Name: Paul Echols, MD
Title: Professor
Specialty: General Orthopaedics
Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
Residency: University of New Mexico

Dr. Echols served until 1981 at USAF Hospital, RAF Lakenheath, UK, and then returned to New Mexico to a solo orthopaedic private practice in Ruidoso and Alamogordo.

In 1992, Dr. Echols joined the faculty of UNM SOM, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. Since that time, has served as Chief of the Division of General Orthopaedics at UNMH. He was Chief of Orthopaedics, Albuquerque VAMC until 2005. Since 2006, he has served as Vice Chair of Clinical Services for the Department. He holds the rank of Professor, Clinician Educator track. Dr. Echols has been a member of the New Mexico Medical Society since 1981, and has served on the Board of Directors for the New Mexico Orthopaedic Association since 1993. He served as the President of NMOA in 1995. Nationally, Dr. Echols represented New Mexico on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Board of Counselors from 1995 through 2001. He is an elected Member of the American Orthopaedic Association.

In 2003, Dr. Echols retired from the United States Air Force after almost 37 years of Active Duty and Guard/Reserve service. During his military career, in addition to his tour in England, Dr. Echols was called back to Active service for Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002-3. He served as a Flight Surgeon with the 150th Fighter Squadron stationed at Kirtland AFB, N.M. Colonel Echols is a graduate of Air War College.