PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT: May Mohty, MD on major health issues in Arizona

May H. Mohty, MD, FAAP, FAAUCM shares her thoughts with Arizona Physician Magazine.

Q: What do you see are the major health issues in Arizona?

A: Conditions like obesity and diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension affect many Arizonans. The current pandemic did shine a light on these health issues since many of the patients seriously affected by COVID-19 had one or more of these co-morbidities. Primary care physicians have the vital role of promoting a healthy lifestyle, encouraging weight loss, and exercise, as well as better control of diabetes and hypertension which if controlled can lead to fewer renal, cardiac, and neurological complications.

Q: How will pediatrics adjust to medicine after COVID?

A: Pediatric practices must budget for PPE and cleaning supplies, as well as reliable office-based rapid viral tests and equipment. Each practice has to offer telemedicine and know how to code for virtual encounters. They may need to account for a remote administrative work force. Plus, pediatricians should have a good network of behavioral health specialists to whom they can refer patients. Having a reliable locum tenens company will help in the event of a physician illness. Finally, pediatric practices should consider adopting an employee assistance program that can offer assistance for a variety of personal and workplace issues (e.g., mental health, financial, and legal support services).

Q: What value do you see in organized medicine and get from being a member of medical societies and associations?

A: In organized medicine, member physicians work with all political parties to improve care and reduce disparities for patients and disparities in the healthcare workforce. Physicians are most effective when they speak in a unified voice. With debates on healthcare policies and healthcare delivery and given the diverse opinions of physicians, it is more effective to be part of an organized voice formedicine. Medical societies and associations make it possible.

Q: What motivates you to educate medical students?

A: When we teach either as academic or clinical physicians, we are teaching a very select student body who will be entrusted withtaking care of the most valuable assets we have, our health and the health of those we careabout. I have constant desire to pass down my knowledge and expertise to the next generationof physicians. Plus, the act of teaching is highly rewarding. Nothing brings more satisfactionthan witnessing a student acquire new skills. ■

May Mohty, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Pediatrics and Urgent Care, Phoenix Children's Hospital, and Pediatrics, Cigna Medical Group