Member Spotlight: Meet Melissa Pelkey

June 12, 2023
Portrait of Leah Sanford in glasses, smiling against a gray background with a purple frame and award badge.

We are excited to introduce this month's ArMA Member Spotlight, Melissa Pelkey. Melissa is an MD candidate in the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine's Class of 2024, and she recently secured a first-place prize during our 2nd Annual Poster Symposium.

 

In her interview for our Member Spotlight, Melissa shares her excitement about being a young professional in the world of medicine, and her enthusiasm for patient care is infectious. While reflecting on her third-year rotations, Melissa shares the positive impact her mentors have on her outlook on medicine: “The degree of expertise and confidence that I have observed in my attendings… makes me excited and motivated to be pursuing medicine.”


Learn more about Melissa’s journey with medicine below!

What inspires you?


I have been consistently inspired by the physicians I have worked with throughout my third-year rotations. In talking with patients and serving on their treatment teams, I have gotten to really understand the impact that physicians can have on patient’s lives and the deep sense of gratitude they experience when they find a doctor they feel is competent and caring. The degree of expertise and confidence that I have observed in my attendings in combination with their genuine caring about both their patients and learners makes me excited and motivated to be pursuing medicine. Although to them it may be just another day doing their job, to me it is confirmation that I chose the right career.


If you weren't pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?


If I was not pursuing medicine, I would likely be in another health-related field such as working as a dietician or even opening a fitness center and health food cafe! On the side, I would write a food blog with a combination of healthy recipes and also restaurant reviews, something I hope I can still pursue as a hobby later in my medical career. Health and wellness are so incredibly important, I can’t imagine working in anything else!


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


It is okay to take your time in achieving your long-term goals and enjoy the development process. Especially in medicine where the training is so long, I often feel a sense of racing toward the end, going from undergrad to medical school, to residency, and maybe even fellowship, counting down the years until I reach the goal of attending. Now that I am nearing the end of medical school, I wish I had more time in my formal education years. I would tell my 18-year-old self it is okay to take an extra year or two to explore interests outside of medicine and work on developing myself as a learner and person.


What do you like best about living in Arizona?


I love the sunshine and all the outdoor activities! Hiking and paddleboarding are some of my favorite things to do on the weekends. Coming from the Midwest I still have not gotten used to having access to an outdoor pool all year, I still feel like I am living on vacation!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?


I speak Spanish! I started studying when I was young and majored in Spanish as well as Biochemistry in college.


How do you unwind after a stressful day?


My first stop after a long day at the hospital is the gym! I love group fitness classes like HIIT and Spin not only for the workout but for the fun and positive community they provide. I always feel de-stressed and re-energized after a good workout.


How do you define success?


To me, success means having a career in which I am both directly impacting the lives of others and also contributing to the improvement of my community on a larger scale. In addition to actively creating change, I believe a successful career is one that also creates a sense of fulfillment and self-worth. Lastly, I think success is multidimensional and should include finding joy both professionally and personally.

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

Why is ArMA important to you and your colleagues?


At this stage in my career, ArMA is especially important to me as I am preparing to become a practicing physician and learning how to navigate the field of medicine. So much of what impacts the day-to-day life of medical professionals is outside of the content taught in medical school. Being part of an organization that is involved in public policy and advocacy is especially important to me as medical legislation has a profound impact on the way I can practice in the future and the care I am able to provide my patients. Additionally, as a new healthcare professional, being a part of ArMA provides connections to mentorship and guidance from experienced clinicians and leaders, an invaluable resource at this early stage in my career. 

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 .