Arizona Medical Association Welcomes 132nd President, William C. Thompson IV, MD, FASA

April 28, 2023

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) proudly welcomes William C. Thompson IV, MD, FASA, as its 132nd president. Dr. Thompson is an accomplished advocate in the medical community and an exemplary leader for organized medicine.

 

"I am truly honored to assume presidency of the Arizona Medical Association, the largest physician-led organization in our state," expressed Dr. Thompson. "For more than 130 years, our state's medical association has successfully advocated for patients and physicians, building a legacy of ingenuity, integrity, and influence. ArMA has aided our community in navigating some of the most significant public health challenges in Arizona's history, including the spread of cholera, the staffing of medical professionals during World Wars I and II, and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. I am excited and humbled to build upon this rich history and move health care forward."

 

Dr. Thompson is a board-certified pain medicine specialist serving patients in the East Valley. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of California in Los Angeles, and fulfilled his fellowship in pain medicine at Harvard's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center program in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

In addition to providing optimal patient care in his clinical practice, Dr. Thompson is heavily involved in organized medicine. He is currently a member of multiple professional medical societies, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Within these organizations, he has served in numerous volunteer leadership positions, including as president of the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists and vice president of the Arizona Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

 

Throughout his involvement in organized medicine, Dr. Thompson has proven a resolute advocate for patients, physicians, and health care. He is the past chair of ArMA's Legislative & Governmental Affairs Committee and currently sits on the Arizona Medical Political Action Committee's Board of Directors. Hand-in-hand with his formal guidance of ArMA's advocacy efforts, Dr. Thompson regularly visits the Arizona State Capitol to testify in support of optimal health care and educate legislators about the consequences of proposed health care policies.

 

"ArMA will be well-guided by Dr. Thompson's skillful leadership," stated Libby McDannell, ArMA CEO. "As health care in Arizona continues to evolve, Dr. Thompson is committed to making our state the best place to practice medicine and to receive care. Dr. Thompson's passion for supporting Arizona physicians and the patients they serve will be key to the organization's success. On behalf of the entire ArMA community, I warmly welcome him as our new president for the 2023-2024 term."

 

Dr. Thompson's presidential goals include initiatives that will support physicians' leadership development and increase collaboration across the health care community.

 

Dr. Thompson was inaugurated and delivered his presidential address to ArMA's House of Delegates during the 2023 Annual Meeting, which took place on the University of Arizona's College of Medicine-Phoenix Biomedical Campus. Local medical society leadership, past ArMA presidents, and members of ArMA's Board of Directors were present for the inauguration.

 

In addition to welcoming Dr. Thompson into his presidential term, ArMA announced the newly elected members of its board of directors during the 2023 Annual Meeting. Comprised of local physicians, residents, and medical students, ArMA's 2023–24 Board of Directors represents an array of backgrounds, specialties, and perspectives. To view the members of ArMA's 2023–24 Board of Directors, visit ArMA's website: https://www.azmed.org/page/ArMABoard.

 

Led by Dr. Thompson and the diverse expertise of its board, ArMA will continue to boldly empower physicians, move medicine, and shape care in the next year.

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.