Valleywise Health has expanded its scar treatment capabilities with the addition of the HELIX SCAR3 laser at Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center – Peoria. Designed to help improve mobility, flexibility and overall recovery, the technology offers new possibilities for burn survivors living with the long-term effects of scarring. Learn more about this treatment and its benefits from DMG burn and critical care surgeon, Arpana Jain, MD, FACS.
DMG emergency medicine division chair, Jeffrey Stowell, MD and Geoff Comp, DO, FACEP, FAWM were personally recognized for their leadership in helping Valleywise Health’s emergency department
DMG physician provides information about colon cancer, including screening, risk factors and more, in this video from Valleywise Health.
DMG child and adolescent psychiatrist, Aris Mosley, MD, reflects on her personal journey to becoming a psychiatrist, the challenges she has overcome, and the deep impact she makes on her patients’ lives. Dr. Mosley is also the Medical Director for the Valleywise Health First Episode Center.
Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities hosted their annual holiday toy drive at Valleywise Health. Valleywise Health and Daisy Mountain team members unloaded and delivered toys for the children in our Pediatric Unit – spreading joy and brightening the season for patients and their families. The event featured remarks from DMG physician leaders from Michael White, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer and Jodi Carter, MD, Chair of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
Valleywise Health has named two District Medical Group (DMG) providers as physician and advanced practice clinician of the year in 2025. Congratulations to:
From Chicago, IL, Claire Sollars, MD is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has cared for patients at Valleywise Health for nearly 15 years. After graduating from University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, she completed her medical internship and psychiatry residency at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix (now Valleywise Health). Dr. Sollars remained with the institution for her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. She is double board certified in psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry and treats children and teens at Valleywise Behavioral Health Centers in Mesa and Phoenix.
LouAnne Jones, FNP-BC is a family nurse practitioner specializing in burn care and treatment. She cares for patients of all ages at the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise Health. She has been a valued provider at DMG for more than 20 years.
Originally from Akron, OH, LouAnne completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner in the Valley of the Sun at Arizona State University. She is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Please join us in congratulating and expressing our appreciation for these two outstanding DMG medical providers.
DMG’s Kevin Foster, MD, MBA, FACS, Medical Director, Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise Health, shares his journey and the growth of this leading burn center. Hear from some his patients and their stories of recovery.
Elizabeth Ferguson, MD, FACS
For more than 14 years, DMG surgeon Elizabeth Ferguson, MD, FACS has helped breast cancer patients at Valleywise Health feel whole again.
As a reconstructive plastic surgeon, she restores confidence and dignity for women, from healing wounds to helping patients feel comfortable hugging their loved ones again. Meet Dr. Ferguson and learn more.
On November 8 at their signature event, A Night in the Valley, District Medical Group (DMG) will be recognized by Valleywise Health Foundation as their “2025 Philanthropic Partner.” This special honor celebrates “a legacy of exceptional, compassionate care and generosity that profoundly advances Valleywise Health’s mission and the health of countless Arizona families.”
We are grateful to our medical providers for the empathy and quality care they provide to more than 550,000 patients annually at Valleywise Health locations across Maricopa County. For more than 30 years, Valleywise Health and DMG* have partnered to care for patients of all ages and backgrounds. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and shared commitment to supporting the health of the community through providing quality care, training the next generation of physicians and advancing clinical research for years to come.
*As DMG or under previous organization names: 1993-1996, Maricopa Faculty Association (MFA); 1996-2010, Medical Professional Associates of Arizona (MedPro); 2010-present, District Medical Group
Lisa McClellan, MD MPH
District Medical Group (DMG) is pleased to welcome Lisa McClellan, MD, MPH to the Department of Family Medicine as the new Federal Quality Health Center (FQHC) Medical Director and department Vice Chair. In her FQHC Medical Director role, she will provide clinical leadership to ensure all care across our FQHC clinics meet the highest standards of quality, safety and outcomes, guided by our pillars of operations, clinical excellence and strategic vision.
Dr. McClellan is a board-certified family medicine physician who has served as Director of Ambulatory Services at Phoenix Indian Medical Center/Indian Health Services since 2022. In this role she guided the departments of primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental, emergency medicine and radiology.
Dr. McClellan earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and holds a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Services Administration from the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health in Tucson. She serves as an adjunct clinical assistant professor in family and community medicine at both Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
Bringing a strong commitment to global health, Dr. McClennan volunteered for a year in China with Doctors Without Borders, did medical missions in Haiti, Malawi and the Dominican Republic and completed clinical training in Zimbabwe, Honduras and Cameroon. She is fluent in Spanish.
Outside of medicine, she enjoys cycling, hiking, tennis, golf, yoga, swimming, classical piano, attending classical music performances and international travel.
Dr. McClellan was a member of the DMG/Valleywise Health Department of Family Medicine from 2003 to 2008 and is excited to return to both organizations in her new leadership roles.
September is Pain Management Month. DMG pain management physicians Neelesh Anand, MD and Sarang Koushik, MD share how they support patients dealing with difficult pain and what inspires their work.
Highlighting many of the incredible ways Valleywise Health serves our community, including burn and trauma care, labor and delivery, primary care, and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Valleywise Health Foundation CEO Lisa Hartsock and DMG’s Jodi Carter, MD, division chair of pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine, were honored to represent the outstanding work happening across our system.
Anesthesiology Division Chair Brenda Gentz, MD explains why this new program at Valleywise Health is both a dream realized and a critical step toward addressing a nationwide shortage, with more than 30% of anesthesiologists expected to retire in the next decade.
Dr. Frank LoVecchio, DO, MPH, FACEP, ABMT
On July 22, 2025, the Phoenix Business Journal announced the finalists for the 26th annual Health Care Heroes Awards and the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. These awards recognize healthcare professionals who have made a meaningful difference in the Valley’s health care community.
Congratulations to District Medical Group (DMG) emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist, Frank LoVecchio, DO, MPH, FACEP, ABMT who will be honored with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th Annual Health Care Heroes celebratory event on Sept. 18, 2025.
Fluent in Spanish and triple board-certified, Dr. LoVecchio cares for patients at Valleywise Medical Center in Phoenix and Valleywise Emergency in Maryvale. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, lectured in more than 20 countries and contributed extensively to emergency medicine research, medical missions and clinical education.
A physician leader and clinical expert, we are proud to have Dr. LoVecchio on the DMG team and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.
Mary Connell, MD
July 29, 2025- With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of District Medical Group (DMG) radiologist, Mary Connell, MD, a cherished physician, educator and leader who left an indelible mark on those that had the privilege to know and work with her during her nearly 30 year career with DMG.
Over the course of more than 35 years in practice, Dr. Connell served as a steady and visionary leader in the field of radiology. She held numerous physician leadership roles, including former Chair and Vice Chair of the Department of Radiology at Maricopa Integrated Health System (now Valleywise Health) and District Medical Group (formerly MedPro).
“She provided thoughtful guidance during periods of growth, transition and transformation,” said Daniel Gridley, MD, FACR, DMG Chair of Radiology. “Her leadership helped shape not only the department but also the broader culture of collaboration and academic excellence within the institution.”
Dr. Connell also played a foundational role in radiology graduate medical education and spearheaded the creation of the diagnostic radiology residency at MIHS which is now part of the Creighton radiology residency program. Through her wisdom, compassion and unwavering dedication, she shaped the careers of countless young physicians in multiple medical education roles, including:
Dr. Connell was a beloved educator and mentor, known for her generosity of spirit and her relentless commitment to excellence in teaching. She was recognized as Elective Director of the Year, a testament to the deep respect and affection she inspired in students and colleagues.
Uplifting those around her, Dr Connell will be remembered by her DMG and Valleywise Health colleagues for her warmth, humility and quiet strength.
“Her legacy endures in the innumerable lives she touched and the spirit of compassion, curiosity and service that she instilled in all who had the privilege of knowing her,” said Dr. Gridley.
Those who wish to honor Mary Connell, MD can do so through an online donation in her memory to Desert Botanical Garden.
“It takes a special type of person to care for the underserved,” said David Wisinger, MD, FACP.
In this article published by Valleywise Health Foundation, DMG physician leader, Dr. Wisinger explains the unique learning experience medical resident and fellows have training at Valleywise Health and caring for underserved populations. Dr. Wisinger is the Chair of Medicine at Valleywise Health and Division Chief of Internal Medicine at District Medical Group.
View article: valleywisehealthfoundation.org/dr-david-wisinger-educates-future-physicians/
DMG physician leaders, Brenda Gentz, MD and David Wisinger, MD, FACP share more about the teaching programs at Valleywise Health Medical Center and how they benefit, not only medical students, residents and fellows, but also the entire community.
After extensive evaluation, and with deep respect for its mission and community, District Medical Group (DMG) has made the difficult decision to close its Children’s Rehabilitative Services (CRS) Clinic effective Friday, July 18, 2025, after twelve years.
DMG child and adolescent psychiatrist and medical director of the Valleywise Health First Episode Center, Aris Mosley, MD, shares her personal journey to becoming a psychiatrist, the challenges she has overcome and the deep impact she makes on her patients’ lives.
Her story highlights the importance of representation in medicine and the power of compassionate care.
Non-pharmacologic pain management options now available at Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center – Peoria
PHOENIX, AZ (April 4, 2023) – Every day, at least two people die from opioid overdoses in Arizona, and the state currently has the 12th highest drug overdose mortality rate in the country. While pharmaceuticals and opioids play an important role in healthcare and pain management, Valleywise Health is proud to announce a new program that provides access to nonpharmacologic interventional pain management treatments that are effective, safe, minimally invasive and evidence-based.
The science of treating pain has evolved beyond an over reliance on medication and surgery, and at Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center – Peoria, patients who are experiencing pain can get the right treatment with the highest standards of safety and patient care.
“Our goal is to offer evidence-based, innovative treatments that provide relief for our patients without putting them at risk,” said Sarang S. Koushik, MD pain management specialist at Valleywise Health and a District Medical Group physician. “We are proud to be at the forefront of the pain management movement, offering treatments that are proven to be successful and safe.”
Given all pain is highly dependent on the individual and therefore difficult to diagnose, treatment plans can vary widely. Pain can be a result of injury, illness, aging, stress, grief or depression, and there are often multiple factors working together to create the pain patients experience. With this new service, Valleywise Health pain management specialists are able to work with the patient and their primary care physician to determine the best course of action to manage pain and ultimately heal the core issue.
There are a wide variety of pain management treatments now available through specialists at Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center – Peoria including but not limited to:
“While we see patients from all walks of life, we understand that these pain management services are not as widely available to the underserved, or underinsured communities that we serve,” says Michelle Barker, CEO of FQHC Clinics at Valleywise Health. “It was important to us to open up these services to our patient population to allow them the opportunity to manage pain in a minimally invasive way to bring them back to optimal health.”
For more information please visit: www.valleywisehealth.org/services/pain-management
Located in Phoenix, Arizona and named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation by IBM Watson Health in 2020, Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa Integrated Health System) has a proud tradition of being the community safety net health care system with a mission and commitment to serving the underserved. Valleywise Health consists of Valleywise Health Medical Center, Arizona’s only public teaching hospital, the only trauma center in Maricopa County verified by the American College of Surgeons to treat adults and children. and Arizona’s only nationally verified Burn Center serving the entire Southwestern United States. Other services include the McDowell Healthcare Center, the largest provider of HIV primary care in Arizona, the Refugee Women’s Health Clinic, three behavioral health centers, and 12 community health centers. To learn more, please visit www.ValleywiseHealth.org
District Medical Group (DMG) is a nonprofit entity made up of nearly 1000 providers across all major medical and surgical specialties. The largest independent integrated medical group in the Phoenix metropolitan area, DMG staffs three psychiatric hospitals, a 450-bed acute care hospital, two emergency care centers, 13 community health centers, a nationally recognized burn center, and the largest Multi-Specialty Interdisciplinary Clinic (MSIC) for children in Arizona. In addition, DMG collaborates with community organizations and schools to provide primary care and other programs. With more than 220 residents in nine programs and 60 in affiliated programs, DMG is the largest teaching faculty in Phoenix. DMG is one of the founding partners of the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance, designed to develop new healthcare programs and increase the number of medical providers across specialties in Arizona. For more information, visit DMGAZ.org.
