Tempe, Arizona

Welcome to First Person Care Clinic’s Rheumatology Services in Arizona. Our dedicated team is here to provide specialized, compassionate care for patients managing rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, ensuring they receive personalized treatment and support for improved quality of life.

Dr. Hani Rashid, DO

Dr. Rashid was drawn to the field of medicine at a young age. Growing up as the son of two doctors, he and his siblings learned the importance of empathy and the doctor-patient relationship from countless hours spent in their parents’ practices in Northern California. Dr. Rashid believes that all patients have a story to tell and that doctors are at their best when they listen. His empathy and clinical skills have led his physician colleagues in the Valley to name him a “Top Doctor” in Rheumatology in Phoenix Magazine.

Dr. Rashid attended UCLA on an academic scholarship, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He later attended medical school at Midwestern University, where he met his future wife, who is now a physician-partner with Affiliated Hospitalists in Phoenix and Scottsdale. He received an academic scholarship, graduated in the top 5% of his class, was inducted into the Sigma Sigma Phi Honors Society, and co-founded the free Women and Children’s Health Clinic at the UMOM Watkins shelter with his classmate Jackie Dozier, now an OBGYN in Texas.

Dr. Rashid began his residency training in anesthesiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center but soon realized his passion for internal medicine and managing complex diseases. He completed an internal medicine residency at Methodist Dallas Medical Center and served as Chief Resident. He then returned to Arizona to finish his rheumatology fellowship at the University of Arizona in Tucson, serving as Chief Fellow during his final year.

Dr. Rashid is board-certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Based on his stellar board scores, he was invited as part of a select group of rheumatologists to assist in “standard setting” to help determine the appropriate passing score for all Rheumatologists seeking board certification in the United States. He has taught the joint aspiration and injection workshop at the American College of Physicians national meeting—the largest medical society meeting in the world—and prides himself on minimizing pain during injections and other procedures.

He has a strong interest in medical education and has been appointed Clinical Assistant Professor by the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Creighton University School of Medicine, and Midwestern University. In addition to giving traditional clinical rheumatology lectures at the medical schools, he frequently has medical students rotate with him in the clinic. Dr. Rashid has been active in mentoring numerous students at various stages of their journeys to become physicians, including high school students, undergraduates, medical students, Internal Medicine residents, and Rheumatology fellows.

Dr. Rashid volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul free rheumatology clinic for uninsured patients, providing free care that includes rheumatology visits, labs, imaging, and medications (including biologic medications).

He is the team rheumatologist for the Cincinnati Reds during their Arizona activities and has helped high-performing athletes recover from rheumatologic diseases to return to various levels of professional baseball, including Major League Baseball.

Serving on the Board of Trustees of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association has allowed him and other physicians to advocate strongly for patients to receive the medical treatments they deserve.

James Slonaker, ANP
James Slonaker, a dedicated Adult Nurse Practitioner, works closely with each patient to develop tailored management plans that address their unique needs. His focus is on empowering patients with the knowledge and tools necessary to live well with rheumatic conditions. James believes in a proactive approach to wellness, aiming to optimize each patient’s health journey through education and individualized care.

At First Person Care Clinic, our Arizona Rheumatology team is here to support you on your journey to better health, combining advanced medical care with a compassionate touch. Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis or are actively managing a condition, our goal is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care every step of the way.