PHOENIX — Vishal Verma, MD, FACP, an internist and physician advisor for Abrazo Health in Phoenix, and Katie S. Artz, MD, FACS, a general surgeon affiliated with Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, are among just eight practicing physicians from throughout the state appointed to serve on the Arizona Medical Board.

Dr. Verma joined the board on July 27, 2026, and Dr. Artz has served since July 11, 2022, and has now been elected as the Vice Chair. The 12-member board, established by the Arizona State Legislature in 1913, is responsible for examining and licensing medical doctors in the state, renewing medical licenses and protecting the public. Eight members are practicing physicians and four are non-physicians, all appointed by the governor to five-year terms.

“I congratulate both Dr. Verma and Dr. Artz for being among the select group of physicians chosen to serve on this important board, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that medical professionals meet the necessary standards to provide safe and effective care to the public,” said Brian Elisco, Group Chief Executive Officer, Abrazo Health and Carondelet Health Network.

Elisco added, “Their appointments are a meaningful recognition of the trust they have earned through years of clinical expertise, thoughtful leadership and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right for our patients and communities. Their selection speaks not only to their individual accomplishments, but also to the quality, integrity and dedication that define the physicians and other team members throughout our health systems and the positive impact they have on the communities we serve across Arizona.”

“I am deeply honored to serve on the Arizona Medical Board,” said Dr. Verma. “I look forward to serving the people of Arizona by promoting safe, high-quality, cost-effective medical care, supporting physicians, and strengthening healthcare for all Arizonans.”

Dr. Artz described her time on the board as both productive and instructive. “It’s been a fascinating experience hearing both sides – the physician’s and the patient’s point of view,” she said. “I think it has made me a better, more compassionate doctor to my patients, while allowing me to assist and provide guidance to other physicians in our community.”

Dr. Verma is an experienced internist and physician executive, who currently serves as Physician Executive-Advisor at Abrazo Health and Chair of the Utilization Management Committee. Previously, he was the President and Chief Medical Officer of 4C Medical Group before it was sold to OptumCare. He has also served as President and CMO of Optum Arizona and as a senior executive for United Health Group.

Dr. Verma received his Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery degree from Kasturba Medical College in India. He completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences in New York City, serving as Chief Medical Resident. He completed a fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine at Brooklyn Hospital Center, where he later served as Chief Fellow. Dr. Verma lives in Phoenix with his wife and son.

Originally from Tucson, Dr. Artz was in private practice for almost 18 years before joining Tenet Physician Resources. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Spanish at the University of San Diego in San Diego, California, and a Master of Science degree in Chemistry, with an emphasis in Biochemistry, at Arizona State University. She completed her medical degree at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and her Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at Banner Health’s Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix. She also completed her General Surgical residency at Texas A&M College of Medicine – Scott & White Memorial Hospital.

In addition to speaking on surgery techniques to other surgeons across the country, Dr. Artz teaches residents and medical students and mentors college and high school students. She also participates in medical missions to Bolivia, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. She lives in Tucson with her husband, son and daughter.