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.

Melanie Cloonan-Schulte, MD
Internal Medicine

Vice President

Owner Member: July 2004
595 N. Dobson Road Suite 76
Chandler, AZ 85224
Phone: 480-821-0788

A. Clark Ruttinger, DO

Family Practice/Geriatrics

Owner Member: October 1999
13951 W Grand Ave, Suite 203

Surprise, AZ 850374

Phone:623-544-4600

Fax: 623-544-4725

Chatur J. Babaria, MD

Family Medicine

Affiliated Member: March 2007

22707 S. Ellsworth Rd, Suite H-103

Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Phone: 480-677-34944

Fax: 480-677-4319

Sandhya Venugopal, MD

Internal Medicine

Affiliate Member: April 2017

16601 N. 40th Street, Suite 229

Phoenix, AZ 85032

Phone: 480-695-3064

Fax: 855-318-3326

Ameeta Chowdhary, FNP

Family Nurse Practitioner

Affiliated Member: September 2019

10575 W. Indian Road, Suite E-103

Avondale, AZ 85392

Phone: 480-747-0045

Fax: 480-522-3522

Donald Paxton, MD

Internal Medicine
Affiliated Member: July 2020
202 E. Earll Drive, Suite 450

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Phone: 602-241-9500

Fax: 877-796-1477

Rahul Bhatia, MD

Pediatrics/Peds Critical Care
Affiliated Member: July 2020

7517 S. McClintock Dr., Suite 103

Tempe Az 85283

Phone: 602-345-1633
Fax: 602-536-4102

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.