It's an Honor

Rethinking Healthcare Through Integrative Medicine with Dr. Stephen Dahmer

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Dr. Stephen Dahmer [https://medicine.arizona.edu/person/stephen-dahmer]—Director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine [https://awcim.arizona.edu/] at the University of Arizona—about the role of curiosity, global experience, and interdisciplinary thinking in shaping modern healthcare. Dr. Dahmer reflects on his journey from medical school to integrative medicine, including formative experiences as a medical interpreter and time spent living in Brazil. Throughout the conversation, he explores the principles of integrative medicine, emphasizing whole-person care, prevention, patient partnership, and the importance of understanding the cultural and personal context behind every patient’s health.    Dr. Dahmer [https://www.stephendahmermd.com/] is a physician, researcher, and educator dedicated to advancing evidence-based integrative medicine. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and fellowship-trained at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, he is triple board-certified in Family, Integrative, and Lifestyle Medicine. His career has included academic and clinical roles at institutions such as Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the University of Arizona, and his work continues to shape new approaches to compassionate, patient-centered care.

A Mindset for Growth: Lessons in Leadership and Opportunity with Terry J. Lundgren

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Terry J. Lundgren [https://terryjlundgrencenter.org/about/about-terry-j-lundgren], former Chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc. and namesake of the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing [https://terryjlundgrencenter.org/] at the University of Arizona. Terry reflects on his journey from a struggling undergraduate student to a leader in the global retail industry, emphasizing the importance of mindset, resilience, and taking advantage of opportunities. The conversation explores his leadership philosophy, the value of mentorship and cultural fit in organizations, and how adaptability shaped his approach to navigating major industry challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis. He also shares insights on the future of retail and the evolving role of artificial intelligence.    Terry J. Lundgren is a renowned retail executive who served as Chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc., where he led one of the largest retail organizations in the world. A University of Arizona alumnus, he has remained deeply committed to education and community impact, founding the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing to support the next generation of business leaders.

From Campus Community to Industry Innovation with Ben Driggs

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Ben Driggs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-driggs-a151534], Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at Honeywell Aerospace and the 2026 Alumnus of the Year for the W.A. Franke Honors College [https://alumni.arizona.edu/benjamin-driggs]. Ben reflects on his time as a Flinn Scholar and student body president at the University of Arizona, the curiosity that shaped his career, and how experiences living abroad and working across disciplines influenced his path from consulting to aerospace leadership.    Benjamin Driggs oversees enterprise strategy, mergers and acquisitions, venture investments, and commercial functions at Honeywell Aerospace. [https://www.honeywell.com/us/en/industries/aerospace] A graduate of the University of Arizona Honors College and a Swanson Scholar at Oxford University, he has held executive leadership roles across four continents and remains deeply committed to mentorship, education, and expanding opportunities for Honors College students.

[Encore Re-Release] Building a Championship Culture with University of Arizona Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois

In celebration of the Big 12 Conference Regular Season Championship [https://arizonawildcats.com/news/2026/3/2/mens-basketball-no-2-arizona-captures-big-12-regular-season-title-with-win-over-iowa-state-73-57.aspx] secured by Arizona Wildcats men's basketball with a 73–57 victory over Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball, we are proud to share this special encore release of our conversation with University of Arizona Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois. In this episode, Dean Pollard sits down with Reed-Francois for a timely and inspiring discussion about what it truly means to build a championship culture—one that fuels success on the court while shaping leaders for life. As Arizona celebrates its conference title in its inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference, this conversation feels especially relevant, highlighting the intentional leadership, vision, and resilience required to compete at the highest level. A proud University of Arizona alumna and former student-athlete, Reed-Francois reflects on her journey from rowing at UCLA to her impactful years at the U of A Law School in the ’90s, and ultimately to leading Arizona Athletics. With vivid sports analogies and stories from across her career—including addressing incoming first-year students alongside Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita—she illustrates how athletics and academics intersect to create cohesive, high-performing teams. As the only woman athletic director in the Big 12, Reed-Francois offers powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and preparing student-athletes for success beyond sports. This encore release celebrates not only a championship season, but the culture and commitment that made it possible.

Service Above Self: The Human Side of Healthcare Leadership with Banner-University Medical Center Tucson CEO Alison Flynn Gaffney

In this episode of It’s an Honor, Dr. Pollard speaks with Alison Flynn Gaffney [https://salc.org/people/alison-flynn-gaffney/], CEO of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South, about leadership in healthcare, service-driven decision-making, and the power of evolving one’s path. Alison reflects on her undergraduate path to a career in healthcare, the importance of “service above self,” and how her philosophy of leadership has changed over time. The conversation explores women in leadership, honest communication, community-centered care, and the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening—not replacing—human connection. The episode concludes with a personal reflection on curiosity, resilience, and the experiences that continue to shape her perspective.    With more than three decades of experience in healthcare leadership, Alison has held senior executive roles across academic medical centers and national organizations, guiding large-scale system growth, operational transformation, and innovation. Her work has earned national recognition for advancing patient-centered care, strengthening organizational culture, and developing high-performing, mission-driven teams.