rivera, MD Ophthalmologist
• Justin Roman, MD Ophthalmologist
• Rushi Mankad, UNM School of Medicine, Medical Student
• Logan Wolfel UNM School of Medicine, Medical Student
• Alex Davis, MD, Ophthalmologist
• Nate Roybal, MD, PhD, Ophthalmologist
• Rebecca Allen, MD, Ophthalmologist
• Amar Patel, MD, Ophthalmologist
• John Bigelow, MD Albuquerque, NM, ER Physician, MD
• Caleb Liles, Medical Student at Ohio University Heritage School of Medicine
• Chad Lewis, Medical Student at Dartmouth School of Medicine
• Liz Urias, MD Ophthalmology Resident
• Elisabeth Sledz, MD Ophthalmology Resident at Loyola University
• Ayesha Shariff, MD Ophthalmology Resident at Case Western Reserve
• Sahi Podila, UNM School of Medicine, Medical Student
• Juliana Runnels, UNM School of Medicine, Medical Student

Without hesitation, Dr. Melendez kindly welcomed me as his mentee during my first year of medical school. He is a remarkable clinical educator and facilitated my involvement in research endeavors that I would not have had the opportunity to engage in otherwise. He has remained my mentor over the past four years, and I fear I will never be able to appropriately thank Dr. Melendez for all he has done for me. Dr. Melendez has provided compassionate, diligent care to countless patients during his career as an Ophthalmologist. I believe he is equally- if not more- deserving of recognition for his legacy as an outstanding mentor and educator devoted to inspiring the next generation of physicians.

Juliana Runnels
UNM School of Medicine, Medical Student

Rob Melendez helped introduce me to Ophthalmology as a medical student making my final decision about what I wanted to go into. I believe it a testament to my time with him that I’m now an ophthalmologist and teaching the next generation much like he did with me.

Alex Davis, MD, PhD
Ophthalmologist

Dr. Melendez has gone out of his way to provide his students with guidance in medicine, business, and in life. He is more than just a mentor and truly wants to see everyone around him succeed.

Logan Wolfel
UNM School of Medicine, Medical Student

I learned more, was pushed more and grew more during my two weeks with Dr. Melendez than at any other point in my medical training. Our instant connection and his love for mentoring were especially apparent and created not only a professional relationship, but a great friendship.

Caleb Liles
Medical Student in Ohio

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Melendez as a 4th year medical student and was able to witness first hand his skill and bedside manner.  He is an excellent doctor and I have sought to emulate this throughout my own career.

Sean Rivera, MD
Ophthalmologist in Albuquerque, NM

I feel very lucky to have Dr. Melendez as a mentor. His skills as a physician and educator have helped frame my career path and drive to pursue ophthalmology. He is always willing to go above and beyond for his students.

Gabriella Acosta
Medical Student UNM School of Medicine

Dr. Melendez has been an incredible role model and mentor to me since the day I met him at the white coat ceremony. He has guided me through medical school and residency and continues to mentor me through my early stages of practice. I can truly say that without his guidance I would not be where I am today. I hope to mentor the next generation of young physicians as Dr. Melendez has mentored me.

Pavan Angadi, MD
Ophthalmologist

Dr. Melendez showed me what it means to TRULY be there for someone. He ensured that he made a connection with both his staff and patients which made it an absolute pleasure to work with him.

Kevin McGeorge
Medical Student Colorado

Dr. Melendez has provided me with mentorship across multiple facets of of my development as a physician. Not only has he been very proactive about providing research and networking opportunities, but he always has made himself very accessible.

He has also provided a great example of how one can balance a rich family life, philanthropic endeavors, and being a leader in the field of ophthalmology. He has also shown me that its possible to be in private practice, yet stay connected to academia through research and teaching.

Chad Lewis
Medical Student at Dartmouth School of Medicine, MD Neurologist

Dr. Melendez graciously allows many students interested in medicine to rotate with him in both the clinic and the operating room. He gives students excellent learning experiences – teaching board exam-relevant medical content, exhibiting excellent patient care skills, and allowing students to be a part of patient interactions, examinations, and treatments.

Rushi Mankad
UNM School of Medicine, Medical Student

Dr. Melendez is an expert surgeon and clinician in his field. He is an inspiring mentor that has taught me invaluable leadership skills and clinical pearls that have helped me succeed in a competitive speciality. He has an incredibly positive and enthusiastic outlook on life, and is always willing to provide guidance when needed.

Lizzie Urias, MD
Ophthalmology Resident

Dr. Melendez has been a phenomenal leader, mentor, and educator for the years that I have known him. He always goes out of his way to create opportunities for his students and is fully invested in our success.

Sahi Podia
UNM School of Medicine, Medical Student