In celebration of National Physicians Week, CorrHealth is proud to spotlight one of our distinguished team members, Abe Balsamo. Serving as the Medical Director at Taos County Adult Corrections, Abe exemplifies the dedication, skill, and compassion that are the hallmarks of an exceptional healthcare professional in the correctional environment.
A Legacy of Healing: Journey into Medicine
Abe’s journey into medicine is a testament to the influence of family and the pursuit of a passion cultivated from a young age. With both parents deeply entrenched in the medical field—his father, a pioneering Physician Assistant (PA) post-Vietnam, and his mother, a nurse turned PA—their careers spanning over four decades in Northern New Mexico left an indelible mark on Abe. Following in their footsteps, Abe embarked on his own medical journey, which led him from the University of Redlands for pre-med, through PA school at the University of New Mexico, and finally, to the University of Nebraska, where he specialized in Emergency Medicine. Since 2008, Abe has been practicing medicine, carrying forward his family’s legacy of care and commitment.
Leading with Care: Role at CorrHealth
At CorrHealth, Abe leads the medical team at Taos County Adult Corrections as the Medical Director, working closely with an outstanding nursing staff. Together, they strive to provide inmate patients with healthcare that often surpasses what they might receive outside the correctional system. Abe’s typical day is a blend of collaboration, leadership, and hands-on care, ensuring that the highest patient treatment standards are consistently met.
Breaking Barriers: Perspectives on Correctional Healthcare
Abe is keen to address common misconceptions about healthcare within correctional facilities, particularly the notion of inherent danger. He emphasizes the environment of mutual respect that prevails, underscoring the essential humanity of those within the walls. For Abe, correctional healthcare is not defined by its location but by its quality and evidence-based practices that aim to yield positive outcomes for all patients.
A Balanced Life: Personal Insights and Achievements
Outside of his demanding role, Abe enjoys baseball, consulting for major tech companies, and traveling with his family. Balancing the rigors of his profession with personal time is a challenge, but one he navigates with commitment to family unity and downtime.
Abe’s career is marked by significant achievements, including rising to the role of Medical Director in three different settings and serving as Vice President of Health for a major tech company. His dedication to education is also evident in his recognition as NM Preceptor of the Year by the UNM PA School. Looking forward, Abe aims to explore growth opportunities within CorrHealth, particularly on the business side, to further contribute to the organization’s success.
Words of Wisdom: Advice and Reflection
For those aspiring to enter correctional medicine, Abe advises a work ethic rooted in respect, team collaboration, and assertiveness in advocating for needs. His experience in correctional healthcare has reinforced his belief in the capacity for redemption and the complexity of human nature, affirming that a single bad decision does not define a person.
Abe Balsamo stands as a beacon of professionalism, empathy, and innovation within CorrHealth and the broader medical community. His journey reflects a profound commitment to healthcare excellence, regardless of setting, and underscores the transformative power of compassionate medical care. As we celebrate National Physicians Week, we are reminded of the critical role physicians like Abe play in elevating healthcare standards and changing lives, one patient at a time.