College of
Medicine
Tucson, Arizona
Director of the University of Arizona Arthritis Center and
Charles and Suzanne Stephens Endowed Chair
POSITION SPECIFICATION
**DRAFT**
Revised March 19, 2012
Prepared by:
Karen Otto
and
Brian Bloomfield
Witt / Kieffer
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
CONTENTS
The University of Arizona Arthritis Center (UAAC) ......................................................1
The Opportunity ..........................................................................................................1
The Role of Director, University of Arizona Arthritis Center........................................2
Opportunities, Challenges and Expectations for Leadership................................................. 2
Qualities and Qualifications .............................................................................................. 4
Values and the Environment ............................................................................................ 4
Procedure for Candidacy.................................................................................................. 5
Appendix 1: University of Arizona Arthritis Center Overview .....................................6
History of the University of Arizona Arthritis Center ............................................................ 6
UAAC Research ............................................................................................................... 9
Training ......................................................................................................................... 9
Healthcare ..................................................................................................................... 9
UAAC Faculty, Fellows, Staff and Boards ..........................................................................11
Community Outreach .....................................................................................................11
Appendix 2: The University of Arizona and Health Sciences Center ..........................12
Arizona Health Sciences Center .......................................................................................12
The University of Arizona Health Network ........................................................................13
University Physicians Healthcare (UPH) ............................................................................14
The University of Arizona Medical Center – University Campus ...........................................14
The University of Arizona Medical Center – South Campus.................................................14
The University of Arizona Health Network Health Plans .....................................................14
The Tucson Community ..................................................................................................15
Appendix 3: UAAC Director Search Committee .........................................................16
Janko Nikolich-Zugich, MD, PhD, Chair, Professor and Head, Department of Immunobiology 16
John Szivek, PhD, Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery ......................................16
Pawel Kiela, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics ...............................16
Sujata Sarkar, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine ........................................16
Eric Gall, MD, Professor and Interim Director, University of Arizona Arthritis Center and
Department of Medicine .................................................................................................16
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA ARTHRITIS CENTER (UAAC)
Dedicated to eradicating arthritis as a cause of human suffering through biomedical research,
teaching and patient care, the University of Arizona Arthritis Center was one of the first to
employ a multidisciplinary approach to combat arthritis and bone and connective tissue disease.
Research areas at the Arizona Arthritis Center include basic and translational research in the
mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderrna, and other rheumatic diseases, innovative
surgical techniques, reduction of costs related to arthritis care, the development of artificial
joints and tissue engineering techniques to generate muscular skeletal tissue, and major new
treatments in osteoarthritis, vascubitis and other related diseases.
The UAAC is a standalone research center serving the state of Arizona and physically housed at
the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson campus. It is the focal point and catalyst
for clinical and basic research in rheumatology, immunology and autoimmune diseases. The
UAAC is the only institution in Arizona providing the following services to the community under
one roof:

Research from bench to bedside in order to develop a better understanding of disease
mechanisms and to exploit such knowledge to develop and test better therapies.

Education programs which cover a broad array of topics with the common goal of
empowering the patients in managing their lifestyles and diseases.

Education of scientists and healthcare providers with the ultimate objective to contribute to
state-of-the-art care for patients.
Overview information regarding the University of Arizona Arthritis Center can be found in
Appendix 1, and the University of Arizona and Health Services Center in Appendix 2.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine invites inquiries, nominations, and
applications for the position of Director of the University of Arizona Arthritis Center, the Charles
and Suzanne Stephens Endowed Chair and, potentially, the Section Chief of Rheumatology
during an exciting period of expansion and change at the College’s Tucson and Phoenix
campuses. This nationally recognized academic center of excellence, first created through an
NIH/MAC grant and then recognized by the Arizona Board of Regents as a center of excellence
for the State, has been at the forefront of advances in arthritis research and patient care since
the 1970’s. The Center remains a vital force with great potential to build upon a legacy of
cutting edge research, discovery and translation of biomedical science to real world clinical
treatments and healthy outcomes.
A revolution is taking place in the research, discovery and treatment of rheumatic diseases, and
the Arthritis Center’s many assets and resources provide an exciting opportunity for an
ambitious, entrepreneurial and visionary physician scientist to work collaboratively with faculty,
staff and students to build a continued legacy of excellence for the University of Arizona
Arthritis Center and to forge new, ground-breaking directions in the research, educational and
service mission of the enterprise.
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University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
The Center benefits from vibrant and growing communities in Southern Arizona and
Tucson where the warm, dry climate has long been associated with relief of arthritis pain, as
well as the exploration of novel therapies and patient care. As a result there exists an
expansive and receptive patient population for the Center and its mission. Since its creation
several decades ago, the UAAC has received national recognition and widespread community
support for its efforts to investigate, train and provide clinical services. The Center has been
fortunate to have in place a strong and dynamic Lay Advisory Board that not only helps
sustain the Center’s programs through various philanthropic activities, but also enthusiastically
engages the community in issues related to arthritis and associated conditions.
The University of Arizona has a strong culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that
extends across the biomedical sciences, as well as other colleges and departments, including
engineering and the social sciences on the main campus. The UAAC was founded on the
principles of collaboration, interdisciplinary research and the education of clinical professors,
and has been most successful in these areas. This culture and the Center are supported at the
highest levels of leadership within the College and the Department of Medicine, which affords
the Center great advantages to expand and build strategically. Because of the UAAC’s close
affiliation with the Section of Rheumatology, as well as the Departments of Internal Medicine,
Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Radiology and Immunobiology, among others, there exists
great opportunities to make strategic hires that leverage the University’s interdisciplinary
expertise in the clinical practices and basic sciences. The UAAC, housed on two floors in
College of Medicine, occupies over 8,000 square feet of laboratory and office space and is
equipped with various resources and assets explained in further detail below.
This leadership opportunity occurs at an important time for the University of Arizona College of
Medicine due to the recent merger of the clinical enterprises affiliated with the College,
University Physicians Healthcare (a faculty practice plan, hospital and health plan) with the
University Medical Center (academic medical center) to create The University of Arizona Health
Network. This merger creates additional opportunities for the Center to expand and integrate
programs and services across two patient care campuses. The merger provides expanded
inpatient and outpatient care as well as an opportunity for developing an increased clinical
research reputation and further expanding the teaching mission of the Center.
THE ROLE OF DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA ARTHRITIS CENTER
The Director of the University of Arizona Arthritis Center has responsibility for the overall
strategic leadership, direction, and management of the Center. The Director will work in
concert with the Dean of the College of Medicine, the Chair of the Department of Medicine, and
other leaders across the Arizona Health Sciences Center and the University of Arizona campus
to expand existing interdisciplinary research programs, both clinical and basic science. A major
goal is to position the Center for significant growth as it responds to increasing academic,
clinical and research demands throughout the State of Arizona.
Opportunities, Challenges and Expectations for Leadership
This compelling leadership position will provide the next Director with resources and
opportunities to build upon the Center’s renowned distinction and achievements. There are
three endowed chairs affiliated with the Center, with another three assured bequests which will
be allocated? I CAN’T READ ANNE’S NOTES HERE… Owing to the Center’s close interactions
2
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
with the Section of Rheumatology, as well as other subspecialties and basic science and
engineering departments across the campuses, there exists great potential to make strategic
hires that leverage the University’s interdisciplinary expertise. Substantial laboratory space also
exists for the new Director to create or relocate a developed research enterprise. There are
also substantial equipment resources and administrative staff for financial and program
management, IT infrastructure, business management infrastructure, and philanthropic
development activities, all of which provide for a sound operational base. The Center also has
endowments for many of its educational, research and outreach programs.
With increasing research, training and clinical demands across Arizona, including those created
by a second four-year College of Medicine campus in Phoenix, the Center will extend its
presence and involvement across the state. The vision, demonstrated by research, clinical and
financial success, is to translate basic science discoveries into practical clinical therapies and
consulting practices at various sites across Southern Arizona. These endeavors will result in
highly valuable clinical trials, research and outcomes studies, which not only provide additional
revenue streams but also fit into the University’s overall goal of establishing membership in the
NIH's Clinical and Translational Science Awards consortium.
The growing University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (UA Tech Park), the Arizona
Center for Innovation (AzCI) and the developing UA BioPark also provide entrepreneurial
opportunities for scientists to transfer basic biomedical science and technology research from
the laboratory to the marketplace. The UA Tech Park sits on 1,345 acres in Southeast Tucson,
and is home to both Fortune 500 companies as well as emerging technology companies and
provides incubator services for start ups.
The UAAC Lay Advisory Board remains highly engaged and committed to the Center’s success
and has been deeply involved in development activities, community outreach and awareness
surrounding arthritis research and treatment. Through the Advisory Board’s involvement, the
Center’s present location and laboratory facilities were secured, and a number of endowment
funds were established to support named chairs, research initiatives and educational programs.
At present there are also a number of new multi-million dollar endowment gifts that have been
established based upon certain contingencies of the donors. The Advisory Board includes a
professional and enthusiastic development staff to support its efforts.
Duties and Responsibilities

Attract and retain highly-motivated and well qualified faculty, staff and students to the
Center, and promote professional development among existing faculty

Enhance and expand the research portfolio of the Center including the Director maintaining
their own high-profile, extramurally funded research program.

Work closely with the Lay Advisory Board, Scientific Advisory Board, University of Arizona
Arthritis Center Friends and the Charles and Suzanne Stephens Committee.

Build philanthropic support and develop relationships with donors.

Work closely with the Dean of the College of Medicine to develop research, education and
service to promote the Center’s visibility on national and international levels.

Contribute actively to clinical care in rheumatology commensurate with other responsibilities
of this position.
3
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center

Collaborate with members of the Department of Medicine to contribute to the educational
mission pertaining to rheumatology and related diseases in the College of Medicine and the
Graduate College.

Champion the Center and continue to promote interdisciplinary research and educational
programs with the University and in the State of Arizona.

Provide community education and outreach programs.

Oversee Center budgets, resources and fiscal management.

Assure implementation of University policies.
Qualities and Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be a visionary physician scientist with a strong track record of funded
research in rheumatology, arthritis or associated musculoskeletal and tissue diseases.
Administrative accomplishment within an academic unit is required, and an ability and desire to
engage the community in Center development and philanthropic activities is highly desirable.
Other requisite qualifications include:

MD or equivalent medical degree.

Board certified in rheumatology and eligible for medical licensure in Arizona.

Demonstrated successful leadership including administrative experience and skills.

A sustained record of peer reviewed research funding.

Qualifications to fulfill the University of Arizona criteria for a tenured senior level faculty
appointment.

A distinguished record as an academician, researcher and educator.

Proven background in faculty recruitment, mentoring and development.

National and international recognition in the field of rheumatology.
Preferred Qualifications:

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with leaders of the
medical school and the Arizona Health Sciences Center.

A commitment to exemplary teaching, graduate education, interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ability to build and lead teams, and to develop strong ties and connections with external
constituencies and individuals.

Established expertise in working with diverse communities.

A people person with a sense of humor and willingness to help others succeed.
Values and the Environment
4
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
The College of Medicine (COM) recognizes the value of diversity of people, thought, perspective
and experience. As the sole allopathic medical college in the state of Arizona, the UA COM’s
mission includes the provision of its services and resources to all Arizona residents. The
College’s commitment to creating and supporting programs that enhance diversity of thought,
background, ethnicity and perspective, and which attract a diverse faculty to serve diverse
populations is evident in part through the following programs: the National Center of Excellence
in Women’s Health, the Arizona Hispanic Center of Excellence, the Arizona Center on Aging, the
Office of Outreach and Multicultural Affairs, the Native American Research and Training Center,
and the award winning Telemedicine program. The College is seeking an individual who is able
to work with diverse students, trainees and colleagues, and who has experience with a variety
of teaching methods and curricular perspectives, to lead the Arthritis Center.
The Arizona Health Sciences Center is located in the high desert community of Tucson, Arizona.
Safe communities, excellent schools and abundant recreational opportunities exist within the
diverse and culturally rich city. Tucson is Arizona’s second largest city with a growing
metropolis of one million residents. The city provides a high quality of life, a very reasonable
cost of living and covers nearly 500 square miles, with a landscape consisting of flowering
desert, rolling hills, winding dry riverbeds, rugged canyons and pine-topped peaks. Tucson
enjoys more sunshine than any other city in the United States, about 350 days each year.
Tucson is roughly an hour and a half drive from Phoenix.
Procedure for Candidacy
Recruitment will continue until the position is filled. Confidential inquiries, nominations,
expressions of interest and candidate materials (including a cover letter and CV or resume)
should be submitted via email to the University of Arizona’s executive search consultants, Karen
Otto and Brian Bloomfield, at uaacdirector@wittkieffer.com
Items that cannot be emailed may be sent to:
Witt/Kieffer
2015 Spring Road, Suite 510
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
Phone: 630-575-6145 (Karen)
Phone: 949-797-3548 (Brian)
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity employer M/W/D/V
The material presented in this position specification should be relied on for informational purposes only.
This material has been copied, compiled, or quoted in part from University of Arizona documents and
personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. Naturally, while every effort has been made to ensure
the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern.
5
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
APPENDIX 1: UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA ARTHRITIS CENTER OVERVIEW
History of the University of Arizona Arthritis Center
1961 Southwest Clinic and Research Institute, originally part of the Holbrook-Hill Medical Group
clinic, moves to the basement of the College of Agriculture building on the University of Arizona
campus to do the first arthritis research at the UA. Community rheumatologists are active in the
establishment of the UA College of Medicine and with the development of the University of
Arizona Arthritis Center.
1968 Section of Clinical Immunology established at the UA College of Medicine, with John (Jack)
Boyer, MD, serving as chair. Service to Native Americans begins with visits to health-care
centers that provide rheumatology care and expands to include programs at tribal hospitals
throughout Arizona and New Mexico as well as studies of this population.
1973 Orthopedic surgeon Robert Volz, MD, establishes a laboratory for the study of novel total
joint replacements at the UA. (Dr. Volz designs the first artificial wrist in 1974, recognized by
the American Hospital Association in 1976 as one of the nation's ten most important hospital
advances.) He also integrates clinical care and research with rheumatology.

First board-certified rheumatologist and allergist recruited to the Section of Clinical
Immunology.

Rheumatologist, Eric P. Gall, MD, establishes the rheumatology section at the Tucson VA
Hospital and research program at the University. Dr. Jacob Pinnas recruited as an allergist
with an interest in lupus.

The Southwestern Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, under the leadership of David Wayne
Smith, DEd, DABPS, DACFE, and Gail Kershner Riggs, MA, CHES, receives an Arthritis
Regional Medical Program (RMP) grant from the federal government.
1976 RMP staff and community rheumatologists begin planning for an Arthritis Center at the UA
College of Medicine. Testimony is given to the National Arthritis Commission in Tucson in the
first of several national hearings. In 1977, the National Arthritis Act is signed by President
Gerald Ford. The UA applies for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Multipurpose Arthritis
Center (MAC) grant, under the direction of Dr. Boyer and with support from Gail Kershner
Riggs, MA, CHES.
1978 UA College of Medicine among the first 11 institutions in the country to receive an NIH
MAC grant under the National Arthritis Act, laying the foundation for an Arizona Board of
Regents Arthritis Center concept. Dr. Boyer serves as director of the Arizona MAC. Funding
continues for nine years (three cycles). Accomplishments include multidisciplinary research
models; self-help courses in English and Spanish for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus and
fibromyalgia patients; and development of novel educational programs for health-care providers
using "standardized patients" (patient instructors), lay people trained in physical exam and
medical interview techniques who portray actual patient cases and provide feedback about
providers' communications skills. The Arizona MAC becomes a national resource for
multicultural, multidisciplinary activities.
6
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
1985 Arizona Board of Regents approves establishment of the University of Arizona Arthritis
Center (UAAC), with Eric Gall, MD, and Robert Volz, MD, as founding directors.
1986 Fred Armstrong becomes the first chairman of the UAAC advisory board. (In 1991, he and
his wife, Christine, make the lead gift of $1 million to begin funding construction of the UAAC
research facility.)
1987 UAAC begins alliance with Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) in April,
through the efforts of SAHBA member and founding UAAC advisory board member Saul Tobin
to establish the Lute Olson Celebrity Auction and Golf Tournament to benefit UAAC research.
The Center develops a multidisciplinary research, education and practice model. This successful
model, conceived by Drs. Boyer and Gall, is recognized and emulated by many other programs.
A scientific advisory board, consisting of health-care providers, researchers and educators, is
developed to set the tone for these activities and to develop interdisciplinary programs.
1989 Internationally-renown rheumatologist David Yocum, MD, describes the characteristics of
tumor necrosis factor in rheumatoid arthritis and develops tests that predict patients' responses
to certain drugs, such as cyclosporine, with potential toxicity, thus allowing physicians to
determine who would benefit from treatment.
1993 UAAC begins affiliation with Canyon Ranch, through Mel and Enid Zuckerman, in October
to offer integrative arthritis education and therapies. The UAAC is a seminal site for the NIH
Women's Health initiative. Studying risk factors and treatments of osteoporosis eventually lead
to changes in the use of estrogen replacement therapy.
1994 Dr. Yocum becomes director of the UAAC. (Dr. Gall leaves to become chair of the
Department of Medicine at the Chicago Medical School.)
1995 "Roof Breaking" on Oct. 14 begins renovations of the top two floors of University Medical
Center to house the UAAC.
1996 Enid and Mel Zuckerman Chair for Studies in Psychoneuroendoimmunology – the branch
of science that examines how psychological factors such as stress affect the nervous, endocrine
(hormone) and immune systems – established in January to support research, patient care and
disease prevention based on the Canyon Ranch model of mind-body therapies.

William and Sylvia Rubin Chair for Orthopedic Research established in January.

Disability Assessment Research Clinic (DARC) established in April under the direction of
David Wayne Smith, DEd, DABPS, DACFE.

Bank One Arizona provides a generous gift in July to fund building of the UAAC's auditorium
(UA College of Medicine Room 8403, re-named Chase Bank Auditorium upon Bank One's
merger).

1997 Ethel McChesney Bilby Endowed Chair for Osteoporosis established in February
(currently held by Jeffrey R. Lisse, MD).

Mobile DEXA bone mineral density scanner and van purchased in February to provide
osteoporosis screenings throughout Arizona.

Eva Holtby founds Friends of the University of Arizona Arthritis Center in February to build
community support.
7
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center

University of Arizona Arthritis Center dedicated on March 11 to Fred and Christine
Armstrong; new facility houses ten research laboratories, an auditorium, conference rooms,
a library and administrative offices.

Grant from the Lovell Foundation in April establishes the "Living Healthy with Arthritis"
outreach program.
2001 Endowed Chair for the director of the UAAC and Rheumatology Arthritis Research
established in January through the generosity of Charles A.L. and Suzanne M. Stephens. Charles
A.L. Stephens Jr., MD, was one of the first rheumatologists in Tucson and was director of the
Holbrook-Hill Medical Group, a leading center for rheumatology care and research.

Charles W. and Sophie T. McKenzie Endowed Chair for Pediatric Rheumatology initiated in
April (partially funded in 2010).
2003 William and Sylvia Rubin Endowed Chair for Orthopedic Research initiated in April
(currently held by John A. Szivek, PhD).
2004 Inaugural Eva M. Holtby Memorial Lectureship at UAAC Friends' "Conversations and
Lunch" in February.

Saul and Sue Tobin Endowment for Research and Education in Rheumatology initiated in
November.
2005 Jeffrey Lisse, MD, becomes interim director of the UAAC in February, replacing Dr. Yocum,
who joins Genentech, Inc.
2007 Sujata Sarkar, MD, rheumatoid arthritis basic researcher, is recruited from the University
of Michigan to open a research laboratory studying TH 17 cells and innate immunity of RA. She
receives an NIH Career Development award for five years.
2008 Salvatore Albani, MD, PhD becomes director of the UAAC in January and holds the Charles
A. L. and Suzanne M. Stephens Chair for Rheumatology Research. The UAAC and Dr. Albani
host a pivotal consensus conference in November to outline an ambitious research program in
juvenile arthritis.
2009 John Szivek, PhD, director of the UA Orthopaedic Research Laboratory and an UAAC
senior scientist, is recognized in April with "Outstanding UBRP Faculty Mentor Award" for his
exemplary work with graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Szivek and his students have
focused on re-growing the cartilage that covers the bone surfaces of joints.

The UAAC supports an innovative international program in May for researchers in
translational medicine.

Dr. Szivek awarded a National Science Foundation Grant in June for work in biomechanical
load analysis. (Dr. Szivek's research in growing replacement cartilage for joints includes
accommodating sensors and a transmitter that notify a patient when the joint is
overloaded.)
2010 Dr. Albani leaves the UAAC for a research position in industry. Eric P. Gall, MD, MACP,
MACR, returns to the UA to become interim director of the UAAC and to resume teaching in the
rheumatology fellowship.
8
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
UAAC Research
SUJATA to revise the entire research section per meeting notes.
Training
The University of Arizona Section of Rheumatology and the University of Arizona Arthritis Center
combine their efforts and resources to provide fellows with a rich learning experience in clinical
rheumatology as well as research into the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatments of rheumatic
diseases.
Training Clinicians
Traditional inpatient consulting services in rheumatology are available. Faculty rheumatologists
operate teaching clinics at the University Physicians Healthcare clinic as well as the Southern
Arizona Veteran's Administration Health Care facility in Tucson.
The UAAC also sponsors unique clinics that travel to some of the local American Indian Nations
in Arizona and provide care for the tribal members on these reservations. This is available on a
monthly basis for fellows to attend, and is an excellent way to learn, travel, and deliver health
care all at the same time. It also offers an in-depth association with the faculty that are
attending these clinics.
Grand rounds are held weekly, and include a variety of clinically-based topics. Radiology
conferences held in conjunction with the faculty from the Department of Radiology are also held
on a weekly basis. Pathology conferences are held quarterly. The University of Arizona Arthritis
Center also organizes and hosts an annual, statewide rheumatology conference, typically held
amid the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. All of these allow for a unique clinical experience in
rheumatology, with a broad spectrum of diseases and generous contact with teaching faculty.
Training Scientists
The University of Arizona Arthritis Center has a rich and dynamic group of scientists leading
projects ranging from basic to translational science. It also has a strong clinical rheumatology
research program.
The various labs at the University of Arizona Arthritis Center have hands-on scientific training
opportunities available for undergraduate students under the University of Arizona
Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP). In addition, fellowships may be available for
graduate and postdoctoral students. Visiting scholar programs at the Center may also be
available. Graduate students are supervised by faculty.
Labs focus on rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus,
rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and
Sjogren’s syndrome; orthopedic bioengineering topics, including analysis of the weight bearing
loads on joints during exercise and the development of innovative tools to regenerate and
remodel bone and cartilage; and bioinformatics.
Healthcare
9
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
As a research facility, the University of Arizona Arthritis Center does not provide clinical care.
However, the Center has a strong collaboration with care providers in the Section of
Rheumatology and the clinic where comprehensive care is offered while also promoting the
education and research goals of the Center. This ideal situation connects clinical care and
research with the aim of improving both. Faculty within the Center provide high quality
integrated clinical care at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Indian Health Service
and Green Valley and Yuma outpatient clinics.
Disability Assessment Research Clinic
The Disability Assessment Research Clinic (DARC) has been in operation since 1994. In that
time, the Clinic has conducted more than 4000 comprehensive, integrated psycho/social,
neuropsychological, medical and vocational assessments directly related to assisting numerous
public, private, state and federal programs in their work with individuals with medical, physical,
mental, psychological, neuropsychological and psychiatric disabilities.
Adult Rheumatology
UPH’s rheumatology team offers improved access to help patients find relief as soon as possible
from the many new therapies now available. For more information about the clinic, please refer
to http://www.arthritis.arizona.edu/index.php/healthcare/80.html.
Current Services
While DARC continues to provide medical, psychological and vocational services, the major
focus is on assisting severely disabled persons in their effort to obtain various disability benefits.
These include: short and long term disability as well as social security disability.
Referrals to DARC typically come from practicing physicians. DARC works closely with the
treatment team to verify disability. DARC has a group of local attorneys highly experienced in
the field of disability law.
Other objectives of the DARC:

Assisting individuals in making valid decisions regarding rehabilitation planning related to reemployment, further education and/or training,

Minimizing the medical, social and legal impact of work injuries, determining future
employment potential, and

Assisting individuals who are identified as unable to return to work in obtaining economic
support through long-term disability and/or social security.
Disability Assessment is directed by Dr. David W. Smith, D.ED., DABPS, FACFE, MACF, who has
devoted his life to helping individuals with disabilities. Dr. Smith is a specialist in Disability
Determination, having been a consultant for the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals and the Social
Security Administration for many years. His experience includes special training in musculoskeletal disease with major emphasis on the degree to which medically confirmed impairments
interfere with physical function related to employment. He is the former Director of a
comprehensive rehabilitation Center.
10
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
For more detailed information about the University of Arizona Arthritis Center, please visit the
Center’s official website at: http://www.arthritis.arizona.edu/
UAAC Faculty, Fellows, Staff and Boards
The Center’s personnel are comprised of a combination of research faculty, clinical faculty,
adjunct faculty, rheumatology fellows, clinical and administrative support staff. A full listing of
those affiliated with the Center can be found at:
http://www.arthritis.arizona.edu/index.php/the-center/people.html
The Center also has several very important boards and affiliated groups that support the Center
through strategic guidance, public awareness, and community involvement.
UAAC Lay Advisory Board
The UAAC Lay Advisory Board is a major asset and resource to the Center and its Director. This
board was key in securing various philanthropic funds in support of research, education and
other public awareness events and activities to support endowed chairs, research initiatives and
educational programs. For a listing of the current UAAC Advisory Board members please visit:
http://www.arthritis.arizona.edu/index.php/the-center/aac-board.html
Scientific Advisory Board
The University of Arizona Arthritis Center (UAAC) scientific advisory board, established by Eric P.
Gall, MD, UAAC interim director, has been started with the goal of reestablishing some of the
interdisciplinary cooperative activities that are an important part of the UAAC. The UAAC’s
original success as a National Institutes of Health-funded multipurpose center was propelled by
the interdisciplinary connections, cooperative activities and relationships between the UAAC,
academic leaders at the Arizona Health Sciences Center and community leaders.
The overall goal of the UAAC is to provide interdisciplinary research, educational activities and
community service in the areas of arthritis, rheumatic disease, musculoskeletal medicine and
autoimmune disease. The purpose of the Scientific Advisory Board is to understand the ongoing
issues in the areas outlined above at the University of Arizona and its affiliate institutions and in
the communities of Arizona.
Individuals serving on the UAAC Scientific Advisory Board also play an important part in the
future of the UAAC by helping establish a framework for the new director when he or she is
recruited. As of September 2011, board meetings are held every two to three months.
Members of the board include representatives of rheumatology, orthopaedic surgery, exercise
physiology, immunobiology, psychiatry, community medicine, gastroenterology, radiology,
primary care and disability research.
For a listing of the current members of the Scientific Advisory Board please visit:
http://www.arthritis.arizona.edu/index.php/research/scientific-advisory-board.html
Community Outreach
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University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
University of Arizona Arthritis Center Friends
The mission of the University of Arizona Arthritis Center Friends is to build community support
for the University of Arizona Arthritis Center through education, public awareness, and
community involvement. The Friends of the Center organizes various conferences, luncheons
and informational events. Additional information can be found at:
http://www.arthritis.arizona.edu/index.php/the-center/aac-friends.html
Living Healthy
The Center also provides access and serves as a hub for to a variety of community resources
related to arthritis, such as The Living Healthy With Arthritis lecture series, a newsletter, taped
videos of conferences and events. A twice monthly program of lectures and active exercise
outreach convenes regularly at the University, as well as the Green Valley and Yuma clinics.
APPENDIX 2: THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA AND HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
The University of Arizona is a land-grant university established in 1885 and governed by the
Arizona Board of Regents (ABoR), an agency of the State of Arizona.
As a public research university serving the diverse citizens of Arizona and beyond, the mission
of the University of Arizona (UA) is to provide a comprehensive, high-quality education that
engages students in discovery through research and broad-based scholarship. The UA
generates more than $600 million in research and contributes approximately $2 billion in annual
economic activity for the state of Arizona.
The National Science Foundation ranks the University No. 24 in research and development
expenditures among public and private universities and colleges and No.16 among public
universities and colleges. U.S. News ranks the UA among America’s Best Colleges and the
Princeton Review lists the UA as one of “The Best Western Colleges.” Globally, the Center for
World-Class Universities at Shanghai Jiao Tong University ranks the University No. 77 in the
world and No. 48 in the U.S. The UA is one of the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Scholars.
The University of Arizona is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities
(AAU), one of 62 leading public and private research universities in the United States and
Canada and the only AAU member in Arizona.
With an enrollment of approximately 38,000 full-time and part-time students for the fall 2010
academic term, the University maintains a broad range of undergraduate and post-graduate
degree programs. Among American colleges and universities, the UA is a major recipient of
privately sponsored research funds, a significant portion of which are directed to healthcare and
biological research. For additional information: www.arizona.edu.
Arizona Health Sciences Center
The Arizona Health Sciences Center (AHSC) at the University of Arizona is a thriving academic
health sciences center with a growing network of health-related organizations and activities
unique in the state and region. Providing state-of-the-art patient care, education and outreach
for the people of Arizona and beyond, AHSC includes the University of Arizona College of
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University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
Medicine – Tucson program, and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix at the
Phoenix Biomedical Campus in downtown Phoenix.
The Health Sciences Center also includes the UA College of Nursing; the UA College of
Pharmacy; the UA Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health; University Medical Center;
University Physicians Healthcare; and the Arizona Cancer Center. The Arizona Cancer Center, a
comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute, was initially a division
of the medical college.
College of Medicine
The University of Arizona College of Medicine, the only MD degree-granting college in Arizona,
offers full four-year medical education programs at its campuses in Tucson and Phoenix. The
first medical school students in Tucson were admitted in 1967 and the college expanded its
offerings in Phoenix to a full, four-year program with its first class of 24 students in 2007.
Combined, the College has 635 medical students as well as 128 graduate students and almost
1,600 undergraduates (pre-physiology and physiology majors). The College has 700 salaried
faculty members and a total faculty, including part-time and voluntary, over 1,700.
The College partners with hospitals, clinics and other affiliates statewide, enabling medical
students studying at the Tucson and Phoenix campuses direct clinical experience. Research
concentrations include cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, neurological disorders and
biomedical imaging, among others. Research programs in both the fourteen clinical and six
basic science departments and in the multidisciplinary centers promote collaborative research
across the college, the University and throughout the state of Arizona.
The College has nine renowned education and research Centers of Excellence, including the
University of Arizona Arthritis Center, Arizona Center on Aging, Arizona Center for Integrative
Medicine, Arizona Emergency Medicine Research Center, Arizona Hispanic Center of Excellence,
Arizona Respiratory Center, Steele Children’s Research Center, UA Sarver Heart Center, Valley
Fever Center for Excellence. Many faculty physicians are on staff at affiliated teaching
hospitals, including University Medical Center (UMC) and University Physicians Healthcare
Hospital (UPHH).
The University of Arizona Health Network
In June 2010, The University of Arizona Health Network was created to bring together
University Medical Center Corporation (UMC) and University Physicians Healthcare (UPH),
aligning the two organizations strategically and operationally. According to its Articles of
Incorporation, “…the Corporation is organized and shall be operated to support the provision
and promotion of the delivery of medical and health care services and shall be operated
exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of The
University of Arizona and its College of Medicine.”
The desired result of the transaction is to enhance the existing partnership between UPH, UMC,
the University of Arizona and its College of Medicine creating efficiencies in the clinical delivery
system. In addition to improved coordination and integration of patient care, The University of
Arizona Health Network will generate a stronger unified community presence and a much closer
alignment with the University of Arizona College of Medicine. This closer alignment includes
joint strategic planning, funding and execution of key initiatives, as well as coordinated
branding, marketing and philanthropic efforts.
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University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
University Physicians Healthcare (UPH)

UPH is a not-for-profit corporation created by the University of Arizona in 1985 as the
medical practice plan for the physician/faculty in the University of Arizona College of
Medicine. The UPH physicians are employed by both the University and UPH.

The University Physicians Practice Plan is the largest physician practice in Arizona. It
employs more than 500 physicians who are full-time faculty at the University of Arizona
College of Medicine, as well as more than 2,000 nurses, patient care technicians, business
associates and other staff.

UPH physicians practice at both University of Arizona Medical Center hospitals, and at
numerous clinics across Tucson and in Sierra Vista. As faculty of the University of Arizona
College of Medicine, UPH physicians educate more than 500 medical students and train
nearly as many post-graduate medical residents annually. The UPH physicians also conduct
research at the UA’s Arizona Cancer Center, Steele Children’s Research Center, University of
Arizona Arthritis Center, Sarver Heart Center and many other facilities and programs.
The University of Arizona Medical Center – University Campus

The University of Arizona Medical Center – University Campus (formerly UMC) is a private,
not-for-profit, tax-exempt hospital that serves as the primary teaching hospital for the
University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.

Dedicated in 1971, the 300-bed University Hospital became the first and only academic
medical center in Arizona. In 1985, it was renamed University Medical Center and 55 beds
were added in 1995. A six-story tower was recently completed which includes a 16-bed
Clinical Decision Unit, expanded emergency and trauma departments, and the 116 bed
Diamond Children’s Medical Center (DCMC) which opened in the Fall of 2010, occupying the
tower’s top three floors.

The University Campus operates Southern Arizona’s only Level I trauma system, one of the
most highly rated trauma programs in the nation.

Physicians at the University Campus provide primary care services in family practice, internal
medicine, obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics. Advanced treatment procedures and
medical technology are also offered on an inpatient and outpatient basis in more than 70
specialty disciplines. A number of programs and services offered at UMC distinguish it from
others in Southern Arizona. These services include Transplant, Cardiology, Oncology, as
well as Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Services.
The University of Arizona Medical Center – South Campus

In 2004, UPH reached an agreement with Pima County to manage the 197-bed Kino
Community Hospital subsequently known as University Physicians Healthcare Hospital
(UPHH) and now as The University of Arizona Medical Center – South Campus. The facility
offers state-of-the-art technology, clinics, private hospital rooms and urgent care and
emergency medical services.

The South Campus was established as a full service hospital and outpatient treatment
center. Services and programs include the Arizona Institute for Sports Medicine, Behavioral
Health services, robotic assisted surgery, and a new cardiac catheterization laboratory.
The University of Arizona Health Network Health Plans
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University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center

Formerly known as University Physicians Health Plans offers unique health care insurance
plans to small businesses with 2-50 employees, AHCCCS or KidsCare members, as well as
Medicare Special Needs Plans.

The Health Plan covers 131,000 lives from eight counties with five products including
contracts that are either capitation risk contracts or administrative services agreements.

The Health Plan has been effectively managed and self-sustaining since 2005 through a
number of initiatives including sound revenue cycle and expense management.
Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Healthcare System

The Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Healthcare System is a 325 bed Dean’s
Committee hospital located approximately 7 miles from the University of Arizona campus.

The VA Hospital is the clinical practice site for many of the College of Medicine’s faculty.
Residents rotate on many units in this facility, including Neurology, Internal Medicine and
Psychiatry.
The Tucson Community
Tucson is now the second-largest city in Arizona after the state capital Phoenix; it is also the
county seat of Pima County, which includes the towns of Marana, Oro Valley, Catalina, South
Tucson, Sahuarita, Vail, and Green Valley. Metropolitan Tucson’s population is more than 1
million; this includes roughly 50,000 students and employees at the University of Arizona, the
first university in Arizona, founded in 1885. The metropolitan area boasts a symphony, opera
and light opera companies, ballet and dance companies, several theaters, zoo, museums of art,
natural history and Arizona history, major astronomical exploration centers, and the worldrenowned Sonoran Desert Museum.
With an average 350 sunny days a year and warm dry air, Tucson’s climate is ideal for yearround outdoor recreation. Tucson is set in a Sonoran Desert valley surrounded by five
mountain ranges. A trip from the 2,389-foot valley floor to the 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon summit
along the Catalina Highway-Sky Island National Scenic Byway traverses seven of the world’s
nine life zones – it’s like driving from Mexico to Canada. Tucson is bordered on all sides by
natural areas, including Coronado National Forest, Catalina State Park, Ironwood Forest
National Monument, and Saguaro National Park. Tucson is a popular destination for tourists
and many resorts, spas, hotels and restaurants are located in the area. Tucson is an ideal
setting for bicycling, tennis, golf, hiking, swimming and running. For those who prefer winter
sports, the southern-most ski area in the United States lays just an hour’s drive away in the
majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, which rise 9300 feet. Many visitors are surprised at the
lushness of the Sonoran Desert, which is home to hundreds of varieties of cacti, trees and
animals.
Tucson has affordable and plentiful housing in a variety of urban and suburban settings, good
public and private school systems and a wealth of family-oriented educational and recreational
opportunities. Tucson was selected by Business Week magazine as one of the Best Places to
Raise Kids. For more information: www.tucsonaz.gov or www.visittucson.org.
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University of Arizona College of Medicine
Director of the Arizona Arthritis Center
APPENDIX 3: UAAC DIRECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE
Janko Nikolich-Zugich, MD, PhD, Chair, Professor and Head, Department of Immunobiology
John Szivek, PhD, Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Pawel Kiela, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Sujata Sarkar, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Eric Gall, MD, Professor and Interim Director, University of Arizona Arthritis Center and
Department of Medicine
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