About
Donald Opila, MD earned his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University in 1975, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He then earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Washington University in St. Louis in 1979. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut, serving as Chief Resident from 1980 to 1982.
Dr. Opila holds board certifications in both internal medicine and geriatric medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine, maintaining those certifications for over 30 years. He serves as Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, a role he has held since 2008. He also sits on the Executive Committee there and has served on the Internal Medicine Committee since 2002. He taught as Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Arizona from 1998 to 2003. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Geriatric Society. He has published peer-reviewed research in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, Medical Care, and Academic Medicine. Dr. Opila is passionate about complex multisystem diseases, including memory loss, diabetes, pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic pain, and gait abnormality. Outside the clinic, he enjoys hiking, cycling, cooking, and spending time with his family.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, 1975, Magna Cum Laude
Medical School
Washington University, St. Louis, MO - Doctorate of Medicine, 1979
Residency
St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, CT - Internal Medicine Residency and Chief Residency, 1980-1982
Additional Training
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Arizona, 1998-2003
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Opila right for?
Dr. Opila is an excellent fit for older adults managing multiple chronic conditions at once. Patients dealing with memory loss, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or pulmonary disease benefit from his geriatric expertise. He also serves patients who need careful coordination of home health, therapy, or palliative care. Adults seeking a physician who can advocate for them directly during a hospital stay will find his HonorHealth affiliation particularly valuable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Opila specializes in complex multisystem conditions common in older adults. His clinical focus includes memory loss, diabetes, pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic pain, and gait abnormality. He also manages preventive care and comprehensive wellness for patients in his concierge panel.
Yes. Dr. Opila holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine, one in internal medicine and one in geriatric medicine. He has maintained both certifications for over 30 years.
Dr. Opila earned his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1979. He completed his internal medicine residency at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he served as Chief Resident from 1980 to 1982.
Yes. Dr. Opila holds an affiliation with HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. He serves as Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine there, a role he has held since 2008. He advocates directly for his patients when they are hospitalized at that facility.
Yes. Metropolitan Phoenix has named Dr. Opila a Top Doctor in Geriatric Medicine every year from 2015 through 2024. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Geriatric Society.
Dr. Opila coordinates a broad range of outpatient services for his patients. These include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, home health services, assisted living support, and palliative and hospice care. He works to keep care organized and continuous across all settings.
Yes. Dr. Opila served as Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Arizona from 1998 to 2003. He has also published peer-reviewed research in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, Medical Care, and Academic Medicine.
Dr. Opila primarily cares for adults with chronic and complex medical conditions, with particular depth in geriatric medicine. He sees patients managing multiple concurrent conditions and those who need coordinated support across home health, therapy, and specialty services.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026