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.

ADHS Issues Standing Orders for Flu, COVID-19 Vaccine Access

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
Statewide orders keep pharmacists and physicians authorized to vaccinate Arizonans amid uncertainty over the next ACIP meeting. Statewide Orders Cover the 2026-27 Flu & COVID Season The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued statewide standing orders supporting access to the 2026-27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arizonans seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact their physician or pharmacy to confirm availability. Why the Orders Were Issued Arizona pharmacists may administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travel, or vaccines authorized under a prescription, including a physician-issued public health standing order. With the timing of the next ACIP meeting uncertain, ADHS worked with the Arizona Board of Pharmacy to issue statewide standing orders for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which function as a prescription allowing pharmacists and physicians across Arizona to administer them to anyone who wants one. ADHS Medical Advisor Weighs In "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. The Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease, reduce pressure on our healthcare system and reduce costs," said Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS public health medical advisor and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General. "We have issued these standing orders to ensure safe and timely access to the vaccines in alignment with scientific and evidence-based guidance." What Arizonans Should Know The standing orders do not require every pharmacy to offer vaccinations, and they do not guarantee insurance coverage for administration. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so Arizonans should check with their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. 

Arizona Asks Supreme Court to Halt Prison Health Care Takeover

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
State attorneys seek an emergency stay after lower courts reject bids to delay receivership of the prison health care system. State Makes a Last-Ditch Appeal Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to delay a court-ordered receivership of the state's prison health care system. The request comes after both a federal district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause the takeover. In the recent application, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a representative of the department, argued that the state deserves more time to make its case before surrendering control of its operations, including oversight of its employees and health care budget. Roots of the Case The dispute began in 2012 when inmates sued the department, alleging the prison system's inadequate medical, mental health, and dental care amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The case went through years of litigation and a failed settlement agreement. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ruled that the health care system was "grossly inadequate." The court ordered the prison healthcare system to comply with more than 150 "quality indicators," but according to court-appointed monitors, the department failed to comply with 131 of the measures. In light of this finding, Silver named Annette Chambers-Smith, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, to take over as receiver effective Oct. 19. Arguments on Both Sides Clement argues receivership should be the last resort and that Silver moved to it too quickly. He asserts that the department has made measurable progress, including growing its health care staffing by more than 50%, expanding substance-use treatment access, and adopting a new care model. Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, which represents the roughly 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona prisons, called the department's request a "Hail Mary" and said Silver had given the department years of opportunities to comply before ordering receivership. What Happens Next The Supreme Court has not yet set a deadline for the plaintiffs to respond to the stay request. Separately, the 9th Circuit is now reviewing the merits of the receivership order itself. The department filed its opening brief on Sept. 15, and the plaintiffs' response is due Oct. 15. Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Mirror .