Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) is proudly celebrating Mustapha Kamel Abouda, MD, of Espanola Family Care as he marks 20 years of service to our beautiful communities of Northern New Mexico.
A native of Algeria, Dr. Abouda came to the Southwest for a four-year Observership in Santa Fe. He then completed his Residency in Family Practice in Pueblo, Colo. He fell in love with the area and still calls it home.
We recently chatted with Dr. Abouda as he reflected on his inspiring career journey, making meaningful connections with patients and what he finds rewarding as a physician.
Question: What first brought you to the Los Alamos area 20 years ago?
Answer: “After finishing my residency in Pueblo, Colo., my family and I knew we wanted to come back home to New Mexico. My wife was born and raised in the Española Valley and went to school in Los Alamos, and being close to her parents was very important to us. At the same time, working at LAMC offered me a wonderful opportunity to build my career and put down roots in Northern New Mexico. It was the perfect combination of family and professional opportunity that brought us here 20 years ago.”
Q: Did you always know you wanted to go into medicine? What inspired your path to becoming a doctor?
A: “There was always something in the back of my mind that I wanted to be a doctor. A big inspiration was my grandfather. He lived with us after becoming blind from diabetes, and witnessing his struggles made me want to be able to treat and help others. Growing up in Algeria also influenced my path. After independence, there was a tremendous need for doctors in my native country, and seeing that need inspired me to pursue medicine as a way to serve both individuals and communities.”
Q: How have you seen healthcare or patient care evolve over the past two decades?
A: “The technology is increasingly present in daily practice. We went from writing notes and prescriptions to using computers during our visits, and I am envisioning the ways that AI will change the way we will practice medicine in the upcoming years.”
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of serving this community for 20 years?
A: “My relationships with most of my patients have gone beyond the relationship of doctor-patient. We share stories of our lives from hunting and fishing to traditional celebrations and beyond. Some of them even give me the honor of calling me ‘Norteno.'”
Q: How has working here shaped you personally and professionally?
A: “On a personal level, I would say it has given me the opportunity of building lasting relationships with people and families in the Valley. It has made me feel deeply connected to this community. Professionally, being a rural doctor has shaped me into a more resourceful, well-rounded physician. In a rural setting you learn to wear many hats, to think creatively, and to provide comprehensive care with limited resources. Both personally and professionally, working here has taught me the true meaning of commitment and community.”
Q: What keeps you motivated in your work after all these years?
A: “It has always been that if I can help just one patient on that day, I feel fulfilled. I have achieved my goal if I touch one life that day.”
Q: “What advice would you give to young doctors just starting their careers?”
A: “I would say that they need to balance their lives. Be a good doctor but don’t forget to be a good husband, father, wife, mother, etc. I was told that when I was a young doctor and it stuck with me.”
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