2024 ArMA Health Care Awards Presented to Local Champions, Leaders
Ten Arizona physicians, leaders, and organizations were honored by the state’s largest physician-led organization for their dedication to supporting, delivering, and advocating for high-quality health care in Arizona.
PHOENIX, Arizona — The
Arizona Medical Association proudly honored eight local physicians, a state legislator, and a not-for-profit organization as recipients of the
2024 ArMA Health Care Awards.
For more than 30 years, the ArMA Health Care Awards have recognized the achievements of physicians, organizations, and health care champions in supporting, delivering, and advocating for high-quality health care. From their innovation in dementia care to their selfless acts of service in underserved communities, ArMA's award recipients are championing patient care and strengthening the health and well-being of Arizona’s communities.
“Arizona's healthcare community continues to demonstrate excellence, dedication, and innovation in transforming patient care,” stated
Libby De Bie, CEO of ArMA. “As physicians and their patients continue to face a myriad of challenges in healthcare, it is crucial to recognize the valiant efforts being made to improve the system. ArMA is proud to honor the achievements of those moving health care forward, one step at a time. We warmly congratulate them on their prestigious and well-deserved awards.”
ArMA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, was presented to
Gretchen Alexander, MD, for her fierce commitment to leadership within organized medicine. Arizona State
Senator Brian Fernandez, family medicine specialist
Andrew Carroll, MD, and physician executive
Keith Frey, MD, were among the other recipients honored.
2024 ArMA Health Care Award Recipients
Distinguished Service Award: Gretchen B. Alexander, MD
Presented to an individual or organization providing outstanding service to the community, this year’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Gretchen B. Alexander, MD. Throughout her career, Dr. Alexander has proven to be a fierce advocate and leader for organized medicine in Arizona, inspiring women physicians, healthcare leaders, psychiatrists, and mental health experts.
Read more.
David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award: Nadia L. Norton Anspach, MD
The David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual who acts unselfishly to improve their community, as the award’s namesake — ArMA’s long-time lobbyist and vice president of policy and political affairs — did before his passing in 2015. This year’s recipient of the David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award is Nadia L. Norton Anspach, MD. Dr. Norton Anspach is a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and has dedicated her career to serving the health and well-being of Native American communities in Arizona.
Read more.
ArMA & ADHS Public Health Service Award: Craig D. Norquist, MD
Presented jointly by ArMA and the Arizona Department of Health Services, the ArMA & ADHS Public Health Service Award recognizes an Arizona individual, organization, or educational program for their significant contributions to public health. This year’s recipient is Craig D. Norquist, MD. Dr. Norquist has devoted much of his career to addressing Arizona’s opioid crisis through the creation of prescribing guidelines for healthcare professionals, which he has done with notable empathy and compassion.
Read more.
Award in Memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD: Andrew J.P. Carroll, MD
This award is given in memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD, a former ArMA president and champion for health care in Arizona, in recognition of an individual’s long-term commitment to organized medicine. ArMA is proud to name Andrew J.P. Carroll, MD, as this year’s recipient. Dr. Carroll demonstrates unwavering support of organized medicine within his profession, at the Arizona State Capitol, and within the media.
Read more.
Wallace A. Reed, MD Award: Keith A. Frey, MD
Recognizing an individual or organization for innovation in health care, this year’s Wallace A. Reed, MD Award was presented to Keith A. Frey, MD. Dr. Frey’s innovative vision for clinician well-being is evidenced by his leadership of the Wellbeing Collaborative, an initiative that has offered widespread support and impact within the healthcare community.
Read more.
Walk the Talk Award: Senator Brian Fernandez
The Walk the Talk Award recognizes individuals or organizations that go above and beyond in support of medicine, often in matters related to health policy. This year, ArMA proudly presented the Walk the Talk Award to Senator Brian Fernandez, the esteemed representative of Legislative District 23 in the Arizona State Senate. Senator Fernandez is a staunch ally for healthcare, championing good health policy within the legislative chamber and beyond.
Read more.
C.H. William Ruhe, MD Award: Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care & Education Campus
The C.H. William Ruhe, MD Award recognizes excellence in the implementation of ideas enhancing professional medical learning in Arizona. ArMA recognizes Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care & Education Campus as this year’s recipient for their innovation in training healthcare professionals to treat and care for patients living with dementia.
Read more.
National Leadership Award: Daniel J. Briceland, MD
The National Leadership Award is presented to an Arizona physician or other individual who has served in a leadership position of a national medical organization. This year, ArMA proudly presented the National Leadership Award to Daniel J. Briceland, MD. Dr. Briceland’s presidential leadership of the American Academy of Ophthalmology drove record levels of engagement and enabled the organization to achieve its strategic goals.
Read more.
Rising Star Award: Christine J. Erie, MD
Presented to an ArMA medical student, resident, fellow, or physician in the first five years of their practice who has demonstrated enthusiasm for organized medicine, this year’s Rising Star Award recognizes Christine J. Erie, MD, a resident physician within Creighton University’s Family Medicine Residency program in Phoenix. During her clinical training, Dr. Erie has gone above and beyond to advocate for her profession by taking on extracurricular activities and programs on physician leadership.
Read more.
President’s Award: Timothy H. Beger, MD
Each year, ArMA’s president honors an individual who has gone above and beyond in health care or provided them with unwavering support over the course of their presidential term. This year, ArMA’s 132nd President, William C. Thompson IV, MD, FASA, proudly presented the President’s Award to Timothy H. Beger, MD, for his steadfast and long-standing support of Dr. Thompson’s leadership and organized medicine.
Read more.
ArMA's 133rd President, Nadeem Kazi, MD, AGAF, presented this year's awards and highlighted the unique contributions each recipient has made to healthcare in Arizona. To learn more about each awardee and their achievements, click here.
A large gathering of healthcare community leaders, political figures, and physicians were present for the 2024 ArMA Health Care Awards Ceremony, which took place during the association’s inaugural Heartbeat Fundraising Gala at the Marriott Phoenix Resort in Tempe, Arizona, on June 22.
The evening began with
recorded remarks from Governor Katie Hobbs, who applauded the dedication, skill, and compassion of this year's award recipients. After honoring awardees, the gala concluded with a fundraising auction, which raised $55,000 for the ArMA Foundation's initiatives to address childhood obesity, promote 'Blue Zone' communities, and support medical education.
