Doctors Sworn-in After District Election

The Antelope Valley Healthcare District (AVHD) Board of Directors celebrated the election of Dr. Don Parazo and Dr. Phil Tuso during a swearing-in ceremony at the Museum of Art and History. Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris administered the oath of office to Tuso while Palmdale Mayor Steve Hofbauer conducted the oath of office to Parazo.

Parazo was elected to the board for a fifth term, and Tuso was elected to his first term after being appointed to the board in February to fill a vacancy. They were elected to four-year terms in November. Other AVHD board members include Board Chair Kristina Hong, RN, NP; Mateo Olivarez, RN; and Abdallah Farrukh, MD.

Parazo is a board-certified gerontologist. He joined High Desert Medical Group in 1987 where he currently holds a variety of leadership positions. During his tenure as an AVHD board member, he served as chairman for four years and has twice been named Trustee of the Year by the Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD).

Parazo is actively involved in the local community as well as in statewide health-related initiatives. He is the immediate past chair for the ACHD and is a member of the California Medical Association, American Association of Family Practice, and American Medical Association.

Tuso is a board-certified internist and nephrologist. He brings to the board an in-depth understanding of the complexities of healthcare and an enthusiasm for keeping Antelope Valley Medical Center on a path of stability and growth. Attaining a medical degree fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a physician. He is passionate about truly connecting with his patients. Long-time Antelope Valley residents, Tuso and his wife, Donna, have been involved in several community projects aimed at helping uninsured and underinsured Antelope Valley residents.

“Dr. Parazo and Dr. Tuso have been a pleasure to work with this year,” said Hong. “I’ve learned a lot from their decades of leadership experience in healthcare and look forward to working with them to provide a brighter future for Antelope Valley Medical Center and the healthcare of our community.”

From left to right: Dr. Phil Tuso, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, Palmdale Mayor Steve Hofbauer and Dr. Don Parazo. After Dr. Parazo and Dr. Tuso were given the oath of office, the two mayors commended the doctors for their leadership and work in the community.