Darrick Nelson, MD

Family Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
MAT Provider

Chief Medical Officer & Family Medicine Residency Program Director

Dr. Nelson serves as the Chief Medical Officer at HMS and the founding Program Director of the HMS Family Medicine Residency Program. Originally from a small mining town in Arizona and a U.S. Army Veteran, Dr. Darrick Nelson obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Prior to joining HMS, Dr. Nelson was a professor and a core faculty member at Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Corpus Christi Family Medicine Residency Program where he was responsible for the teaching and supervision of residents in outpatient clinics, inpatient hospital, intensive care unit, newborn nursery, labor and delivery, including C-sections, high risk obstetrics, and indigent care. Dr. Nelson is a Fellow in Medical Informatics and was physician liaison for implementation of electronic clinical documentation system with CHRISTUS Spohn Shoreline Hospital.

Dr. Nelson directs the delivery of patient-centered primary care services for HMS as well as leadership and innovation on projects and programs to improve clinical and overall health outcomes for the residents of Southwest New Mexico. Dr. Nelson is one of the founders of the FORWARD NM – Pathways to Health Careers workforce program at HMS. This 5-stage program reaches students from secondary education throughout graduate degrees and includes the accreditation of the HMS Family Medicine Residency Program, the first Teaching Health Center designation in New Mexico.

Pedro Armendariz, MD

Family Medicine
Doctor of Medicine

Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara

Dr. Pedro Armendariz completed his Family Medicine Residency with HMS and is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Armendariz is a native of Juarez, Chihuahua but was raised in Hardesty, a rural town in the Oklahoma Panhandle. He has taken on the new position of Senior Services Medical Director and sees patients in Silver City, Lordsburg and will also be doing home visits.

Dr. Armendariz received a Bachelor's with a major in Biology and a minor in chemistry from Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Dr. Armendariz earned his medical degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and later completed a pre-internship program at New York Medical College. Before coming to Silver City, Dr. Armendariz was practicing in Poplar Montana for Indian Health Services as a medical officer in general practice. His three children, ages fifteen, twelve and eight have adapted well to Silver City so he and his wife are thankful to stay in this community . They have enjoyed being a part of Silver City for the last couple of years and now consider it home. In addition to English, Dr. Armendariz also speaks Spanish.

Marlene Baska

Family Medicine
Physician Assistant-Certified

University of Utah

Marlene Baska joined Hidalgo Medical Services as a Physician Assistant specializing in Family Practice at the Cobre Health Center in February 2004. She has been a physician assistant since 1988 working in Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, and Oregon. Marlene's educational background includes a registered nursing degree from Lane Community College, in Oregon and certification as a Physician Assistant from the University Of Utah School Of Medicine.

Brian Etheridge, MD, FAAP

Pediatric Residency
Doctor of Medicine
Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics

New Mexico State University
University of New Mexico
Health Sciences Center School of Medicinea
University of Louisville, School of Medicine

Born and raised in New Mexico, Dr. Etheridge attended New Mexico State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Social Work with minors in both Chemistry and Public Health. Dr. Etheridge completed his medical degree at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, and his Pediatric Residency at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Dr. Etheridge lives in Silver City with his wife, Nancy, and their two children. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his family and pets, yard work, and reading. He is proud to call Grant County "home”, and be a part of HMS family, once again.

Brandon Ferguson, MD

Family Medicine Residency
Doctor of Medicine
MAT Provider

St. George's University School of Medicine
Brigham Young University- Hawai’i

Dr. Brandon Ferguson is a board certified Family Medicine Physician with the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). Dr. Ferguson completed his Family Medicine residency at the HMS Family Medicine Residency Program in Silver City. He offers a full spectrum of comprehensive, family medical services and procedures to patients of all ages at the HMS Bayard Community Health Center.

On the beautiful island of O'ahu, Dr. Ferguson obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from BYU-Hawai'i. He then spent two years in Brooklyn, New York, where he obtained his Medical Doctor degree from St. George's University School of Medicine. Upon completing his MD, Dr. Ferguson chose to pursue a career in Family Medicine because he enjoys broad spectrum medicine. Dr. Ferguson loves being able to care for patients of all ages, as well as the flexibility that Family Medicine provides.

Dr. Ferguson is dedicated to his patients in Grant County and is a true believer in the HMS mission; he works to positively impact the health, well-being and quality of life for those he cares for by providing comprehensive, integrated and affordable healthcare. In his spare time Dr. Ferguson enjoys exploring the Gila National Forest, hunting and traveling.

Dara Foster, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Family Medicine
Master of Science in Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

New Mexico State University
Frontier Nursing University

Dr. Dara Foster is a Family Nurse Practitioner, Dara brings extensive healthcare experience to HMS and enjoys working in a rural clinic setting. Dr. Foster provides extensive services to patients at the Bayard Community Health Center. Services provided to patients include annual exams for women, men and children, the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions across the lifespan, management and evaluation of chronic stable conditions across the lifespan, sports exams, immunizations, and overall collaboration with providers and adjunct therapies to coordinate care for patients.

Dara completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at New Mexico State University, and completed her Masters of Science in Nursing as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Frontier Nursing University. “As a long-time resident of southwestern New Mexico and Grant County, I love being part of HMS. Joining HMS has allowed me to provide care in my community," states Dara. Dara enjoys hiking, making soap and horseback riding.

Tanvir Hafiz, PA-C

Family Medicine
Physician Assistant-Certified

Miami University
Cuya hoga Community College
University of Nebraska

Tanvir Hafiz is a Physician Assistant who has provided primary care services for almost 15 years. Tanvir offers a full spectrum of comprehensive, family medical services and procedures to all patients at the HMS Silver City Community Health Center . Tanvir is available to treat minor illnesses, such as allergies, the common cold, flu, and aches and pains. He also works with patients to diagnose and manage conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Tanvir Hafiz completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Miami University, earned his Associate degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Cuyahoga Community College, and completed his Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska. For over 6 years Tanvir served the U.S. Army as a morse code intelligence gatherer. He and his family relocated from Texas and are very proud to call Silver City "home." Tanvir enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and adventuring with his dogs.

Forrest Eugene Henry, DO

Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
MAT Provider

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Family Practice Residency, Chief Resident
Clarion Hospital Clarion, Pennsylvania Board Certified Family Practice

Dr. Forrest Henry is a doctor of osteopathic medicine and is practicing in the HMS Lordsburg Clinic. Dr. Henry graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Family Practice Residency through Clarion Hospital,in Clarion Pennsylvania where he served as the Chief Resident. Upon completion of residency he served as the Chief of the Family Practice Department of Clarion Hospital. Dr. Henry and his family moved to Silver City, NM in 2007 and he joined Southwest Family Medicine practice. Prior to coming to Silver City Dr. Henry practiced Family Medicine in Brookville and Foxburg, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Henry served in the US Army as a General Medical Officer stationed in Bad Kreuanach, Germany for four and half years. His achievements include: Medical Officer on a medical mission to Nigeria in 2008, Board of Directors, Soul Caring Outreach Inc. 2008 to present, IPA Board 2007 to present, Board of Directors Clarion Forrest Visiting Nurse Association 2001 to 2004, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board from 2001 to 2004.

Virginia Hernandez, MD

Family Medicine
Doctor of Medicine

UCLA
St. Matthew's University School of Medicine

Dr. Virginia Hernandez is an HMS Family Medicine Physician (w/OB). Dr. Hernandez emphasizes wellness and offers complete family medical services care to men, women, and children at the Silver City Community Health Center. Dr. Hernandez will serve as the Core Faculty Member, allowing her to complete responsibilities directly related to the HMS Family Medicine Residency Program. She worked for the Indian Health Service (IHS) in Arizona and, most recently, served as a Medical Officer with the IHS in Shiprock, New Mexico. Dr. Hernandez currently serves as Vice President of the NMAFP.

Graduating from the University of California at Los Angeles, (UCLA), Dr. Virginia Hernandez obtained a degree in Psycho-Biology, and attended St. Matthew's University School of Medicine in the Caribbean. She began her Family Medicine residency at the University of Illinois in Springfield. Dr. Hernandez enjoys biking and hiking and also is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Mason Heywood, MD

Family Medicine Resident
Doctor of Medicine

St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Dr. Mason Heywood is a Family Medicine Resident. Dr. Heywood chose Family Medicine with a career goal to settle in a rural community and be a resource for health and wellness for patients of all ages. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Utah. After graduating, he spent several years working in medical research in the field of Pediatric Cardiology before going back to school to obtain his medical degree from St. George’s University on the island of Grenada, and completed his clinical rotations in Paterson, New Jersey.

Dr. Mason Heywood is excited to complete his residency in Silver City and its surrounding towns and looks forward to working with the amazing people of Hidalgo Medical Services. In his free time, he enjoys camping, hiking, photography, and, most of all, spending as much time as possible with his wife and daughters.

Donald Johnson, MD, FAAP

Pediatrician
Doctor of Medicine
Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Doctorate of Medicine Northwestern Medical School

Dr. Donald Johnson, MD joined Hidalgo Medical Services in August of 2005 as a pediatric physician. Prior to joining HMS Dr. Johnson practiced nine years as a private physician with Gila Pediatrics. In addition to his distinguished career as a private physician Dr. Johnson has served as the Chief of Pediatrics at Gila Regional Medical Center, Chief of Pediatrics at Borgess Medical Center and Pediatric Coordinator for the Southwestern Michigan Area Health Education Center.

Dr. Johnson is a member of the Michigan State Medical Society and the New Mexico Medical Society, and the New Mexico Pediatric Society. Dr. Johnson is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Johnson has held teaching appointments as a lecturer in Pediatrics with Tufts New England Medical Center, in Boston Massachusetts. Dr. Johnson has been an Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Human Development at Michigan State University and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Western Michigan University. Dr. Johnson received his doctorate of medicine from Northwestern Medical School. Dr. Johnson currently is appointed as active medical staff at Gila Regional Medical Center.

Sam W. Lew, MD

Pediatrics
Doctor of Medicine

University of Wyoming
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Los Angeles County and USC Medical Center

Dr. Sew Lew is board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology Oncology. Dr. Sew Lew has more than 40 years of pediatrics expertise including general pediatrics, newborn care, and specialty care in children, adolescents and young adults with blood and cancer disorders. He will be delivering primary care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults at both the HMS Silver City Community Health Center and the HMS Lordsburg Clinic.

He graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and trained in Pediatrics at the Los Angeles County and USC Medical Center. Dr. Lew completed his fellowship in Pediatric Hematology Oncology at the Naval Regional Medical Center in San Diego, California. Dr. Sew Lew most recently moved to Silver City from Bangor, Maine where he established a comprehensive Pediatric Hematology Oncology service at Eastern Maine Medical Center, where he served as Medical Director.

Dr. Lew says, "We can learn more about ourselves when we pay attention to life, as seen from the eyes of a child." Dr. Lew enjoys horse riding and outdoor activities, including fly fishing, camping, and hiking.

Jennica Lines, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Arizona State University
Chamberlain University

Jennica is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Counsel, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Jennica is driven by building a strong and trusting relationship with her patients by listening and developing a plan of care with each patient.

She attended Arizona State University at the prestigious Mayo Clinic Campus to obtain her Bachelor's in Nursing. As a registered nurse, Jennica worked at a large teaching hospital in Phoenix and specialized in high-risk obstetrics. Moving to New Mexico allowed her the opportunity to concentrate on obtaining her Master's in Nursing from Chamberlain University.

Jennica recently moved from Lordsburg to Silver City with her husband, Wyatt, who is also part of the HMS family. In her free time, Jennica likes to read, sew, cook, travel, spend time with family, and go on adventures with Wyatt. Together they can be found exploring, sailing, kayaking, and traveling both near and far.

Philip Manzano, MD

Family Medicine Resident
Doctor of Medicine

Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica

Dr. Philip Manzano is a Family Medicine Resident. Dr. Manzano received his M.D. from Ross University School of Medicine. He chose Family Medicine because of his personal experience of contracting Dengue Fever (twice!) as a child and almost dying each time. He cites the experience as what really drove him into pursuing rural medicine as it gave him “an appreciation and perspective of what it meant to put on the patient gown.” He credits his life being saved “because someone decided to go into primary care and I would like to dedicate my life doing the same.”

Dr. Manzano chose HMS and Silver City because of the people, the city, and the “wonderful staff at HMS”. He states that “from the day I first interviewed, I felt the warmth and nurturing environment in the program and I truly wanted to be a part of it.”

Tiffany Maxey, PA-C

Family Medicine
Physician Assistant-Certified
MAT Provider

New Mexico State University
Touro Medical School

Tiffany Maxey is a physician assistant who was born in Wyoming but raised in Silver City, NM and graduated from Silver High School. She received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from New Mexico State University in las Cruces, NM as well as a minor in Biology. She then went on to receive her masters as a physician assistant from Touro Medical School in Henderson, NV where she graduated top 10 in her class.

Tiffany has returned home to her roots and her family to practice in the town that she grew up in. She enjoys the small town charm, which enables her to care for multiple generations of families and to provide continuity of care. She did specialty rotations in interventional Cardiology as well as Cardiothoracic Surgery at New Mexico Heart Institute and has a passion for cardiology . Her hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, riding horses, hiking and doing pretty much anything outdoors . She is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers Football fan as well.

Randi Murphy, DNP, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Western New Mexico University
Frontier Nursing University

Randi Murphy was born and raised in Grant County New Mexico. She graduated with honors from Western New Mexico University in 2013 before going on to attend Frontier Nursing University where she obtained a Master of Science in Nursing in 2018 and then ultimately completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2019. She is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and has practiced as a family nurse practitioner in Grant County since December of 2018. Randi is passionate about rural healthcare and improving access to care for marginalized populations and has been involved in a variety of volunteer efforts both locally and abroad. She is honored to have the opportunity to work with families in her hometown and enjoys seeing patients of all ages and from all walks of life.

Megan Novikoff, PA-C

Family Medicine
Physician Assistant-Certified
MAT Provider

Bowling Green State University
Pacific University School of Physician Assistant Studies

Megan Novikoff is a board certified Physician Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University. After college, Megan traveled and then moved to Denver where her work experience sparked her interest in the medical field. She relocated to Portland, Oregon where she attended Pacific University's School of Physician Assistant Studies. After receiving her master's degree, she joined a small family practice in Oregon and developed a passion for primary care.

Megan and her husband Ethan moved to New Mexico in 2015. She enjoys developing relationships with her patients to work together toward healthy lifestyles. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, camping, gardening, cooking, and reading.

Erica Palin, MD

Family Medicine Family Medicine Resident
Doctor of Medicine

Meharry Medical College

Dr. Erica Palin, M.D. is a resident of the rural county of Lancaster, Virginia. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Doctorate of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College. Since she was young, Dr. Palin has always wanted to become a physician; inspired by the physicians from her small town who always took part in the local community where she grew up.

From being part of the Medical Explorer’s Post in high school to raising funds for the local soup kitchen with the American Latino Medical Association in medical school, Dr. Palin has always wanted to do what she could to help others around her. “I am very excited to become part of this program. Its mission, purpose and people are all something that I very much want to be a part of.”

Clifton Rogers, PA-C

Family Medicine
Physician Assistant-Certified

University of Arizona
Chatham University Physician Assistant Studies

Clifton Rogers is a board certified Physician Assistant. He graduated from the University of Arizona summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in molecular and cellular biology and a minor in chemistry. In 2013, he graduated from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. He gained experience in the field of family medicine while working in Duncan, Arizona for over a year before joining the staff here at HMS in May 2015 . Clifton lives in Silver City with his wife and three children and they are excited to be a part of this community. He enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family. Clifton is dedicated to providing quality healthcare in the field of family medicine.

James T. Shen, MD

Family Medicine Resident
Doctor of Medicine

Thomas Jefferson University

Dr. James T. Shen is a Family Medicine Resident. He was born and raised in Southern California. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California Riverside, he went on to earn his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. James finished a surgical internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center before starting military service. From 2014 to 2018, he served with Air Force Special Operations Command as a Special Operations Forces Medical Element (SOFME) Flight Surgeon. He has deployed 3 times to various parts of the world providing care to US and coalition troops as well as local underserved civilians.

He is excited to be starting Family Medicine Residency and is looking forward to building relationships with and learning from his instructors, fellow residents, and patients. Some of his hobbies are cooking, shooting, hunting, flying, hiking and exploring new places.

Isaac Saucedo, PA

Family Practice Clinician
Physician Assistant

Western New Mexico University
Evangel University, Missouri
Arizona School of Health Services

Issac Saucedo is a family practice clinician who has a special interest in rural and preventative medicine. Isaac was born and raised in Silver City, and attended Western New Mexico University. He later graduated from Evangel University, Missouri, and went on to attend Arizona School of Health Services. Isaac Saucedo is certified with the National Commission on Certifications of Physicians Assistants (NCCPA). He is a fellow of the New Mexico Academy of Physician Assistants (NMAPA) and a fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Sanne van Swol, PA-C

Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant-Certified

The University of St. Francis

Ms. Sanne van Swol is a certified Physician Assistant. Sanne fell in love with Silver City when she rotated here as a physician assistant student, completing surgical and OB-Gyn rotations at GRMC/Cassie Women’s Health Center and her pediatric rotation at Hidalgo Medical Services. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in psychology from the University of New Mexico graduating Summa cum Laude. Later, Ms. van Swol pursued a career in health care and obtained her Masters in Physician Assistant studies from the University of St. Francis in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She is very excited to have returned to this lovely community to serve as a certified physician assistant specializing in Family Medicine. Sanne has a particular interest in cardiology, women’s health and adolescent medicine and she sees patients of all ages. In her spare time Ms. van Swol enjoys hiking with her dogs, camping, shopping, playing the violin, yoga, and baking.

Janie Vargas, PA-C

Family Medicine
Physician Assistant-Certified
MAT Provider


New Mexico State University
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks

Janie Vargas, PA-C, has been a Certified Physician Assistant for almost 15 years. Janie completed her Associate Degree in Nursing from New Mexico State University, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from New Mexico University, and graduated from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks with a Master's Degree as a Certified Physician Assistant. Janie offers a full spectrum of comprehensive, family medical services to all patients who are at HMS Med Square Clinic, the HMS Mimbres Valley Clinic, and the HMS Lordsburg Clinic.

Throughout her career in health care, Janie has truly enjoyed helping other people. Her experience includes providing comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages. Janie is willing to learn and has focused on providing care to patients in pediatric, family practice, and urgent care settings. Janie has lived in New Mexico most of her life, and looks forward to her tenure with HMS. In her spare time, Janie enjoys traveling, fishing, and refurbishing homes.

Hannah Lochner, RD

Dietician/Diabetes Educator
Registered Dietician

Oregon Health and Science University

Hannah Lochner is a dietitian and diabetes educator. Hannah is seeing referral patients in Silver City and Lordsburg. Hannah was raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and after graduating high school she moved out of the state for education, most recently to attend Oregon Health and Science University. Her passion for food- mostly cooking and eating- is what brought her to a career in nutrition and dietetics. Outside of work you can find Hannah on her yoga mat or hiking in the Gila.

Joseph Santarsieri, DC

Chiropractor
Doctor of Chiropractic

Virginia Military Institute
Palmer College of Chiropractic

Dr. Joseph Santarsieri is a Chiropractic specialist. Dr. Santarsieiri graduated Cum Laude from the Virginia Military Institute in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic and has been practicing as a field chiropractor since 2001. Dr. Santarsieri was privileged to work with the official group of chiropractors on the Detroit Lions NFL football team. “ I have gained clinical knowledge and experience in treating sports to civilian injuries that deal with the neuromusculoskeletal system. I strive to help individuals improve structure and function that ultimately improves the quality of their life. Better function leads to better health. I am super excited to join the HMS staff to serve and care for this community”.`