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.
She was wonderful and caring.A very kind person.
(5 days ago)
Sep-2026
I have always been listened to and included in every decision about my health care and Dr Despina went above and beyond the call of duty to secure my RA infusion medicine
(2 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
Despina is always friendly, thorough and listens to my questions. She follows my progress and offers adjustments to my protocol when needed.
(2 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
I love that she is to the point. She gets right to the reason for the appointment and asks the right questions
(1 month ago)
Aug-2026
I really respect Justin Spina and appreciate her. She’s the only talker that has really listened to my needs.
(1 month ago)
Aug-2026
Despina is very thorough And researches things
(1 month ago)
Aug-2026
She is the best doctor I ever visit. I rate her five stars.
(1 month ago)
Aug-2026
Knowledgeable, kind and cares.
(2 months ago)
Jul-2026
She is very understanding person & does explain everything in an excellent way
(2 months ago)
Jul-2026
I had questions that were answered regarding my health issues and medicine prescribed.
(2 months ago)
Jul-2026
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.
She was wonderful and caring.A very kind person.
I have always been listened to and included in every decision about my health care and Dr Despina went above and beyond the call of duty to secure my RA infusion medicine
Despina is always friendly, thorough and listens to my questions. She follows my progress and offers adjustments to my protocol when needed.
I love that she is to the point. She gets right to the reason for the appointment and asks the right questions
I really respect Justin Spina and appreciate her. She’s the only talker that has really listened to my needs.
Despina is very thorough And researches things
She is the best doctor I ever visit. I rate her five stars.
Knowledgeable, kind and cares.
She is very understanding person & does explain everything in an excellent way
I had questions that were answered regarding my health issues and medicine prescribed.