Arizona Medical Association Presents 2023 ArMA Health Care Awards to Local Champions

April 21, 2023

PHOENIX, Arizona — On April 21, the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) proudly announced the recipients of the 2023 ArMA Health Care Awards. Given to members of the health care community annually, these awards recognize outstanding dedication to supporting, delivering, and advocating for high-quality health care. This year, ArMA presented awards to 10 local physicians, all of whom display excellence through their innovation, compassion, and drive to make a difference.

 

"It is an incredible honor to recognize deserving individuals for positively impacting health care in our state on multiple fronts," stated Libby McDannell, ArMA CEO. "From innovation in the lab to leadership in health care policy, this year's award recipients are advancing and safeguarding patient care. Day in and day out, these physicians lead by example, using their ingenuity to overcome challenges in health care and achieve the ultimate goal: delivering optimal patient care. We warmly congratulate them on their prestigious awards."

 

Distinguished Service Award: David Greenberg, M.D.

Presented to an individual or organization providing outstanding service to the community, this year's Distinguished Service Award was presented to David Greenberg, M.D. Learn more.

 

David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award: Robert Fauer, M.D.

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 Robert Fauer, M.D. Learn more.

 

ArMA & ADHS Public Health Service Award: Lisa Villarroel, M.D.

Presented jointly by ArMA and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), the ArMA & ADHS Public Health Service Award recognizes an individual, organization, or educational program that has performed extensive efforts regarding public health issues. This year's recipient is Lisa Villarroel, M.D. Learn more.

 

Award in Memory of Edward Sattenspiel, M.D.: Maria Manriquez, M.D.

This award is given in memory of Edward Sattenspiel, M.D., 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 Maria Manriquez, M.D., as this year's recipient. Learn more.

 

Wallace A. Reed, M.D. Award: Lisa Rimsza, M.D.

Recognizing an individual or organization for innovation in health care, this year's Wallace A. Reed, M.D. Award was presented to Lisa Rimsza, M.D. Learn more.

 

Walk the Talk Award: Laura Mercer, M.D., and Jasleen Chhatwal, M.D.

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 Walk the Talk Awards to Laura Mercer, M.D., and Jasleen Chhatwal, M.D. Learn more.

 

National Leadership Award: Jeff Mueller, M.D.

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 Jeff Mueller, M.D. Learn more.

 

Rising Star Award: Thomas Varkey, M.D.

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 Thomas Varkey, M.D. Learn more.

 

President’s Award: Kathleen Brite, M.D.

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 131st President, Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, M.D., proudly presented the President's Award to Kathleen Brite, M.D. Learn more.

 

A large gathering of health care community leaders and members were present for the 2023 ArMA Health Care Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Virginia Piper Auditorium on the University of Arizona's College of Medicine-Phoenix Biomedical Campus.

 

For more than 30 years, ArMA has highlighted the excellence of Arizona's health care community through the presentation of its Health Care Awards.

 

For more information on the ArMA Health Care Awards and this year's recipients, visit our website.

Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital Launches Largest Expansion in Its History

By Admin User • August 7, 2026
Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital Launches Largest Expansion in Its History Investment Expands Inpatient and Procedural Capacity to Meet Rising Demand for Cardiovascular Care The Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix announced last week that it is undertaking the largest expansion in its history. The new construction will add inpatient and procedural capacity to serve more Arizonans in need of heart and vascular care. Meeting Arizona's Growing Demand for Heart Care Abrazo explained that the expansion is necessary to support Arizona's continued population growth, which is driving increased demand for cardiovascular services. The added capacity will allow the hospital to not only treat more patients requiring cardiac, vascular, and critical care, but also continue its participation in clinical research and innovation.  Part of a Multi-Year Investment Strategy In its press release, Abrazo describes the expansion as the latest phase of ongoing, multi-year investments intended to advance care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of communities across the state. The hospital did not report an anticipated completion date for the project. Source: Abrazo Health

Arizona Erases $1 Billion in Medical Debt for Nearly 671,000 Residents

By Admin User • August 7, 2026
Hobbs Highlights Milestone in Ongoing Partnership With Undue Medical Debt Gov. Katie Hobbs announced this week that more than $1 billion in medical debt has been erased for nearly 671,000 Arizonans, marking a significant milestone in the state's ongoing partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. How the Program Works The initiative, first launched in 2024, purchases qualifying medical debt from hospitals and collection agencies for a fraction of its value before eliminating the debt entirely for eligible patients. Who Qualifies According to the governor's office, recipients do not need to apply for the program. It is available to Arizona residents who: Receive low- and moderate-income Have medical debt that represents a substantial share of their annual income A Flashpoint in the 2026 Election Season Healthcare affordability has been at the forefront of Arizona's political conversation as the 2026 election season intensifies. Supporters argue that relieving burdensome medical debt can improve: Families' financial stability Creditworthiness Willingness to seek needed healthcare Critics of similar programs have generally questioned whether debt forgiveness addresses the underlying drivers of rising healthcare costs or simply treats the financial consequences after care has been delivered. As debates continue over healthcare affordability and access, Arizona's medical debt relief initiative is expected to remain a prominent example in broader discussions about how states can help patients facing significant medical expenses.