Garcia brings NIH-supported research, health equity acumen, and strong community connections to the Center’s advancing research agenda

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM) has appointed David O. Garcia, PhD, FACSM, as associate director of research, effective this year. Garcia, an associate professor in the Zuckerman College of Public Health, retains his existing faculty and leadership roles within the college.

A nationally renowned researcher in obesity, cardiometabolic disease, and health disparities, Garcia established one of the Southwest’s most robust community-driven research programs, enrolling over 5,800 participants — primarily of Mexican-origin and Indigenous descent — within five years. His work delivered more than $3.5 million in health services directly to underserved populations in southern Arizona.

“David is a remarkable researcher who collaborates deeply with communities through earned trust and centers the work in rigorous science, which he then translates to actionable insights,” said Stephen Dahmer, MD, director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. “His appointment signals a new chapter for our research portfolio — community-centered, outcomes-driven, and built to scale.”

“I’m delighted to see Dr. Garcia in this role. Our public health mission aligns closely with the center’s integrative approach to health, and he brings the experience and local partnerships needed to guide this research collaboration and achieve tangible benefits for community health,” said Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, dean of the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

In his new role, Garcia will guide the expansion and coordination of integrative medicine research across the university, focusing on patient outcomes, pragmatic n-of-1 studies, and community-to-clinic care models. He will also mentor junior researchers and enhance the Center’s Fellowship program's research infrastructure.

"The Andrew Weil Center has a rich and impactful history, and I’m honored to help shape what comes next," Garcia said. "My goal is to foster collaboration across investigators and community stakeholders, align our efforts, and ensure our work is driving purposeful, scalable research.”

Garcia’s ongoing research at AWCIM includes a Coors Foundation-supported sleep intervention using a Delphi consensus method and mobile health app, along with a youth yoga collaboration with Tucson elementary schools. He also maintains active studies on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and genetic risk in Mexican-origin communities and leads capacity-building efforts in the Navajo Nation.

In addition to his new appointment, Garcia holds the following roles:

• Associate Professor, Department of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
• Director, Zuckerman Family Center for Prevention and Health Promotion
• Director and Founder, Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud
• Director of Undergraduate Education, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
• National Board Member, American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM)
• Board of Directors, Liver Education Advocates

To learn more about the University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and its research programs, visit awcim.arizona.edu.

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About the University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

The University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM) is leading the evolution of health care by creating, educating and actively supporting a community that embodies the philosophy and practice of healing-oriented medicine. AWCIM is internationally recognized for its evidence-based clinical practice, innovative educational programs, and research that substantiates the field of integrative medicine and influences public policy.

Since its creation in 1994, AWCIM's vision of making integrative care available to all is being realized worldwide: AWCIM graduates are now guiding more than 1 million patients to take a greater role in their health and healing. For more information, visit: awcim.arizona.edu (Follow us: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook )

About the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

Established in 2000, the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona delivers education, research and service programs that build healthier communities locally, nationally, and globally. The only nationally accredited college of public health in Arizona, the college enrolls hundreds of students per year across degree programs at the bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctoral levels taught at campuses in Tucson, Phoenix, and online. As a leader in public health research and promotion with a focus on health equity, the college receives significant federal grant funding. Through research, education and community engagement among diverse populations, the Zuckerman College of Public Health continues to find solutions to public health challenges across the state and around the world. For more information: publichealth.arizona.edu (Follow us: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook )

Media Contact:

Nic Dahl | Director of Communications| University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine | pr@awcim.arizona.edu | 520-633-9086