Despina Ciocanel, NP-C, is a highly educated Nurse Practitioner at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates (AARA).
She holds extensive degrees, including an M.D. (Univ. of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania, 1990), an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (Univ. of Toledo, 2005), an M.A. in Health Sciences (NAU, 2014), and an M.S. in Nursing (NAU, 2017).
Despina Ciocanel, NP-C, is a highly educated Nurse Practitioner at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates (AARA).
She holds extensive degrees, including an M.D. (Univ. of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania, 1990), an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (Univ. of Toledo, 2005), an M.A. in Health Sciences (NAU, 2014), and an M.S. in Nursing (NAU, 2017).
The reviews listed below were collected independently of Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
Very efficient and caring!
(3 days ago)
Dec-2025
Always very personal with the aches and pain. She’s the best!
(1 week ago)
Nov-2025
She is very kind knowledgable.
(2 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Very caring and compassionate provider. She spends time to answer questions and provide education. Always a great experience! Wish we had more providers like her!
(2 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Would get 5 stars if she was better at explaining things in none medical terms. However, she is thorough and professional. Can't help wondering if elderly people would understand anything she is trying to explain.
(2 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
She’s very explanatory n explaining my health 2 me
(3 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
AARA: Flagstaff
399 S. Malpais Lane Suite 108 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Despina Ciocanel, NP-C, s originally from Romania where she practiced as a family physician for over a decade. After relocating to the United States, she joined the Orthopedics Department at the University of Toledo, Ohio where she worked nine years as a research associate , conducting multiple retrospective studies, biomechanical studies as well as randomized clinical trials. Most of her research has been published in top peer reviewed journals or has been presented at conferences nationwide. She moved to Northern Arizona and joined the Biology Department at Northern Arizona University as an instructor in 2008. She recently rejoined the clinical side of the medical field as a family nurse practitioner. Despina is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is certified by the Education Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates. She is married, has a son, and enjoys hiking and traveling with her family in her spare time. Despina has recently joined the AARA family.
Very efficient and caring!
Always very personal with the aches and pain. She’s the best!
She is very kind knowledgable.
Very caring and compassionate provider. She spends time to answer questions and provide education. Always a great experience! Wish we had more providers like her!
Would get 5 stars if she was better at explaining things in none medical terms. However, she is thorough and professional. Can't help wondering if elderly people would understand anything she is trying to explain.
She’s very explanatory n explaining my health 2 me