Two surgeons added to LCMC staff in Ruidoso

• The surgeons perform a variety of procedures from hernia surgery to colonoscopies and gall bladder removals

Two general surgeons recently have joined Lincoln County Medical Center, expanding access to emergency and planned surgeries for the Lincoln County community. The hospital in Ruidoso is county-owned.

Dr. Whitney David joined LCMC in September as a full-time general surgeon and Dr. Mehrzad “Jon” Bozorgnia, who works part-time, joined in July. Both perform a range of surgeries, including appendectomies, hernias, colonoscopies and gall bladder removals.

For both, the opportunity to practice in a tight-knit community like Ruidoso was a tremendous draw.

“I am honored to provide general surgery for the Lincoln County community,” David said. “I love the food, the natural beauty, and the people of New Mexico. The opportunity to work as a traditional general surgeon in a small town combined with the support of a strong health care organization with an excellent clinical reputation like Presbyterian makes Lincoln County Medical Center a great fit for me.”

Before practicing at LCMC, Dr. David specialized in trauma and acute care surgeries in Mission Viejo, Calif., and previously practiced in Flagstaff, Ariz. and Taos.  She earned her medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. and completed a general surgery residency at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Mich.

Dr. Bozorgnia previously worked at Presbyterian Hospital, Gerald Champion Medical Center and Phoenix Memorial Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Technologia de Santiago School of Medicine in the Dominican Republic and completed a general surgery residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery.

"I have worked nearly my entire career in New Mexico and I am very familiar with the challenges of this state,” Dr. Bozorgnia said. “Joining Lincoln County Medical Center is one of the best decisions I have made. I have always loved Ruidoso and its natural beauty. I am very excited to be part of a great team in this hospital."

“To have two surgeons of their caliber join our staff at Lincoln County Medical Center is very exciting for our community,” Dr. Stephen Otero, medical director for LCMC, said. “With this surgical team, we aim to provide safe, high-quality care that is convenient for our community. Our patients can remain close to home for their surgical care.”

To make an appointment for surgery, call 575-630-8350. 

Lincoln County Medical Center has been leased and operated by Presbyterian Healthcare Services since 1972. Lincoln County Medical Center and Presbyterian Healthcare Services operate a hospital, a primary care and specialty clinic, three rural clinics and a countywide ambulance service in Lincoln County.