May 3, 2025

Hidalgo Medical Services Board
530 De Moss St
Lordsburg, NM 88045

Subject: No Confidence in Leadership

Dear Hidalgo Medical Services Board of Directors,

On behalf of concerned practitioners in the community and past practitioners employed by Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS), we write to formally express our deep concern regarding the ongoing instability within HMS and to declare no confidence in its current senior leadership, specifically its CEO.

The persistent and severe turnover among practitioners and staff has negatively impacted the quality and accessibility of care available to our community. Healthcare services rely on stability, trust, and continuity of care—elements that have continuously eroded under the present leadership’s tenure. Patients, practitioners, and employees alike have suffered due to these disruptions, leaving our community underserved and vulnerable at a time when healthcare access is more critical than ever. The decisions made by the board profoundly impact the lives of our community members.

The lack of effective leadership, failure to address retention concerns, and resulting deterioration in medical services necessitate urgent change. As current and past stakeholders in this community, we can no longer remain silent while HMS fails to meet its responsibilities. As the governing body of HMS, we look to the Board to take the necessary steps to address these issues.

We respectfully urge the Board to take immediate and decisive action to remedy this crisis. New leadership must be appointed with a clear vision and commitment to the community to restore stability, rebuild trust, and ensure the long-term viability of HMS as a reliable healthcare provider to the communities it serves. We appreciate your prompt attention and look forward to meaningful steps toward resolution. We stand ready to meet and discuss our concerns with members of the HMS Board.

Sincerely,

Gilbert Arizaga, MD

Marisa Shapiro, FNP

Brandon Ferguson, MD

Darrick Nelson, MD

Marlene Baska, PAC

Brian Etheridge, MD

Gail Stamler, CNM

Julie Fitzgerald, PAC

Don Stephens, MD

Brian Robinson, MD

Pedro Armendariz, MD

Randi Murphy, DNP, FNP-C

Twana Sparks, MD

[Editor's Note:  Dr. Teresa Arizaga (Chief Mental Health Officer) and Issac Saucedo PAC (Chief Medical Officer) have both tendered their resignations in the past 2 weeks.]