Treatment scheduled for UNM president

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - University of New Mexico President David Schmidly left Wednesday for treatment of an abdominal tumor, according to a statement from the university.

Medical tests in May showed additional treatment is needed for the "small, slow-growing" tumor, the statement said.

"The report we received in May was very encouraging, and I anticipate a full and rapid recovery following this procedure for Dr. Schmidly," Dr. Paul Roth, UNM executive vice president for health sciences, said.

The statement did not include details of the out-of-state treatment or a timeline for Schmidly's return from sick leave.

Schmidly, who has been president of UNM since 2007, said he would remain in full contact with the university during his treatment and recovery.  He credited early discovery of the tumor and expert treatment at UNM hospital facilities for the positive outlook on his treatment.