About Barbara Cadena, MD

DDoctor Barbara Cadena, MDr. Barbara Cadena is a highly experienced, patient-focused Family Medicine Physician with over 14 years of clinical experience providing full-scope primary care to diverse populations, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Her expertise includes women’s health, chronic disease management, and integrated approaches to wellness. She is proficient in Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems Athena and eClinicalWorks. She is dedicated to comprehensive, culturally competent care, with proficiency in Medical and Conversational Spanish.

FAQ’s for Dr. Barbara Cadena

Where did you complete your education and training?

  • Family Medicine Residency Program
    University of California, Davis
    The Valley Consortium, Modesto, CA
    Unopposed Family Medicine residency program (where FM residents are the only residents at the hospital and outpatient clinics). This model offered hands-on training in emergency medicine, intensive care, OB with delivery, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatric care, palliative care, and outpatient family medicine.
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
    University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, graduated 2008
    UNM School of Medicine is nationally recognized for Family Medicine education. I also focused on extra psychiatric and gynecology rotations. As well as completing an integrative elective, on the healing power of mindfulness.
  • Bachelors of Science, Biology with Honors, Minor in Chemistry
    New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, NM, | graduated 2001
    During undergraduate studies I found my love for science!

What is your philosophy/approach to patient care?
My approach as a medical provider starts with patient-centered care, providing a safe space for hurting, grieving, hope and healing. Patient-centered care involves educating the patient to understand her/his presenting illness, disease, life change, or imbalance. Understanding occurs when the provider listens to the patient, and also practices the art of explaining medical science in a way that can be understood.

Patient-centered care involves shared decision-making about the possible medical treatments.
I also believe the body has an innate wisdom to heal itself. Often, we must find quiet to hear this wisdom. We must be open to looking at the emotional, mental and physical habits that contribute to imbalance in the body. I believe in the sayings, “You are what you eat (drink and think).” Frequently, we can feel better from even small lifestyle changes which can bring about a shift towards wellness.

Of course, serious disease and chronic conditions are a part of life. It has been and will continue to be my sincere privilege to support patients’ struggles, loss, and grief. I believe that both allopathic (Western) medicine and complementary therapies can be used to treat/ease symptoms and improve outcomes for patients with these conditions.

What is a typical first visit like with you?
A first visit includes gathering a comprehensive medical/surgical history and reviewing medications and allergies. It may also include addressing acute/urgent concerns (if applicable). I also focus on helping patients with mental health challenges and with their sexual health. We may review past medical studies and labs, and order new tests as needed.
In short, I would say each new patient visit will vary depending on the patient’s needs. New patients are asked to follow up within 1-6 weeks depending on the patient.

Do you see children as patients?
I will see adolescents 14 years old and older for primary care, well child visits, and lifestyle (diet and exercise) education.

What drew you to IMC?
Great people! And an opportunity to have the precious time during office visits to care for patients under a comprehensive model. Integrative modalities such as essential oils, homeopathy, flower essences, yoga, meditation, vitamins/minerals, and folk herbal remedies all have helped me personally and I enjoy sharing my recommendations with people.

What types of appointments do you offer?
I am a family medicine doctor at heart, which includes treating the whole person through a lifespan. I take a holistic approach by considering physical, emotional and social factors in diagnosis and treatment. I provide medical care for patients with chronic disease and treat acute concerns. Also, I do the important work of guiding patients through the recommended preventive screenings and care.

In addition, I will have specialized visits including:

  • Vitamin and Supplement Review: Review and give guidance regarding supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc.) Please bring in the bottles.
  • Perimenopause/ menopause support/Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), and common signs and symptoms including night sweats, hot flashes, and brain fog. HRT can treat osteoporosis, and help with sexual function and well-being.
  • Well-woman exam: pap smears, breast cancer screening
  • Healthy Gut is a Happy Life: Focus on digestion and elimination concerns. Advice on pro/prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and fiber.

 

CV for Barbara Cadena, MD

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Medical Doctor & Family Medicine Provider
Healthcare Solutions, PA | Las Cruces, New Mexico 2020 – Present

  • Provided full-scope Primary Care Services with an emphasis on women’s health, chronic care management, acute visits, and wellness exams.
  • Managed patient records and clinical documentation efficiently on EHR systems Athena and eClinicalWorks.
  • Delivered comprehensive patient education on preventative lifestyle measures, including nutrition, stress reduction, exercise, and recommended integrative remedies (homeopathic, herbal medicine, and vitamin therapies).

Family Medicine Provider (Full Scope)
La Clinica de Familia | San Miguel, New Mexico 2011 – 2020

  • Provided culturally competent, comprehensive primary care in a community health center setting, serving the medical needs of the local population.

 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Residency
Family Medicine Residency Program University of California, Davis (UC Davis) affiliated program (The Valley Consortium for Medical Education), Modesto, California Completion: 2011

Medical Degree
Doctor of Medicine (MD) University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico Graduation: 2008

Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico Graduation: 2001

 

SKILLS AND CERTIFICAITONS

  • Medical Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM)
  • Clinical Expertise: Full-Scope Primary Care, Women’s Health, Chronic Disease Management, Acute Care, Preventative Medicine, Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine.
  • EHR Proficiency: Athena, eClinicalWorks
  • Languages: Medical and Conversational Spanish