ArMA Member Spotlight: Marla Rejbi, DO!

March 4, 2024
Portrait of Leah Sanford in glasses, smiling against a gray background with a purple frame and award badge.

We are so excited to introduce you to this month's ArMA Member Spotlight, Marla Rejbi, DO! Dr. Rejbi is a faculty physician with Dignity Health Medical Group specializing in palliative care and is Associate Program Director at Creighton University. Recently, Dr. Rejbi participated in ArMA's Doctor of the Day program a member-exclusive opportunity to advocate for the physician's voice at the Arizona State Capitol.


In her interview, Dr. Rejbi gives insight into her move from Chicago and how organized medicine has been an outlet. 


Learn all about Dr. Rejbi's journey with medicine below!

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?


Tacos Chiwas, tucked away on Indian School Rd, may not catch your eye at first glance, but trust me, it's a hidden gem serving up the tastiest tacos and elotes in the area.


What success in your career are you most proud of? 


Being recently elected as the Program Director for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Creighton University stands out as a pinnacle of success for me.


What is one message you would give to your 18-year-old self?


I'd advise her to stay true to herself, cherish moments with your friends and family, and keep striving towards her dreams. Oh, and by the way, remember the winning lottery numbers: 19; 23; 39; 42; 67. 


What do you like best about living in Arizona?


Having relocated from Chicago just over a year ago, I am happy to say that checking the weather is now a thing of the past. It is always sunny! I might as well delete that weather app to free up some phone space.


Portrait of Leah Sanford in glasses, smiling against a gray background with a purple frame and award badge.

How do you unwind after a stressful day?


My favorite way to unwind is to simply gaze up at the sky day or night and appreciate the sheer beauty of the world around me. It's these small moments that remind me of the incredible gift of life.

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?


My journey began with realizing how legislative changes directly impact our daily practice as physicians. Having grown up in Washington, D.C., I understood the significance of being present in the "room where it happens." Motivated by this insight, I proactively sought ways to engage in advocacy work. This path commenced during my residency and has been a steadfast commitment ever since. The sense of empowerment derived from knowing that we have the capacity to effect meaningful change for ourselves and our patients is truly invigorating.

Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital Launches Largest Expansion in Its History

By Admin User • August 7, 2026
Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital Launches Largest Expansion in Its History Investment Expands Inpatient and Procedural Capacity to Meet Rising Demand for Cardiovascular Care The Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix announced last week that it is undertaking the largest expansion in its history. The new construction will add inpatient and procedural capacity to serve more Arizonans in need of heart and vascular care. Meeting Arizona's Growing Demand for Heart Care Abrazo explained that the expansion is necessary to support Arizona's continued population growth, which is driving increased demand for cardiovascular services. The added capacity will allow the hospital to not only treat more patients requiring cardiac, vascular, and critical care, but also continue its participation in clinical research and innovation.  Part of a Multi-Year Investment Strategy In its press release, Abrazo describes the expansion as the latest phase of ongoing, multi-year investments intended to advance care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of communities across the state. The hospital did not report an anticipated completion date for the project. Source: Abrazo Health

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

By Admin User • August 7, 2026
Hobbs Highlights Milestone in Ongoing Partnership With Undue Medical Debt Gov. Katie Hobbs announced this week that more than $1 billion in medical debt has been erased for nearly 671,000 Arizonans, marking a significant milestone in the state's ongoing partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. How the Program Works The initiative, first launched in 2024, purchases qualifying medical debt from hospitals and collection agencies for a fraction of its value before eliminating the debt entirely for eligible patients. Who Qualifies According to the governor's office, recipients do not need to apply for the program. It is available to Arizona residents who: Receive low- and moderate-income Have medical debt that represents a substantial share of their annual income A Flashpoint in the 2026 Election Season Healthcare affordability has been at the forefront of Arizona's political conversation as the 2026 election season intensifies. Supporters argue that relieving burdensome medical debt can improve: Families' financial stability Creditworthiness Willingness to seek needed healthcare Critics of similar programs have generally questioned whether debt forgiveness addresses the underlying drivers of rising healthcare costs or simply treats the financial consequences after care has been delivered. As debates continue over healthcare affordability and access, Arizona's medical debt relief initiative is expected to remain a prominent example in broader discussions about how states can help patients facing significant medical expenses.