2024 ArMA Health Care Awards Presented to Local Champions, Leaders

June 28, 2024

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.

ADHS Issues Standing Orders for Flu, COVID-19 Vaccine Access

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
Statewide orders keep pharmacists and physicians authorized to vaccinate Arizonans amid uncertainty over the next ACIP meeting. Statewide Orders Cover the 2026-27 Flu & COVID Season The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued statewide standing orders supporting access to the 2026-27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arizonans seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact their physician or pharmacy to confirm availability. Why the Orders Were Issued Arizona pharmacists may administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travel, or vaccines authorized under a prescription, including a physician-issued public health standing order. With the timing of the next ACIP meeting uncertain, ADHS worked with the Arizona Board of Pharmacy to issue statewide standing orders for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which function as a prescription allowing pharmacists and physicians across Arizona to administer them to anyone who wants one. ADHS Medical Advisor Weighs In "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. The Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease, reduce pressure on our healthcare system and reduce costs," said Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS public health medical advisor and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General. "We have issued these standing orders to ensure safe and timely access to the vaccines in alignment with scientific and evidence-based guidance." What Arizonans Should Know The standing orders do not require every pharmacy to offer vaccinations, and they do not guarantee insurance coverage for administration. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so Arizonans should check with their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. 

Arizona Asks Supreme Court to Halt Prison Health Care Takeover

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
State attorneys seek an emergency stay after lower courts reject bids to delay receivership of the prison health care system. State Makes a Last-Ditch Appeal Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to delay a court-ordered receivership of the state's prison health care system. The request comes after both a federal district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause the takeover. In the recent application, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a representative of the department, argued that the state deserves more time to make its case before surrendering control of its operations, including oversight of its employees and health care budget. Roots of the Case The dispute began in 2012 when inmates sued the department, alleging the prison system's inadequate medical, mental health, and dental care amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The case went through years of litigation and a failed settlement agreement. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ruled that the health care system was "grossly inadequate." The court ordered the prison healthcare system to comply with more than 150 "quality indicators," but according to court-appointed monitors, the department failed to comply with 131 of the measures. In light of this finding, Silver named Annette Chambers-Smith, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, to take over as receiver effective Oct. 19. Arguments on Both Sides Clement argues receivership should be the last resort and that Silver moved to it too quickly. He asserts that the department has made measurable progress, including growing its health care staffing by more than 50%, expanding substance-use treatment access, and adopting a new care model. Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, which represents the roughly 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona prisons, called the department's request a "Hail Mary" and said Silver had given the department years of opportunities to comply before ordering receivership. What Happens Next The Supreme Court has not yet set a deadline for the plaintiffs to respond to the stay request. Separately, the 9th Circuit is now reviewing the merits of the receivership order itself. The department filed its opening brief on Sept. 15, and the plaintiffs' response is due Oct. 15. Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Mirror .