Meet Dr. Thomas Rothe!

April 3, 2023
Portrait of Leah Sanford in glasses, smiling against a gray background with a purple frame and award badge.

We are honored to introduce this month's ArMA Member Spotlight, Thomas Rothe, MD. After serving his community for over 40 years, Dr. Rothe very recently retired and since then, has begun diving back into personal hobbies. Along with running a successful practice in Tuscon, Dr. Rothe is a past president of ArMA and the Pima County Medical Society. His dedication to organized medicine has significantly furthered health care in Arizona, and in recognition of these efforts, Dr. Rothe received ArMA’s Edward Sattenspiel, MD, Health Care Award in 2021.

 

In his interview for this month’s Member Spotlight, Dr. Rothe shares more about this transitional period into retirement. There is something for everyone, from new projects to insights on patient care. Read more about Dr. Rothe's journey with medicine below! 

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?


Life is a marathon, not a sprint. You might not know your career path now, but there is time to sort that out. Pursue anything for which you have an extreme passion but realize that may not be the end game as the vicissitudes of life are at their peak. 

   

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?


I have finally retired after 42 years of practice. I now have time to do things I've just put off. Primary among them is "landscape management" of my one-acre property, a full-time, part-time job. Working outside with something to show for it is very rewarding. Plus, my wife always knows where I am! 

 

What do you hope is remembered about you?


As a physician, someone who listened and cared about their patients' interests without overly trying to insert myself into their lives. I always tried to inject humor, often self-deprecating, into every encounter as laughter lightens the load for everyone. 

 

What is your approach to patient care?


Steer the patient in the right direction without being overly assertive or judgmental. Encourage and reward patients who have made healthy changes. I think if you can significantly impact the lives of just ten people (quit smoking, lose weight, detect a serious medical issue, etc), you've done your job. 

 

What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of?


Personally, being married for 43 years and counting. Professionally, having a satisfying career without any malpractice suits. 

 

What prompted your involvement in organized medicine?


I have always been involved in organized medicine as there is an essential need. Physicians must play an active role since no one else has our interests at heart. Unless someone is minding the store, our profession is threatened on all levels, from scope of practice, legislative invasion, insurance reimbursement, and political indifference. The unsustainability of Medicare alone will have a major impact unless we right the course or choose alternative ways to practice. 

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 .