Karim considers being a recruiter in healthcare a true calling. An encounter from Karim’s early years still resonates. “One of my first hires was an IT professional from Florida. Shortly after that hire, I happened to see him, his wife, and his five-year-old daughter at a local grocery store—they had just arrived in Albuquerque. The new team member shook my hand, introduced me to his family, and whispered to his daughter, ‘This is the nice gentleman who helped daddy find work.’ Those words still motivate me today.”

In Karim’s current role as a Talent Acquisition Partner, he’s responsible for recruiting Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Techs, Respiratory Therapists, IT Professionals and Human Resources professionals. One of the standout qualities about working here for Karim is the teamwork. It’s something he’s seen in his professional life, and also as a patient. “A few years back, I was seriously ill and was hospitalized for almost a month. During my time at UNMH as a patient, I felt immense compassion from those who cared for me, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiology professionals, respiratory therapists, nurse techs, housekeepers, patient transporters, food services staff and nurse interns. As a patient, I never felt alone.”

The care Karim received as a patient at UNMH also had a transformative impact on his daughter, Sophia. She recalls, “I made the decision to go into healthcare when my dad was in the hospital during my senior year of high school. His nurses were incredibly kind to me, and I wanted to be able to help others in the same way.” Sophia went on to attend UNM College of Nursing, and during her schooling, worked in several departments at UNMH. Today, Sophia is a Registered Nurse at the Children’s Psychiatric Center.

For Sophia, the exposure to many different areas so early in her healthcare career has been rewarding. “Each role has gifted me with knowledge and an opportunity to grow personally. I have been so fortunate to work alongside incredible preceptors and coworkers who are always ready to help me grow and learn.” As she looks to the future, that growth will continue. Sophia envisions earning both an MBA and MSN with the help of the UNMH tuition reimbursement program.

While they’ve taken different professional paths at UNMH, Sophia knows Karim’s work is having a big impact. “I see the work my dad puts in on the recruiting side of things. I value my coworkers and know none of us would be here without the effort of the HR team.”

Karim feels equally inspired by the contributions his daughter is making. “The status of UNMH as a teaching hospital and a Level One Trauma Center means my daughter is being mentored by some of the best RN educators and leaders around. I am certain that she will carry on the UNMH tradition of teaching and mentoring future RNs, while also providing best patient care to those in need.”