ArMA Announces 133rd President Dr. Nadeem Kazi and Newly Elected Board Members

July 1, 2024

Alongside other elected leaders, ArMA's newest president strives to address some of the largest issues facing physicians and their patients, including commercial medical insurance, healthcare inequity, and childhood obesity.

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Arizona Medical Association is pleased to announce Nadeem Kazi, MD, AGAF, as the organization's esteemed 133rd president. Under the leadership of Dr. Kazi and its newly elected board members, ArMA will continue its mission to champion patient care and strengthen healthcare for the communities we serve.

Dr. Kazi is a practicing gastroenterologist, dedicated physician and patient advocate, and passionate philanthropist. After visiting Arizona in the late 1990s, Dr. Kazi was struck by the unusually high rate of young people experiencing advanced liver disease and cancer. In 1997, he began practicing medicine in Arizona and established a solo medical practice in Casa Grande. Throughout his 27 years of caring for patients in Casa Grande, he has become a pillar of the community and deeply respected by those he compassionately serves.

“I am deeply honored to contribute to the Arizona Medical Association’s rich legacy of serving physicians and their patients,” stated Dr. Kazi. “Throughout my practice, I have witnessed the power and success of collective action in healthcare again and again. From commercial medical insurance to inequity in healthcare, the largest challenges threatening Arizonans can only be met by organizations like ArMA. As president, I stand ready to tirelessly and loudly advocate for physicians and their patients.”

Dr. Kazi's presidential priorities include securing commercial medical insurance reform, increasing private practice viability, protecting quality health care, addressing healthcare workforce shortages, and implementing programs to curb the childhood obesity crisis.

“I’m very pleased that Dr. Nadeem Kazi will serve as my successor and the organization’s next president. He brings a wealth of experience, a visionary mindset, and a passion for our mission that is truly inspiring,” said ArMA's outgoing president, William C. Thompson IV, MD, FASA.

Dr. Kazi is a long-time, active member of ArMA, having served in nearly every leadership role within the organization. He is a leader who not only understands the complexities and challenges facing our healthcare community but also possesses the ability to creatively navigate them with foresight.

In addition to Dr. Kazi, the following individuals have been elected to ArMA's Board of Directors and will begin their terms on July 1, 2024:

  • Jason Jameson, MD — President-elect
  • Urologist — Urology Care Clinic, Tucson
  • Corinna Saldanha, DO — Secretary
  • Anesthesiologist — Valley Anesthesiology Consultants, Phoenix
  • Laura Mercer, MD — Executive Committee Member At-Large
  • OB/GYN — University of Arizona, Phoenix
  • Michael Dunn, MD — Maricopa Director
  • Family Medicine — Primary Care Practice of AZ, Gilbert
  • Ilana Addis, MD — Pima Director
  • OB/GYN — Banner University Medical Center, Tucson
  • Stephen Curtin, MD — At-large Director
  • Orthopedic Spine Surgeon — Tucson Orthopedic Institute, Tucson
  • Viktorya Tannenbaum, MD — Medical Resident Director
  • Pediatric Residency — Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix
  • Thomas Varkey, MD — Medical Resident Director
  • Neurology Residency — Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix
  • Jennifer Codd — Medical Student Director
  • 4th Year Medical Student — University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix
  • Adam Thompson — Medical Student Director
  • 3rd Year Medical Student — University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson


The new board members join a dynamic group of leaders dedicated to advancing ArMA's mission. Collectively, members of ArMA's Board of Directors are responsible for good governance, strategic leadership, financial management, and promoting the interests of Arizona's medical community.

"We are thrilled to welcome these accomplished individuals to our board," stated Libby De Bie, ArMA CEO. "With the support of our board, staff, members, and community partners, ArMA will continue to strive towards the goal of making Arizona the best state to practice medicine and receive care in the U.S.”

In addition to welcoming new members, ArMA extends its heartfelt gratitude to its outgoing board members for their service and leadership, including: Timothy Beger, MD (2016–2024), Robert Aaronson, MD (2016-2024), Ajay Bhatnagar, MD (2018-2024), Dale Guthrie, MD (2015-2024), Lee Ann Kelley, MD (2021-2024), Ricardo Verdiner, MD (2021-2024), Elizabeth Braunreuther, MD (2023-2024), Carleen Cuevas (2023-2024), and Eshaan Kashyap (2023-2024).

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

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