Board of Directors

The Arizona State Physician Association (ASPA) is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, comprised of active physicians from across Arizona. Policy and decision-making authority is entrusted to this esteemed board, with implementation carried out by our skilled management staff. IPA members play a crucial role by electing board members for three-year overlapping terms, ensuring representation from each of our five divisions.

Our leadership includes a president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer, all elected annually by the board. The Board of Directors convenes monthly to review organizational strategies, approve changes, and maintain financial stability, all while guiding ASPA’s mission to advocate for physicians and enhance patient care throughout the state.

Meet our board members, who are dedicated to promoting the well-being and success of their colleagues. Learn more about our leadership and governance structure, and how we are working together to advance the interests of physicians in Arizona.

Sandhya Venugopal, MD
Internal Medicine
Affiliate Member: 04-17-2017
16601 N. 40th Street, Suite 229
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 480-695-3064
Fax: 855-318-3326

Donald Paxton, MD
Internal Medicine
Affiliated Member 07/06/2020
202 E. Earll Drive, Suite 450
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602-241-9500
Fax: 877-796-1477

Melanie Cloonan-Schulte, MD. – Vice President
Internal Medicine
Owner Member 07-12-2004
595 N. Dobson Road Suite 76
Chandler, AZ 85224
Phone: 480-821-0788
Fax: 480-821-0837

Ronald A. Yunis, MD
OB/GYN

Affiliated Member 04/06/1998
2023 W Bethany Home Road
Phoenix, AZ 85015
Phone: 602-415-1900
Fax: 602415-0985

Ameeta Chowdhary, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
Affiliated Member: 09/09/2019
10575 W. Indian Road, Suite E-103
Avondale, AZ 85392
Phone: 480-747-0045
Fax: 480-522-3522

Rahul Bhatia, MD
Pediatrics/Peds Critical Care
Affiliated Member 07-06-2020
7517 S. McClintock Dr., Suite 103
Tempe Az 85283
Phone: 602-345-1633
Fax: 602-536-4102

Chatur J. Babaria, M.D.
Family Medicine
Affiliated Member 03-05-2007
22707 S. Ellsworth Rd, Suite H-103
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Phone: 480-677-34944
Fax: 480-677-4319

Susan Lasala-Wood, DNP
President
FP-DNP
Owner Member: 03-02-2015
7609 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Suite 9
Scottsdale, AZ 85255-3460
Phone: 480-267-9111
Fax: 480-454-4897

A. Clark Ruttinger, DO
Family Practice/Geriatrics
Owner Member: 10-01-1999
13951 W Grand Ave, Suite 203
Surprise, AZ 850374
Phone:623-544-4600
Fax: 623-544-4725

Connie Richardson
Executive Director

Arizona State Physician Association
3030 North Central Avenue Suite 1106
Phoenix, Arizona 85012
Phone: 602-265-2524

Karen Ellington
Operations Manager
Arizona State Physician Association
3030 North Central Avenue Suite 1106
Phoenix, Arizona 85012
Phone: 602-265-2524

The Arizona State Physician Association Board is comprised of a distinguished team of accomplished physicians who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization. Their collective experience ensures that Arizona State Physician Association remains a trusted and respected voice within the Arizona medical community.

The Arizona State Physician Association is structured as a cooperative, with each member owning a single share of capital stock. Membership shares are non-transferable, and no individual may hold more than one share. This cooperative model fosters a sense of equity and community among our members, reinforcing our commitment to collective advocacy and representation for physicians across Arizona.