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.
Ross F. Goldberg, MD, FACS
October 12, 2022, Phoenix: Ross F. Goldberg, MD, FACS, a District Medical Group (DMG) general surgeon in Phoenix, AZ, is among a group of 65 esteemed surgeon educators inducted into membership in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators® on September 30, 2022, during a program event in Chicago. This is the fifth cohort of members inducted into this distinguished Academy.
Dr. Goldberg was inducted as an Associate Member of this highly coveted Academy. He is the DMG vice chair of surgery at Valleywise Health and an associate professor of surgery at Creighton University School of Medicine (CUSOM) and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
Dr. Goldberg is a dedicated surgeon educator whose experience in the field includes resident and medical student education, serving as a core faculty member for the CUSOM Phoenix General Surgery Residency and as site director for all medical student surgery rotators within the department of surgery.
DMG is dedicated to being a leader in educating future healthcare providers in Arizona and is a founding member of the Creighton Arizona Health Education Alliance,” said Kote Chundu, MD, MMM, president CEO of DMG. “Dr. Goldberg personifies what it means to be a physician leader committed to advancing healthcare through being an educator and mentor in addition to caring for patients. We are proud to have him on the DMG team and congratulate him on this accomplishment.”
The ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators works to advance the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties. Individuals are selected as Members, Associate Members, or Affiliate Members following a stringent peer review process. This year’s class includes Members (27 Inductees), Associate Members (36 Inductees), and Affiliate Members (2 Inductees). The first inaugural class was inducted in 2018 and the Academy has since grown to include 301 Members, Associate Members, and Affiliate Members who represent six surgical specialties other than general surgery. Inductees are from 22 states and the District of Columbia. They come from seven countries in addition to those from the United States.
Once inducted, Academy members actively engage in advancing the Academy’s programs and goals, which are to advance the science and practice of innovative lifelong surgical education, training, and scholarship in the changing milieu of health care; foster the exchange of creative ideas and collaboration; support the development and recognition of faculty; underscore the importance of lifelong surgical education and training; positively impact quality and patient safety through lifelong surgical education and training; disseminate advances in education and training to all surgeons; and offer mentorship to surgeon educators throughout their professional careers.
“This Academy of preeminent surgeon educators has been making landmark contributions to surgical education and is introducing many transformational changes in surgical education that will endure into the future,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, MAMSE, Director of the ACS Division of Education and co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy. “We look forward to leveraging the expertise of the members as we explore innovations that will continue to advance the field of surgical education and positively impact the careers of surgical educators.”
Academy members collaborate on and publish significant works of scholarship and participate in fireside chats, Grand Rounds Series, and the Academy Symposium, an annual conference that brings together Academy members to exchange best practices and discuss critical topics in surgical education. Through dynamic programming, Members have addressed the impact of the COVID pandemic on surgical training, physician wellness, and disparities in surgical education, among several other initiatives. The Academy continues to focus on outreach to surgeon educators from across the globe, with a special emphasis on engaging surgeon educators from low-middle income countries. With this year’s induction ceremony, the Academy will include more than 50 international members,representing 24 countries outside of the U.S.
“In addition to the recognition bestowed on highly deserving individuals, the Academy is a vital, living body. It is a think tank, an impactful organization that explores and cultivates new innovations and interventions in an effort to establish best practices in surgical education,” said L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCS(Glasg)(Hon), MAMSE, past president of the ACS, and co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy.
To learn more about the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, please visit the Academy’s homepage.
District Medical Group (DMG) is a nonprofit entity made up of more than 650 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.
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an influential advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 84,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit facs.org.
Media Contact:
Toni J. Eberhardt
DMG Public Relations
[email protected]
(602) 418-7767
More than 25 medical specialties in one location. DMG Children’s was specifically designed to make it easy for pediatric patients- regardless of mobility or condition- to receive care.
To Our Patients of District Medical Group:
District Medical Group (DMG) will be permanently closing the following office locations on Friday, August 5, 2022. District Medical Group will no longer provide healthcare services at these locations.
DMG providers are committed to providing medical care for you prior to this closing date. The last day patients will be seen is August 2, 2022, however clinics will remain open through August 5, 2022, to assist with transfer of care coordination. Likewise, with this announcement, we strongly encourage you to begin the process of transferring your care to another provider or care setting. We suggest that you contact your insurance plan or use their provider directory to assist with seeking a new provider.
For current prescribed medications from our office, we will be able to provide a prescription refill for up to the next 30 to 90 days, as deemed appropriate by the provider.
Your medical records are confidential and will automatically remain with DMG, as the custodian of records. A copy of your medical records can be transferred to another doctor, released to you or another person you designate, only through your expressed written permission and authorization. Please find a copy of our Medical Records Release Authorization Form. You can contact your DMG clinic to obtain your records. After August 31, 2022, you can contact the Medical Records Department at DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services, where they will be happy to further assist, phone number: 602-470-5530.
We truly appreciate the opportunity to have served you and wish you all the best for your future health.
Sincerely,
DMG Clinic Administration
PDF version of this letter
Medical Record Authorization Form
DMG Papago Family Practice offers walk-in and same day care to patients of all ages
PHOENIX () — District Medical Group (DMG), a Phoenix-based non-profit medical group comprised of more than 650 providers across more than 25 medical specialties, has opened a primary care clinic at 1805 N. Scottsdale Road on the Scottsdale-Tempe border, conveniently located north of the 202 highway off the Rural Road exit. Called DMG Papago Family Practice, the location serves patients of all ages offering preventive medical care as well as acute care for common illnesses and minor injuries.
”We are thrilled to expand our footprint to serve residents and visitors of Scottsdale and Tempe by providing primary care services by appointment as well as walk-in care,” said Kote Chundu, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of DMG. “Our goal is to continue to grow and offer quality, accessible medical care to patients of all ages close to home. This clinic provides us the opportunity to bring medical services to a community that needs additional primary care providers.”
The location was formerly a primary care clinic run by UnitedHealthcare (UHC), which closed in October 2019. Recognizing the need for primary care providers to serve this diverse area, which includes established residential neighborhoods, newly constructed and existing apartment complexes, employers, hotels, Skysong Innovations, and Arizona State University, DMG stepped in to fill the gap and support the community.
The DMG Papago Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (602) 470-5550; walk-in care is also available. Medical services offered include but are not limited to:
For more information, visit dmgaz.org/papago-family-practice/ or call (602) 470-5550.
District Medical Group (DMG) is a nonprofit entity made up of more than 650 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, four primary care clinics, 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.
Media Contact
District Medical Group
Toni J. Eberhardt
C: (602) 418-7767
[email protected]
On Tuesday, June 8, District Medical Group (DMG) leaders, Board members, providers and staff gathered at the newest DMG primary care clinic, DMG Papago Family Practice.
Opening on June 14, this location will serve patients of all ages offering appointments, including same day, as well as walk-in care.
DMG president and CEO, Kote Chundu, MD shared his excitement for the opening of this clinic, which will provide much needed primary care to the currently underserved community on the Scottsdale/Tempe border.
DMG Board of Directors chairman and vice-chair, Dan Hobohm, MD, and Phyllis Biedess respectively, echoed Dr. Chundu’s appreciation for the efforts of DMG team members across multiple departments to prepare this location to open. Board member Alan Rawls also attended to support DMG’s newest location.
DMG Papago Family Practice was formerly a United Healthcare (UHC) primary care location which had closed, and the two organizations worked together for more than a year to transition the clinic to DMG.
United Healthcare Community Plan of Arizona CEO, Jean Kalbacher, was on-hand at the ribbon cutting and shared her gratitude for the successful collaboration between the two organizations to ensure residents in the Papago area were not without a community primary care provider for too long.
District Medical Group (DMG) is pleased to welcome Michelle Martin, FNP-C. Michelle has been in nursing for over six years.
