ArMA Member Spotlight: Edward Kalpas, MD, MAS, MPH!
We're proud to introduce Edward Kalpas, MD, MAS, MPH as ArMA's December Member Spotlight!
Dr. Kalpas received his master's in public health from Columbia University, his medical degree from Uniformed Services University, and his master's in health informatics from Arizona State University. Dr. Kalpas found his way to the Valley, where he worked with organizations like HonorHealth, taught classes at Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions, and conducted research at The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).
Most recently, Dr. Kalpas joined the Community Health Center of Yavapai as chief medical officer. In this role, he is empowering patients and healthcare professionals to improve healthcare through technology. In our interview with Dr. Kalpas, he shines a much-deserved spotlight on rural healthcare.
Learn more about Dr. Kalpas's story below!
What led you to practice in Yavapai County specifically?
"Yavapai County Community Health Services contains both a County Public Health Department and Federally Qualified Health Center in one department. As the Chief Medical Officer of this integrated department, I get to bring Public Health interventions directly into the primary care setting in addition to leveraging our primary care, pediatric, OB/GYN, dental and behavioral health providers to improve the health of the entire county.
This unique role allows me to fully utilize my training in public health, preventive medicine and clinical informatics. I still get to see patients part-time and also mentor students which are all important to me."
What is your favorite thing about serving that community?
"It is truly fulling to work in an underserved area. We see all types of patients from those with no insurance to patients with Medicaid, Medicare or commercial health insurances.
We have areas that are more densely populated such as Prescott and Prescott Valley and rural areas extending from Ash Fork and Seligman in the North to Cottonwood and Camp Verde in the East, Bagdad in the West, and Yarnell and Congress in the South.
In addition, it is a very collaborative environment where we work closely with our colleagues from Yavapai Regional Medical Center, the Prescott Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Northern Arizona Healthcare. As a department of Yavapai County government, we have been able to forge strong relationships with Yavapai College, and several school districts."
What hurdles have you and your team overcome in the rural health landscape?
"It is challenging working in an area with insufficient specialty providers. We often have to send patients to Phoenix or Flagstaff for specialty care and this can be challenging, particularly when patients don't have reliable access to transportation."
How did your military service prepare you to lead in a medical environment?
"I learned in the Army to 'Leave No One Behind'. This prepared me for my current position where I'm committed to bringing quality healthcare to every Yavapai County resident."
What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?
"I first became involved with ArMA as a member of the Residents and Fellows Section where I was the Vice-Chairperson. I wanted to advocate for Graduate Medical Education participants and network with other providers in Arizona."
Why is ArMA important to you and those you lead?
"As of member of the ArMA Public Health Committee, I feel it is important to advocate for the the physician specialty of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine. Many physicians and medical students I've talked to don't know there is a residency and board certification in this area."
What song has been on repeat lately?
"Little Blue - Jacob Collier"
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?
"Pomo Pizzeria is my favorite restaurant in Arizona. Both my parents grew up in Italy and I got to visit Italy every summer to visit my grandparents when I was growing up. This is the most authentic Neapolitan pizza I've found in all of Arizona."
If you weren't pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?
"If I wasn't practicing medicine, I would be at a meditation center, flying airplanes, taking personal development courses or scuba diving."
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
"I developed and taught a course at Stony Brook University called 'Geniuses of Italian Science'. We learned about important scientists from Italy ranging from Leonardo Da Vinci to Enrico Fermi."
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
"I like to ride my mountain bike, go trail running, play guitar, meditate or take my golden retrievers Hugo and Mr. Chips to the dog park."
