For many New Mexicans, accessing specialized healthcare can mean traveling hours for treatment. At The University of New Mexico, Project ECHO is changing that model by bringing expertise directly into communities across the state.
Project ECHO, a UNM-based initiative, connects healthcare providers through virtual networks where they collaborate, share knowledge and solve real-world challenges together. Originally developed to improve access to hepatitis C treatment in rural New Mexico, the model has since expanded globally and now supports care for a wide range of conditions, including diabetes.
"It's really surprisingly simple," said Dr. Matt Bouchonville, an endocrinologist at UNM. "It's not rocket science, and it's impactful."
New Mexico's size and rural landscape present unique challenges for healthcare access. Much of the state is considered medically underserved, with limited availability of primary care providers and specialists. Those gaps are especially evident in diabetes care, where patients often face both medical and social barriers.
"There aren't enough primary care providers. There aren't enough specialists," Bouchonville said.
Project ECHO addresses those challenges by creating regular virtual sessions where providers present de-identified patient cases and work collectively to determine the best course of action. Rather than relying on one-way instruction, the model emphasizes shared learning across disciplines and experience levels.
"It's all teach, all learn," Bouchonville said.
That collaborative approach allows providers to adapt medical knowledge to the realities of the communities they serve. In many parts of New Mexico, patients face barriers such as food insecurity, lack of transportation and limited access to pharmacies or clinics.
Andrea Zyrowski, a nurse and diabetes educator with Project ECHO, said those factors make it critical to tailor care to local contexts.
"Best practice guidelines need to be adapted to meet local and cultural context," Zyrowski said.
Through weekly discussions, providers share practical solutions to those challenges, from navigating insurance barriers to connecting patients with community resources. The model creates a space where both specialists and frontline workers contribute insights, improving care across the network.
Research from ECHO programs has shown that patients treated by providers participating in the model can achieve outcomes comparable to those seen in specialty clinics, even in rural areas.
"We saw that patients in rural New Mexico are getting the same quality care they would get if they were able to travel hours to see a specialist," Bouchonville said.
The program also strengthens the role of community health workers, who serve as a bridge between healthcare systems and the communities they support. These workers help patients manage chronic conditions while addressing social factors that influence health outcomes.
"They're trusted members of the community," Zyrowski said.
What began as a solution to a local problem has grown into a global model, with Project ECHO now operating in countries around the world. Despite that expansion, its mission remains rooted in improving access and reducing disparities in places like New Mexico.
By connecting providers, sharing knowledge and focusing on real-world challenges, the program continues to reshape how healthcare is delivered across the state.
"It's about working together to solve problems," Bouchonville said.
To listen to It's Probably Not Rocket Science, visit podcast.unm.edu, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
