ArMA Member Spotlight: Christina Ferraro, MD!
We're proud to introduce Christina Ferraro, MD as ArMA's February Member Spotlight!
Dr. Christina Ferraro is a diagnostic breast radiologist at Valleywise Health Medical Center and an assistant clinical professor of radiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix and Creighton University. Dr. Ferraro received her medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and now has over 10 years of experience in the medical field.
Dr. Ferraro is a longstanding advocate for radiology, a leader within organized medicine, and a determined philanthropist for Arizona's communities. ArMA proudly invites you to get to know Dr. Christina Ferraro and her journey through Arizona's health landscape.
Learn more about Dr. Ferraro's story below!
How has your specialty shaped your philosophy on patient care?
"Radiology is often misunderstood. While we do sit in the dark, it is a very patient centered field and we interact with all types of clinicians. We also have interface directly with patients primarily in the procedural setting. Sometimes with limited history provided it truly is kind of like a puzzle to put everything together by combing the medical chart, and having a breath of knowledge about many disease processes, anatomy and the imaging findings thereof.
My specialty of Breast Radiology in particular is a very fast paced environment with lots of face time with patients in the diagnostic and procedural setting. This has allowed me to truly treat each person as an individual; with different concerns, stressors, risk factors, health literacy and life circumstances. The principles of cura personalis or 'care for the whole person' learned from my Jesuit training allow me to pause and consider how best to help each patient and to tailor conversations. My favorite part of the job is working closely with my amazing team to take wonderful care of these women. Well, sometimes the topic of breast cancer is tough, I hope that I am making a meaningful impact on our very deserving patients."
Have you always been interested in physician advocacy? If so, recount one of your earliest involvements. If not, can you pinpoint a catalyst for your recent interest?
"I have been involved with physician advocacy since medical school, but more seriously since residency.
I was accepted as a Rutherford Lavanty Fellow for the American College of Radiology in 2015 and spent a week in Washington DC shadowing the Government Relations Team. That was an eye opening experience to see different medical societies often asking for things that were counterproductive but also the time, persistence and money required to get your ask heard.
Since then, I have remained involved and have attended Hill Day as part of the annual ACR meeting a handful of times. I also serve as current president of the Arizona Radiological Society and am involved in advocacy at the state level."
Describe the goal you're most excited to accomplish in 2025.
"I am fortunate to have been asked to be a dancer this year in Dancing with the Stars, a major fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. In addition to learning ballroom dance and competing in a competition on March 15 at the Phoenician, I am fundraising with a goal of $35,000!
This supports services throughout Arizona (inclusive but not limited to help with dialysis, rides, food, shelter, dental services) and also supports kids with renal disease to attend a camp in Prescott called Camp Kidney. The entire experience is outside of my comfort zone but I believe we have to push ourselves to grow.
Please help me achieve my goals with a donation! It is greatly appreciated and helps to better serve our medical community."
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?
"Mariposa in Sedona and Buck & Rider in Phoenix."
What do you like best about living in Arizona?
"The beautiful sunny winters and getting out to hike! I also like to get out to explore different areas around the state as we have very interesting geography. Some of my favorite places I’ve visited include Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Flagstaff and Pinetop."
What success in your career are you most proud of?
"SB 1601 was a bill I initiated and ultimately got passed in 2023 with the invaluable support from ArMA and guidance from leaders in my specialty. This bill was sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp. This bill guaranteed tomosynthesis coverage for screening mammograms for all Arizona woman and updated guidelines to reflect recommendations of the NCCN.
While this bill was definitely a step in the right direction, more needs to be done. We need to follow suit of other states and look into additional coverage for supplemental screening of dense breasts, as well as eliminating cost sharing for diagnostic examinations. My hope is within the next couple years we can work on legislation to get Arizona one step further and to be following trends in the nation."
If you weren't pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?
"Honestly, I would probably be a veterinarian (but really would only want to see dogs). Or an interior designer… it’s fun to shop!"
Why is ArMA important to you and those you lead?
"ArMA and Arizona Healthcare Advocacy Coalition (AHAC) have been instrumental in keeping our Arizona Radiological Society in the loop on things happening here in the state. They are often able to let us know of legislation or pending legislation that we may not be aware of. They also seek our opinion at times on healthcare legislation, and vice versa. The team is truly 'boots on the ground' and it’s inspiring. They also have many programs to inspire future physician leaders and to engage with other like minded physicians.
I was honored to give a presentation at ArMA’s medical student and resident fellow section annual meeting last year on advocacy. I love teaching medical students and residents and that is a favorite part of my job at Valleywise Health, where we teach students and residents from Creighton University Medical School, as well as University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix. I strongly believe it’s my duty to give back and hopefully make a lasting impact on future leaders in the field."
