ArMA Member Spotlight: Heather Saran, DO!
We're proud to introduce Heather Saran, DO as ArMA's November Member Spotlight!
We're proud to introduce Heather Saran, DO, as the Arizona Medical Association's November Member Spotlight! Dr. Saran attended medical school at Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. She completed a residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, and completed a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at Ohio State University.
Dr. Saran recently opened Scottsdale's first-ever concierge endocrine medical practice, Bright Endocrinology. In her interview, Dr. Saran highlights her preventative treatment approach, emphasis on individualistic patient care, and lessons from her venture into private practice!
Learn more about Dr. Saran's story below!
What led you to start your own medical practice? What hurdles are you most proud to have overcome in opening your own practice?
"I launched Bright Endocrinology in order to bring change to the healthcare in the Valley. The biggest hurdle I had to get over was my own fear of failure. There is not another direct care endocrine practice in the Valley so I figured this would be either the best or worst idea I ever had. Practicing outside of health insurance limitations has given me the time I need to deliver individualized care, and my patients benefit from more time and information I am able to provide."
What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?
"I think busy physicians do not want to deal with bureaucracy of medicine, but this has led to new problems in healthcare. I firmly believe that we need organized medicine to advocate for physicians' rights, promote public health initiatives, and help set ethical standards in medicine."
If you weren’t pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?
"My family always jokes that I should have been a travel agent. My attention to detail and planning logistics lends itself to both medicine and planning travel. Much like treating patients, a good travel agent tailors their trip to the individual needs of each person. I keep all my travel-related emails in separate folders and save things to Google Maps, so I am always quick to offer travel suggestions if it’s someplace I have been before.”
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
"I am unapologetic about the fact that I thoroughly enjoy reality TV. The Bachelor franchise is my OG favorite, but I also enjoy Below Deck and Million Dollar Listing."
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?
"My favorite casual spot to grab a bite is OHSO. It’s a place my whole family enjoys. Their menu is diverse, and you can’t beat a cold pitcher of Boom Dynamite on a warm afternoon."
What success in your career are you most proud of?
"I was honored to be chosen at a Phoenix Magazine Top Doctor in 2024. This means so much because the voting is done by my peers."
What aspects of being a practice owner are you most passionate about? What invigorates you?
"Running my own practice has given better work-life balance. Setting my own schedule has allowed me to spend more time with my family and be present in my kids’ lives. I am now able to volunteer at my Kindergartener’s school and be a Girl Scout leader.”
How would you describe your approach to patient care?
"My approach to patient care is centered around personalization and building a strong relationship with each individual. I believe that effective care goes beyond just treating symptoms—it's about building trust and understanding the whole person. By taking the time to listen to patients and engaging in open, compassionate communication, I aim to create a treatment plan that empowers them in their decision-making and supports their overall health journey."
Why is ArMA important to you and the physicians you lead?
"I joined ArMA so I could help support physicians lobby governments and lawmakers on issues like healthcare reform, reimbursement rates, malpractice laws, medical licensing, and patient safety. ArMA was also a huge resource for me before I even opened the doors of Bright Endocrinology. The staff is so friendly and reached out to me to offer connections I needed to start a new private practice.”
