Meet Dr. Troy Anderson

June 6, 2022
Portrait of Leah Sanford in glasses, smiling against a gray background with a purple frame and award badge.

The Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) is pleased to introduce you to Dr. Troy Anderson, this month’s ArMA member in the spotlight. Dr. Anderson practices in the Phoenix metro and is board certified in neurology, sleep medicine, and bariatric medicine. For his dedication to medicine, he has been recognized as a Top Doctor in Phoenix Magazine numerous times.

 

His accomplishments are many, but Dr. Anderson never stops improving his craft to benefit the lives of others. Most recently, he has been working to improve the quality of care for Ukrainian refugees still being affected by the ongoing tragedy. In his interview for ArMA’s Member Spotlight, he details the ongoing needs of the Ukrainian people and how his journey with medicine has changed his life.


Read more about Dr. Anderson below 👇

What inspires you?


Nothing fulfills me more than helping ease the suffering of those in need and sharing my training to educate others. I believe we as physicians are blessed with a unique set of skills that needs to be used for more than financial gain. We are servants of humanity and are called to lead the fight against human suffering with kindness. Our community needs health care leadership, and we as physicians should look forward to serving in all capacities, from one-on-one patient care to participating in leadership committees.


This is why I have put together a medical movement to help ease the suffering of the refugees of Ukraine. Under the Phoenix Health Foundation and in partnership with Paradise Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church (PVSDA), we went to Ukraine from April 4 to May 5, and we plan to travel there again in early June and July. We raised nearly $20,000 in aid to provide food and water and over 1,200 pounds of medications and trauma-related medical supplies. The work seemed never-ending; we averaged about 3 hours of sleep per day. We purchased and packaged a week’s supply of food for families. We organized medical supplies into emergency packs to be delivered to trauma centers at the front lines. We also used our medical skills to treat the injured at refugee centers.


Even with all our efforts, there’s more that must be done. The enormous refugee centers need industrial-sized washers, heaters, kitchen appliances, remodeling, and dining room furniture. Many people need shoes, medications, food, water, and clothing. The money we raised will soon run out. If you're able, I invite you to support these efforts by donating or volunteering. You can learn more here »


What has been the most memorable event in your career?


I directed and was the first responder to the Korean Airlines flight 801, 747 jet, airlines crash in Guam on August 7, 1997. My leadership efforts, as well as pulling people from the exploding fuselage in the mass casualty rescue, were recognized by the President of the United States, having been awarded the highest peacetime medal: The Navy and Marine Corps medal.


What would you like remembered about yourself?


I feel I have the most incredible job in the world. I meet lots of people and get to form new friendships. Not only do I make connections, but I get to use my skills to help those in need. I pray I am remembered as a friend, a friend who cared unselfishly.


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


Life has a serious side. So, embrace your responsibilities seriously. On the other side of that coin, you must maintain your ability to make the world a happier place with your kindness and ability to uplift others.


What is the one accomplishment you’re most proud of?


The accomplishment I am most proud of is absolutely raising beautiful children. I couldn’t be more blessed. Every day, I am reminded of the gift that is having the most amazing children anyone could ask for.


Why is ArMA important to you and your colleagues?


ArMA is the only organization that not only gives us physicians a voice but also advocates for us. We, as physicians, are the leaders of the healthcare industry. We, as physicians, are a part of a rich heritage and tradition in helping ease human suffering. As physicians, we are responsible for maintaining our professionalism, human kindness, and selfless service. ArMA allows our Arizona physicians to achieve these goals by providing us a platform to be united in our efforts.

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 .