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.

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 .