Meet Dr. Frederick Kogan

November 7, 2022
Portrait of Leah Sanford in glasses, smiling against a gray background with a purple frame and award badge.

We are excited and honored to introduce you to our member in the spotlight this month, Frederick J. Kogan, PhD, MD. A long-time ArMA member, Dr. Kogan has practiced medicine for over 40 years, specializing in gastroenterology. In addition to caring for patients, he has played a very active role in the ArMA community by serving on both the Public Health Committee and the Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee.


In his interview for our Member Spotlight, Dr. Kogan shares wisdom not only from his experience practicing medicine but from his experience living life. From piloting an F-4B in Vietnam to earning a PhD and MD at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy and Medicine, Dr. Kogan believes his greatest inspiration comes from the people around him. You'll be inspired by his passion for learning new things, maybe even guitar.


Read all about Dr. Kogan's unique journey with medicine in the interview below!

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


I would go further back to myself at 14 years old, smack the back of my head (hard!), and tell myself to stop screwing around. I would tell myself to do more than just sit in class… To open my eyes to books that open to the world, learn to enjoy math, and learn to enjoy learning. 


What would people be surprised to learn about you? 


I started college at 16 years of age on a football scholarship. I entered the Navy just before my 20th birthday to avoid the draft. I finished flight school at Pensacola, Corpus Cristi, and Miramar Naval Air Station and piloted an F-4B during the Vietnam War. When I returned to the states, I earned a PhD in Pharmacology and an MD at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy and Medicine.   


If you weren't a physician, what would you be up to right now? 


As I was not a graduate of the Naval Academy or an ROTC program, I had little to no possible advancement in the military. I couldn't see myself tied down to a job in the airline industry, and if I was not going to do graduate work in science or medicine, I would have been a teacher in middle or high school. Because I was such a screwball, I would hope to interest kids in loving to learn and continue with their education. 


What inspires you? 


PEOPLE! I always learn something from acquaintances, friends, and patients. It doesn't have to be related to medicine. It can be current events or different cultures; it can be from books, movies, or articles from various magazines. You learn to keep an open mind even when disagreeing with what you are being told. You need to research what you hear, don't take anything without fact-checking. 


What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 


I'm old school. Medicine is all-consuming, and I never developed hobbies. Sure, I attended the kids’ school events, and we went on vacations and traveled. But it wasn't until I listened to the next generation of physicians that I learned about life balance. I tried retiring about 6 years ago but figured my wife (of now 53 years) would kill me if I stayed home any longer, so I went back to work, but at a slower pace, and learned to say “NO.” I've invested in Wondrium, formally known as The Great Courses, studying American History, European History, and anything other than medicine or biological science. Maybe I will pick up the guitar... 


Why is ArMA important to you and your colleagues? 


ArMA is important for our patients’ well-being and safety. Over my years in practice, I have seen a change in the scope of practice of our associates, including Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Assistants, Psychologists, and others. There are pushes for legislation that has the potential to harm our patients, including measures allowing for independent practice and giving Psychologists the right to prescribe medication to their patients. These potential changes in the scope of practice could cause significant harm to our patients. We must work together to prevent this danger to our patients. This is best accomplished through our state association, the Arizona Medical Association.

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 .