ArMA Welcomes 135th President Dr. James Nachbar and Newly Elected Board Members

PHOENIX, Arizona — James Nachbar, MD, a plastic surgeon based in Scottsdale, today begins his term as the 135th president of the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA), the largest and most influential physician organization in the state.

After opening an independent practice in 1995, Dr. Nachbar joined the association and has been actively involved ever since, including multiple terms on ArMA’s Board of Directors and decades of physician advocacy at the Arizona State Capitol. Dually trained as a physician and lawyer — and with a background in computer coding — his unique expertise makes him a strong leader suited to solve difficult, complex problems.

Dr. Nachbar and other newly elected leaders assume their roles at a critical time for healthcare. Physicians and patients are navigating an increasingly challenging landscape — health insurers’ red tape, medical misinformation and distrust, and dwindling access threaten the high-quality care patients deserve and physicians are trained to deliver.

"Healthcare is at a tipping point," said Dr. Nachbar. "Physicians and patients alike are growing increasingly frustrated — challenges lurk around every corner, from rising costs to burdensome and confusing processes. As I step into my presidency, I am confident that organized medicine is the solution. ArMA is the right mechanism to champion patient care, restore trust in the medical profession, and give physicians everything they need to thrive in medicine. I am honored to serve and ready to get to work."

Dr. Nachbar earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine. He went on to complete a surgical residency at the University of Arizona and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Virginia. Following his training, he became faculty at the University of New Mexico, where he also served as residency program director in plastic surgery. In 2018, he earned a law degree and was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona. He has owned and practiced at Scottsdale Plastic Surgery, LLC, in Scottsdale since 1995.

In addition to Dr. Nachbar, the following individuals have been newly elected to ArMA's Board of Directors and began their terms on July 1, 2026:

• Heidi Tavel, MD — President-elect
  
• Anesthesiology — Banner University Medical Center, Tucson
• Katherine Glaser, MD — Secretary 
• OBGYN — Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation
• Tammy Penhollow, DO — At-large Director
• Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine — Precision Regenerative Medicine, Scottsdale
  
• Jane Lyons, MD — Maricopa Director
  
• Pediatrician — Banner Desert Medical Center, Mesa
  
• Jasleen Chhatwal, MD — Pima Director
  
• Psychiatry — Kallistos Wellness, Tucson
  
• Eyuel Terefe, MD — Rural Director
  
• Psychiatry — Onvida Health, Yuma
  
• Danielle Dircks, MD — Resident Director
  
• Child Neurology — Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix
  
• Mustafa Suppah, MD — Resident Director
  
• Cardiology — Creighton University, Phoenix
  
• Rebekah Feinberg — Student Director
  
• Medical Student — A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Mesa
  
• Curtis Triebswetter — Student Director
  
• Medical Student — University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix

The new board members join a dynamic group of leaders dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission. Collectively, members of ArMA's Board of Directors are responsible for strategic governance, forward-looking leadership, financial management, and serving the interests of Arizona's physician and patient communities.

“It is an honor to welcome these extraordinary individuals to our board — their experience, insight, and above all, selflessness will lead to stronger healthcare in Arizona," stated ArMA CEO Douglas Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP. “I am confident that they will strengthen ArMA’s mission to lead with integrity, advocate with purpose, and drive change across our state.”