Maricopa County Medical Society Announces Dr. Duane Wooten as Incoming 2027 Board President

MCMS Makes History:

Dr. Duane Wooten Elected First African American Board President in the Organization’s 134 year history

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PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS) is proud to announce that Duane M. Wooten, MD, a distinguished Phoenix pediatrician, lifelong community advocate, and respected physician leader, will serve as the next President of its Board of Directors. Dr. Wooten's election marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first African American Board President in the Medical Society's history.

 

Dr. Wooten is a native of Phoenix and a product of the Maryvale community, Dr. Wooten's story reflects a lifelong commitment to service, excellence, and improving the health of Arizona's children. Born and raised in Phoenix, he graduated with honors from Maryvale High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. By the time he completed high school, he had earned offers for more than 130 academic scholarships and eight athletic scholarships before choosing to attend Northwestern University, where he studied Chemical and Biomedical Engineering.

 

Dr. Wooten then completed his undergraduate education in just three years and entered medical school at age 19. He attended the University of Arizona College of Medicine, where he became the first African American student admitted in eight years and only the third African American ever to attend the institution. He later completed his pediatric residency through the Phoenix Hospitals Affiliated Pediatric Program and pursued fellowship training in pediatric critical care at St. Joseph's Hospital before entering private practice.

 

For decades, Dr. Wooten has dedicated his career to caring for children and adolescents across the Valley. Through Wooten Healthcare, he provides comprehensive pediatric and adolescent medicine services and care for children and adolescents with special needs, while maintaining a strong focus on patient education, access to care, and long-term relationships with families.

 

"Dr. Wooten's election as Board President reflects the values of leadership, service, advocacy, and excellence that define the Maricopa County Medical Society," says Desire’e Hardge, MBA, MCMS CEO & Executive Director. "His accomplishments as a physician and community leader, combined with his deep roots in Maryvale and Phoenix, make him an exceptional choice to help lead our organization into the future."

 

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Wooten has earned numerous professional and community honors, including the Thomas Dooley Medal as Maricopa County Physician of the Year and the prestigious Calvin C. Goode-Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the City of Phoenix. He has also served on numerous medical committees, physician advisory boards, and community organizations, including the American Heart Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

 

In 2024, Dr. Wooten further demonstrated his commitment to public service by running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District. Although he was not elected, his campaign represented something bigger than an election outcome. It demonstrated that physicians can step beyond the clinical setting, pursue elected office, and bring their knowledge, experience, and perspectives to the decision-making table.

 

“I am incredibly excited to see Dr. Wooten make history as the first African American Board President in MCMS’s 134-year history. Having the opportunity to serve alongside a colleague I deeply admire and respect, and to witness this historic milestone during my tenure on the Board, is truly special. This is a proud and long overdue moment for MCMS.” Board President Dr. Rahul Rishi

 

As Board President, Dr. Wooten will help guide MCMS's ongoing work to support physicians, advocate for patients, advance health equity, and strengthen the healthcare landscape throughout Maricopa County and across the state.

 

"This is an extraordinary honor," said Dr. Duane Wooten. "As someone who grew up in Phoenix and has devoted my life to serving Arizona families, I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this historic organization. I look forward to working alongside my fellow physicians to champion the health of our communities and support the medical profession for generations to come."

 

Dr. Wooten’s appointment, effective January 1, 2027, marks a historic milestone for MCMS and underscores the organization’s commitment to inclusive leadership that reflects the diversity, talent, and dedication of the physicians who serve communities throughout Maricopa County.

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Media Contact:

​Edward Araujo, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS), (602) 417-2303 or email at earaujo@mcmsonline.com.