Meet Dr. Carl Bryce

June 7, 2021
Portrait of Leah Sanford in glasses, smiling against a gray background with a purple frame and award badge.

Meet Carl Bryce, MD, FAAFP


The ArMA member in the spotlight this month is Dr. Carl Bryce. Dr. Bryce is an Associate Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Abrazo Health. Read ArMA's interview with Dr. Bryce below to learn more about him!

What inspires you?       

                                                           

I come from a long line of teachers, and the science of medicine is fascinating. I love that I get to blend the two in my role as a family medicine educator; watching residents grow into independent physicians and mentoring them through residency is a tremendous privilege. I am humbled to think that what they are learning now will benefit them and their patients for the rest of their careers.


What was the most memorable patient or event in your career?


I remember how proud I was to place my first central line as an intern! The patient was an older man, admitted for sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection and he very nearly died in the intensive care unit. Several weeks later, he saw me in the grocery store, ran up to me and said, “Hey! You’re the doctor who saved my life!” I think residency training is such a formative time in our lives that we all can remember such patients and the emotions surrounding their care.

Do you speak any other languages?


I speak fairly fluent Spanish and am always working to improve it. Spanish is the primary language for many of our patients, and I really enjoy caring for them in their native language.

What would you like people to remember about you?


I can think of so many people in my life that have helped me get to where I am now. I hope that when people think of me, they will remember how I helped them in a moment of need.

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


You’re going to have many things to look forward to; milestones to accomplish and hurdles to overcome… but don’t just live for that next event on the horizon. You only get to do today one time; be present and make it worth it!

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?


Medicine is a profession that affects every member of our society. The public has placed trust in our profession to provide exceptional healthcare, and I believe that we as doctors can be most effective when we work together. The future health of our patients depends on strong leadership from physician leaders today, and organized medicine is a way to collectively advocate on behalf of our patients.

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 .