Residency Program
The residency program in obstetrics and gynecology is a fully approved, integrated four year program that fulfills all the requirements for certification by The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The program is structured so residents assume increasing levels of responsibility for medical and surgical care as they progress in their residency education. Four positions are available for each year of training. There is a balanced curriculum with education, hands-on training, and clinical research that thoroughly prepares residents for academic positions, fellowships or successful private practices.
There are 20 faculty members, including 16 physicians, 3 certified nurse midwives, and 1 women's health nurse practitioner, who provide direct supervision and education for the residents. There is training in general obstetrics and gynecology, high-risk obstetrics, gynecologic oncology, ultrasonography, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, urodynamics, family planning, breast disease and obstetrical anesthesia. In conjunction with other residency programs within the institution, our residents receive training in primary care and preventive medicine.
Research is an integral part of this program's residency requirements. All residents are expected to conduct a clinical research project in collaboration with faculty mentors. The project is presented during the fourth year at the Resident's Research Day.
Assistant Professor
Residency Program Director
Melissa D. Mendez, M.D., is an assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. Dr. Mendez obtained her medical degree from the University of California College of Medicine in Irvine, California. She completed her residency training at the Phoenix Integrated Residency in Ob-Gyn (PIROG) in Phoenix, Arizona. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and was previously a clinical instructor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology for Creighton University at the St. Josephs Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Mendez is involved in research, teaching, and patient care. Her areas of interest are adolescent gynecology and minimally invasive surgery.
Irene Jimenez has been with TTUHSC El Paso in the Ob-Gyn department for 19 years. She has served dutifully for the past 10 years as a residency coordinator. In the past, Irene worked as an office manager for a pediatric and general surgeon, as well as in the radiology and emergency departments in various hospitals. She was also the vice president of her own company where she was in charge of billing, payroll, and supervision of 12 employees. It is apparent to all who meet her that Irene enjoys resident education with a fervor and passion. Her commitment to the residency program has been instrumental to the continued success and accreditation of the program and makes her an indispensable asset to our department.