INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM February 20, 2026
TO: Klarissa J. Peña, President, City Council
FROM: Timothy M. Keller, Mayor
SUBJECT:
title
Mayor’s appointment of Dr. Christopher W. Root to the EMS Medical Control Board
body
I am submitting for your advice and consent the following name for appointment to the EMS
Medical Control Board in accordance with the City of Albuquerque Ordinance 9-4-4-6.
|
APPOINTEE NAME |
TERM |
|
Dr. Christopher W. Root Albuquerque, NM 87106 |
August 15, 2026 |
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|
Dr. Christopher W. Root is an emergency medicine physician and EMS medical director at the University of New Mexico, where he serves as an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and works clinically at UNM Hospital. He earned his medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and completed both his emergency medicine residency and EMS fellowship at UNM. Dr. Root provides medical direction for multiple EMS and rapid response programs across central New Mexico and will become Medical Director of Bernalillo County Fire Rescue in July 2026. His work focuses on prehospital medicine, system coordination, and improving patient outcomes through training, quality oversight, and collaborative partnerships. He seeks to serve on the board to strengthen interagency coordination and leadership collaboration across regional EMS, fire, and hospital systems to ensure the highest quality care for patients. |
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A resident of City Council District 6, Dr. Christopher W. Root will replace Dr. Dorothy A. Habrat and serve as an Emergency Medical Director Representative; their first partial term will expire August 15, 2026. |
The remaining members are:
|
Representing |
Name |
Term |
|
1. |
Emergency Medical Director |
Dr. Kimberly M. Pruett |
8/15/2025 |
|
2. |
Emergency Medical Director |
Dr. Dorothy A. Habrat |
8/15/2026 |
|
3. |
Emergency Medical Director |
Mr. Thomas Patrick Keegan |
8/15/2027 |
|
4. |
Emergency Medical Director |
Dr. Justin L. Hazen |
8/15/2025 |
|
5. |
Emergency Medical Director |
Dr. Ian Medoro |
8/15/2022 |
EMS Medical Control Board
Appointment of Dr. Christopher W. Root.
Page 3
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Samantha Sengel, Chief Administrative Officer Date