Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dr. Ponas is board certified by the American Board of Urology. Dr. Ponas received Phoenix Magazines Top Doctor award in 2009. He served as Chief of Urology at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 2008-2019 and was Chief of Surgery at Phoenix St Luke’s Hospital from 2004-2007.
Dr. Stephen H. Ponas was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan Honors Program in 1984 with a degree in Chemistry. He received his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1988. He did two years of general surgery training at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis from 1988-1990. He completed his Urologic Surgery training at Washington University in 1994. His practice includes general adult Urology with particular interests in Urologic oncology including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, endourology, stone diseases, and female urology. He enjoys working out of our Central Phoenix and Desert Ridge offices.
Dr. Ponas is board certified by the American Board of Urology. Dr. Ponas received Phoenix Magazines Top Doctor award in 2009. He served as Chief of Urology at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 2008-2019 and was Chief of Surgery at Phoenix St Luke’s Hospital from 2004-2007.
Dr. Stephen H. Ponas was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan Honors Program in 1984 with a degree in Chemistry. He received his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1988. He did two years of general surgery training at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis from 1988-1990. He completed his Urologic Surgery training at Washington University in 1994. His practice includes general adult Urology with particular interests in Urologic oncology including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, endourology, stone diseases, and female urology. He enjoys working out of our Central Phoenix and Desert Ridge offices.
Dr. Ponas is board certified by the American Board of Urology. Dr. Ponas received Phoenix Magazines Top Doctor award in 2009. He served as Chief of Urology at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 2008-2019 and was Chief of Surgery at Phoenix St Luke’s Hospital from 2004-2007.
Dr. Stephen H. Ponas was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan Honors Program in 1984 with a degree in Chemistry. He received his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1988. He did two years of general surgery training at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis from 1988-1990. He completed his Urologic Surgery training at Washington University in 1994. His practice includes general adult Urology with particular interests in Urologic oncology including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, endourology, stone diseases, and female urology. He enjoys working out of our Central Phoenix and Desert Ridge offices.
Dr. Ponas is board certified by the American Board of Urology. Dr. Ponas received Phoenix Magazines Top Doctor award in 2009. He served as Chief of Urology at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 2008-2019 and was Chief of Surgery at Phoenix St Luke’s Hospital from 2004-2007.
Dr. Stephen H. Ponas was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan Honors Program in 1984 with a degree in Chemistry. He received his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1988. He did two years of general surgery training at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis from 1988-1990. He completed his Urologic Surgery training at Washington University in 1994. His practice includes general adult Urology with particular interests in Urologic oncology including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, endourology, stone diseases, and female urology. He enjoys working out of our Central Phoenix and Desert Ridge offices.
Dr. Ponas is board certified by the American Board of Urology. Dr. Ponas received Phoenix Magazines Top Doctor award in 2009. He served as Chief of Urology at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 2008-2019 and was Chief of Surgery at Phoenix St Luke’s Hospital from 2004-2007.
Dr. Stephen H. Ponas was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan Honors Program in 1984 with a degree in Chemistry. He received his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1988. He did two years of general surgery training at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis from 1988-1990. He completed his Urologic Surgery training at Washington University in 1994. His practice includes general adult Urology with particular interests in Urologic oncology including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, endourology, stone diseases, and female urology. He enjoys working out of our Central Phoenix and Desert Ridge offices.
Dr. Ponas is board certified by the American Board of Urology. Dr. Ponas received Phoenix Magazines Top Doctor award in 2009. He served as Chief of Urology at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 2008-2019 and was Chief of Surgery at Phoenix St Luke’s Hospital from 2004-2007.
Dr. Stephen H. Ponas was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan Honors Program in 1984 with a degree in Chemistry. He received his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1988. He did two years of general surgery training at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis from 1988-1990. He completed his Urologic Surgery training at Washington University in 1994. His practice includes general adult Urology with particular interests in Urologic oncology including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, endourology, stone diseases, and female urology. He enjoys working out of our Central Phoenix and Desert Ridge offices.
Dr. Lipika McCauley, M.D. is a board-certified urologist who specializes in the cutting-edge technology of neuromodulation in the treatment of urinary incontinence and overactive bladders. Currently, she is the leading urologist in the state of Arizona providing this service. She is also very focused in pelvic floor reconstructive surgery, female urology, and minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Originally from Denver, Colorado, she completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. McCauley went on to graduate with a Doctorate of Medicine with honors from Eastern Virginia Medical School as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She then completed her residency at the University of Arizona, Tucson. Dr. McCauley has had extensive training in all areas of urology and welcomes patients with all urologic conditions. She joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2010 when her team at Valley Urology Associates, entered into partnership with the cancer center.
Dr. McCauley is Board Certified by The American Board of Urology and is a member of the American Urological Association as well as the Western Section of the American Urological Association.
"I am 42 and after having 2 children and having a hereditary horrible bladder, I could not exercise or play sports like I use to due to leakage. I tried pelvic floor therapy with no luck. I saw Dr. McCauley and let me tell you she is by far the best surgeon I have ever had. Her bedside manner was unprecedented; she is the sweetest person and truly took the time to understand my situation. She made me feel like it was going to be taken care of. I can now exercise and play sports with no issues and I am so thankful for no more embarrassing moments or multiple trips to the bathroom." -Lee
Dr. Lipika McCauley, M.D. is a board-certified urologist who specializes in the cutting-edge technology of neuromodulation in the treatment of urinary incontinence and overactive bladders. Currently, she is the leading urologist in the state of Arizona providing this service. She is also very focused in pelvic floor reconstructive surgery, female urology, and minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Originally from Denver, Colorado, she completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. McCauley went on to graduate with a Doctorate of Medicine with honors from Eastern Virginia Medical School as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She then completed her residency at the University of Arizona, Tucson. Dr. McCauley has had extensive training in all areas of urology and welcomes patients with all urologic conditions. She joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2010 when her team at Valley Urology Associates, entered into partnership with the cancer center.
Dr. McCauley is Board Certified by The American Board of Urology and is a member of the American Urological Association as well as the Western Section of the American Urological Association.
"I am 42 and after having 2 children and having a hereditary horrible bladder, I could not exercise or play sports like I use to due to leakage. I tried pelvic floor therapy with no luck. I saw Dr. McCauley and let me tell you she is by far the best surgeon I have ever had. Her bedside manner was unprecedented; she is the sweetest person and truly took the time to understand my situation. She made me feel like it was going to be taken care of. I can now exercise and play sports with no issues and I am so thankful for no more embarrassing moments or multiple trips to the bathroom." -Lee
Dr. Lipika McCauley, M.D. is a board-certified urologist who specializes in the cutting-edge technology of neuromodulation in the treatment of urinary incontinence and overactive bladders. Currently, she is the leading urologist in the state of Arizona providing this service. She is also very focused in pelvic floor reconstructive surgery, female urology, and minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Originally from Denver, Colorado, she completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. McCauley went on to graduate with a Doctorate of Medicine with honors from Eastern Virginia Medical School as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She then completed her residency at the University of Arizona, Tucson. Dr. McCauley has had extensive training in all areas of urology and welcomes patients with all urologic conditions. She joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2010 when her team at Valley Urology Associates, entered into partnership with the cancer center.
Dr. McCauley is Board Certified by The American Board of Urology and is a member of the American Urological Association as well as the Western Section of the American Urological Association.
"I am 42 and after having 2 children and having a hereditary horrible bladder, I could not exercise or play sports like I use to due to leakage. I tried pelvic floor therapy with no luck. I saw Dr. McCauley and let me tell you she is by far the best surgeon I have ever had. Her bedside manner was unprecedented; she is the sweetest person and truly took the time to understand my situation. She made me feel like it was going to be taken care of. I can now exercise and play sports with no issues and I am so thankful for no more embarrassing moments or multiple trips to the bathroom." -Lee
Dr. Ponas is board certified by the American Board of Urology. Dr. Ponas received Phoenix Magazines Top Doctor award in 2009. He served as Chief of Urology at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 2008-2019 and was Chief of Surgery at Phoenix St Luke’s Hospital from 2004-2007.
Dr. Stephen H. Ponas was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan Honors Program in 1984 with a degree in Chemistry. He received his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1988. He did two years of general surgery training at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis from 1988-1990. He completed his Urologic Surgery training at Washington University in 1994. His practice includes general adult Urology with particular interests in Urologic oncology including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, endourology, stone diseases, and female urology. He enjoys working out of our Central Phoenix and Desert Ridge offices.
Dr. Joseph Welser is a board-certified urologist who provides comprehensive, patientcentered care for a wide range of urologic conditions. He brings a unique background to patient care. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and worked for twelve years in the hightech industry before pursuing a career in medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his surgical internship and urology residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
Before entering private practice in Arizona, Dr. Welser practiced in Florida and later moved to the East Valley to be closer to family. He spent seven years working at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, where he cared for veterans with uniquely complex urologic conditions. During that time, he helped modernize and expand urologic services, introduced new surgical procedures, contributed to the development of the robotic surgery program, and performed some of the facility’s first robotic surgeries.
Dr. Welser treats a wide range of conditions including stone disease, benign prostatic enlargement (BPH), erectile dysfunction, and genitourinary cancers. He is experienced in reconstructive and prosthetic urologic surgery, which he finds especially rewarding because it allows him to help patients regain quality of life after trauma, cancer, or other diseases. He is also an adjunct clinical instructor at Mayo Clinic and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Welser recently earned a master’s degree in artificial intelligence from Johns Hopkins University. He uses this background to thoughtfully evaluate new medical technologies and data-driven tools, with the goal of improving care while preserving what matters most: time, clarity, and meaningful communication with patients.
Dr. Welser is compassionate, caring, and down-to-earth. He believes in explaining medical conditions and treatment options in clear, plain language and taking the time to answer all questions. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, visiting national parks, hiking, reading, and exploring new technology
Dr. Joseph Welser is a board-certified urologist who provides comprehensive, patientcentered care for a wide range of urologic conditions. He brings a unique background to patient care. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and worked for twelve years in the hightech industry before pursuing a career in medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his surgical internship and urology residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
Before entering private practice in Arizona, Dr. Welser practiced in Florida and later moved to the East Valley to be closer to family. He spent seven years working at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, where he cared for veterans with uniquely complex urologic conditions. During that time, he helped modernize and expand urologic services, introduced new surgical procedures, contributed to the development of the robotic surgery program, and performed some of the facility’s first robotic surgeries.
Dr. Welser treats a wide range of conditions including stone disease, benign prostatic enlargement (BPH), erectile dysfunction, and genitourinary cancers. He is experienced in reconstructive and prosthetic urologic surgery, which he finds especially rewarding because it allows him to help patients regain quality of life after trauma, cancer, or other diseases. He is also an adjunct clinical instructor at Mayo Clinic and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Welser recently earned a master’s degree in artificial intelligence from Johns Hopkins University. He uses this background to thoughtfully evaluate new medical technologies and data-driven tools, with the goal of improving care while preserving what matters most: time, clarity, and meaningful communication with patients.
Dr. Welser is compassionate, caring, and down-to-earth. He believes in explaining medical conditions and treatment options in clear, plain language and taking the time to answer all questions. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, visiting national parks, hiking, reading, and exploring new technology
Dr. Joseph Welser is a board-certified urologist who provides comprehensive, patientcentered care for a wide range of urologic conditions. He brings a unique background to patient care. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and worked for twelve years in the hightech industry before pursuing a career in medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his surgical internship and urology residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
Before entering private practice in Arizona, Dr. Welser practiced in Florida and later moved to the East Valley to be closer to family. He spent seven years working at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, where he cared for veterans with uniquely complex urologic conditions. During that time, he helped modernize and expand urologic services, introduced new surgical procedures, contributed to the development of the robotic surgery program, and performed some of the facility’s first robotic surgeries.
Dr. Welser treats a wide range of conditions including stone disease, benign prostatic enlargement (BPH), erectile dysfunction, and genitourinary cancers. He is experienced in reconstructive and prosthetic urologic surgery, which he finds especially rewarding because it allows him to help patients regain quality of life after trauma, cancer, or other diseases. He is also an adjunct clinical instructor at Mayo Clinic and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Welser recently earned a master’s degree in artificial intelligence from Johns Hopkins University. He uses this background to thoughtfully evaluate new medical technologies and data-driven tools, with the goal of improving care while preserving what matters most: time, clarity, and meaningful communication with patients.
Dr. Welser is compassionate, caring, and down-to-earth. He believes in explaining medical conditions and treatment options in clear, plain language and taking the time to answer all questions. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, visiting national parks, hiking, reading, and exploring new technology
Dr. Joseph Welser is a board-certified urologist who provides comprehensive, patientcentered care for a wide range of urologic conditions. He brings a unique background to patient care. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and worked for twelve years in the hightech industry before pursuing a career in medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his surgical internship and urology residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
Before entering private practice in Arizona, Dr. Welser practiced in Florida and later moved to the East Valley to be closer to family. He spent seven years working at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, where he cared for veterans with uniquely complex urologic conditions. During that time, he helped modernize and expand urologic services, introduced new surgical procedures, contributed to the development of the robotic surgery program, and performed some of the facility’s first robotic surgeries.
Dr. Welser treats a wide range of conditions including stone disease, benign prostatic enlargement (BPH), erectile dysfunction, and genitourinary cancers. He is experienced in reconstructive and prosthetic urologic surgery, which he finds especially rewarding because it allows him to help patients regain quality of life after trauma, cancer, or other diseases. He is also an adjunct clinical instructor at Mayo Clinic and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Welser recently earned a master’s degree in artificial intelligence from Johns Hopkins University. He uses this background to thoughtfully evaluate new medical technologies and data-driven tools, with the goal of improving care while preserving what matters most: time, clarity, and meaningful communication with patients.
Dr. Welser is compassionate, caring, and down-to-earth. He believes in explaining medical conditions and treatment options in clear, plain language and taking the time to answer all questions. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, visiting national parks, hiking, reading, and exploring new technology
Dr. Joseph Welser is a board-certified urologist who provides comprehensive, patientcentered care for a wide range of urologic conditions. He brings a unique background to patient care. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and worked for twelve years in the hightech industry before pursuing a career in medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his surgical internship and urology residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
Before entering private practice in Arizona, Dr. Welser practiced in Florida and later moved to the East Valley to be closer to family. He spent seven years working at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, where he cared for veterans with uniquely complex urologic conditions. During that time, he helped modernize and expand urologic services, introduced new surgical procedures, contributed to the development of the robotic surgery program, and performed some of the facility’s first robotic surgeries.
Dr. Welser treats a wide range of conditions including stone disease, benign prostatic enlargement (BPH), erectile dysfunction, and genitourinary cancers. He is experienced in reconstructive and prosthetic urologic surgery, which he finds especially rewarding because it allows him to help patients regain quality of life after trauma, cancer, or other diseases. He is also an adjunct clinical instructor at Mayo Clinic and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Welser recently earned a master’s degree in artificial intelligence from Johns Hopkins University. He uses this background to thoughtfully evaluate new medical technologies and data-driven tools, with the goal of improving care while preserving what matters most: time, clarity, and meaningful communication with patients.
Dr. Welser is compassionate, caring, and down-to-earth. He believes in explaining medical conditions and treatment options in clear, plain language and taking the time to answer all questions. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, visiting national parks, hiking, reading, and exploring new technology
Dr. Faisal is from Gainesville, Florida. She attended Yale University for college and Johns Hopkins University for medical school. She completed her Urology residency at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD and further subspecialty training in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery in Minneapolis, MN. She moved to Phoenix, AZ in 2022.
Dr. Faisal graduated Summa Cum Laude from Yale University with a degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She attended Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed her Urology residency at the prestigious Brady Urologic Institute of Johns Hopkins. At Hopkins, she received comprehensive training in the management of benign and malignant urologic conditions for adult and pediatric patients. During residency, she was also involved in innovative urologic research, published her work in many medical journals, and presented at national and international urology meetings. For her contributions to research in urology, she received the Physician Scientist Award from Johns Hopkins in 2019.
Dr. Faisal completed a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery in Minneapolis, MN. She specializes in female and male voiding dysfunction, including overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, as well as in female pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic/bladder pain syndrome. She performs complex reconstructive pelvic surgeries using both open and endoscopic/laparoscopic techniques.
Similar to her partners at Affiliated Urologists, Dr. Faisal is dedicated to her patients and their quality of life and strives to be the empathetic physician every patient deserves.
Athena Arbuckle received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Arizona State University. She then went on to complete her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at A.T. Still University. She completed her clinical rotations throughout the Phoenix area. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree, she worked as a radiologic technician and served in the United States Air Force. Athena lives in the Valley with her husband and their two daughters.
Nicole Jorgenson, PA-C relocated to Arizona from Utah in 1992. She received a bachelor’s Degree in Life Science from ASU with an honorary degree from Barrett Honor’s College. Nicole completed her training having received a Masters of Medical Science as a Physician Assistant at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona in 2007.
As a Physician Assistant, Nicole has worked in various fields including retail medicine, family practice, and urgent care. Her favorite field so far has been urology, where she has her most experience. Nicole’s outside interests include spending time with her husband and children. When not working or spending time with family, Nicole can be found playing poker or having a craft beer at a local brewery.
