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.
Hard to understand a bit. Gave me a test for RA which I KNOW has already been done in the past.
(3 days ago)
May-2026
Despina is wonderful.
(1 week ago)
May-2026
This NP provides excellent patient care. She listens well and with compassion. I highly recommend her!
(1 week ago)
May-2026
I cannot understand her accent and I think it's a waste of time to see her.
(1 week ago)
May-2026
Thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions (and I had many at this time) and seeking the best path forward with me!
(2 weeks ago)
May-2026
Despina is nice, competent, and does a good job. But like most doctors or PAs, she's always pushed for time. Please, hire more clinicians.
(2 weeks ago)
May-2026
Listens well, asks good questions. Cares for my well being.
(2 weeks ago)
May-2026
She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and listens.
(2 weeks ago)
May-2026
Listens, attentive. Friendly
(2 weeks ago)
May-2026
Despina always takes the time to see how I’m really doing. And provides me with suggestion to help my progress
(2 weeks ago)
May-2026
Read More
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.
Hard to understand a bit. Gave me a test for RA which I KNOW has already been done in the past.
Despina is wonderful.
This NP provides excellent patient care. She listens well and with compassion. I highly recommend her!
I cannot understand her accent and I think it's a waste of time to see her.
Thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions (and I had many at this time) and seeking the best path forward with me!
Despina is nice, competent, and does a good job. But like most doctors or PAs, she's always pushed for time. Please, hire more clinicians.
Listens well, asks good questions. Cares for my well being.
She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and listens.
Listens, attentive. Friendly
Despina always takes the time to see how I’m really doing. And provides me with suggestion to help my progress