Dr. Lindsay Ackerman is a board-certified dermatologist, dedicated physician advocate, and leading educator on dermatology & internal pathology. She serves patients as the founder and president of Medical Dermatology Specialists, now a part of US Dermatology Partners, located in Phoenix. Outside the clinic, she advances patient care and medicine through her docuseries, SKINTELLAGENT, and leadership in local and national medical organizations.

Since 2005, Dr. Ackerman has served as a representative to the American Medical Association, where she tackles complex legislative and policy issues, tirelessly working to improve healthcare on a national level. She also sits on the Dermatology Section Council, where she shapes decisions impacting dermatologists across the country. In recognition of her long-term commitment to organized medicine, Dr. Ackerman was presented ArMA's Award in Memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD, earlier this year.

In her interview, Dr. Ackerman reflects on how informal decisions can be some of the most meaningful, how humility and authenticity make all the difference in the clinic, and how advocacy empowers her to change the lives of patients she'll never meet.

Read more about Dr. Ackerman and her journey below!

You're the Founder and President of Medical Dermatology Specialists in Phoenix (now a part of US Dermatology Partners). With over 17 years of experience, what have been the biggest lessons you've learned about owning and running a medical practice?

"1. We are in the people pleasing business folks! Not in any way that diverges from the mission of providing medically necessary and comprehensive care but rather converges with the philosophy that we are here to recognize, appreciate, and meet patients' needs. Sometimes it may be that the patient needs to get in a quick assessment and get back to work. Sometimes there is a need for additional handholding, a hug, sitting down, or even just eye-contact and open ears. Sometimes I send someone a card that is going through a rough time. I believe that humility builds connection. Being authentic and attentive allow you as a physician to read the room and understand the 'unspoken' word, and what it is saying. This has helped me connect with patients with sincerity, in a way that is more satisfying for both of us.

2. There is always more to learn – and that's okay. The 'human' condition is dynamic. It is important that we, as professionals, remind ourselves that we won't necessarily have exactly all the answers at every moment, but that we are equipped to find the right answers when they otherwise seem evasive. (Never give up!)

3. I recognize the value in having an incredible office administrator. Tracey has been with me for over 17 years, and she is someone I can't say enough good things about! Tracey runs the office with ethics and expectations that demand the best of everyone around her. She motivates by example and leads in a way that is trustworthy and sincere. Tracey also has built the best personnel-infrastructure we ever could ask for. I believe we have patients that return because they like the front-office staff, or back-office staff, as much as they like me (and that's something to be extraordinarily proud of!!!). Without Tracey I would never have been able to create this remarkable 'space' in downtown Phoenix that serves our entire state, and beyond."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I got started by just saying 'Sure'. I was asked by the American Academy of Dermatology, during my Dermatology residency, if I would like to serve as the 'Resident Representative to the American Medical Association'. I didn't even know what that meant – but I said, 'Sure'. Sometimes, the best things come from scenarios that weren't planned or expected, but that just presented themselves in an informal way .... and then the journey begins!"

Earlier this year, you were awarded ArMA's Award in Memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate a long-term commitment to organized medicine and healthcare advocacy in Arizona. How has being involved in organized medicine and advocacy changed your relationship with your profession?

"Receiving this award was a true highlight of my career. I have given of myself (time and supra-tentorial resources) for over 20 years in organized medicine, both nationally and at the state level. I believe that with great privilege comes great responsibility – and that when you see something that needs your knowledge, experience, or expertise, you do something with it. Advocacy has allowed me to bring healthcare benefits to patients I'll never meet. Advocacy takes my skillset beyond the four walls of my practice and works to do things much greater than that which I can deliver alone. The future of healthcare began 'yesterday', and by being in the room pushing for policies that are important for patients in Arizona, and throughout our country, makes the actual execution of the work I do clinically, much more meaningful. Being recognized for my work in healthcare policy by ArMA was an enormous honor."

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

"Could be any Sam Fox restaurant, Ocotillo, or Buck and Rider."

What drew you into the field of medicine and, more specifically, dermatology?

"First, I'd be remiss not to 'open' with the fact that I absolutely love my specialty of Dermatology... However, I also do love the day-to-day privilege of practicing medicine.

I am especially fond of the long-standing relationships I have shared with patients and their families over the 17-year duration of my career here in Phoenix.

Dermatology, very specifically, is an incredible specialty to practice. As a field of medicine, it touches every component (and remains often at the crux) of human disease: From infections and infestations, to malignancies, metabolic disorders, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, genetic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and more. We treat from infancy to the elderly. We touch the rigors of medical science, surgery, counseling, physical exams, and the microscope – literally every day! The diseases we treat often require cross-over into multi-disciplinary care, from GI to Rheumatology, ID to Oncology, OB to Cardiology, and Rad-Onc to Plastics – we get to remain connected with other specialists, which keeps us bright. We can do hospital work for critically ill patients and help an adolescent triumph over an acne condition that feels devastating at a difficult time in life. We have aspects of our work that span aesthetics, where we can restore one's sense of self; and in the next room we may gently help someone decide when it is time to forgo additional treatment in the interest of giving back quality to the remainder of one's life. Dermatology is a subspecialty of medicine that is remarkable for all the reasons I've mentioned, and even many more."

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

What's one thing you wish more people knew about their skin and taking care of it?

"This could be my favorite question. Skin is an incredible window into hidden internal pathology! In fact, I built a medical docuseries, 'SKINTELLAGENT with Dr. Lindsay Ackerman' (housed on YouTube), to display just that! Built to captivate, fascinate, educate, and illustrate, we brought a film crew into the hospital and clinic to document patient journeys, where I knew the skin finding was telling me something critically important was otherwise going on ... and we captured these journeys from disease presentation to discovery. From the skin findings that revealed a hidden leukemia diagnosis, or rare tumor abutting the aorta, or protein synthesis disorder, or, or, or .... I'm educating the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of skin findings in detecting internal disease!"

If you weren't practicing medicine, what would you be doing?

"News broadcasting – or some form of media-related 'education'."

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

"When I decided to 'go for it' and build a medical docuseries to make medical Dermatology 'sexy' again. While I value all aspects of our precious specialty, I believe we have glamourized so much of what we do in aesthetics, that we've marginalized the incredible scope of our field. I am giving visibility to how immensely amazing our skin is as an organ system to tell us about internal pathology, to 'fix' the misconception that Dermatology is only superficial.

I built a 501(c)3, 'SKINTELLAGENT: Dermatology Undressed' (Skintellagent.org), to house my medical docuseries on YouTube, and other media-related materials, and quite literally put my money where my mouth was. Again, with great privilege comes great responsibility. I know better than to let Dermatology be diminished in its importance. I want to change the public opinion of Dermatology. I want to reposition our specialty as one that is of critical importance in the House of Medicine. And, I want to ensure that the future pipeline for medical dermatology is robust. I'm making medical dermatology 'sexy' to give visibility to how meaningful our work really is, quite literally putting our skillset on display, as the skin provides clues to uncover hidden internal disease .... and how immensely gratifying this work is!!! Yes, I could make more money doing other things. But I guarantee, I wouldn't be happier."

What is one message you would give your younger self?

"You are enough, but it is okay to also want to keep trying."

Why is ArMA important to you?

"ArMA is a critically important organization for our healthcare delivery in Arizona – for us as physicians, and for the patients we serve. We as a collective group of physicians have ArMA to do the heavy lifting for us at our state legislature. ArMA listens to the voices of clinicians and works tirelessly to ensure that our needs are met. If you have frustrations with how your practice workflow feels, or how 'truth in advertising' has affected your business (and the fairness you believe patients deserve), or the insurance policies that tie your hands in getting efficient medically necessary care to

 your patients, ArMA is your workhorse and lobbying body to get things to change! If you aren't 100% pleased with healthcare delivery today in Arizona, you should be an ArMA member, helping provide them the resources they need to help you (and the patients you want to help)!"

What personal or professional achievement are your most proud of?

"My wife and children bring me tremendous pride!!! There is no better accomplishment than knowing you've made an exceptional choice in a spouse, and watching your children grow into loving, hard-working people with good values."

What's the best advice you've ever received?

"Begin anywhere....."

We're proud to introduce Lauren Ondrejka as ArMA's November Member Spotlight.

Lauren is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix., where she has distinguished herself through academic excellence and a dedication to leadership, advocacy, and research.

Last month, she was one of three students awarded an academic, merit-based scholarship by the Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona. And, her research — a longitudinal scholarly project examining the social needs of children with medical complexity and inpatient care utilization — was presented at ArMA's 2024 Annual Meeting and the Pediatrics Hospital Medicine's 2024 Annual Meeting, with the findings recently published in Hospital Pediatrics.

In her interview, Lauren reflects on her journey through medicine thus far, from medical scribe to physician-in-training, and shares how she has come to understand medicine as extending far beyond diagnosis and treatment. As she prepares to complete a residency program in pediatrics, she is already demonstrating excellence in medicine, which  impact the lives of our youngest patients for years to come.

Read more about Lauren and her journey as a medical student below!

What drew you to pursuing a career in medicine and, more specifically, pediatrics?

"I was initially drawn to medicine when I discovered my fascination with physiology in high school. Seeking a career that could combine this interest with continual personal growth, positive community impact, and human connection, I found my way to medical school. Pediatrics was a natural first interest given my experiences working with children as a camp counselor and hospital volunteer. Once I began my clinical rotations, I knew pediatrics was the right place for me. I was inspired by the opportunity to impact patients early on in life and enjoyed the creative, collaborative environment."

You recently received an academic merit-based scholarship from the Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA) Medical Foundation Board of Trustees, which included meeting members of the board and having breakfast with University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Dean, Dr. Fred Wondisford. What was that experience like, and what does this honor mean for you as one of only three students selected?

"Receiving the MICA Foundation scholarship was both an honor and surprise. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support and acknowledgment of my hard work and dedication throughout medical school. The breakfast with Dean Wondisford and the MICA team was a wonderful way to celebrate and learn more about their perspectives on the future of medical training and healthcare in Arizona."

You're in your final year of medical school and preparing for residency. Looking back at your time in medical school, what is the greatest thing you've learned about yourself and the practice of medicine?

"I have learned I am far more capable and resilient than I ever imagined. The last three years have gone by so quickly. It is absolutely true when they say, 'the days and weeks are long, but the years are short.' I am very proud of all I have been able to accomplish and explore in addition to my coursework and clinical rotations. Looking back on my first day of medical school, I did not realize I would eventually leave as an advocate, educator, researcher, and author as well as a physician.

That is the greatest thing I have learned about the practice of medicine, the invaluable intangibles. Being a physician is much more than investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. We have the great privilege to connect with people and try our best to understand them and walk beside them through their unique journeys in health and illness. It comes with the equally important responsibility to contribute to the evolution of this field, whether through research, advocacy, or education."

You worked as a medical scribe prior to beginning medical school. How has that experience aided you in your education? How did it influence how you see medicine?

What makes you most excited about the next steps in your career?

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I got involved in organized medicine to better understand how policy and advocacy shape the care we provide. My first exposure came through my role as a chapter leader for Medical Students For Choice (MSFC), where I saw how legislation directly impacts patient care. That experience sparked my interest in working with organizations like ArMA to advocate for change at the state level, and to ensure physicians' voices are heard in shaping healthcare policy."

Why is ArMA important to you?

"ArMA is important to me because it allows physicians and trainees to come together to advocate for our patients and our profession. ArMA's work at the state level ensures that lawmakers hear the perspectives of those on the front lines of care delivery. I'm grateful to be part of that conversation and learn how to get involved in legislative advocacy early in my career."

What song have you had on repeat lately?

"Anything from Olivia Dean's new album The Art of Loving."

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

"Glai Baan, First & Last, Mensho Ramen."

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

"The professional achievement I am most proud of is my longitudinal scholarly project entitled 'Social Needs of Children With Medical Complexity and Inpatient Care Utilization.' Our findings demonstrate children with medical complexity who have unmet social needs have significantly greater readmissions and longer length of stay in the hospital. It was an honor to present our work locally at the ArMA Annual Meeting and nationally at the Pediatrics Hospital Medicine Annual Meeting in 2024. Our manuscript was just recently published in Hospital Pediatrics along with a commentary piece."

What is the last book you read?

"Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt."  

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

"Reality TV – anything from Dancing With The Stars to The Real Housewives."

What is something on your bucket list you hope to cross-off soon?

"I've loved travelling to new places with my classmates during medical school. Hoping Greece is next after graduation!"

We're proud to introduce Leah Sanford as ArMA's October Member Spotlight.

Leah Sanford is a fourth-year medical student at Midwestern University. Earlier this year, she earned first place in ArMA's 2025 Poster Symposium for her clinical vignette research titled "Pulmonary Point of Care Ultrasound: A Case Series." Beyond her research achievements, Leah is also a passionate philanthropist. In 2024, she was recognized by Midwestern University with the Gold Touch Award for completing over 100 hours of volunteer work in a single academic year. 

In her interview with ArMA, Leah shares how her personal journey into medicine was inspired by her own experiences with chronic illness and service in resource-limited communities abroad. Currently preparing for residency interviews, she reflects on this milestone as a culmination of years of dedication to her craft.

From excellence in clinical research to selfless dedication in serving others, Leah demonstrates the commitment and compassion fueling the next generation of physicians.

Read more about Leah and her journey as a medical student below!

Becoming a physician is no easy feat! What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

"I became interested in medicine at a young age while battling my own chronic illnesses, but what really inspired me was a volunteer trip to Ometepe, Nicaragua as a senior in undergrad. Experiencing healthcare in a resource-limited setting opened my eyes to the global need for compassionate, patient-centered care and solidified my commitment to becoming a physician."

What is a project you are working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you?

"Currently my focus is preparing for residency interviews. This milestone is meaningful in many ways, but most of all, it represents the years of hard work and dedication I've put into my training so far."

You secured first place in the clinical vignette category of ArMA's 2025 Poster Symposium for your research, "Pulmonary Point of Care Ultrasound: A Case Series." What do you enjoy most about medical research? What was the most important thing you learned throughout the process?

"I enjoy seeing the impact that medical research has on patient care. My previous research has been in bench work, so this project gave me my first opportunity to apply what I'd learned in a clinical setting and translate that knowledge into an organized presentation."

You received the “Gold Touch Award” from Midwestern University for volunteering over 100 hours during the academic year. Can you describe your volunteering efforts and share why donating your time is important as you pursue your medical degree?

Why is ArMA important to you?

What song have you had on repeat lately?

"I've been listening to the KPop Demon Hunters album on repeat."

What are your top 3 favorite movies or TV shows?

"Harry Potter and Parks & Recreation."

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

"I am the first person in my immediate family to go to college and the first in my extended family to attend medical school."

What is the last book you read?

"I just started reading Stephen King's The Long Walk."  

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

"The people I have met that have supported me through school while my family was a thousand miles away."

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"I took ceramic wheel throwing in college and still throw pottery at a local studio."

If you weren't practicing medicine, what would you be doing?

"I've wanted to be a physician since I was in high school so I've never really considered it. I do love to travel though... so maybe a pilot?"

We're proud to introduce Ashish Patel, MD, as ArMA's September Member Spotlight.

Dr. Ashish Patel is a pediatric gastroenterologist serving as Phoenix Children's Physician-in-Chief. In this role, he leads over 900 physicians, advanced practitioners, and mental health therapists in pursuing the medical group's mission. Even as he leads within the state's largest pediatric health system, he remains passionate about engaging with patients and contributing to research that shapes healthcare globally. 

In his interview, Dr. Patel talks about how he achieves a careful balance between strategic leadership and the core of every physician's profession: patient care. He also brings a fresh perspective on Arizona, its merits, and its culinary scene, having recently relocated from Texas.

From medical research to clinical care to systems thinking, Dr. Patel demonstrates all of the unique skill sets that make physicians invaluable in our communities. He is not only shaping healthcare for the better but finding a rhythm in work that allows his passion for medicine to grow.

Read more about Dr. Patel and how he is shaping pediatric healthcare in Arizona below!

You currently serve as Phoenix Children's "Physician-in-Chief," which you were appointed to in 2024. What do your days look like while serving this role and which aspect do you enjoy the most?

As Physician in Chief, I lead over 900 physicians, advanced practitioners and mental health therapists within Phoenix Children's Medical Group. Our health system is the largest provider of pediatric health care in the state and that comes with great responsibility to children and their families. My days are a combination of administrative time and clinical work, which was very important to me when I accepted this role. I love clinical medicine and as a pediatric gastroenterologist who specializes in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease, I could not see giving up my passion for caring for children and their families.

My current leadership position allows me to share this passion throughout our health system to impact care delivery in our more than 75 subspecialties, plus our primary care practices. I'll be honest, some days my calendar looks like Tetris but with a great support team and keeping in mind our mission "To advance hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families", it has been a rewarding journey so far!

How did you find yourself specializing in pediatric gastroenterology? Did you always have a passion for caring for children and their health?

My mom was a general pediatrician in a small town in Texas and I loved how she talked about taking care of families and often generations of children. I went into medical school knowing I wanted to do pediatrics and I was first exposed to pediatric gastroenterology in residency. I loved the diverse disease process involving many different organs of the gastrointestinal tract as well as the opportunity to use endoscopy to diagnose, treat and sometimes cure these diseases.

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

I am a huge foodie and love the explosion of the culinary scene here in Arizona! Some of my favorite spots are Uchi, Little Miss BBQ and Bacanora.

You have an impressive track record of research and publication, with over 50 original publications, guidelines, and reports. Which part of the research and publication process do you find most fulfilling or exciting?

Research continues to be an important part of my career. I always felt like participating in research was a way to push medicine forward, learn what we don't know and help future generations of children. When you see a patient in clinic, you are focused on their health and their success.

Research allows you take a more global approach to a disease and try to make an impact that will affect many more children.

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

I like being involved in organized medicine because it allows us to share our voice, address concerns and frustrations, and in the end hopefully make medicine better. I'm involved nationally with the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology (NASPGHAN), our pediatric gastroenterology organization. I'm also involved with a large pediatric IBD collaborative called ImproveCareNow.

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

My family loves all the outdoor activities Arizona has to offer, especially going up to Flagstaff. Our favorite Indian restaurant in Arizona is up there, called Delhi Palace. We love sports and the arts, so we enjoy going to Suns games (even though I am a die-hard Spurs fan), Cardinals games, concerts and have season tickets to the Arizona Speaker Series.

Why is ArMA important to you?

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

I spend time with my kids and explore the culinary scene in Phoenix and across Arizona.

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

On a personal note, my wife is an accomplished pediatric hospitalist at Phoenix Children's. I love watching our two kids grow up and become great human beings.

What is something on your bucket list you hope to cross off soon?

My family loves to travel, so we have several places on our bucket list. We went to Argentina last year which was incredible. Iceland, Africa and Europe are high on the list!

We're proud to introduce Saira Kalia, MD, as ArMA's August Member Spotlight.

Dr. Saira Kalia is a psychiatrist practicing in Tucson who has dedicated her career to supporting women's mental health during some of life's most transformative moments. She founded and directs the Perinatal & Pediatric Psychiatry Access Lines (APAL), a groundbreaking program addressing Arizona's need for maternal and pediatric mental health resources.

In her interview, Dr. Kalia shares how her journey with perinatal psychiatry began, her passion for systemic change in maternal mental health care, and the lessons learned from building statewide access programs. She also shares some of her proudest and most memorable moments, many of which involve the joy and experience of being a mother.

Dr. Kalia's work represents the intersection of clinical excellence and systems thinking, demonstrating how physicians create lasting impact beyond the exam room.

Read more about Dr. Kalia and her vision for the future of maternal mental health below!

What drew you to the field of perinatal psychiatry? When did you first discover your passion for delivering care to perinatal patients?

I've always known that I would work with women in some capacity — that part of my path felt clear even before I went into medicine. During medical school, it became even more apparent that supporting women's mental health was where I belonged. I was struck by how central mothers are to the health, stability, and wellbeing of families and communities — and yet how often their needs are overlooked, especially during transitions like pregnancy and postpartum. Those moments are profoundly vulnerable and transformative, and they deserve more attention, not less.

Working in perinatal psychiatry has been both a passion and a privilege. It's deeply humbling to walk alongside someone as they navigate the emotional complexities of becoming — or being — a mother.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

People are often surprised to learn that I love dystopian coming of age fantasy novels. My son and I read them together and debate over the merits of different powers.

What song have you had on repeat lately?

Lately, it's been a song from Moana 2 — on constant repeat thanks to my daughter, and I'll admit... it's grown on me. There's just something infectious about Disney anthems when they're belted from the backseat (and drivers seat). Can I get a chee-hoo?  

What recent development in maternal mental health are you most excited about?

The growing national recognition of maternal mental health as a public health priority has been incredibly encouraging. In particular, I'm excited by the integration of psychiatric consultation services into primary care and obstetric settings — including models like perinatal psychiatry access programs — which make timely, expert support available to front-line providers.

Additionally, the inclusion of maternal mental health metrics in federal quality reporting programs is a game-changer. It signals a shift toward accountability and sustainable systems of care.

What has been the biggest challenge for maternal mental health in the past five years? What does the path towards a solution look like?

You serve as director of the Perinatal & Pediatric Psychiatry Access Lines, a program you founded in response to Arizona's lack of maternal mental health resources for patients and physicians. What has been the most important 'lesson' you've learned through leading the program?

The most important lesson has been that relationships are the foundation of systems change. It's not enough to build a good program — you have to build trust. That means listening — to everyone involved. The success of our program has depended as much on our team's ability to show up with humility and consistency as it has on our clinical expertise.

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

Tumerico, hands down!

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

Why is ArMA important to you?

Being part of ArMA allows me to contribute to something bigger than myself, and to join with colleagues across specialties in shaping a better future for our state.

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

The biggest pivot point in my career was founding APAL. Up until that point, I had been focused primarily on direct clinical care and teaching — work I deeply valued. But I kept encountering the same systemic barriers: long waitlists, limited access in rural areas, and providers feeling ill-equipped to support perinatal patients with mental health needs. It became clear that we needed to do more than treat individual patients — we needed to change the system. Launching the access program shifted my role from individual care to statewide impact.

What personal or professional achievement are your most proud of?

Being asked to judge an elementary school science fair might top the list. It felt like I had finally arrived — clipboard in hand, pretending I understood the laws of aerodynamics as explained by a very confident third grader.

What is one message you would give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self:

You don't have to shrink to belong. Trust your instincts, even when the path isn't clear, and know that you're allowed to take up space.

We're proud to introduce James Nachbar, MD, Esq.,

Dr. James Nachbar is a plastic surgeon practicing in Scottsdale, where he owns and operates Scottsdale Plastic Surgery.

Earlier this month, Dr. Nachbar was elected to the position of president-elect by his colleagues, meaning he will serve as the Arizona Medical Association's 135th president in 2026.

In his interview, Dr. Nachbar shares his thoughts on leading the House of Medicine as the landscape of healthcare changes rapidly, nodding to his priorities as ArMA's future president. He also talks about his early journey with medicine, what drew him into plastic surgery, and the uncle who inspired it all.

Dr. Nachbar's interview reveals someone deeply interested in understanding systems (whether its the legal system or computer coding) and helping people heal through confidence. 

Read more about Dr. Nachbar's philosophy on enhancing patients' lives and his "just for fun" law degree below!

Organized medicine must continue to evolve as the landscape of healthcare changes. What do you see as the association’s largest area of opportunity or innovation?

We need to bring more physicians into the process, make our advocacy work more visible, and remind people that organized medicine is essential—perhaps now more than ever.

If we can meet doctors where they are, and show them the relevance of what ArMA is doing for their own practice, we can strengthen our community and our voice in a very meaningful way.

What is your top priority or strategic goal as ArMA’s president-elect?

My top priority as ArMA’s president-elect is to expand our membership. We need more physicians at the table, and that starts with helping them clearly see the value of being part of ArMA.

Too often, doctors don’t realize how much of what affects their day-to-day practice—reimbursement issues, scope-of-practice battles, regulatory burdens—is shaped at the state level. ArMA is working hard behind the scenes on these fronts, but if physicians don’t know that, or don’t feel represented, we risk losing both engagement and influence.

A big part of meeting this challenge is modernizing how we communicate. We have to meet physicians where they are—whether that’s through digital platforms, more targeted messaging, or simply making it easier to understand how ArMA’s work connects to their professional lives. The more accessible and relevant we can make our message, the more likely we are to bring new voices into the fold.

With my legal background and experience testifying at the legislature on health-related issues, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for physicians to have a strong, informed voice in policymaking. Whether a physician is in solo practice, academia, or employed by a large system, we all benefit from unified advocacy—and that starts with building a larger, more engaged membership.

What initially drew you into plastic surgery? What made you stay?

While we as physicians are trained to save lives, I’ve always believed that it’s just as important to enhance them. Helping someone feel confident and whole—that’s healing, too.

What is your philosophy on effective leadership? How do you hold yourself to it?

My philosophy on leadership is rooted in the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to contribute their ideas. Diversity of opinion isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. The best decisions come from hearing different perspectives and really taking the time to consider an issue from all angles.

At the same time, I believe strongly about respecting everyone’s time. I’ve been in meetings where the leader spent most of the time sharing their own views, and while leadership does require direction, I think it’s far more effective to listen first and speak last. That way, you foster a culture where people feel heard and are more willing to engage.

I try to hold myself to that standard by encouraging open dialogue, staying open to feedback, and focusing discussions so that they’re productive—not just lengthy.

Ultimately, leadership is about bringing people together around a shared goal, and that only happens when everyone feels their voice matters.

You attended law school “for fun” and graduated second in your class. How has a law degree changed, aided, or informed your approach to medicine and patient care?

I’ve always been fascinated by how systems work—how all the components come together to create something functional and logical. That curiosity has driven me in medicine and surgery, in computer programming and software design, and ultimately, in my interest in the law. Believe it or not, in high school I used to ride my bike to the library and read statute books—though in retrospect, that might sound a little concerning!

When I started medical school, I even looked into combining it with a law degree, but at the time, there weren’t any formal programs to do that. Fast forward to 2014—one of my staff members mentioned she was going to re-take the LSAT, and I told her I would take it with her. I ended up scoring well, and I was offered a full scholarship to a part-time law program in Phoenix. With no real pressure—I still had my surgical career—I dove in. Honestly, law school was probably the most fun I’ve ever had.

What stood out to me most was how elegantly the pieces of legal reasoning fit together. Reading court opinions, I developed a deep respect for the way judges analyze issues—logically, thoroughly, and from multiple angles before reaching a conclusion. It reminded me of diagnosis and surgical planning, just applied to a different kind of system.

In terms of how it’s changed my approach to medicine, I’d say the biggest shift has been in how I view the legal system itself. Like many physicians, I used to find it intimidating—almost something to fear. But once I understood how it works, with all its checks, balances, and structure, that fear disappeared. Now, I’m much more comfortable navigating legal and regulatory aspects of medicine, and that confidence has made me a better advocate—for my patients and for my profession.

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

I’ve been a member of medical societies almost continuously since finishing my residency in 1988, and I’ve participated in the Doctor of the Day program at the legislature since the 1990s. But for many years, I wasn’t especially involved beyond that.

What really prompted me to get more deeply involved came in 2017. I saw a communication from ArMA taking a position on a controversial issue before the U.S. Senate. I reached out to Chic Older, ArMA’s Executive Director at the time, and he explained that the position had been unanimously approved by the 11-member Executive Committee. That struck me—not because I necessarily disagreed, but because it suggested a lack of diversity in perspective. In a profession filled with smart, thoughtful individuals, I believe healthy debate and a range of views are essential.

The following year, I had just finished law school and passed the bar exam when I received an invitation to apply for a position on ArMA’s board. I felt I could offer something meaningful, so I applied and I joined the board in 2018.

Since then, my legal training has proved especially valuable. So much of ArMA’s most important work involves advocacy, shaping legislation, and even supporting litigation that protects patients and physicians alike. Being able to apply my understanding of legal systems, statutory interpretation, and the broader policy landscape has allowed me to contribute insights that I hope have helped the organization make more informed, strategic decisions.

Why is ArMA important to you?

For me, it really comes down to ArMA’s mission: to be the strongest advocate, ally, and resource for Arizona’s physicians and physicians-in-training. That mission resonates deeply. Together, we’re fostering the practice of medicine, championing patient care, and strengthening our communities—and that’s exactly the kind of work I want to be part of.

There are so many forces today that challenge the integrity of medical practice. One that concerns me greatly is the growing presence of lesser-trained non-physicians and naturopathic physicians presenting themselves as providing equivalent care. That not only puts patients at risk but also undermines the work and training of dedicated physicians. At the same time, I see how many of my colleagues are stressed and burned out. That weighs heavily on me.

What gives me hope is that I’ve seen the long-term impact ArMA can have. Over the years, ArMA has successfully advocated for safeguards against unfounded legal actions, and championed meaningful public health efforts—most recently during the COVID pandemic. These are not small wins; they’re lasting changes that benefit both patients and physicians.

That’s why ArMA is important to me. It’s about protecting the profession, improving care, and ensuring that physicians have a strong, unified voice in shaping the future of medicine in Arizona. I’m proud to be part of that mission.

What are your top 3 favorite movies or TV shows?

Two movies stand out for me, both for their deeper messages: Groundhog Day, with Bill Murray, is a favorite because of the powerful insight it offers—that our own actions, even the smallest ones, can profoundly shape the world around us. Watching the protagonist relive the same day over and over, slowly learning how to become a better person and make a positive impact given exactly the same situation each time, is both entertaining and surprisingly moving.

WarGames is another favorite. The way it explores a computer nearly triggering global destruction, only to be stopped by the realization that some games—like thermonuclear war—are unwinnable, has stuck with me. That lesson applies to a lot of life: sometimes the only way to win is not to play.

As for TV, my go-to is the nightly news—on multiple networks. I regularly watch CBS, ABC, and Fox. I like to hear different perspectives on the same issues. I’ve always believed that if you’re only watching content you already agree with, that might be entertaining—but it’s not how you learn anything new.

What is one message you would give your younger self?

That one’s easy:

Do not get married without a prenup! Without question, that was the most expensive mistake of my life.

What is the last book you read?

The last two books I read share a common theme: how to improve the quality of life as we and our patients age. One was Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD, and the other was Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity by Eric Topol, MD.

What stood out to me in both is the idea that, while modern medicine has given us remarkable tools, so much of our health still comes down to lifestyle. But when we combine healthy habits with science and thoughtful medical strategy, we can start focusing not just on living longer—but on living better.

Dr. Attia introduced the concept of the “centennial decathlon,” which I really connect with. It’s the idea of training today for the more-than-ten physical tasks we want to be able to do at age 100—things like hiking up a hill with a 20-pound backpack, lifting a suitcase into an overhead bin, or picking up a grandchild from the floor. That kind of practical, purpose-driven longevity really resonates with me.

I’m also fascinated by the idea of “longevity escape velocity”—the possibility that science may one day extend our healthspan, not just our lifespan, by more than 12 months every year. It’s an exciting frontier, and I hope to be around long enough to see us get there.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received is something I wish I could credit to a specific person—but it stuck with me regardless:

Whenever you’re not sure which way to go, figure out what’s best for the patient, and do that.

If you weren't practicing medicine, what would you be doing?

If I weren’t practicing medicine, I’d probably be doing one of the things I already enjoy in my spare time—developing software and system architecture, or practicing law. I’ve always been drawn to how systems work, whether they’re technical, legal, or biological.

The truth is, there are so many different paths a career can take. Either of those options might have been more financially lucrative, but I honestly can’t imagine they would be anywhere near as rewarding as medicine. There’s something deeply meaningful about the connection with patients and the ability to make a real difference in someone’s life.

Simply put—I love my job!

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

What I like best about living in Arizona? The summer heat—yes, really—and the people.

There’s something I genuinely enjoy about Arizona summers. When the temperatures rise, the visitors clear out, the big events pause, traffic thins, and suddenly everything feels a bit more peaceful and open. It’s like the state takes a collective breath.

And the people here are truly wonderful—both pleasant and intelligent. I grew up in the Midwest and on the East Coast, and I still go back to visit family. Every time I do, I’m reminded of how different it feels. For one thing, everyone’s honking their horn all the time back east! Arizona just has a calmer, friendlier energy—and I really appreciate that.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to learn that when I was in high school in Connecticut back in 1969, our school got one of the earliest computers—a PDP-8L. I was completely fascinated. It had no monitor, no disk of any kind (not even a floppy), no ROM, and just 4K of RAM. Input and output came through a typewriter-like terminal. To boot it up, you had to manually enter around 200 commands using physical switches on the front panel—just to get it ready to read the operating system from a paper tape punched with holes.

I was so eager to learn how it worked and how to program it that I started leaving the computer room window unlocked so I could sneak back in over the weekends and spend more time with it.

(To be clear—kids, don’t try that today! It was a different time.)

Looking back, it reflects the curiosity that has driven me ever since. Whether it’s computing, medicine, or law, I’ve always been drawn to understanding how complex systems work—and how to make them better.

We're proud to introduce Teresa Bertsch, MD,

Dr. Teresa Bertsch is a psychiatrist living in Flagstaff, where she currently serves as the NARBHA Institute’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Wellbeing Officer. In these roles, she leads efforts to improve follow-up care after hospitalizations and emergency visits while also strengthening support systems for physicians and other healthcare professionals.

In her interview, Dr. Bertsch shares how an ordinary trip to the library transformed her approach to life, patient care, and leadership. Through a deeper exploration of the human condition, she has since developed a framework that drives her to lead with compassion, develop effective systems, and make the world a better place.

She is consistently recognized as kind, generous, and graceful by colleagues. For her outstanding achievements and reputation, Dr. Bertsch was honored with the Health & Fitness Award during ArMA’s 2025 Health Care Awards Ceremony earlier this year.

We invite you to read more about Dr. Bertsch’s journey with medicine and how a misspelled word was an ironic prediction of her future below!

Your colleague described you as being rooted in humility, generosity, and grace. How do you keep centered in a space of compassion in your work and life?

Back in about 2000, I was at the public library looking for resources for my patients when I came across two books that changed so many things that I knew about the mind, emotions and my approach to life. One was called “Working with Anger” by an American Buddhist nun, and one was a compilation of The Mind & Life Dialogues between neuroscientists, philosophers and HH Dalai Lama, called “Destructive Emotions.” The idea that my negative emotions, like anger, harm me more than the targets of my anger made so much sense. How could I, as a psychiatrist, not have understood this before? The Buddhist theory of mind and its antidotes to all the different types of suffering are so compelling and practical for personal and professional wellbeing. New research also backs up those approaches.

In medicine and especially public psychiatry, we are privy to the diversity of humanity’s suffering in ways that most people only experience through movies and novels. Being able to have a framework to understand the human condition and our habitual responses to it has been life-changing and life-affirming for me.

I resonate with HHDL’s statements that “kindness is my religion” and “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

My husband almost died in a mountain bike accident when our children were young. I bought the only hot tub in Flagstaff that could be installed on the day he was discharged from the hospital. We have “jacuzzied” every night since then, looking up at the Flagstaff dark skies, no jets on so it’s quiet, reviewing the day.

You serve in multiple c-suite roles for The NARBHA Institute and its Northern Arizona Alliance for Behavioral Health Accountable Care Organization. What is your personal philosophy on leadership, and what do you enjoy most about leading others?

As a leader, I get the opportunity to make changes that go beyond what I can do in a one-on-one patient visit. I choose mission-driven systems that work well for the people who work in them, as well as for those who benefit from them. I view regulations and rules as solutions to problems that probably started with good intent but can still go awry. So, when something starts to feel like it’s stupid or has too much friction to follow correctly, I feel obligated to do what I can to achieve the intent, but in ways that don’t burn out healthcare workers or deny appropriate care.

I think leadership’s responsibility is to develop and drive smart, effective, compelling systems and initiatives that benefit as many as possible.

I mentor and coach medical students, residents, physicians and clinicians to not be afraid to take a leadership role even if they don’t think they have the expertise. Healthcare needs us! Too many of us have abdicated the “business” of medicine because we thought we weren’t experienced enough, or that it wasn’t as important as direct care. Research shows that healthcare organizations led by clinicians have better clinical and financial outcomes. I say, don’t wait to get an MBA or another credential! Join the Finance committee! Budgets are how an organization codifies its values into action. Physician leaders who participate in healthcare finance have considerable influence and impact. The other committee is Peer Review. Having a compassionate and realistic perspective on what it is like for a physician to have an adverse event may literally save that physician’s personal and professional life. And when a regulatory organization asks for feedback on a policy, give it. You might be the only one who did, and that can be very powerful.

I would say my philosophy on leadership is, believe you can make the world a better place, and then do it.

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

Personally, I’m still married to my high school sweetheart who surprises and delights me constantly, as well as making it through having two children during medical school and residency.

Professionally, receiving the Arizona State Behavioral Health Leadership in Services Award for designing and delivering innovative behavioral health care systems and lifelong dedication to public service.

You received a master’s degree in linguistics from Stanford University. How has your background in the arts influenced the way you approach medicine and patient care?

I studied developmental linguistics with an emphasis in American Sign Language. My sister, who is 15 months younger than me, is deaf. Her experience of the world, especially when we were young, was so different than mine because of language, not intelligence. Language shapes our thinking, our relationships, our socioeconomic status and our perceptions of the world. Being her sister, sensitized me to the stigma that people with disabilities experience, especially hidden disabilities like deafness and psychiatric disorders.

Studying linguistics made me curious about the mind’s interface with society, behavior, emotions and actions. As a psychiatrist, you become very aware of the impact of your language and presence on a patient. Our minds are constantly making meaning about our experiences. What physician hasn’t been surprised by the patient who comes back and says how your one sentence made all the difference in their healing, or the stories about “medical curses” that derailed them or a family member? I teach everyone I can about the placebo effect and how physicians who display warmth and competence get the best results.

We are an active ingredient of healing too!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I lost a regional spelling bee in elementary school by misspelling “physician.” Decades later I still hesitate when I have to spell that word, which can be multiple times per day or week!

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

Transitioning as CMO of a Medicaid managed care health plan to CMO of NARBHA’s affiliate, The Guidance Center, a community mental health center and psychiatric hospital. The five years I was at TGC were some of the most rewarding and stressful times for me personally and professionally because it spanned the entire pandemic with two EMR upgrades, major renovations to the psychiatric hospital and outpatient facilities, opening a new SMI BHRF and an integrated care clinic, two JCAHO accreditation surveys, and pandemic policy pandemonium.

You were recently recognized with ArMA’s Health & Fitness Award for, in part, your leadership of the Arizona’s Public Psychiatry Academy, a program to help early-career psychiatric practitioners navigate the challenges of Medicaid. As Medicaid funding is threatened, how has your approach to leading this program changed?

There is moral injury and resultant burnout in healthcare professionals when we are asked to treat patients we don’t feel competent enough to treat, or to ration or abandon care that we know is necessary. AHCCCS is complicated. Public health is complicated. Psychiatry is complicated. And rapid federal and state changes make it even more so!

We started the Arizona Public Psychiatry Academy to be a community of practice for those working in the public psychiatry system. Our goals are to support and train public psychiatry practitioners, especially early career, to understand and respond to the changes, to translate their academic knowledge into practice, and ultimately to thrive. We teach up-to-date information about healthcare finance, coding, credentialing, privileging, quality improvement, controlled substance and telehealth regulations, wellbeing, impostor phenomenon, time management, as well as psychiatric evaluation and treatments for all populations. We try to fill in the blanks and model clinical humility in a constantly changing environment.

It’s been incredibly rewarding, and we are going to be expanding to additional tracks in leadership, personal growth and ethics.

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

I’ve been a Chief Medical Officer continuously for the past 30-ish years, first at Northern AZ RBHA (NARBHA), and then at our partner Medicaid Health Plan, and now at The NARBHA Foundation where I also am CMO of our two behavioral health ACOs, The Alliance and the Thrive Health Alliance. When our state was building a system for community mental health, I was able to impact many of the policies and programs at the state level because DBHS, ADHS and AHCCCS were very participatory. Now with our ACOs, we advocate for behavioral health agencies to be able to participate in value-based payment models to improve patient outcomes, collaborate not compete, support clinician wellbeing and continue NARBHA’s 58-year legacy of building and supporting public behavioral health care for rural, frontier and underserved populations.

What is the last book you read?

I read science fiction and fantasy and all the titles and plot lines blur together, especially on a Kindle! I find them entertaining because they are far removed from “real” life!

What is the best advice you've ever received?

From my mom, “if other people can do it, you can too.” This can be applied to childbirth, medical school, programming a new phone, running a marathon, etc.

Why is ArMA important to you?

I joined ArMA as a physician peer support during the pandemic when it started the Virtual Doctors’ Lounge. As part of the Wellbeing Collaborative of Arizona Health Professionals, I have been impressed with ArMA’s successful advocacy for licensure changes to remove mental health treatment attestations and its commitment to physician wellbeing.

Having a united voice is empowering.

We're proud to introduce Vanuyen Pham as ArMA's May Member Spotlight!

For Vanuyen Pham, medicine and advocacy go hand in hand. A proud second-generation Vietnamese American and medical student at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix, Vanuyen entered medicine with a passion for community-building, policy change, and amplifying voices that are too often unheard. Her background as a history major at Stanford University and former program manager at the Economic Security Project fuels, in part, her commitment to driving social change.

Today, she leverages her position as a medical student to stand up for patients, including facing Medicaid cuts. In her interview with ArMA, Vanuyen shares how her background in the humanities shaped her approach to medicine, her first experience at the Arizona State Capitol, and her perspective on the importance of physician-led advocacy.

Learn more about Vanuyen's story below!

You’ve had experience in nonprofit and government work — how have those roles influenced your approach to medicine and advocacy?

"I learned a lot from my previous roles about collaboration, coalitions, and the importance of forming strong, trusted relationships. Policies can’t be properly made without working with folks who are directly impacted. I see that as very tied to part of why I chose to go into medicine. I think physicians are in a very key position to work closely with patients, see what policies would be most beneficial for patients, and have the access to spaces to be listened to. I learned about physicians whose clinical care directly informed their advocacy work, and I deeply admired that. It was hopeful to see that it was possible. That is the tension and balance that I think I will continue to keep exploring in the coming years."

What was the most memorable moment during your Doctor of the Day experience with ArMA? 

"This was the first time I visited the State Capitol, and I learned a lot. Things like learning about how the Arizona state legislature is structured with staffing and how different it is from other states or federally was interesting. It was also nice to stop in on a caucus meeting and observe how representatives ask questions on different bills, and see how ArMA staff (shoutout Eva and Amanda) advocate for bills to legislators. I think it’s helpful to learn how the system works. On the outside we can call legislators and submit comments, but seeing how things are structured and what priorities may be important to legislators is useful.

In college, I met a community organizer who was heavily involved in state advocacy. I didn’t know anything really at the time and only had a small idea that I might be interested in policy and politics. I wish I could remember the exact example she told me about, but it was an example of junior high school students organizing to have a policy initiated at their school. While I don’t remember the specific details, this stood out to me because it made policy seem approachable and possible – anyone could get involved in advocacy. In college, I saw this through students pushing to have more funding for ethnic studies professors and community centers. I’ve thought before of advocacy and policy seeming intimidating, and it is, to think about it on a big level, sweeping changes. But it doesn’t need to be that big.

I guess that’s what led me to writing the article on possible Medicaid cuts. I read an article about the House proposed bill and was alarmed. I saw a small note about Arizona being one of the states with a trigger law, and just kept reading articles from there that led to me learning more information. I reached out to Dr. Murphy for support, and she looped me in to the work that ArMA was doing. I had no illusions of making any big changes. But I think I was just curious and I felt like it was important, and I wanted to be able to do something small on my own.

So I would say, if you see something that you don’t think is quite right or should be changed, do something about it. Follow what makes you curious. It could be starting off small like researching a topic that piques your interest, and go from there. Reach out for help, because lots of people know more than you do and are happy to help."

How has your background in the field of humanities influenced your approach to medical education?  

"A key part of writing history papers was sifting through sources, formulating an argument, and then citing evidence to support the thesis. I think this is essentially what a differential diagnosis is, which is at the heart of medicine. While the two subject matters are fairly different, I would say being curious and constantly asking questions is important in both. In history, it’s about asking what resources can be found to fill in the picture, and whose perspective the writings are from. In medicine, I’m still learning that along with memorization, asking why things happen helps connect the dots and cement the knowledge. I did love being a nerd and digging around for sources in archives, and I do see that investigative part in medicine as well in trying to find the answers to your questions. There is also an aspect of honing in on very specific details, while keeping in the back of your mind that context is everything and that having a sense of the bigger picture is also important.

It also forced me to be better at articulating my thoughts. When you’re in a two person seminar for two hours, you do have to do the readings, learn how to read quickly to get the gist of things, and have things to say. So I would say it helped me become better at communicating. Overall, it is a different background and has taken time to adjust to learning the science content, but I’m glad to have had the experience of taking humanities classes. And I always knew I enjoyed them and thought in high school that I wanted to major in history! I always felt like studying history was basically learning different people’s stories – reading historical fiction when younger will likely do that to you."

What song has been on repeat lately?  

"'Do What You Do' - Baek Hyun, EL CAPITXN, and UMI."

What’s the last book you read?

"Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao – whimsical fantasy about the adventures of a magical pawnshop owner. I didn’t love all parts of it, but it ended up being a comforting read, and I thought the world-building was very creative."

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

"I might have still been in some sort of role in the nonprofit or policy space. I always thought being Chief of Staff might be cool. There’s another world where I’m fully on the creative side as a writer or doing something like a PhD in history. A possible middle ground, if I had more of a quantitative background, would be a journalist on health policy issues for an organization like Kaiser Family Foundation."

Can you share a clinical experience that helped you connect the dots between policy decisions and their real-life impact on patients?

"There wasn’t necessarily a single experience but more when I was a Vietnamese interpreter in a county hospital ED in college, I realized I was interested in looking at bigger picture factors. Many of the patients reminded me of my grandparents and parents, from the way they talked about using green oil for pain relief or wind chills causing their symptoms. The fact that interpretation services are available in the hospital is a result of both hospital policies, and a reflection of how the Civil Rights Act codified language access on a federal level. I saw how critical language access was in ensuring patients got the best care they could, and while it’s something we are lucky to see as the norm now, was a conscious policy that was implemented.

There were other aspects of ED care, like seeing unhoused patients often coming in, that made me question how beyond their hospital care, what support they were receiving outside. What were the economic and housing policies in place that related to healthcare? Policies can seem abstract, but they shape our lives. Language access policies help patients like my own parents do things like apply for insurance, make appointments, communicate with their doctors, and better understand their care. Learning about history too, I became curious about policies and the policymaking process because of how both harmful and helpful policies greatly influence people’s lives."

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

"Keep going – you have no idea what’s in store for you. When things get hard, remember why you do what you do. Things aren’t always going to turn out the way you expect, and that’s okay. Just keep going, and be happy."

We're proud to introduce Theresa Costales, MD, as ArMA's April Member Spotlight!

Dr. Costales is a Phoenix-based psychiatrist and the newly appointed Chief Medical Officer of AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid agency. With a career grounded in behavioral health, a passion for systemic reform, and a drive to serve vulnerable communities, she brings both lived experience and visionary leadership to her role.

From her early work in adolescent addiction treatment to overseeing a statewide psychiatric crisis center, Dr. Costales has remained steadfast in her belief that better systems lead to better care. Today, she stands at the helm of a program serving over 2 million Arizonans, committed to reshaping healthcare delivery and defending access to care.

Learn more about Dr. Costales's story below!

What aspect of your work as AHCCCS’s CMO do you find most fulfilling or exciting?

"I just came on board with AHCCCS in January, so at this early stage of my tenure, it’s still really thrilling to consider the potential scope of impact. AHCCCS provides health insurance coverage to over 2 million Arizonans, covering more than half of all births and two-thirds of nursing facility days in the State. As the Arizona Medicaid agency, we oversee the AHCCCS Complete Care plans, the RBHAs (which are responsible for care of patients with a Serious Mental Illness designation), CHP (which covers care for children in DCS custody), the ALTCS plans (which provide long-term care coverage for the elderly and physically disabled, as well as for the developmentally disabled populations), and the Fee for Service System (which includes the American Indian Health Program, the Federal Emergency Services program, and the Tribal ALTCS and RBHA IGAs).

It’s hard to find an area of healthcare in Arizona that AHCCCS does not touch. And as a physician who spent much of my time on the community provider side contemplating ways by which our healthcare system could and should work better for patients, I almost cannot believe that I am here being given the opportunity to turn those daydreams into reality."

How does your expertise in behavioral health influence you in your current role?

"I came to Arizona in 2019 to work in the Serious Mental Illness (SMI) system here. It was my first real job after training, and I was excited to continue consolidating the knowledge I had gained during residency by treating chronically mentally ill patients in a statewide system designed to do just that. I had never heard of such a system – they do not exist elsewhere – and I could not wait to start.

I had formed this image in my head of what the SMI system would be, and it included truly integrated physical and psychiatric treatment, easy access to high quality services and evidence-based treatments of various modalities, sophisticated care coordination, and evidence of great outcomes, such as lower rates of psychiatric hospitalization and recovery from SMI.

Unfortunately, that’s not what I encountered upon arrival. I spent my days fighting for my patients to receive care that could be considered even mediocre in quality, navigating a somewhat disjointed system full of barriers to do so, and over time, I watched patients get sicker and sicker. I started to get a picture of where the gaps were, and which, if addressed, had the potential to be most impactful for the patients.

That picture truly came into focus when I left the SMI clinics to oversee a psychiatric crisis center, where all parts of the system seem to connect. It was there that I began advocating for systemic change while simultaneously advocating for individual patients, and that both led me to my current role at AHCCCS and informed my perspective on what that role should look like." 

Looming Medicaid cuts are on everyone’s mind. What would you say to policymakers who are considering cuts to this funding or changes to patients’ eligibility?

"Put simply, making any significant cuts to Medicaid funding and/or eligibility would be short-sighted, harm many Americans, weaken our economy, and adversely impact the electability of any policymaker who voted to do so. So, if I had the chance, I suppose I would advise against doing so."

What is something unexpected that you’ve encountered in your transition from direct patient care to leading a large healthcare institution?  

"I came to AHCCCS with an understanding that problems in our healthcare system would be complicated and have multiple layers, but I had no concept of how numerous and entangled those layers would be. It turns out there are very few truly “easy fixes” in a statewide agency."

What goal are you most excited to accomplish in 2025?

"Just making it through my first year as CMO of a state Medicaid agency in the current political climate in one piece will be a win for 2025."

What song has been on repeat lately?  

"The Fever to Tell album from Yeah Yeah Yeahs is experiencing a revival in my car of late. That album debuted towards the end of my Senior year of high school, so when I first listened to it, I was preparing to leave the proverbial nest, and still had all of that teenage angst going on, but was simultaneously so excited about the future, which I hoped would include making the world a better place. The songs feel full of all of those emotions and sentiments, with a hefty dose of formidable female energy, all of which feels oddly relevant to me once again, and is totally helping me prepare for my day as the AHCCCS CMO."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"Phoenix City Grille – it was the neighborhood spot that my husband and I frequented in the first place we lived together, and we got to know the staff there pretty well, some of whom have been watching our son grow since he was still in the womb. Though we have since moved to another neighborhood, it is still our go-to for a family dinner or Friday date night."

What’s the last book you read?

"In all honesty, the last book I actually read cover to cover was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which I read to my 6-year-old daughter at bedtime over the last month or so. I think learning to read has been the first major cognitively challenging skill she has attempted to master, which was leading her to avoid it as much as possible, so I wanted to get her excited about reading by showing her how it can unlock new worlds and endless adventures, and decided the Harry Potter books were the way there. The plan seems to be working."

We're proud to introduce Holly L. Geyer, MD as ArMA's February Member Spotlight!

Dr. Geyer is a hospitalist specializing in internal and addiction medicine at Mayo Clinic Arizona and a previous member of ArMA's Legislative & Governmental Affairs Committee. She is a leader in research, advocacy, and policy, with a track record of driving change in public health and patient care throughout the Valley and beyond.

Committed to combating the opioid crisis, Dr. Geyer spearheaded STOP-IT, an initiative to equip Arizona schools with life-saving overdose preparedness resources. Her work is a testament to the unique power of physicians in shaping healthcare policy and improving public health.

Learn more about Dr. Geyer's story below!

Share a project or campaign that triggered your interest in grassroots initiatives. How did you hear about it, and how did you get involved?

"All of us have titles. And most of us shrug the two-lettered ones when we step across our ‘welcome’ mat. The most treasured designation I will hold in this life is ‘mom’. But emerging data made it apparent that the threat of addiction and overdose my three young kids would face in our country was anything but theoretical. And it wasn’t waiting for adulthood.

With more than 50% of all US fentanyl coming directly through Arizona borders and America losing a classroom worth of kids weekly, it was time to get proactive. I formed a small group of clinicians and government representatives to help investigate the topic of opioid overdose preparedness in Arizona schools. We identified that there were no standardized overdose policies/procedures, naloxone procurement plans, school referral resources for addiction or staff/student overdose prevention and management training tools.

Together, we drafted an executive summary and brought it to the attention of the Arizona Department of Education. Superintendent Tom Horne embraced the opportunity to address the subject and I was invited to chair the ‘S chool Training Overdose Preparedness and Intelligence Taskforce’ (STOP-IT), a now 60+ member multidisciplinary working group. We were pleased to meet our deliverables and release a finalized Toolkit to all 2000 Arizona schools this January, along with a replenishable supply of 16,000 doses of naloxone-graciously supplied by our AZDHS and AHCCCS partners. There is an appetite for grass-roots engagement in this state and impending budget cuts may make our collaborative support all the more necessary in the coming years. "

What have you gained personally and professionally from being part of initiatives that drive change in healthcare? 

"A sense of purpose that my day job could never deliver.

Let me be clear: I adore patient care, particularly when caring for patients struggling with addiction, but my level of impact on the ‘n of 1’ each day left thousands of patients outside my walls bereft of the same intervention. It didn’t sit well. If we’ve built answers for one, why not apply them on a mass scale?

I’ve been blessed to serve with an organization that embraces this same philosophy and empowers the providers that champion them. Mayo Clinic put forth a host of resources and tools to help enable systematic change to the healthcare system’s role in addressing the opioid crisis-both inside and outside our organization’s borders.

A few years ago, we started an Opioid Stewardship Program (OSP). As Physician Lead in Arizona, I’ve worked to build an external form of our program for third party purchase targeting the 77% of US healthcare systems that lack one. Once available, this resource will offer access to 100’s of patient educational handouts and videos, protocols/policies, department workflows, EHR enhancement builds, healthcare provider training tools, consultation hours and more.

Mayo further supported the authorship of my book, ‘Ending the Crisis: Mayo Clinic’s Guide to Opioid Addiction and Safe Opioid Use’ which serves as the only patient-facing resource addressing the topics of pain management, safe use of opioids, and management of opioid-related complications, including addiction. Our School of Professional Development (MCSCPD) recently converted this into an audiobook and it is now CME approved plus meets the DEA 8 hour training mandate required of all DEA-licensed US providers.

A surprising addition to my roles was a recent appointment as Medical Advisor to the NFL Alumni Association’s Health Initiative (NFLAH) and the request to initiate national opioid-related healthcare campaigns on their behalf. Last year, I was able to foster a partnership between the DEA and NFLAH, and our NFL alumni are now the leading face of the DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign strategy.

These are just a few of the initiatives I’ve had the privilege of partnering in, and it’s gratifying to see contributors build on their momentum. The more partners willing to participate, the sooner this crisis ends." 

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"I grew up in rural South Africa during the 1980’s apartheid. My parents had moved us there when I was four to offer humanitarian work as Christian missionaries. I spent much of my young childhood in the impoverished Black townships and I’ve witnessed states of social depravity even modern television censors. Add this to the years of serving in the non-profit realm and the result is a mental phenotype that finds little satisfaction in chasing the material. I’m convinced that life is about people, about souls and chasing our God-given purpose. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better environment to execute this viewpoint in than medicine. It’s a mindset we work to instill in our kids as they navigate our increasingly materialistic society. The friction is real. But they’re adapting. And if there’s one thing they’ve learned thus far, it’s that it’s hard to beat the deals at Goodwill!"

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine? 

"When I was 10, my parents started a small, non-profit substance use disorder treatment program in Minnesota and I grew up immersed in the recovery world. But as the organization grew, I witnessed the explosive transformation that took place once they chose to pursue non-mandated state licensure. 

As the standards went up, so did client outcomes. Bed availability followed and this once fledgling organization now serves more than 1000 inpatients daily. Witnessing the incredible impact of adhering to evidence-based standards and engaging in benchmark monitoring set the stage for my career commitment to building standards in healthcare. 

Transitioning from behavioral health to the world of medicine, I carried this passion but lacked change-management skills. So, after finishing residency, I joined ArMA’s Legislative and Government Affairs Committee and for the following eight years, observed the intricacies of how viewpoints and positions become policy and policy drives results. Watching ArMA navigate divergent viewpoints, balance strategy pros and cons, and forecast the long-term political and patient care impact of their decisions offered an unmatched training experience. 

The information I’ve since been able to apply to the multiple state and national boards and committees I chair/serve on has guided critical decisions and opened new doors. For providers investigating ways to bring large-scale impact to their field through legislative or state agency channels, I cannot more highly recommend approaching ArMA to explore involvement."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"Our kids are 3, 5 and 7. Date night usually consists of me and my husband foraging for chicken nuggets that don’t defy health codes still stuck between the car seats. I suspect I am in a better position to take suggestions than offer them."

How has a book changed your perspective on life? 

"The book, The One Thing by Gary Keller was revolutionary. For providers that face the daily battle of organizing competing priorities and keeping an ever-growing to do-list manageable, this is the book for you.

Its premise is simple: for any list of to-do items, you’ll often find that a single intervention seemingly unrelated to the items on the list will resolve many items all at once. It’s hard to believe, but I’ve seen it in action.

A few years ago, I struggled with keeping my to-do list accurate. I was writing myself emails, scribbling reminders on paper, and relying on my 3-year-old to jog my memory. It was chaos, and I was missing deadlines.

My initial reaction was to begin dropping activities. But the logic in this book helped me realize that my schedule was not out of control- my ability to capture it in one place was. I ended up researching the best ‘to-do list’ apps, installed one on all my devices and made it Alexa-friendly. I now speak new to-do items directly into my iWatch and its updated on all technology within seconds. Life-changing! "

If a physician has an issue that they're passionate about, where should they start if they want change? Are there any pitfalls for them to avoid?

"If you want to go far, travel together. I didn’t coin this phrase- I just quote it like it’s on sale and about to catch on fire.

I can’t overstate the value of forming an initial working group to review the problem. When choosing members, identify what content is within your lane and liberally recruit all other expertise to the table. If your topic is of a political nature or involves a specific sector of government, ensure legal expertise and invested government stakeholders are in the group. High-ranking elected representatives from medical societies germane to your topic can carry significant influence!

Remember, our industry’s greatest tool is evidence. Do your homework and pull multiple high-quality studies to make your case. Be sure to also include an assessment of current state including metrics-you’ll need these numbers as benchmarks when you later review the value of your interventions. Once all of this is collected, compile it into a summary document and include the risks of inaction and your team’s proposed solutions. If available, approach your institution’s Government Relations team for assistance on next steps. If not an option, consider reaching out to advocacy organizations like ArMA or your local legislative representatives.

Remember that state agencies are usually strapped for resources and staff. They are unlikely to solve your problems for you. But if you do your homework and offer evidence-based solutions that account for current infrastructure barriers (such as funding) plus bring a workforce to work towards change, it will be hard to turn down your offer. "

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

"Life is not a marathon. It’s a series of sprints and breaks. There have been periods of my life when 24 hours/day seems a subatomic injustice to the size of my agenda, and other stretches where I’m convinced the only thing I contribute to society is carbon dioxide. In looking back, I wish I had embraced the pauses-seen them not as moral evasions from productivity, but recovery periods critical to surviving the next phase. Busy people create business-it’s the nature of momentum. But results don’t materialize all at once. If you’ve been given the rare privilege of a season to relax while previous investments cultivate, take it and appreciate the moment."

We're proud to introduce Christina Ferraro, MD as ArMA's February Member Spotlight!

Dr. Christina Ferraro is a diagnostic breast radiologist at Valleywise Health Medical Center and an assistant clinical professor of radiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix and Creighton University. Dr. Ferraro received her medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and now has over 10 years of experience in the medical field.

Dr. Ferraro is a longstanding advocate for radiology, a leader within organized medicine, and a determined philanthropist for Arizona's communities. ArMA proudly invites you to get to know Dr. Christina Ferraro and her journey through Arizona's health landscape.

Learn more about Dr. Ferraro's story below!

How has your specialty shaped your philosophy on patient care?

"Radiology is often misunderstood. While we do sit in the dark, it is a very patient centered field and we interact with all types of clinicians. We also have interface directly with patients primarily in the procedural setting. Sometimes with limited history provided it truly is kind of like a puzzle to put everything together by combing the medical chart, and having a breath of knowledge about many disease processes, anatomy and the imaging findings thereof.

My specialty of Breast Radiology in particular is a very fast paced environment with lots of face time with patients in the diagnostic and procedural setting. This has allowed me to truly treat each person as an individual; with different concerns, stressors, risk factors, health literacy and life circumstances. The principles of cura personalis or 'care for the whole person' learned from my Jesuit training allow me to pause and consider how best to help each patient and to tailor conversations. My favorite part of the job is working closely with my amazing team to take wonderful care of these women. Well, sometimes the topic of breast cancer is tough, I hope that I am making a meaningful impact on our very deserving patients."

Have you always been interested in physician advocacy? If so, recount one of your earliest involvements. If not, can you pinpoint a catalyst for your recent interest?  

"I have been involved with physician advocacy since medical school, but more seriously since residency.

I was accepted as a Rutherford Lavanty Fellow for the American College of Radiology in 2015 and spent a week in Washington DC shadowing the Government Relations Team. That was an eye opening experience to see different medical societies often asking for things that were counterproductive but also the time, persistence and money required to get your ask heard.

Since then, I have remained involved and have attended Hill Day as part of the annual ACR meeting a handful of times. I also serve as current president of the Arizona Radiological Society and am involved in advocacy at the state level."

Describe the goal you're most excited to accomplish in 2025.

"I am fortunate to have been asked to be a dancer this year in Dancing with the Stars, a major fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. In addition to learning ballroom dance and competing in a competition on March 15 at the Phoenician, I am fundraising with a goal of $35,000!

This supports services throughout Arizona (inclusive but not limited to help with dialysis, rides, food, shelter, dental services) and also supports kids with renal disease to attend a camp in Prescott called Camp Kidney. The entire experience is outside of my comfort zone but I believe we have to push ourselves to grow.

Please help me achieve my goals with a donation! It is greatly appreciated and helps to better serve our medical community."

Click below to support Dr. Ferraro!

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I believe if you aren’t a part of the solution than you are part of the problem. Within medicine there are so many avenues to get involved locally, at the state or national level. Policy affects individual specialty groups with issues such as reimbursement and scope but can also affect all physicians, regardless of specialty with more global issues surrounding these topics or issues such as graduate medical education. It is important to have your individual and collective voices heard.

One simple way to get involved is by joining your medical or specialty societies, which advocate for you on your behalf. Even in my specialty of Radiology, not all Radiologists see the value of paying dues to the American College of Radiology, which does amazing things for us, on our behalf. Sometimes I think it’s hard for people to see the value of something they can’t directly see."

What song has been on repeat lately?

"'Goodness of God' by CeCe Winans."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?  

"Mariposa in Sedona and Buck & Rider in Phoenix."

What do you like best about living in Arizona? 

"The beautiful sunny winters and getting out to hike! I also like to get out to explore different areas around the state as we have very interesting geography. Some of my favorite places I’ve visited include Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Flagstaff and Pinetop."

What success in your career are you most proud of?

"SB 1601 was a bill I initiated and ultimately got passed in 2023 with the invaluable support from ArMA and guidance from leaders in my specialty. This bill was sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp. This bill guaranteed tomosynthesis coverage for screening mammograms for all Arizona woman and updated guidelines to reflect recommendations of the NCCN.

While this bill was definitely a step in the right direction, more needs to be done. We need to follow suit of other states and look into additional coverage for supplemental screening of dense breasts, as well as eliminating cost sharing for diagnostic examinations. My hope is within the next couple years we can work on legislation to get Arizona one step further and to be following trends in the nation."

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

"Honestly, I would probably be a veterinarian (but really would only want to see dogs). Or an interior designer… it’s fun to shop!"

We're proud to introduce

Edward Kalpas, MD, MAS, MPH as ArMA's December Member Spotlight!

Dr. Kalpas received his master's in public health from Columbia University, his medical degree from Uniformed Services University, and his master's in health informatics from Arizona State University. Dr. Kalpas found his way to the Valley, where he worked with organizations like HonorHealth, taught classes at Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions, and conducted research at The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).

Most recently, Dr. Kalpas joined the Community Health Center of Yavapai as chief medical officer. In this role, he is empowering patients and healthcare professionals to improve healthcare through technology. In our interview with Dr. Kalpas, he shines a much-deserved spotlight on rural healthcare.

Learn more about Dr. Kalpas's story below!

What led you to practice in Yavapai County specifically?

"Yavapai County Community Health Services contains both a County Public Health Department and Federally Qualified Health Center in one department. As the Chief Medical Officer of this integrated department, I get to bring Public Health interventions directly into the primary care setting in addition to leveraging our primary care, pediatric, OB/GYN, dental and behavioral health providers to improve the health of the entire county.

This unique role allows me to fully utilize my training in public health, preventive medicine and clinical informatics. I still get to see patients part-time and also mentor students which are all important to me."

What is your favorite thing about serving that community?

"It is truly fulling to work in an underserved area. We see all types of patients from those with no insurance to patients with Medicaid, Medicare or commercial health insurances.

We have areas that are more densely populated such as Prescott and Prescott Valley and rural areas extending from Ash Fork and Seligman in the North to Cottonwood and Camp Verde in the East, Bagdad in the West, and Yarnell and Congress in the South.

In addition, it is a very collaborative environment where we work closely with our colleagues from Yavapai Regional Medical Center, the Prescott Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Northern Arizona Healthcare. As a department of Yavapai County government, we have been able to forge strong relationships with Yavapai College, and several school districts."

What hurdles have you and your team overcome in the rural health landscape?

"It is challenging working in an area with insufficient specialty providers. We often have to send patients to Phoenix or Flagstaff for specialty care and this can be challenging, particularly when patients don't have reliable access to transportation."

How did your military service prepare you to lead in a medical environment?

"I learned in the Army to 'Leave No One Behind'. This prepared me for my current position where I'm committed to bringing quality healthcare to every Yavapai County resident."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I first became involved with ArMA as a member of the Residents and Fellows Section where I was the Vice-Chairperson. I wanted to advocate for Graduate Medical Education participants and network with other providers in Arizona."

Why is ArMA important to you and those you lead?

"As of member of the ArMA Public Health Committee, I feel it is important to advocate for the the physician specialty of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine. Many physicians and medical students I've talked to don't know there is a residency and board certification in this area."

What song has been on repeat lately?

"Little Blue - Jacob Collier"

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"Pomo Pizzeria is my favorite restaurant in Arizona. Both my parents grew up in Italy and I got to visit Italy every summer to visit my grandparents when I was growing up. This is the most authentic Neapolitan pizza I've found in all of Arizona."

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

"If I wasn't practicing medicine, I would be at a meditation center, flying airplanes, taking personal development courses or scuba diving."

We're proud to introduce Heather Saran, DO as

ArMA's November Member Spotlight!

We're proud to introduce Heather Saran, DO, as the Arizona Medical Association's November Member Spotlight! Dr. Saran attended medical school at Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. She completed a residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, and completed a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at Ohio State University.

Dr. Saran recently opened Scottsdale's first-ever concierge endocrine medical practice, Bright Endocrinology. In her interview, Dr. Saran highlights her preventative treatment approach, emphasis on individualistic patient care, and lessons from her venture into private practice!

Learn more about Dr. Saran's story below!

What led you to start your own medical practice? What hurdles are you most proud to have overcome in opening your own practice?

"I launched Bright Endocrinology in order to bring change to the healthcare in the Valley. The biggest hurdle I had to get over was my own fear of failure. There is not another direct care endocrine practice in the Valley so I figured this would be either the best or worst idea I ever had. Practicing outside of health insurance limitations has given me the time I need to deliver individualized care, and my patients benefit from more time and information I am able to provide."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I think busy physicians do not want to deal with bureaucracy of medicine, but this has led to new problems in healthcare. I firmly believe that we need organized medicine to advocate for physicians' rights, promote public health initiatives, and help set ethical standards in medicine."

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

"My family always jokes that I should have been a travel agent. My attention to detail and planning logistics lends itself to both medicine and planning travel. Much like treating patients, a good travel agent tailors their trip to the individual needs of each person. I keep all my travel-related emails in separate folders and save things to Google Maps, so I am always quick to offer travel suggestions if it’s someplace I have been before.”

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

"I am unapologetic about the fact that I thoroughly enjoy reality TV. The Bachelor franchise is my OG favorite, but I also enjoy Below Deck and Million Dollar Listing."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"My favorite casual spot to grab a bite is OHSO. It’s a place my whole family enjoys. Their menu is diverse, and you can’t beat a cold pitcher of Boom Dynamite on a warm afternoon."

What success in your career are you most proud of?

"I was honored to be chosen at a Phoenix Magazine Top Doctor in 2024. This means so much because the voting is done by my peers."

What aspects of being a practice owner are you most passionate about? What invigorates you?

"Running my own practice has given better work-life balance. Setting my own schedule has allowed me to spend more time with my family and be present in my kids’ lives. I am now able to volunteer at my Kindergartener’s school and be a Girl Scout leader.”

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

"My approach to patient care is centered around personalization and building a strong relationship with each individual. I believe that effective care goes beyond just treating symptoms—it's about building trust and understanding the whole person. By taking the time to listen to patients and engaging in open, compassionate communication, I aim to create a treatment plan that empowers them in their decision-making and supports their overall health journey."

Why is ArMA important to you and the physicians you lead?

"I joined ArMA so I could help support physicians lobby governments and lawmakers on issues like healthcare reform, reimbursement rates, malpractice laws, medical licensing, and patient safety. ArMA was also a huge resource for me before I even opened the doors of Bright Endocrinology. The staff is so friendly and reached out to me to offer connections I needed to start a new private practice.”

 

We're proud to introduce Marjorie Bessel, MD as

ArMA's October Member Spotlight!

Dr. Bessel currently serves as the chief clinical officer at Banner Health. She attended Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois, where she earned the James B. Herrick award for most outstanding performance in internal medicine and earned the honor of acting as a chief resident.

She began her journey at Banner 12 years ago, and since, has served as a progressive leader with the organization. Her clinical philosophy centers empowering patients through transparent clinical interactions and information. Learn more about Dr. Bessel below!

Which aspect of your role as Banner Health’s CCO are you most passionate about? What about it invigorates you?

"I have been passionate about taking care of our caregivers. Since 2017, we have implemented an evidence-based strategic plan to promote wellness and reduce burnout. The challenges of clinical care continue to mount and it is imperative for all of us in leadership roles to listen and support our caregivers who deliver care.

As the expectations and cognitive load on caregivers seems to ever-increase, I am however invigorated by the technology advances that are becoming within reach to reduce burden on our teams. I believe the next 5-10 years will have amazing changes to workflow that will ultimately allow the day in the life of our caregivers to improve which then will directly improve care received by our patients."

Which of of Banner Health’s recent achievements are you most proud of?

"We just celebrated our 25th anniversary. As a not for profit organization focused on caring for our communities, this is a milestone of pride for me as I reflect on the amazing care provide over a quarter century."

What initiatives is Banner Health undertaking in the near future?

"We are embarking on an HRO (high reliability) journey and I am excited by the energy and enthusiasm our organization has for this. The impact of being leading enterprise-wide learning to improve safety, quality, patient experience and team member engagement is exhilarating for me.”

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"My journey is similar to others I believe. I never chartered a course to be in a role like the one I am currently so privileged to have. It’s a credit to my parents for encouraging me to always take on new challenges and to many mentors along my path that identified opportunities they saw for me that I usually did not at the time."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"This is an unusual one, I am sure. I grew up in Buffalo and Teds hot dogs in Tempe is a chain from Buffalo. The Tempe location is the only one outside the Buffalo area."

What success in your career are you most proud of?

"Banner Health, like so many others, did almost unimaginable stretch during the pandemic to care for our communities. I am so proud of the leadership role I played, Banner played and our team members played."

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

"My husband, who is also a physician, and I are dog lovers. We have rescued dogs together and would likely do full-time rescue if we weren’t both in medicine right now"

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"My dad was my running coach in my younger days and my mom was also a runner. She and I were featured in Sports Illustrated in Faces in the Crowd. I believe that the rigor, pacing and dedication that I learned from being in sports also has helped me throughout my entire career.”

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

"I love living in Arizona and appreciate the beauty of the desert, the ability to get to the mountains in just a few hours, sitting by the pool in winter telling my family and friends in Buffalo that I am doing so (!) and the ease of traveling anywhere from Sky Harbor Airport."

Why is ArMA important to you and the physicians you lead?

"As we all worked through the incredible challenges of the pandemic, it became very clear that collective voices of those doing work were critical. ArMA is a way for trained professionals to collaborate for the betterment of health of our communities.”

We're proud to introduce Richard J. Gray, MD, FACS, as ArMA's September Member Spotlight!

Dr. Gray currently serves as the CEO of Mayo Clinic in Arizona. He received his medical degree from Michigan State University before pursuing a fellowship for surgical oncology at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida.

In 2001, Dr. Gray joined Mayo Clinic's faculty, and he has been an integral member ever since. His patient-centered approach to care delivery earned him a spot in the U.S. News and World Report's Top 1% of Surgeons. Dr. Gray became an ArMA member in 1995 and is a strong supporter of organized medicine.

Which aspect of your role as Mayo Clinic in Arizona's CEO are you most passionate about? What about it invigorates you? 

"As CEO, my greatest passion lies in ensuring we live up to our primary value: the needs of the patient come first. This commitment drives everything we do—from pioneering new cures and leveraging data to generate actionable insights, to transforming our approach with advanced technologies like AI.

I am invigorated by the creativity and dedication of our employees, who bring novel approaches and groundbreaking discoveries at the forefront of patient care. Witnessing our teams deliver answers and cures that patients cannot find elsewhere is profoundly rewarding.

Moreover, working at this exceptional institution, which has a rich history spanning 160 years, adds a unique sense of fulfillment. Being part of a legacy of excellence and innovation, and contributing to a tradition of advancing medical care, is a privilege that continually inspires and motivates me. "

Which of Mayo Clinic in Arizona’s recent achievements are you most proud of?

On a daily basis, I am most proud of the outstanding outcomes our teams achieve for our patients. Independent organizations’ recognitions affirming this excellence are particularly meaningful. For instance, Vizient's ranking of Mayo Clinic in Arizona as having the best cancer patient quality and outcomes in the U.S. last year was a significant achievement, and our consistent top performance across rankings from U.S. News, HCAHPS, Leapfrog, and CMS Stars, which consistently place us at the highest percentile in the nation, underscores our commitment to exceptional patient care.

I’m also proud of our Arizona. Bold. Forward. strategic investments over the past five years, which have significantly strengthened our foundational areas of practice, education, and research. We doubled the size of our Phoenix campus to support rapid growth in the Southwest, adding 99 new inpatient beds, two additional floors of outpatient space, and a 35-bed observation unit. Additionally, we increased our research space by 40% with our newly opened Integrated Education and Research Building. Together, these enhancements enable us to Cure, Connect, and Transform healthcare to serve more patients.

I’m equally proud of achievements that point to innovation and a future that will be even better for our patients and staff. Over the past five years, we’ve more than doubled the number of patients participating in clinical trials and doubled the number of patents our innovators have had issued. Our research funding and investments have increased by 19% in the last year, fueling further advancements and discoveries.

What are your 3 favorite movies?

"Shawshank Redemption, 12 Angry Men, and Princess Bride.”

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"My involvement in organized medicine stems from Mayo Clinic’s strong belief in physician leadership. By partnering with organizations that represent physicians and influence healthcare policies, we amplify our collective voice. This strengthens our ability to drive quality improvements and support community health initiatives, enabling us to make meaningful changes and have a significant impact on the field of medicine."

Which of Mayo Clinic in Arizona’s future-focused initiatives are you most excited about? How is the initiative poised to impact our community?

What has been the biggest change in your career?

"Transitioning from my surgical practice to the role of CEO presented a significant shift, both professionally and personally. At Mayo Clinic, while physician leaders continue practicing, the CEO role necessitates a full commitment to executive responsibilities. So, stepping away from direct patient care was challenging. The personal fulfillment I derived from surgical practice was profound, and it was not immediately clear whether the same sense of satisfaction would translate into my new role. To my surprise, I discovered that the strategic and organizational impact of leading Mayo Clinic was equally rewarding, allowing me to continue to contribute to patient care, albeit in a different way.

Another aspect of that transition was navigating a change in professional dynamics. Long-time colleagues who used to call me by my first name began interacting with me more formally and addressing me as “Dr. Gray.” Despite this shift, I remain committed to fostering a collaborative and approachable environment, which is crucial for effective leadership and organizational success."

What’s the last book you read?

"Look Again by Tali Sharot and Cass Sunstein"

What does a typical day in your life look like?

"A typical day in my life is far from predictable—each day brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. I start early by working out at the gym or playing basketball at 5 a.m., or 6:30 a.m. on weekends, at least three times a week. I like to get into the office by 7 a.m. so I can dive into the day’s activities, which often include meetings with leadership teams, physicians and administrators, and rounds in our facilities. These rounds allow me to gather spontaneous feedback from patients and staff, which in turn helps me understand what’s working well and where we have room for improvement.

Much of my time is spent working on future initiatives, such as integrating new technologies like AI to support our staff and patients and responding to a high volume of emails throughout the day. I typically leave work around 6 p.m., though my schedule occasionally includes evening events and meetings in the community.

I try to reserve evenings for family time, though I do read briefings to prepare for the next day. I usually wind down and go to bed by 10 p.m. Most days are a dynamic blend of activities, making each one both engaging and rewarding."

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

"My approach to patient care is fundamentally guided by the Mayo Model of Care, which emphasizes both patient care and the environment in which care is delivered.

In terms of patient care, the model prioritizes collaborative teamwork with multispecialty integration, thorough and unhurried patient examinations, personalized care with continuity, high-quality service with compassion, and efficient, advanced evaluations.

The model also emphasizes that the environment that enables this outcome includes skilled and valued staff, a culture of research and education, strong physician leadership, integrated medical records and support services, quality-focused compensation, and distinctive professional standards.

This model ensures that our patient care is both exceptional and delivered in an environment that supports and enhances the quality of care we provide.”

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

"Arizona offers an exceptional quality of life with a wealth of diverse lifestyle opportunities. Within just a couple of hours' drive, you can enjoy everything from expansive warm desert landscapes and stunning red rock formations to cooler mountain ranges and pine forests. The friendliness and warmth of the people here are also remarkable. I’ve also noticed that many residents are from the Midwest who bring a welcoming “Midwest nice” attitude that makes the community feel especially inviting. Additionally, the strong spirit of collaboration and mutual support here is so noticeable – people are genuinely willing to help one another and offer their time and assistance."

Why is ArMA important to you and the physicians you lead?

"The Arizona Medical Association has long been the leading voice in public policy for Arizona's "House of Medicine." ArMA has been and will continue to be on the front lines of legislative debates on critical issues involving medical care – ranging from protecting the physician/patient relationship, advocating for graduate medical education funding, and more. And ArMA's long-standing "Doctor of the Day" program at the Legislature is an immensely effective way to build strong relationships with lawmakers and showcase the vital role of physicians in tomorrow's healthcare. Mayo's physicians have played a prominent role in ArMA's committee and leadership structure, and I'm confident they will continue to do so in the years to come.”

This month, we introduce Gretchen B. Alexander, MD, DLFAPA as August's ArMA Member Spotlight! Dr. Alexander works as a board-certified psychiatrist caring for patients in the Phoenix metro area. Dr. Alexander attended the Perelmen School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and completed her psychiatric residency training at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Dr. Alexander led ArMA as president from 2017-18 and currently serves as Chair of the Medical Aid in Dying Task Force and Chair of the Arizona Medical Political Action Committee's Board of Directors. She recently was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award during the Heart Beat Gala at ArMA's 2024 Annual Meeting. Read into Dr. Alexander's award the 2024 Health Care Award Ceremony!

What inspires you?
"As a psychiatrist at Maricopa County’s safety net hospital, I work with patients who are struggling with the gravest challenges—medical, emotional, economic and social. Trying to make sure that our patients leave the hospital with a sense of hope about the world and their situation is a consistent goal for me and our entire group; meeting that goal is a powerful inspiration to me."

What are your 3 favorite movies?
"Albert Brooks’ Defending Your Life, The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, and Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal.”

What does a typical day in your life look like?

"My day starts at 6:45AM reviewing emails and checking for overnight transfers to the medicalcenter from inpatient psychiatry, since we need to follow those cases.

At 7:00AM I start our group’s daily group chat and assign the overnight consults, discuss dispositions and transfers for active cases, and introduce new trainees to the team.

At 8:00 I head down to the hospital for 8:15 table rounds where we review all cases, discuss interesting/educational aspects of patients we’re seeing and coordinate the legal work on patients who are on involuntary status. Sometimes we have a med student give a presentation on a topic which is always interesting.

From 8:45-11:00 I assign work to the resident and medical student on my team, deal with administrative matters , review charts, and call families and outside providers for collateral information on my forensic and risk assessment cases. Sometimes I will have a lecture to give for our residency training program.

From 11:00 to 4:30 I’m on the floors seeing patients, staffing cases with the residents, communicating with medical and surgical teams about the cases they’ve consulted us on, putting out administrative fires, and teaching our medical students.

From 4:30-5:30 or 6 I’m back in my office finishing notes and returning phone calls, or in the ED seeing late consults."

What is a meaniful project to you that you're currently working on?
"Currently, I serve as board chair for the Arizona Medical Political Action Committee. Our role as board members is to support our amazing legislative staff as they advocate for our patients and our profession at the state legislature. I am grateful to have this opportunity to engage with our membership and ArMA leadership as we work to improve our fundraising and advocacy work. ArMA’s effectiveness at the state legislature is closely tied to our engagement with state lawmakers and our PAC is just one of many tools which can be extraordinarily effective in building strong relationships with our allies. Those strong relationships are a critical foundation when we seek to get laws written and passed that will help us achieve our legislative goals."

How would you describe your approach to patient care?
"Old School: I trained in an era where being detail oriented, thorough and curious about your patients was of paramount importance to being a good physician. So when I walk into a patient’s room, I have already reviewed all of their medical records in detail, sometimes back to the 1990’s. This allows me to spend far less time trying to get the patient to remember their often complicated past history, and to spend more time just chatting with the patient and establishing rapport and addressing their current concerns. "

We are so excited to introduce this month's ArMA Member Spotlight, George Bradbury III, MD! Dr. Bradbury attended medical school at Johns Hopkins University. He completed his residency training at the University of Arizona and, shortly after, served in Yokosuka, Japan, as an orthopedic surgeon for the United States Navy. In 2006, Dr. Bradbury relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where he began his legacy of impacting the practice of medicine in the Southwest. Dr. Bradbury has been an ArMA member since 2009, and he currently serves on our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce.

Dr. Bradbury has always worked to inspire others. In 2022, he gave a powerful talk on the role and value of leadership in an independent medical practice (which you can view here). Learn all about Dr. Bradbury's journey with medicine below!

What has been the biggest change in your career?
"The transition from clinical medicine to focus on systemic problems of wellness and health. I have come full circle from my initial interest in Family Practice to a career in orthopedic surgery, back to leading a team of nurse practitioners delivering care to the sickest of the sick and poorest of the poor."

What inspires you?
"I am inspired by the possibilities of the future and the power of human connection."

What are your 3 favorite movies?
"Everything Everywhere All at Once". "Jaws." "Amadeus."

How has a book changed your perspective on life?
"Daniel Kahneman's Thinking Fast and Slow sparked my interest in human perception, thought, and behavior. He was a remarkable human who started the field of behavioral economics. That book set me down a path lined with many other books on related topics."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?
"Feast restaurant in Tucson. Great food that changes monthly and never disappoints."

What success in your career are you most proud of?
"I hope I have inspired those I work with to believe in themselves and have a 'growth' outlook on their lives. If I inspire them to have a richer, more fulfilling life, that is enough."

What's a project you're working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you? 
"I am working with Catholic Community Services to develop a medical respite facility for people experiencing homelessness. When they are injured or ill, we will provide a stable discharge location after hospitalization. Our goal is to restore their health and provide support to regain housing and other basic needs on a permanent basis."

If you weren't pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?
"Advocating for a more equitable society."

What is one message you would give to your 18-year-old self?
"Don't be seduced by the 'certainty' of a linear path through life. The twists and turns of a non-linear path are far more rewarding. Go where your interests take you, not where you are told to go."

What do you like best about living in Arizona?
"This is an amazing state with many opportunities for outdoor activities. At one point in my life, it was ideal for the endurance sports training I was involved in."

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
"I did a solo swim from Europe to Africa."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?
"When I entered private practice after the Navy, I recognized that the 'system' requires decisions be made on an ongoing basis. We operate in a dynamic ecosystem that destroys any 'set it and forget it' approach to strategy, policy, and process. We all feel comfortable seeing patients in the hierarchical vertical structure of the office where, presumably, everyone's role is clear. The focus there is on 'efficiency' and 'knowing'. When you enter the world of systems, the important relationships are less defined and horizontal. The focus there is on 'exploring' and 'learning'. My belief is the greatest opportunity to add value is on the system level. I recognize that not everyone agrees with that perspective, and yet I will defend it respectfully."

We are so excited to introduce you to this month's ArMA Member Spotlight, Franki Walsh! Franki is a medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. Earlier this year, Franki participated in ArMA's Doctor of the Day program, an opportunity for ArMA physicians and physicians-in-training to meet with their legislators at the Arizona State Capitol.

Recently, Franki was selected for the American Academy of Family Physicians Emerging Leader Institute as one of only 30 national applicants selected with an interest in family medicine. Learn all about Franki's journey with medicine below!

What has been the biggest change in your career?

Going to medical school, funnily enough. I’ve had a variety of experiences that have culminated in this shift to medicine. In fact, I was on the path to a career in public health before ultimately deciding on medicine. Right before I started medical school at UA COMP, I was an epidemiologist working on COVID-19 for Maricopa County. It was definitely a shift to go from having two direct reports to being back at the “bottom” of the food chain, but it has been so, so worth it.  

I joke about my CV being five pages long, but each choice, each endeavor has given me a new perspective on people, community, and life. I’d like to do a residency in Family Medicine or a combined residency in FM/Psych, because, for me, integrated physical and mental health care from womb to tomb is the ultimate way to practice public health on the ground. I feel I can practice as the best version of my physician self when focusing on person-centered care, more so than patient-centered care or population-focused issues. So I guess in some ways, going to medical school hasn’t been the “biggest change” but more of a culmination of everything that has led to this point. 

What's a project you're working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you?

I submitted a workshop proposal that was accepted for the Hope Horizons Regional Institutes put on by AHCCCS and Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. The workshop is on Breastfeeding & Substance Use and I’ve partnered with Hushabye Nursery to make sure I’m covering all the information adequately and with care. 

I’m really excited to present on two topics that are very important to me. I managed to breastfeed my little one for 19 months – right up until medical school started. Breastfeeding was hard, especially with returning to work and trying to handle my ADHD without my usual medication, which is what got me interested in the topic in the first place. Finding out I could maintain breastfeeding while still taking my Adderall made all the difference in being able to extend that relationship as long as I did. And since I consider myself health literate but hadn’t known about that option until a psychiatrist told me it could be done, I wanted to make sure to put the information out there and let others know that it can be done. In fact, some research has been on substances and transmission into breast milk, but there’s still a long way to go in understanding more. Additionally, watching all the work my husband has done in harm reduction really inspired me to more fully understand and take that approach when interacting with others, to the benefit of my future patients (I hope). 

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

“It’s okay to take your time and it’s definitely okay to change your mind.” I feel like I spent so much of my childhood and teenage years just wanting to be older so I could do everything I wanted to do – go to college, join the Peace Corps, travel the world – that sometimes it was hard to stop and enjoy the ride. It also felt hard to pivot sometimes because I was so set on doing certain things in a certain way on a certain timeline, and life just doesn’t work out like that. Looking back, I’m glad for all the experiences I had, I just wish I had been more okay with doing things at my own pace rather than the pace at which my friends, family, and society told me to do things. 

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

There’s no snow (at least in Phoenix)! As someone who grew up in New Jersey and went back to the East Coast to do a Masters in New York City after living in tropical & desert climates for ~4 years, I do not take for granted the beautiful, sometimes sweltering weather we have here. I will take 120+ degree highs over freezing temperatures any day. Also, desert skies are just… the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. I did my first round of undergrad in Los Angeles, and I thought ocean skies were as good as it gets – but I was wrong. Seeing the sky painted in pinks and oranges with streaks of white clouds reminds me that there is so much more than what’s happening on the ground.

The people here are pretty awesome too. I’ve managed to find such an amazing, inspiring group of folx who I know have my back through anything – and that’s really special and valuable. Also, I met my husband in Arizona, so the state means a lot to me. 

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I collect models of 1960s VW microbuses. I started as a young teenager and just never stopped. I’m lucky that they are a popular car, because I have been able to find pictures or toy models or clothing featuring them all over the place. In fact, I try to find some when I travel now – I have two paintings of VW busses from abroad (one from Ireland and one from Mexico) and a toy VW bus I found at a market in Cambodia while I was a Peace Corps Volunteer. When I found out I was pregnant with my son, one of my good friends managed to find a onesie with a sketch of a VW bus on it and sent it to me. Sadly, my kiddo doesn’t fit in it anymore, but I’m going to keep it forever. 

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

I think I have an advantage at unwinding, even when I don’t “want” to or feel like I can’t, because I have a toddler whose smile just melts everything bad about the day away. It was really helpful during the first semester of medical school when it felt like I couldn’t get anything right – I’d go to pick him up from my in-laws and the little pitter-patter of his running feet would immediately lift my spirits. In fact, my family has been the biggest help in keeping me grounded and helping me destress when medical school feels impossible. I’m also close with my niece and nephew, so hearing their shouts of “Riri!” when I see them helps melt away any stress. 

I also run. I’m not very fast, but running is something that brings me joy and reminds me that I can do hard things. I ran seven 5ks when I was pregnant with my kiddo, so it also makes me so happy to push him in the stroller and hopefully pass on my love of running. When I get a chance (which is harder these days with school), I like to join group workouts/runs with November Project, which is the running group that first made me fall in love with running. 

Why is ArMA important to you and your colleagues?

ArMA is important, especially as a medical student, because it keeps track of all the legislation currently going through the Arizona State Legislature — and as one of the students interested in staying in Arizona to practice, I need to know what laws will affect my ability to practice. I got involved as soon as I was able to because I wanted to understand how ArMA tracks and lobbies for physicians and patients in Arizona, and I wasn’t disappointed. Being able to see what happens “on the ground” during the Doctor of the Day program gave me a strong appreciation for all the work ArMA does to ensure the physician community, the practice of medicine, and, most importantly, the safety of patients stay at the forefront of the minds of our Arizona senators and representatives.

We are so excited to introduce you to this month's ArMA Member Spotlight, Marla Rejbi, DO! Dr. Rejbi is a faculty physician with Dignity Health Medical Group specializing in palliative care and is Associate Program Director at Creighton University. Recently, Dr. Rejbi participated in ArMA's Doctor of the Day program a member-exclusive opportunity to advocate for the physician's voice at the Arizona State Capitol.

In her interview, Dr. Rejbi gives insight into her move from Chicago and how organized medicine has been an outlet. Learn all about Dr. Rejbi's journey with medicine below!

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

Tacos Chiwas, tucked away on Indian School Rd, may not catch your eye at first glance, but trust me, it's a hidden gem serving up the tastiest tacos and elotes in the area.

What success in your career are you most proud of? 

Being recently elected as the Program Director for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Creighton University stands out as a pinnacle of success for me.

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

I'd advise her to stay true to herself, cherish moments with your friends and family, and keep striving towards her dreams. Oh, and by the way, remember the winning lottery numbers: 19; 23; 39; 42; 67. 

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

Having relocated from Chicago just over a year ago, I am happy to say that checking the weather is now a thing of the past. It is always sunny! I might as well delete that weather app to free up some phone space.

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

My favorite way to unwind is to simply gaze up at the sky day or night and appreciate the sheer beauty of the world around me. It's these small moments that remind me of the incredible gift of life.

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

My journey began with realizing how legislative changes directly impact our daily practice as physicians. Having grown up in Washington, D.C., I understood the significance of being present in the "room where it happens." Motivated by this insight, I proactively sought ways to engage in advocacy work. This path commenced during my residency and has been a steadfast commitment ever since. The sense of empowerment derived from knowing that we have the capacity to effect meaningful change for ourselves and our patients is truly invigorating.

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¹Kevin B. O’Reilly, “AMA: Racism Is a Threat to Public Health,” American Medical Association, November 16, 2020, https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/health-equity/ ama-racism-threat-public-health. ²AMA Board of Trustees Pledges Action against Racism, Police Brutality,” American Medical Association, press release, June 7, 2020, https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ press-releases/ama-board-trustees-pledges-action-against-racism-police-brutality.

We are honored and excited to introduce this month's ArMA Member Spotlight, Fatouma Tall! Fatouma is a third-year medical student from the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and is currently in the MD/MPH program. Outside of academia, Fatouma is an active member of ArMA's Medical Student Section.

In her interview for our Member Spotlight, Fatouma shares her biggest inspirations, her passion for patient advocacy, and how she hopes to impact patient's lives after graduation. Read all about Fatouma's journey with medicine below!

What inspires you?

My kids, my mother, and my husband inspire me. My mother encouraged me to go to school in a society where girls' education is neglected. I was born and raised in Niger, a French-colonized country in West Africa. Growing up, my mom knew the value of educating girls and did her best to nurture my love for school, even though it strained her relationship with some family members. Since coming to the USA, a week has not passed without her telling me how proud she is of my accomplishments and never allowing anyone to look down on me. After getting married, my husband became my second cheerleader. We live in Tucson, while my medical school is in Phoenix. For months, he drove me back and forth to allow me to have some sleep or study in the car. He is also a University of Arizona Tucson student but is always willing to move his schedule around to accommodate me. Before moving to the United States, my husband had a career in Burkina Faso, another West African country. However, he decided to pursue engineering, and he went for it. He is currently a PhD candidate. He never gave up on his goal and did not let our financial struggles stop him. Witnessing his achievements gives me the courage to continue moving forward. We have two children, a 6-year-old daughter and a 14-month-old son, who are my daily motivators. I want my little girl to grow up knowing she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. I want to be a good role model to both her and her brother so that when they start doubting themselves in the future, they can think about their parents, and hopefully, we will inspire them to stay resilient and prosperous. 

What's a project you're working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you?

It might not seem like a project to others, but I am working on learning how to become a better physician and advocate for my future patients. I am in a longitudinal integrated clerkship in Sacaton at the Gila River HHK hospital. I work with physicians who love serving rural communities and Native Americans. It has been a very fulfilling experience so far, and going to the hospital daily keeps reminding me why I chose to pursue medicine. I grew up in a rural area, and my family and I relied on traditional medicine. I learned how crucial primary care was when I started medical school. I did not know my rights as a patient and did not have good experiences every time I sought care, which made me decide not to see a physician. Our current healthcare system is not the best, and people continue to mistrust the system for several reasons. Our physician's job is to provide quality care and advocate for our patients to minimize healthcare disparities. 

What would you be up to if you weren't pursuing medicine right now?

If I were not pursuing medicine, I would be doing some public health work, which is why I am in the MD/MPH program. I wanted to learn about the healthcare system since I was in college because I could not understand how healthcare could be so expensive. Public health was my initial goal, but many things happened throughout college and after graduation that pushed me to pursue medicine instead. Since the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix offered the MD/MPH program, I decided to take advantage of it and fulfill both goals. I wanted to be more equipped to advocate for underserved communities. 

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

What I like best about Arizona is the cultural diversity. I love how people respect every culture and embrace them thoroughly. As an immigrant, I never felt like an outsider since moving to Arizona. It feels like home and is currently "Home" for my family and me. 

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

I am a third-year medical student and have seen physicians approach patient care differently. I wanted to establish a good relationship with my patient. I want to know their aspirations and cultures to provide individualized care for them. I want to earn their trust and want them to understand how important they are to me as I am to them. With the current rise in healthcare mistrust, treating our patients with empathy and respect is essential. I want to be a culturally competent provider who will meet her patients where they are and encourage them to be involved in their health care. 

How do you define success?

In my opinion, success equals resilience. If you want to be successful, you should brace yourself because the journey will take work. Somedays, it will feel like you are stagnant or even going backward. However, if you keep your mind on your objective, remind yourself why you made your choices, and stay resilient, you will undoubtedly become successful. It might take years, but it will eventually happen.  

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

Through medical school, I learned the importance of advocacy and how the healthcare system can be reformed if physicians work together and continue to push for changes. At first, I decided to Join ArMA for networking purposes, seeing some of my course directors, such as Drs. Hartmark-Hill and Mercer doing fantastic work, and seeing how much impact ArMA has on health policies that directly impacted my health care (extension of free maternal health care to 12 months postpartum), I knew I wanted to contribute. After graduating from medical school, I want to get more involved in advocating alongside other ArMA members for affordable and quality health care for everyone in Arizona, regardless of their background.