Dr. Frank Walter Receives Arizona’s Highest Award for Public Health Service
Frank G. Walter, MD, FACEP, FACMT, FAACT, professor of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, professor of pharmacy practice and science at the UA College of Pharmacy, and medical toxicologist for the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, has received the 2014 Public Health Service Award, Arizona’s highest award for public health service to the people of Arizona, from the Arizona Medical Association and Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). The award was presented “in recognition of Dr. Walter’s dedication as an exceptional, energetic public health and preparedness advocate, providing guidance and expertise to ADHS’ emergency preparedness work.”
Dr. Walter serves as medical director for the ADHS Bureau of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and is a Governor’s Appointee to the Medical Direction Commission for the Bureau of EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Recently, he was the lead member of the Clinical Work Group to develop “Crisis Standards of Care” for Arizona. He serves as subject matter expert for statewide public health incidents and exercises to test preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents. He is co-founder and editor of the Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS) Program, co-sponsored by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and the University of Arizona Emergency Medicine Research Center. Since 1999, AHLS has taught more than 15,000 interdisciplinary health-care professionals from 64 countries around the world.
Dr. Ana Maria López Honored by Chicanos Por La Causa
Ana Maria López, MD, MPH, FACP, medical director for the Arizona Telemedicine Program, professor of medicine and pathology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and member of the University of Arizona Cancer Center, was one of three women recently honored for being a “cornerstone of our community” by Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) at its 34th Annual Southern Arizona Dinner celebration, “The Art of Being a Woman.”
An internationally recognized oncologist, Dr. López’ work focuses on patient-centered care of women with cancer that includes the family and community and on enhancing equity and access to health care through innovative technology. She also is a leader in health disparities and diversity in the health professions. She is a principal investigator for several breast and ovarian cancer clinical trials focused on quality-of-life care and innovative treatments.
A native of La Paz, Bolivia, she holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Bryn Mawr College, Pa.; a medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa.; and a master’s in public health degree with a concentration in health administration and policy from the UA Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
Also honored were Libby Francisco, chief operating officer for Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprises and Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, and Betty Villegas, housing program manager for Pima County.