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.

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 .