2012 Annual review cover - the Steele Children's Research Center ...

The University of Arizona
Steele Children’s Research Center
Department of Pediatrics
PO Box 245073
Tucson, AZ 85724-5073
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON ARIZONA
PERMIT NO. 190
2013 EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2
Diamond Children’s/Steele Center Gala
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
APRIL 20
Rincon Optimist Club 2nd Annual Casino Night
Forty Niner Country Club
MAY 11
PANDA 14th Annual
“Children Helping Children” Fashion Show
The Phoenician, Scottsdale
JUNE 14
Fathers of the Year Awards Gala
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
AUGUST 23
Tee Up For Tots Golf Tournament
OMNI Tucson National Resort
STAY
CONNECTED
TO THE
STEELE CENTER
Learn more about what’s happening at
the Steele Center through our website:
www.steelecenter.arizona.edu
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REVIEW 2012
NOVEMBER 3
Kids of Steele Miniature Golf Tournament
Golf N’ Stuff
Our logo is an incomplete puzzle, with a child in the center. The pieces to the puzzle represent everyone
who is integral to improving children’s health…doctors, nurses, medical staff, researchers, families,
volunteer groups, donors and others. We all can be a piece of the puzzle, working together to improve
children’s health. The puzzle isn’t finished, because we can’t do it without YOU. Thank you for your
support! To learn more about the Steele Center, please visit www.steelecenter.arizona.edu.

GRATITUDE for
Allison Tyler Jones
MESSAGE
from the Director
Dear Friends,
This year’s annual review is inspired by the beautiful
photography of Allison Tyler Jones. Jones donated
her talents and photographed some of our patients
last April—a few of whom are highlighted here in the
black and white photographs on the following pages.
Her photographs grace the walls of the Steele Center,
and we invite you to come visit us, see her artwork
and meet some of our adorable patients.
More of Jones’ photography can be viewed at
www.atjphoto.com.
Please know how grateful I am for you. Your commitment
to the Steele Center in our never-ending quest to improve
children’s health through teaching, research and patient
care inspires me.
This issue of our annual review is a bit different. We are
focusing more on our patients. They are why we conduct
research to develop better treatments and find cures
for disease. They are why we teach medical students,
residents, graduate students and fellows. They are why we
come to work every day to do whatever we can to make them better, ease their suffering and promote
their healing.
We hope you are touched and moved by their stories. As Tiana Ronstadt wrote about her son, Larry,
“Research is the only way we find a cure.”
At the Steele Center and our clinical partner, Diamond Children’s, we’re reminded that all great pediatric
medical facilities are great because of this partnership between research and clinical care. They truly go
hand in hand. It is what distinguishes an academic medical center from other children’s hospitals. It’s that
simple.
It’s about advancing science and discovery through bench-to-bedside research—basic science
conducted in the lab, which is then translated to clinical medicine. This is what leads to the development
of more effective drugs, better treatments and ultimately a cure for the diseases, disorders and
conditions that cause our children to suffer.
Thank you for joining us on our journey to make the lives of children better. We couldn’t do it without you.
In gratitude,
Fayez K. Ghishan, MD
Horace W. Steele Endowed Chair in Pediatric Research
Director, Steele Children’s Research Center
Professor and Head, Department of Pediatrics, the University of Arizona College of Medicine
Physician-in-Chief, The University of Arizona Medical Center – Diamond Children’s
1 2

Brandon Valles, age 17
Brandon loves baseball.
His dream is to play travel
baseball—league play for
elite amateur athletes. But,
he was thrown a curveball
when diagnosed with
rhabdomyosarcoma (a
rare cancer of the skeletal
muscles) on May 13, 2011.
“I was pretty shocked,”
said Brandon. “Worst of
all, I couldn’t play baseball
anymore.” His chemo
treatments were exhausting
and painful, derailing his
schooling as well. “My life
was put on hold,” he said.
“It was real hard on my
family, watching me go
through what I had to.”
But Brandon stepped up to
the plate, to play the game
of his life—beating cancer.
And he hit a grand slam,
with the help of pediatric
oncologist Lisa Kopp, MD
and her team of dedicated
nurses and staff. After
17 months of grueling
treatments, Brandon was
declared in remission on
July 26, 2012. “I got a tattoo
of the date,” Brandon said,
holding up his right arm to
show the tattoo artistically
displayed on his wrist.
Although Brandon still
experiences muscle
weakness, hip and back
pain, he is working hard to
increase his strength so he
can play baseball again,
hang out with friends, work
on graffiti art and complete
his G.E.D.
“Brandon is a real go getter,”
said his mom, Dellma.
“I’m so proud of him.”
Saylor Stratton, age 14
Saylor is an artistic girl
who already knows what
she wants to be when
she grows up: an interior
designer.
Diagnosed with type 1
diabetes when she was
2 years old, Saylor has lived
nearly her entire life with
this chronic, autoimmune
disease. “Diabetes is part of
the fabric of who Saylor is,”
said her mom, Lori Stratton.
“She looks at it in the same
way as ‘well, I have brown
hair and hazel eyes.’”
With help from the pediatric
endocrinologists at the
Angel Wing for Children
with Diabetes, Saylor is able
to control her diabetes. It
certainly doesn’t stop her
from living a fun and active
life. Saylor is in the National
Charity League, likes to
volunteer at the Ronald
McDonald House, loves
music and baking tasty
treats for her friends.
Saylor’s sister Ainsley is
10. They enjoy playing
volleyball and spending time
with friends and relatives.
Ainsley’s favorite topic in
school is science. “Maybe
she will be a researcher
and find the cure for type 1
diabetes someday!”
said Lori.
“The only way to cure
type 1 diabetes is through
research,” she continued.
“Although it isn’t quick,
steady improvements
have been made that
have positively impacted
how Saylor manages her
diabetes. We are grateful
for the research the Steele
Center is doing to advance
our understanding about
this complicated disease.”
The Steele Center thanks Brandon for being
3 our 2012 annual review cover model.
4

Gavin Achilles, age 7
Gavin is a vivacious little boy
with boundless energy
and unbridled curiosity.
Currently, he is obsessed
with crocodiles and
alligators. “He can’t get
enough of them,” says his
mom, Erin. “He collects
books, figurines and
stuffed animals.”
Diagnosed with autism
when he was 6, Gavin
receives care from Sydney
Rice, MD, MS, an expert in
autism and developmental
pediatrics.
Gavin participated in a
unique study developed
by Dr. Rice to explore how
children with autism use
iPads. Recent studies
suggest that introducing
tablet devices to autistic
children can significantly
enhance their ability
to express themselves
effectively. “Gavin is very
connected to his iPad,”
says Erin. “He enjoys
playing games and
learning new apps.”
The study involves about
20 children with autism.
“Technology offers incredible
opportunities to improve
communications and
learning skills for children
with autism,” said Dr. Rice.
“We are investigating how
the iPad is used in a home
setting and examining the
family’s perception
of its effect on their
child’s behavior
and communication.”
Larry Ronstadt, age 8
A Mother’s Perspective –
by Tiana Ronstadt
On December 26, 2011,
our precious 7-year-old son,
Larry, was diagnosed with
ALL leukemia.
Unlike other cancers, ALL has
a long-term chemo treatment
road map called maintenance.
Our son will not be cancerfree
until April 18, 2015.
Emmanuel Katsanis, MD,
has been instrumental in
the cancer research at the
Steele Center. His discovery
and development of a novel
cancer vaccine is nearing
clinical trial here.
We are currently the recipient
of clinical trials conducted 10
years ago, so we are grateful
for that research that has
benefited Larry now.
Larry is currently enrolled
in clinical trials while on
maintenance. This research
is vitally important to the
future of our son and to other
children fighting cancer.
Findings from this research
will improve the quality of life
outcomes for children
in the future.
We are blessed to have Steele
Center cancer researchers
like Dr. Katsanis and his team.
And, we are blessed to be at
Diamond Children’s—which
gives us the opportunity to
participate in something
larger and more significant
than ourselves: research—
the only way we find a cure.
5 6

EXPLORING How a Protein Affects Disease Development in the Gut
NHEs are proteins responsible for transporting
sodium across the GI tract for absorption. NHE3 is the
predominant sodium-hydrogen transporter responsible
for the majority of sodium transport across the GI tract.
“When the intestines become inflamed, NHE3 becomes
inhibited, so it can’t move sodium through the GI tract,”
said Dr. Ghishan. “This causes diarrhea and other
ailments common in those suffering from Inflammatory
Bowel Disease (IBD) and similar autoimmune
disorders.”
Our bodies have a staggering 10 trillion cells. And yet, our
gastrointestinal tracts have ten-times more bacteria than
the number of cells in our bodies—about 100 trillion—a
number virtually impossible to imagine.
For Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, Pawel Kiela, PhD and their
research team at the Steele Center, the GI tract provides
unlimited possibilities for researching and discovering
new ways to treat many of the GI diseases that affect both
children and adults—Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s
disease, ulcerative colitis, eosinophilic esophagitis and
eosinophilic gastroenteritis to name just a few.
Drs. Ghishan and Kiela recently received a $1.65 million,
five-year continuation grant from the National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. This
grant will enable them to further explore how the protein
NHE3 contributes to the health of the GI tract, and why its
inhibition has such profound effects on the outcome of
intestinal inflammation and disease.
Drs. Ghishan and Kiela previously discovered that,
in addition to transporting salt to the GI tract for
absorption, NHE3 helps preserve the integrity of the
epithelial lining (the cellular structure that creates
the intestinal wall, which separates the gut contents
from the bloodstream). They showed that when NHE3
is inhibited, or “knocked down” by inflammation, the
intestinal wall is breached, the gut becomes leaky
and bacteria escape from the intestines into the
bloodstream. Consequently, life-threatening sepsis
may develop.
“NHE3 plays a critical role in shaping the intestinal
microbiota—the microorganisms that live in the
digestive tract,” said Dr. Kiela. “This component of the
new study is particularly intriguing as mice lacking
NHE3 have altered microbial gut ecology similar to IBD
patients,” he explained. “Changes in the composition
of intestinal microbiota are important not only in IBD
patients, but in the entire body’s metabolism.”
“Increasingly, we are seeing the critical role the
microbiota plays in the immune response. Changes
in the microbiota can cause disruption in the immune
response, and may lead to inflammatory bowel
diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and
even obesity,” said Dr. Ghishan. “Therefore, linking
dysfunction of NHE3 to the intestinal microbiota
potentially has significant clinical importance for
those suffering from GI diseases, as we advance this
research.”
‘Kids of Steele’ Making a POSITIVE IMPACT in Our Community
Through monthly service projects, social and fundraising
events, Kids of Steele is making a positive impact in
Tucson. The group’s main event, the Second Annual
Miniature Golf Tournament that took place in November,
raised $27,000 for the Steele Center.
As the family auxiliary of the Steele Center, Kids of Steele
families are committed to teaching their children about
community service and kindness while raising awareness
about the Steele Center.
“Our miniature golf tournament is one of the only
fundraisers in Tucson where the entire family can
participate,” said Ragan Edwards, Kids of Steele golf
event chair, and incoming board chair. “We doubled the
amount we raised last year, and we are so grateful for all
the families who came out to support the Steele Center.”
Nearly 150 children and their parents participated in
this fun event. Some of the children who played in the
tournament (like Dana Morgan, pictured here with her
parents Scott and Michelle) are currently being treated by
Steele Center physicians at Diamond Children’s and its
affiliated outpatient clinics.
“There’s something powerful about seeing the
community come together for a common cause,
especially when that cause affects your child and the
children of other families we’ve met through Kids of
Steele,” said Michelle Morgan. “The kids had a blast,
but as parents we also experienced the strength and
support of knowing we’re not alone in this fight.”
And that is what community is all about.
Thank you, Kids of Steele! And a special thank-you to
Ragan Edwards for the leadership and hard work that
allowed this event to double in size in its second year!
7 8

There’s No Place Like HOME: ‘Courtney Page Zillman Fellow’
Dr. Yi Zeng Returns to the Steele Center
Yi Zeng, MD, PhD exemplifies what it means to be a physician-scientist: she takes care of children with cancer at Diamond Children’s
and conducts research at the Steele Center.
Dr. Zeng was one of the first Courtney Page Zillman Fellows that Tee Up For Tots supported in 2001, enabling her to complete her
PhD. As a Zillman Fellow, Dr. Zeng conducted research on the novel CRCL cancer vaccine (now named AlloVax) developed by pediatric
oncologist and Steele Center researcher, Emmanuel Katsanis, MD, and his team.
Upon earning her PhD in immunology at the UA in 2003, Dr. Zeng moved on to Indiana University (Riley Hospital for Children), where she
completed her pediatrics residency in 2009, and a fellowship program in pediatric hematology/oncology in 2012.
In September 2012, Dr. Zeng returned to the UA Department of Pediatrics and the Steele Center as an assistant professor in the section
of Hematology/Oncology/BMT. “Dr. Zeng demonstrated outstanding scientific productivity during her PhD training and postdoctoral years
in my laboratory at the Steele Center,” said Dr. Katsanis. “We were excited to recruit her back to the department and the Steele Center.”
Now, after more than 15 years in development, the cancer vaccine AlloVax is nearing clinical trials in both adults and children in the
United States, and Dr. Zeng will play a key role in managing the program. “It’s very exciting to move ‘bench research’ into patient
care,” said Dr. Zeng. “To participate in a clinical trial with a novel cancer treatment developed here at the Steele Center, is extremely
gratifying.”
“I am so blessed to come back to the Steele Center and work along this team of great physicians and scientists, to whom I owe
enormous professional regard and personal gratitude,” said Dr. Zeng. “‘There is no place like home,’ and for me there is no title I will
wear more proudly than that of a UA Wildcat.”
STELLA: Feisty, Fun...and Fighting Cancer!
Four-year-old Stella Murphy-Thorn captivates you with her clear-blue eyes, joyful
smile and playful personality. Her favorite colors are pink and purple, in that order.
She loves to paint and dance. She likes playing games and playing with her friends.
And she adores her yellow lab, Bailey, and her black lab, Jack.
In 2010, when Stella was just 2 years old, she was diagnosed with ALL—Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells). She was air-evacuated
from her home in Bisbee, to Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, and then transported
to Diamond Children’s to receive the specialized care she needed.
Stella was hospitalized for about a month and then needed weekly outpatient
chemotherapy treatments at the pediatric hematology/oncology/BMT clinic located at The University of
Arizona Medical Center – University Campus. During this time, Stella and her mom, Laurel, stayed at
the Ronald McDonald House, located five minutes from Diamond Children’s. “Once quiet and shy, Stella
began befriending the staff at RMH—she even starting dancing the Zumba with them,” said Laurel.
Through all the chemo, lumbar punctures, hospital stays, secondary illnesses, setbacks and sleepless
nights, “we’ve come to realize that there are pillars of caring people around us,” said Laurel. “We are
not alone.” At Diamond Children’s and the outpatient clinic, Stella is cared for by a team of physicians,
nurses, medical technicians, child life specialists and others all dedicated to making her better.
“Stella is a bright, inquisitive and energetic child who always brings a smile to your face,” said
her pediatric oncologist and Steele Center physician-scientist Puja Gupta, MD. “She reminds you
that children are children despite their medical issues and reminds me every day why I became a
pediatrician.”
One of Stella’s nurses, Laurie Barnhart, RN, lights up when she sees Stella. “Everyone in clinic adores
her,” she said. “Stella says the funniest things—she’s feisty and fun!”
It’s hard to believe that Stella used to be shy. “Now, she is very funny—hilarious actually,” recalls
Laurel. “This experience has really shaped Stella’s character—she has developed such a strong
nature.”
Each August for the past 13 years, dedicated golfers honor the memory of cancer patient Courtney Page Zillman
through the Tee Up For Tots golf tournament. We are grateful for Tee Up For Tots’ continuing support over the
Stella is scheduled to complete her treatment in September 2013, when she hopefully will be declared
years, enabling us to advance our cancer research. With their help, we have developed a novel cancer vaccine
in remission. “Although this has been an exhausting roller-coaster ride, it has also been rewarding to
(now named AlloVax) in the lab, which is entering the clinical trials phase.
see how Stella has changed throughout this ordeal. We all have,” recounts Laurel’s partner, Bob Pilcher.
9 10

PANDA
Event
Raises
Funds to
Expand
the Steele
Center to
Phoenix
The 13th Annual PANDA “Children Helping Children” Fashion Show and Luncheon, held at The Phoenician
in Scottsdale, raised approximately $420,000 to fund the creation of the new Phoenix-based “Steele Children’s
Translational Research Center.”
“Developing a physical presence in Maricopa County will enable the Steele Center to lead the state’s pediatric basic
science research, with bench-to-bedside discoveries at its facility in Tucson, while partnering with clinical enterprises
throughout Maricopa County to fully expand its translational reach in Phoenix,” said Dr. Ghishan.
The “Steele Children’s Translational Research Center” will:
• Provide resources for physician-scientists to carry out safe, efficient and ethical clinical research involving children
• Train the next generation of pediatric researchers
• Educate the public on children’s health issues and advances in the treatment of pediatric diseases
“With the support of the PANDAs, the Steele Center is ready to meet the need for additional pediatric translational
research to benefit all of Arizona’s children,” said Dr. Ghishan.
The annual “Children Helping Children” Fashion Show is organized by PANDA (People Acting Now Discover
Answers)—the Phoenix Women’s Board of the Steele Center.
“We were honored to host this year’s event to generate awareness and raise funds for the creation of
the Steele Children’s Translational Research Center right here in Phoenix,” said Karin Weiler, event
co-chair. “It’s a privilege to help expand the Steele Center’s reach to Maricopa County.”
The facility in Phoenix will be completed in phases and is expected to take about two years.
Arizona Elks
Major Projects
Support Steele
Center’s
EXPANSION
to Phoenix
Since 1991, the Arizona Elks have
raised more than $5 million for the
Steele Center.
Now, they have committed to raise
$2.5 million over the next 10 years.
“This is a testament to the positive
relationship we share with the
Elks,” said Dr. Ghishan. “They
truly are our partners in improving
children’s health.”
One million will support basic
science research in autoimmune
diseases such as type 1 diabetes,
multiple sclerosis, inflammatory
bowel disease and celiac disease.
Jerry Grimes, president of the Arizona Elks Major Projects, and Dr. Ghishan with the signed contract.
In addition, funds will support translating this basic science to patients by building a translational research center
in Phoenix. “We are excited about expanding to Phoenix,” said Dr. Ghishan. “We simply could not accomplish it
without the support of our volunteer group partners like the Elks.”
The remaining $1.5 million will establish the Arizona Elks Endowed Chair in Statewide Pediatric Research. The
prestige of the endowed chair will enable the Steele Center to recruit a top-notch clinical research leader to head
the Steele Center’s Phoenix enterprise.
“Our commitment to the doctors, researchers and patients will continue to be part of our ‘good-deeds list’ for
years to come,” said Jerry Grimes, president of the Arizona Elks Major Projects. “Moreover, we appreciate the
opportunity to participate in expanding the Steele Center to Phoenix.”
Grimes leads the philanthropic arm of the Arizona Elks, whose 28,000 members work year-round to raise funds
to support their theme: “Children’s laughter is what we’re after.”
“The passion shown by Dr. Ghishan and the Steele Center researchers strengthens our
decision to continue supporting the work that may one day provide cures for childhood
diseases,” said Grimes.
11 12

FATHER’S DAY COUNCIL TUCSON:
Celebrating Fathers and Supporting
Type 1 Diabetes Research and Programs
Father’s
Day
Council
Tucson
has two
missions.
The
first is
to celebrate outstanding Tucson men
who are dedicated fathers, outstanding
community role models, and successful
in their chosen field. Their second and
equally important mission is to raise
funds for type 1 diabetes research and
programs at the Steele Center.
The men honored in 2012 at the Father
of the Year Awards Gala Dinner &
Silent Auction were Paul Bonavia,
chairman and CEO, Tucson Electric
Power, Unisource Energy; John Raffety,
president and CEO, Stewart Title &
Trust of Tucson; Joaquin Ruiz, PhD,
executive dean, Colleges of Letters, Arts
and Science, the University of Arizona;
and Ron Shoopman, Retired Brig.
General, U.S. Air Force, president,
Southern Arizona Leadership
Council.
Over the past 18 years, Father’s
Day Council Tucson has raised
more than $2.5 million for type 1
diabetes research, education and
clinical programs at the Steele
Center.
“Without the support of Father’s
Day Council Tucson, the Steele
Center simply could not grow
its diabetes program,” said Dr.
Ghishan. “We are profoundly
grateful for their support.”
Current funding projects include:
Father’s Day Council Tucson
Endowed Chair for Type 1
Diabetes — FDC Tucson is
working on completing this $2
million endowment that will
enable the Steele Center to
attract a world-class pediatric
endocrinologist who is both a
physician and researcher.
Research — The Steele Center is
participating in the international
“Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet” study,
which is focused on early detection
and strategies to delay the onset of
type 1 diabetes. In addition, basic
science researchers are exploring
the role inflammation plays in
the development of autoimmune
diseases like type 1 diabetes.
Education — With the support
of FDC Tucson, the Angel Wing
for Children with Diabetes will
be able to hire a new pediatric
endocrinology fellow for three
years of sub-specialty training in
endocrinology, research and
clinical care.
THANK YOU:
Jeannie Kuykendall
Retires after
20 Years of
Outstanding
Service
On March 22, 2013, Jeannie Kuykendall, beloved executive assistant to Dr. Ghishan,
retired from the UA Department of Pediatrics/Steele Center after 20 years of outstanding
service.
“Jeannie was my right hand and my confidante for the last 17 years,” said Dr. Ghishan.
“Every single day, working with Jeannie was as pleasurable as the day before.”
Jeannie first arrived at the UA Department of Pediatrics as a secretary for the Section
of Critical Care in 1992, and was recruited by Alice Goddard, assistant administrator, to
be Dr. Ghishan’s administrative assistant in 1995, where she has thrived ever since.
She was promoted several times over the years to the level of executive assistant.
“It is difficult to say goodbye to a trusted colleague and enduring friend that I have
worked with for two decades,” said Goddard. “Jeannie possesses a unique blend of
qualities—loyalty, objectivity, gentleness and strength. I recognized during Jeannie’s
time in the Section of Critical Care that those qualities, along with her ability to
easily embrace and manage change, would translate well into her future role in
administration.”
In addition to managing Dr. Ghishan’s intricate schedule and coordinating complex
administrative activities, Jeannie acted as the liaison with the UA College of Medicine
– Tucson Dean’s Office, other university colleges and departments, the medical
community, donors, patient families and the Tucson community at large.
“I will miss her dearly,” said Dr. Ghishan.
13 14

Nothing you do
for children is
ever wasted.
~Garrison Keillor
GIFT OF LOVE:
Newlyweds
Make
Donation to
Steele Center
to Honor Cousin,
Amber Walker
We are feeling the love and we are grateful.
Newlyweds Hilary Kobernik Grieve and her husband Garren Grieve made a generous donation to
the Steele Center to honor Hilary’s cousin, Amber Walker, 15.
You may remember Amber from last year’s annual review—she was our cover model, along with her
buddy, Larry Ronstadt. Both were diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) nearly the
same day in December 2011.
“We opted to make a donation in lieu of a standard wedding favor because we felt it was closer to our
hearts and would mean more to our guests than an item they might not use again,” said Hilary.
“Seeing what Amber went through in the months before our wedding and the support and care given
to her at Diamond Children’s and by the Steele Center physicians was so heartwarming,” said Hilary.
“We were grateful that there were such wonderful people out there to help the children and their
families get through a rough time.”
Amber continues to do well with her treatment, and started her maintenance treatment last November.
“She is on the uphill swing!” said Hilary.
15 16

RETREAT Re-energizes Steele Center Advisory Board
WELCOME Senior Dept. Administrator Heather P. Hartling, MS
In September, Steele Center
advisory board members
participated in a retreat at the
Santa Lucia Ranch in Amado,
Ariz., owned by new Advisory
Board Chair, Peggy Rowley
and her husband, Jon.
“The retreat was a great day
for advisory board members
and staff,” said Rowley. “It
was a day of rejuvenation
for everyone. The work of
the Steele Center is so very
important for children that it’s
imperative that we supporters
stay up-to-date, not only on
the research being conducted,
but also communication and
development skills.”
Members learned useful
fundraising strategies in a
lively workshop presented
by Betsy Chapin Taylor, an
award-winning expert on
health-care philanthropy. After
the workshop, participants
enjoyed a Western-themed
dinner, music and socializing
for the rest of the evening.
“We have renewed energy
to get the word out that we
can’t cure and treat children
without research,” said
Rowley. “And that is what the
Steele Center is all about.”
Advisory Board Chair Peggy Rowley and Dr. Ghishan
Advisory Board members Andrea Malis, DeeAnne Gibbons, Bill Cox, Judy Smedes and Louise Thomas
‘Jumping for a Cure’
Raises AWARENESS
of the Steele Center
In November, horses and their riders
“Jumped for a Cure,” to raise awareness of
the Steele Center at the Tucson Fall Classic
Grand Prix event held at the Pima County
Fairgrounds.
Many of the barns and stables displayed
Steele Center banners to show their support
and junior exhibitors distributed information
to visitors.
“The horse show management, the vendors
and the exhibitors were so welcoming to the
Steele Center,” said Advisory Board Chair
Peggy Rowley, who coordinated the event.
In December, The University of Arizona Health Network, the UA Department
of Pediatrics and the Steele Center welcomed Heather P. Hartling, MS, as
senior department administrator.
Hartling is responsible for promoting a seamless integration among clinical
care, research and teaching activities for all pediatric services. In addition,
she administratively oversees the Department of Pediatrics, the Steele
Center, The University of Arizona Medical Center – Diamond Children’s and
its pediatric outpatient clinics.
“We are delighted that Heather has joined the Department of Pediatrics,”
said Dr. Ghishan. “Heather was clearly the superior candidate, resulting from
a comprehensive national search,” he continued.
Previously, Hartling was the department administrator for the Department of
Pediatrics at the University of South Florida.
Hartling earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership and behavior
from the University of South Florida.
17 18

CELEBRATING our Volunteer Groups
FACTS & FIGURES FY 2011-12
The physicians, scientists, and patients at the Steele Children’s
Research Center would like to express their deepest gratitude to
our many volunteer groups. Your efforts, dedication, and passion
inspire us to fulfill our mission to teach, heal and discover.
Arizona Elks Major Projects
The Arizona Elks Major Projects and
Arizona Elks members understand
the importance of research. That’s
why they made a commitment to
raise 2.5 million dollars over the next 10 years to support
the Steele Center and create an endowment to support
statewide pediatric research. The Arizona Elks have
proven what a huge impact can be made on
children’s health, a dollar at a time!
PANDA
After almost 15 years raising funds for
the Steele Center in Tucson the PANDAs
decided it was time for the Steele Center
to join them in Phoenix. This year, PANDA raised money
to support the expansion of Steele Center into Maricopa
County, where the Steele Children’s Translational Research
Center will conduct clinical research in Phoenix and
surrounding areas.
Father’s Day Council Tucson
At the 18th annual Fathers of the Year
Awards Dinner & Gala, Father’s Day
Council Tucson honored four amazing
fathers from the Tucson community
while raising money to ensure that all children with type 1
diabetes in Southern Arizona receive the best care and a
chance at a cure through the important research conducted
at the Steele Center. Over the last 18 years Father’s Day
Council Tucson has raised more than $2.8 million to support
type 1 diabetes research and
care.
Kids of Steele
Kids of Steele had another
fantastic year raising funds and
awareness for the Steele Center, while providing service
opportunities for families and kids throughout Tucson.
The second annual “Kids of Steele Miniature Golf
Tournament” doubled in size and raised $27,000.
Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority
UA’s Gamma Zeta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma
showed off their philanthropic spirit by choosing
the Steele Center as the recipient of their annual
Hoops-for-Hope basketball tournament. With the help
and donations from Kappa families, friends, and local
businesses they were able to raise $10,000. And
current Kappa Kappa Gamma students aren’t the only
ones supporting the Steele Center: the Kappa Kappa
Gamma Tucson Alumnae chapter held a wine tasting
event, raising more than $600.
Sigma Chi Fraternity
For the second year in a row the University of Arizona’s
Sigma Chi fraternity raised funds for the Steele Center
and Diamond Children’s through their Derby Days
event. This year they doubled their donation, raising
$10,500 for the Steele Center.
Rincon Optimist Chapter
The Rincon Optimists, part of Optimist International,
raised funds through their first annual “Casino
Night and Silent Auction,” held as part of Optimist
International’s annual “Childhood Cancer Campaign.”
They raised $1,500 to support cancer research through
the event. They increased their support by applying
for, and receiving, a matching grant in the amount of
$1,000 from Optimist International, increasing their
donation to $2,500.
Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research
Continuing their support of cancer research at the
Steele Center, Students Supporting Brain Tumor
Research raised $2,500 for the Steele Center. Already
busy planning events for next year, the group continues
to raise funds and awareness for brain tumor research.
Marisa Ann Gallego Foundation
Friends and family of Marisa Ann Gallego wanted
to honor her memory and celebrate an important
milestone, her 21st birthday, so the Marisa Ann Gallego
Foundation held a casino night to celebrate Marisa’s
life. Through the event the foundation raised $5,000 to
find better treatments and a cure for pediatric cancer.
Total amount raised $1,580,104
44%
Types of Donors:
Foundations: 42%
Individuals: 40%
Corporations: 18%
56%
FY 11-12
Where Philanthropy
Funds were Directed:
Research: 57%
Endowment: 12%
Recruitment: 22%
Clinical support: 1%
Annual fund/greatest need: 8%
Diamond Children’s fund: less than 1%
42%
FY 11-12
How Philanthropy Funds were Used:
Teaching, healing, discovering: 90%
Administrative and fundraising: 10%
18%
Types of Donations:
Donations raised from events: 56%
Direct donations: 44%
90%
40%
10%
Thank You
for your support!
Physician-scientists from
the UA Steele Center serve
children throughout Arizona
and neighboring states,
focusing primarily on difficultto-treat
diseases like pediatric
cancers, type 1 diabetes,
autism spectrum disorders,
congenital heart disease and
gastrointestinal disorders
such as Crohn’s disease and
eosinophilic esophagitis.
Steele Center pediatricians
and pediatric specialists
conduct more than 60,000
patient visits a year, providing
the cutting-edge care that
only comes from being an
academic research institution.
Physician-scientists at the
Steele Center focus on
investigating the causes of
pediatric diseases and work to
discover new treatments and
therapies for children suffering
with illness.
Federal and state grants help
fund scientific investigation,
but philanthropy is an
important catalyst for nurturing
new ideas because it serves
as a springboard for securing
government aid in the future.
In FY11-12, $1,580,104
was received in donations
to support the work of
the Steele Center.
We thank each of our
donors for their investment
in the Steele Center and
children’s health.
19 20

THANK YOU!
We appreciate every gift made to the Steele Children’s Research Center. It is the kindness and generosity of our donors
that allows us to provide today’s care and tomorrow’s cures to children throughout Arizona. We want to give special
thanks to the following cash and in-kind donors who gave $1,000 or more from January through December 2012.
$250,000+
Arizona Elks Major Projects
PANDA—Phoenix Women’s Board
$100,000 - $249,999
Father’s Day Council Tucson
The Steele Foundation
$50,000 - $99,999
Anonymous
Armstrong McDonald Foundation
Jacquelynn and Bennett Dorrance
and Dorrance Family Foundation
Hope On Wheels Hyundai Dealers
$25,000 - $49,999
Anonymous
Cystic Life, LLC
Estate of Peggy M. Barrett
Gifts in Honor of John Rafferty
—Father of the Year 2012
Gifts in Honor of Joaquin Ruiz
—Father of the Year 2012
Gifts in Honor of Ron Shoopman
—Father of the Year 2012
Tee Up For Tots, Inc.
$15,000 - $24,999
Arizona Community Foundation
D. Faye Morse
Ashley Kaplan
Gifts in Honor of Paul Bonavia
—Father of the Year 2012
Tucson Electric Power
$10,000 - $14,999
Forward Progress Enterprises
Jasam Foundation
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Katie and Tony Milo
Nordstrom
Nova Financial & Investment Corp.
QuikMart Stores
Ann Ryan
Colleen Ryan
Sigma Chi Fraternity
Stewart Title & Trust
$5,000 - $9,999
The Active 20/30 Club of Tucson
BlueCross BlueShield
CDO Ranching & Development
Robyn and Michael DeBell
Desert Diamond Casino
DMB Associates
Doug Davis Foundation
William Eyler and the
Raquel Piekarski Fund
Melinda and John Gulick III
Carey and Blake Hastings
Karen and Bob Hobbs
Ruth Ann and Tom Hornaday
JHG Development Co., LLC
Linda J. Kaplan
Jane and Philip Lacovara
Harley C. Lisherness
Marisa Ann Gallego Foundation
RBC
Research Corporation for Science
Advancement
Tiana and Jeff Ronstadt
Peggy and Jon Rowley
William D. Skov
Sarah and Bill Slessman
Kristi and Christopher Synek
Karl T. Watson
Karin I. and Adam Weiler
Sheila and Michael Zuieback
$2,500 - $4,999
Anne Burns, MD
Arizona State Department of
Corrections
Debra and Peter Bartolino
Melanie Beauchamp
Kathryn M. and Bradley Beckmann
Alex and James Boyle
Emily and Danny Calihan
Catalina Mechanical Contracting
Ginny L. Clements
Jennifer and Michael Collins
Carrie and Aaron Cook
Desert Institute for Spine Care, LLC
E Dental Solutions
Marc D. Fleischman
DeeAnne and Gregg Gibbons
Susan and Steven Giusto
Jonelle Graziosi
Maxine and Ralph Henig
Henry Pope Foundation
Immunovative Clinical
Research, Inc.
Jim Boyle Dairy
Beth and I. Michael Kasser
Dottie Kobik
Nicole S. Kroeger
Megan and Scott Lavinia
Ruth and Robert Lavinia
Law Offices of David F. Gaona
Lauren and Geoffrey Leber
Wendy and Sage Lentz
Bethany and Robert Longo
Jane and Robert M. McNichols
Lisa and Alfredo J. Molina
Laura and James Powers
Principal Financial Group
Foundation
Gabrielle and Robert Rife
Rincon Optimists Club of Tucson
Paula Riney
Rosemont Copper
Richard Rosen
Rusing, Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC
Scottrade
Beth and Scott Seldin
Snell & Wilmer, LLP
Students Supporting Brain Tumor
Research
Tammy and Jon Underwood
Terrye Underwood
United Commercial Travelers
Vantage West Credit Union
Rosi and Benjamin Vogel
Michelle and Marc Walker
Sonja and John Wanebo
Allison and Michael Wilmink
Helen and Chris Yeung
$1,000 - $2,499
Anonymous (2)
Arizona Wealth Advisors, LLC
Linda C. Ballinger
Charlene Berge-Blum
David Berger
Mari Bice
Molly and Mark Bland
Paul Bonavia
Jayne Bongiovanni
Barbara and Jim Boyle
Amber and Louis Breton
Whitney and Brad Brittain
Shelby and Steve Butterfield
C & H Spirit Solutions, LLC
Carol Campbell
Carondelet Health Network
Molly R. Carson
CH Carolina Herrera
Sheila Clary
Combs Development Company, LLC
Compass Bank
Jacqueline Cowin
Christina Critchfield-Huber
Tina and David Curran
Valerie and Michael Deitch
Delta Delta Delta, Tucson Alumnae
Chapter
Diamond Ventures
Joyce and Kevin J. Donovan
Debbi and Dwayne Douglas
Amy and Rob Draper
Laurent Dubner
Lori and Christopher Erblich
Micheline and Bruce Etkin
Meghan and Court Fable
Katie Gale
Pat Ganser
Cita Scott and Harry George
Lisa and Jeffrey Geyser
GFA Wealth Design
Amy Golden
Penni Graham
Cande and Tom Grogan
Penny and Larry Gunning
Whitney and Benton Heglie
Hoover & Strong
Christi and Greg Hrasky
JP Industries, Inc.
Lisa and Gordon James
Jim Click Nissan
Beth Kaper
Jennifer and Chris Karas
Melissa and Steven Kenly
Christine and Jason Klonoski
Pam and David Kolbe
Elham and Nabeeh LaHood
Lohse Foundation
Edith and J. David Lowell
Jenifer and Daniel Lunt
Christi Manuelito
Bonnie Mattes
Maurice R. and Meta G. Gross
Foundation
Kelly and Kevin Miller
Jodie and Derek Morris
Judee and David Morrison
Mother Tried Foundation
Carey and John Musil
Pam and Richard Nakasawa
Kathy Nash
Georgia and Ronald G. Nelson
Sylvia and Andrew Norell
Heather and Robert J. Novak
Bobbie and Buck O’Rielly
Kellie and Brett Parker
Katherine H. Perry
Lara and Brett Polachek
Shawn and David Reaves
Wes Richardson
Susan and Larry Ring
Eric Risser
Kathy and Jerry Ritt
Laurie and Brad Ritt
Rosenberg Media, LLC
Bernadette and Joaquin Ruiz
Janet and Daniel Rush
Dina M. Scalone-Romero
Judith B. Schaefer
Cynthia A. Schroeder
Gretchen and Ryan Schubert
Kelly Schultze
Brigette and John Sebald
Dawn and Erston Senger
Daniel J. Sharaby
Leila and Ziad Shehab
Nancy and Jason K. Singer
Susie and Les Small
Sarah and David Smallhouse
The Sonntag Family Foundation
Kristin Struble
Nanci Teets
David L. Thompson
Toledo Community Foundation
Sharon and Don Ulrich
Gina Vanderwey
Khristen and Michael Vanderwey
Ventana Medical Systems
Nancy Walker
Karin H. and G. William Weiler
Paul G. Weitman
Wilenchik & Bartness, PC
Susan and Michael Wissink
Conley Wolfswinkel
Jaime and Brad Wright
Kristen Yandle
Sami Zarifi and WillPower
In-kind Donors
Cheri’s Desert Harvest
Kathy Ritt
Dave Van Tussenbroek
“Children see
magic because
they look for it.”
~Christopher Moore
21 22

WELCOME Department of Pediatrics New Faculty Members 2012
FACULTY Highlights
“The soul is
healed by being
with children.”
~Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Cindy Chin, MD
Assistant Professor
Section of Endocrinology
Jenna Lloyd, DO
Assistant Professor
Section of Hospital Medicine
and Outreach
Tien Nguyen, MD
Assistant Professor
Section of Section of Hospital
Medicine
Kareem Shehab, MD
Assistant Professor
Section of Infectious Diseases
Margaret Kurzius-Spencer,
PhD, MS, MPH
Assistant Professor
Section of Genetics
Yi Zeng, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Section of Hematology/
Oncology/BMT
Nicole Abdy, MD, assistant professor, Section of General Pediatrics;
Publication: Duloxetine Withdrawal Syndrome in a Newborn. Clinical
Pediatrics, 2012.
Marc Berg, MD, Section of Critical Care; promoted to professor.
Rachel E.M. Cramton, MD, assistant professor, Section of Hospital
Medicine and Outreach; became board certified in hospice and
palliative medicine.
Christopher M. Cunniff, MD, professor, Section of Genetics; served
as an invited guest editor for seminars in medical genetics on Smith-
Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Publications: Prevalence of autism spectrum
disorders in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white children. Pediatrics, 2012;
129:e629-e635. Parental perspectives on the diagnostic process for
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. American Journal of Medical
Genetics, in press.
Michael Daines, MD, PhD, Section of Pulmonology/Allergy and
Immunology; promoted to associate professor with tenure.
Sean P. Elliot, MD, professor, Section of Infectious Diseases; appointed
chairman, Academy of Medical Education Scholars, University of Arizona
College of Medicine; invited collaborator by World Atlas of Infectious
Disease, Oxford University. Publication: Rat Bite Fever. Atlas of Human
Infectious Disease, 2012; 89-90.
Robert P. Erickson, MD, professor, Section of Medical & Molecular
Genetics; received fellowship for Visiting Professor from the University
of Roma, Sapienza. Publications: X-linked CHARGE-like Abruzzo–
Erickson syndrome and classic cleft palate with ankyloglossia result
from TBX22 splicing mutations. Clinical Genetics, doi: 10.1111/j.1
399-0004.2012.01930.x, 2012. De Novo Pathogenic SCN8A Mutation
Identified by Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Family Quartet Affected
by Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy and SUDEP. The American Journal
of Human Genetics, doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.01.006, 2012.
Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, professor, Section of Gastroenterology and
Nutrition; received $1.65 million NIDDK grant for the Regulation
of a Novel Intestinal NHE Isoform (NHE8). Publications: Metabolic
bone disease in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Accepted, Practical
Gastroenterology, 2012. Dendritic cell-specific disruption of TGFβ
receptor II leads to altered regulatory T-cell phenotype and spontaneous
multi-organ autoimmunity. [Epub ahead of print], 2012. Impaired mucin
synthesis and bicarbonate secretion in the colon of NHE8 Knockout mice.
Am J Physiol: Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 303(3):G335-343, 2012. Small
intestinal ion transport. Curr Opin Gastroenterol, 28(2):130-134, 2012.
Emmanuel Katsanis, MD, professor, section chief, Section of
Hematology/Oncology/BMT; appointed as director of the Adult BMT;
appointed as chief medical officer, medical director and chairman of the
Scientific Advisory Board of Immunovative Therapies, Ltd.
Pawel R. Kiela, PhD, associate professor, Section of Gastroenterology
and Nutrition; appointed associate professor with tenure; session cochair/moderator
for Digestive Disease Week. Publications: Dendritic
cell-specific disruption of TGF-β receptor II leads to altered regulatory
T cell phenotype and spontaneous multiorgan autoimmunity. J Immunol,
Oct 15; 189(8):3878-93, 2012. Polyclonal CD4+Foxp3+Treg cells induce
TGFβ-dependent tolerogenic dendritic cells that suppress the murine
lupus-like syndrome. J Mol Cell Biol, Oct 10, 2012. Design, Synthesis,
and Testing of a Molecular Truck for Colonic Delivery of 5-Aminosalicylic
Acid. ACS Med Chem Lett. Sep 13;3(9):710-714, 2012.
Lisa M. Kopp, DO, assistant professor, Section of Hematology/
Oncology; Publications: Late Effects in Adult Survivors of Pediatric
Cancer: A guide for the primary care physician. The American Journal of
Medicine, Jul;125(7);646-41, 2012. Membrane-bound IL-21 promotes
ex vivo proliferation of NK cells with reduced senescence. PLoS ONE,
2012;7(1):e30264.
Chan Lowe, MD, section chief, Section of Hospital Medicine and
Outreach; promoted to associate professor. Publications: Successful
Treatment of Plastic Bronchitis with Low Fat Diet and Subsequent
Thoracic Duct ligation in Child with Fontan Physiology. Lympohology,
Jun;45:47-52; 2012.
William N. Marshall JR, MD, professor, Section of General Pediatrics;
Publication: What I learned one night in the red light district. Patient
Educ Couns, Apr;87(1):30-1, 2012.
John Meaney, PhD, lecturer, Section of University Center on
Disabilities, Section of Genetics; Publications: Prevalence of autism
spectrum disorders in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic white children.
Pediatrics, 129(3):e629-e635, 2012. Growth in Prader-Willi syndrome:
anthropometric patters and analysis. Handbook of Growth and Growth
Monitoring in Health and Disease, 2175-2199, 2012.
Melissa Moore, MD, assistant professor, Section of General Pediatrics;
appointed as director of the Pediatric Global Health Program.
Publication: Childhood Leukemia: Oxidative Stress, Cognitive Changes,
& Academic Outcomes. NIH NSCF R01 NR010889-03.
Wayne J. Morgan, MD, professor, section chief, Section of
Pulmonology/Allergy and Immunology; Received Dean’s List for
Excellence in Teaching, Year I Pulmonary Systems (UA College of
Medicine-Tucson Teaching Awards).
Sydney A. Rice, MD, associate professor, Section of Developmental
and Behavioral Pediatrics; received a grant to research how iPads might
benefit children who have autism; awarded $3.6 million, five-year
LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Other Related
Disabilities) grant. The UA grant is called AZLEND, 2011-2016.
Ricardo A. Samson, MD, professor, Section Chief of Cardiology;
received Vernon & Virginia Furrow Excellence in Teaching Award for
Graduate Medical Education.
Ziad M. Shehab, MD, professor, section chief, Section of Infectious
Diseases; was awarded Outstanding Achievement in Teaching by a
Clerkship or Elective, Top Doc by U.S. News and World Report, Best
Doctors in America, 2011-12. Publications: Diagnostic and treatment
challenges for the pediatric hematologist oncologist in endemic areas
for coccidioidomycosis. J Ped Hematology Oncology, 2012:34:389-94.
Coccidiodomycosis in children. Barrett, Jones, Boney and McMillan in
Decision Support in Medicine, 2012. Enteroviruses. Infection Control in
Day Care Center and Preschool, 2012. Coxsackie Virus A 16 (Hand-Foot-
Mouth Disease). Infection Control in Day Care Center and Preschool,
2012. Coccidiodomycosis. Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases,
2012. Bone and Joint Infections. Pharmocotherapy: A Pathophysioogic
Approach, 2012.
Richard A. Wahl, MD, professor, Section of Adolescent Medicine;
awarded Best Doctors in America, citation for Adolescent Medicine;
elected to the Board of Directors of the UA Southwest Institute for
Research on Women (SIROW).
23 24

DEPARTMENT of Pediatrics Faculty 2012
Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, Professor and Head
Steele Center ADVISORY BOARDS
Cardiology
Section Chief:
Ricardo Samson, MD
Professor
Brent Barber, MD
Associate Professor
Stan Goldberg, MD
Professor Emeritus
Scott Klewer, MD
Professor
Daniela Lax, MD
Associate Professor
Gregory Mike Nichols, MD
Clinical Lecturer
Santiago Valdés, MD
Assistant Professor
Critical Care
Section Chief:
Andreas Theodorou, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Marc Berg, MD
Professor
Hillary Franke, MD
Assistant Professor
Mary Gaspers, MD
Assistant Professor
Michael Karadsheh, MD
Assistant Professor
Robyn Meyer, MD
Associate Professor
Michele Munkwitz, MD
Assistant Professor
David Nathalang, DO
Assistant Professor
Katri Typpo, MD
Assistant Professor
Developmental &
Behavioral Pediatrics
Sydney A. Rice, MD, MS
Associate Professor
Alan McBride, DO
Clinical Instructor
Eileen McGrath, PhD
Assistant Professor
Margaret Trouard, MD
Clinical Lecturer
Endocrinology
Section Chief:
Mark Wheeler, MD
Associate Professor
Cindy Chin, MD
Assistant Professor
Kurt Griffin, PhD, MD
Assistant Professor
Chetan Patel, MD
Assistant Professor
Priti Patel, MD
Assistant Professor
Gastroenterology
AND NUTRITION
Section Chief:
Hassan Hassan, MD
Professor
Rana Ammoury, MD
Assistant Professor
Fayez K. Ghishan, MD
Professor and Department Head
Aileen Har, MD
Assistant Professor
Pawel Kiela, PhD
Associate Professor
Hua Xu, PhD
Associate Professor
General Pediatrics
Section Chief:
Kimberly Gerhart, MD
Assistant Professor
Nicole Abdy, MD
Assistant Professor
Joel S. Blumberg, MD
Assistant Professor
Kathryn Bowen, MD
Associate Professor
Conrad Clemens, MD
Associate Professor
Karen Davenport, MD
Assistant Professor
William Marshall Jr., MD
Professor
Melissa Moore, MD
Assistant Professor
Richard Wahl, MD
Professor
Gracie Wilcox, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Genetics
Section Chief:
Christopher Cunniff, MD
Professor
Robert Erickson, MD
Professor
Margaret Kurzius-Spencer,
PhD, MS, MPH
Assistant Professor
John Meaney, PhD
Research Lecturer
Hematology/
Oncology/BMT
Section Chief:
Emmanuel Katsanis, MD
Professor
Puja Gupta, MD
Assistant Professor
Lisa Kopp, DO
Assistant Professor
Nicolas Larmonier, PhD
Associate Professor
Brenda Wittman, MD
Assistant Professor
Yi Zeng, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Hospital Medicine
Section Chief:
Chan Lowe, MD
Associate Professor
Melissa Cox, DO
Assistant Professor
Rachel Cramton, MD
Assistant Professor
Deepti Deshpande, MD
Assistant Professor
Valerie Ebert, DO
Assistant Professor
Nancy Gruchala, MD
Assistant Professor
Tiffany Herr, MD
Assistant Professor
Eliza Holland, MD
Clinical Lecturer
Jenna Lloyd, DO
Assistant Professor
Tien Nguyen, MD
Assistant Professor
Hengameh Rastegar-Murphy, MD
Clinical Lecturer
Jasna Seserinac, MD
Assistant Professor
Infectious Diseases
Section Chief:
Ziad Shehab, MD
Professor
Sean Elliott, MD
Professor
Kareem Shehab, MD
Assistant Professor
Neonatology
Section Chief:
Alan Bedrick, MD
Professor
Mo Bader, MD
Assistant Professor
Bohuslav Dvorak, PhD
Professor
Rachel Garner, MD
Assistant Professor
Melissa Halpern, PhD
Associate Professor
Ranjit Kylathu, MD
Assistant Professor
Joe Livingston, MD
Assistant Professor
Nephrology
Section Chief:
Emmanuel Apostol, MD
Associate Professor
Rouba Garro MD
Assistant Professor
Pulmonology,
Allergy and
Immunology
Section Chief:
Wayne Morgan, MD
Professor
Mark Brown, MD
Professor
Cori Daines, MD
Associate Professor
Michael Daines, MD
Assistant Professor
Roni Grad, MD
Associate Professor
Fernando Martinez, MD
Professor
Anne Wright, PhD
Professor
Phoenix Clerkship
Program
Kipp Charlton, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Maricopa Medical Center
John Muhm Jr., MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Kristin Samaddar, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
St. Joseph’s Hospital
Mitchell Shub, MD
Professor, Clinical Pediatrics
Phoenix Children’s Hospital
tucson
Advisory
Board
Peggy Rowley
—Chair
Ginny Clements
Bill Cox
Jay Foust
DeeAnne Gibbons
Philip Lacovara, PhD
Troy Little
Andy Norell
Ray Novak, MD
Kathy Orr
Larry Ring
Steve Rosenberg
Dian Rutin
Cynthia Goodman
Shaw
Judy Smedes
Tom Strasburg
Louise Thomas
Honorary Members
Jerry Grimes
Andrea Malis
Lee Shaw
Al Skorupski
Life Members
Joan Diamond
Maxine Henig
Lynn Taussig, MD
Louise Thomas
Phoenix
Women’s
Advisory
Board
(PANDA)
Emily Calihan
—President
Tifanny Anton
Lisa Barnes
Tiffany Barry
Alexandra Boyle
Whitney Brittain
Shelby Burley
Heather Buttelmann
Sarah Carlenzoli
Lauren Charpio
Katie Chester
Kyle Christensen
Katie Clark
Kathy Combs
Carrie Cook
Kylie Cook
Heidi Coupland
Christy Dean
Robyn DeBell
Kari Denk
Erika Dickey
Micheline Etkin
Geri Farr
Julie Furey
Lora Golke
Melinda Gulick
Penny Gunning
Carey Hastings
Whitney Heglie
Stephanie Helsten
Sandy Hobbs
Allison Irwin
Angela Isacksen
Jennifer Karas
Melissa Kenly
Kelly Kirke
Dottie Kobik
Wendy Lentz
Jacque Linaman
Amy Mahoney
Lara Polachek
Laura Powers
Ashley Ragan
Jordan Ragland
Shawn Reaves
Gabrielle Rife
Tara Ritchie
Laurie Ritt
Gretchen Schubert
Brigette Sebald
Stephanie Slaughter
Sarah Slessman
Allison Small
Sarah Smith
Jennifer Thinnes
Abby Traister
Kati Travelle
Kristin Ulrich
Michelle Walker
Megan Wall
Karin Weiler
Jamie Wright
Lori Xeller
Golden PANDAs
Trisha Anthony
Charlene Berge-
Blum
Judy Burke
Tina Curran
Jacquie Dorrance
Jennifer Dougherty
Debbi Douglas
Kay Eskridge
Meghan Fable
Dana Gapusan
Nancy Hepburn
Megan Hink
Karen Hobbs
Michelle Hobbs
Catherine Jacobson
Lori Kelly
Julie Koeth
Pam Kolbe
Lisa Mallender
Tiffany Quayle
Judy Ray
Kathy Ritt
Judy Shannon
Susie Small
Sandi Thomas
Gerri Tsantilas
Kathy Walker
Linda Whitney
Allie Wilmink
Susan Wissink
Associate PANDAs
Sydney Anderson
Nancy Berge
Carolyn Bosworth
Muffie Churchill
Joan Colangelo
Ann Denk
Kathy DeSanto
Suellen Edens
Ardie Evans
Diana Finley
Pam Fitzgerald
Ruthann Grace
Megan Hackbarth
Carol Hebets
Tori Heintzelman
RuthAnn Hornaday
Mary Hudak
Jennifer Irby
Kerry Jameson
Cathy Kleeman
Nancy Love
Beth Matthews
Lizabeth Matthews
Traci Mead
Carey Musil
Stacie Olson
Kathey Plenge
Carol Schmidt
Kerrie Schmidt
Mary Lynn Schmidt
Judy Schubert
Tracy Smith
Lynne Sonntag
Anne Spellman
Lindsay Steiber
Kim Sterling-Heflin
Sharon Ulrich
Tammy Underwood
Kathy Van Arsdale
Julie Vogel
Nancy White
Helen Yeung
KIDS OF
STEELE
Board
Lucinda Peralta
—Chair
Amber Breton
Ragan Edwards
Cecie Davenport
Adrienne Foust
Andrea Malis
CREDITS:
Creative Director/Editor/Writer
Darci Slaten, MA
Director of Communications and Marketing
Editorial Board
Fayez K. Ghishan, MD
Professor and Head, UA Dept. of Pediatrics
Director, Steele Children’s Research Center
George Humphrey, MA
Assistant Vice President
AHSC Office of Public Affairs
Lori Stratton, MPH
Director of Development
Graphic Design
Roma Krebs
AHSC BioCommunications
Photography
Allison Tyler Jones
Cover photo and black & white photographs
AHSC BioCommunications Photographers
Cristie Kase
Photos at the bottom of pg. 8
Darci Slaten, MA
Additional Assistance
Susan Anderson
Alice Goddard
Laura Hopkins
Lori Stratton, MPH
Sue Matthews
Nicole Vales
25 26