About Trailblazer Pediatrics in ABQ
and Rachel Marquez, DNP
Trailblazer Pediatrics is a membership-based pediatric clinic in Albuquerque, NM, founded by Doctor of Nursing Rachel Marquez.
A Patient-First Pediatric Clinic in Albuquerque
I started Trailblazer Pediatrics because I was frustrated with the traditional fee-for-service model—where families are often nickel-and-dimed for every extra question, and clinics even post signs warning: “If you discuss anything outside the scope of a well visit, you or your insurance will be billed.” (Yes, that really happens!)
Direct Primary Care (DPC)—also known as membership or concierge healthcare—gives us the space to talk about whatever we want, for as long as you need, whenever it matters most. All included with your monthly membership!
The Trailblazer Mission:
We provide personalized, unrushed, relationship-based pediatric care that puts families first — delivering the time, access, and attention every child deserves.
Rachel's Story
How I Got Here
NICU Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Doctorate
Launched Trailblazer
With an ADN from Santa Fe Community College, I began my nursing career caring for our most vulnerable newborns. While working in the NICU for 6 years, I earned my BSN from New Mexico Highlands University and my MSN from the University of South Alabama—and welcomed 2 babies of my own!
In 2018, I became a Nurse Practitioner, practicing for 6 years in a fast-paced, high-volume clinic. Although it sharpened my clinical skills, this environment also highlighted the limitations of the traditional healthcare model—particularly regarding mental health, which is a vital and often overlooked part of pediatric care.
I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2022, and became certified in Pediatric Mental Health; deepening my commitment to holistic, patient-centered care. But the mandatory evening & weekend shifts and high patient volume soon took their toll on my work/life balance—and I had to find a new way to practice.
In 2025, I finally gave up on the traditional insurance-company-first model of healthcare, and started my own private-pay membership practice. Instead of being dictated by insurance billing, my schedule is determined by who needs me for what. Now I can finally practice the comprehensive, relationship-based medicine I signed up for!
