Updated:
by
Alfredo F. Gurmendi, MD, FACS
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), outstanding patient care starts with outstanding physicians. That is why we are thrilled to welcome Alfredo F. Gurmendi, MD, FACS, a double board-certified surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in thoracic, cardiovascular, and general surgery, to CVR’s Rio Rancho, New Mexico, vein clinic.
Dr. Gurmendi brings a rare caliber of surgical expertise to the field of vein care. After a distinguished career performing some of the most technically demanding operations in medicine, he has channeled that experience into a focused, patient-centered practice dedicated to helping people overcome the burden of venous disease.
For patients in the Rio Rancho area living with leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, or venous ulcers, his arrival is welcome news.
📅 Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gurmendi in Rio Rancho, NM: BOOK ONLINE HERE
📞 Prefer to speak with a Patient Representative directly? Call 240-249-8250
Dr. Gurmendi's path to vein medicine is one built on decades of surgical mastery. After earning his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and completing his general surgery residency there, he pursued a thoracic surgery residency at the University of Oklahoma and a prestigious Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Scholarship at Boston University.
He is certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, with multiple recertifications over the years, and holds the distinction of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
For 30 years, Dr. Gurmendi performed complex heart, lung, and esophageal surgeries, the kind of high-stakes operations that demand precision, composure, and deep anatomical knowledge. But as he explains it, the transition to vein care was not a step back. It was a purposeful step forward:
"I wanted to do something that still is good medicine, good surgery, but not so physically arduous. I've been doing vein surgery for quite some time, and when you help people in wound care who've got venous stasis ulcers and you're able to get them to heal up, that's a real big thing to me." - Dr. Alfredo Gurmendi
That impact, watching patients regain their health and independence, is what drew him to make vein care the focus of his next chapter.
Ask Dr. Gurmendi about his approach to patient care, and his answer is immediate: "Treat them like family."
He credits the 19th-century physician Sir William Osler as an inspiration, echoing Osler's timeless principle that the secret to patient care is to care for your patient. For Dr. Gurmendi, that means asking himself what he would genuinely recommend if a family member walked into his office with the same condition.
"My philosophy is simple: treat every patient like family. The secret to patient care is to care for your patient. If you're living with leg pain, swelling, or visible veins, come in, let's see what we can do for you." - Dr. Alfredo Gurmendi
Coming from a career in thoracic surgery, where patients arrived facing life-altering diagnoses and major operations, Dr. Gurmendi is well-versed in helping people feel safe in moments of vulnerability.
He is now applying that same reassuring confidence to patients who may be anxious about their first vein appointment:
"Most of the patients I used to see really had life-threatening problems. With veins, it's a little more about making them feel at ease and trying to get a laugh if you can. That's been on the new side for me, but it's been enjoyable."- Dr. Alfredo Gurmendi
Dr. Gurmendi evaluates and treats a full range of vein conditions, including:
Many patients are surprised to learn that symptoms like leg heaviness, aching, and swelling are not simply a normal part of aging. They often have a treatable underlying cause. A simple, painless evaluation can make all the difference.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Gurmendi is a devoted husband of more than 31 years and a proud father of three accomplished children: a pediatric dental specialist, a neuroscience researcher at the University of Texas, and a Harvard Business School graduate. He and his wife have made New Mexico their permanent home, drawn by its remarkable hiking terrain and natural beauty.
"She was like, I really like New Mexico. Can't you find something here?" he laughs. "So that's where we're staying."
We are proud to welcome Dr. Alfredo Gurmendi to the CVR family and to the patients of Rio Rancho and the surrounding communities. His surgical depth, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, and deeply personal approach to care make him an exceptional addition to our team.
You do not have to keep living with leg pain, swelling, or visible veins!
👉 Schedule your consultation in Rio Rancho, NM, HERE.
📍 Not near Rio Rancho? Find a CVR clinic near you HERE.
📞 Have questions? Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-249-8250.
Q: What kinds of vein conditions does Dr. Gurmendi treat, and do I need a referral?
Dr. Gurmendi treats chronic venous insufficiency, varicose and spider veins, leg swelling and edema, venous stasis ulcers, and wound care related to venous disease, among other conditions. No referral is needed to schedule a consultation.
If your symptoms are covered under a medical necessity determination, CVR's team can also help guide you through the insurance process.
Q: I've had my vein symptoms for years and assumed it was just aging. Is it too late to get help?
It is never too late. Many patients live with leg heaviness, aching, swelling, or visible veins for years before seeking care, often because they were told the issues were cosmetic or simply part of getting older. Dr. Gurmendi's message is direct: if you are in pain and miserable, come in. Modern vein treatments are minimally invasive, highly effective, and performed on an outpatient basis.
The sooner you are evaluated, the sooner you can start feeling better.
Q: What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Gurmendi?
Your first visit is a consultation, not a commitment to treatment. Dr. Gurmendi will take the time to listen to your symptoms, review your health history, and perform a thorough evaluation that typically includes a diagnostic ultrasound to assess blood flow and identify the root cause of your discomfort.
You will leave with answers, not just a pamphlet.
About Vein Disease
Spider Veins
Varicose Veins
Vein Disease Treatments
Treating Spider Veins
Treating Varicose Veins
About Us
Patient Resources
Physician Resources