As healthcare systems in New Mexico and the U.S. continue to undergo major changes and challenges, Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) continues to focus on quality, service, culture, and excellence. As part of HMS’ continued efforts to be the healthcare provider and employer of choice for Hidalgo County, Grant County, and the surrounding region, staffing and service delivery changes continue in support of population health and healthcare access.

Isaac Saucedo, PA, Chief Medical OfficerHMS is proud to announce that they have named local resident and Physician Assistant, Isaac Saucedo, as the Chief Medical Officer for the organization. Mr. Saucedo is a lifelong resident of Grant County and has practiced medicine for over 17 years in New Mexico and Hawaii. Mr. Saucedo is a family practice clinician who has a special interest in rural and preventative medicine. Isaac was born and raised in Silver City and attended Western New Mexico University. He later graduated from Evangel University, Missouri, and went on to attend Arizona School of Health Services. Isaac Saucedo is certified with the National Commission on Certifications of Physicians Assistants (NCCPA). He is a fellow of the New Mexico Academy of Physician Assistants (NMAPA) and a fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Mr. Saucedo has served as the Interim Chief Medical Officer since March 2023, and previous to the Interim role he served as HMS’ Associate Chief Medical Officer for one year. “Isaac Saucedo has done an excellent job over the last 22 months, and his leadership development and effectiveness in leading the medical division has earned him the position of Chief Medical Officer, stated Dr. Dan Otero, HMS CEO. Isaac Saucedo said, “I am proud to care for and serve the people of Grant and Hidalgo Counties.  It’s in giving of ourselves that we find meaning and purpose, and it's my joy to work alongside medical providers who share that sense of purpose, selflessness, and dedication to improved healthcare and health outcomes.  It is my honor and privilege to care for the people that I call my own, and I desire to steward my time as the Chief Medical Officer at HMS as well”.

Teresa Arizaga, MD, Chief Behavioral Health Officer and Medical DirectorAdditionally, local resident Teresa Arizaga, MD, HMS’s Chief Behavioral Health Officer, will also serve as the system’s Medical Director. The Medical Director is responsible for clinical oversight in collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer, the Clinical Director of Dental Services, and the Chief Executive Officer. “Dr. Arizaga has effectively stabilized and grown the behavioral health services offered to the community over the three-plus years she has served as the Chief Behavioral Health Officer. She has been an excellent addition to the organization and the community,” stated Dr. Otero.  Dr. Teresa Arizaga obtained her B.A. in Psychology and Chemistry from New Mexico State University. Choosing to remain in New Mexico to be near her family, she earned her M.D. in 2000 and completed her residency in psychiatry in 2004 from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. She practiced at Gila Regional Medical Center  beginning in 2005 and remained there for 15 years. During that time, she also served as medical director for the behavioral health unit. She also ran a part-time private practice in Silver City, NM, for several years. Dr. Arizaga stated, “as a lifelong resident and medical doctor serving the region, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve my community.  It has always been my top priority to serve the healthcare needs of the community I grew up in.  I am grateful for HMS and humbled to step into this role as Medical Director to further advance healthcare access and quality in Southwest New Mexico.”

HMS employs over 240 dedicated healthcare professionals. As part of this dedicated team, 18 medical providers, 14 behavioral health providers, and five dental providers work collaboratively to support the local healthcare needs of the region. HMS is proud to announce these new leadership appointments, reaffirming its commitment to service and quality healthcare delivery.

HMS serves over 15,000 unduplicated patients with over 70,000 visits annually at its 18 locations within Hidalgo and Grant counties. HMS is a Federally Qualified Health Center Grantee under 42 USC 245b and a deemed Public Health employee under 42 USC 233 (g)-(n). Visit HMS at http://hms-nm.org  or call 575-800-1HMS (1467).