About
Dr. Paul D. Kartchner grew up in Southern Arizona and attended the University of Arizona for both his undergraduate degree in Spanish and his medical education, graduating from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in 2004. He completed his family medicine residency at St. Louis University and later earned a Master of Public Health in Global Health from Johns Hopkins University in 2013. The American Board of Family Medicine and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons both granted him board certification, and he holds a Fellowship in the American Academy of Family Physicians. He also earned a Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine in 2007.
Dr. Kartchner served ten years on active duty in the Air Force and completed 23 years of total military service. He deployed to Iraq and the Horn of Africa and participated in humanitarian missions to the Amazon Basin. He later served as a flight surgeon with the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard, supporting F-16 and MQ-9 aircrew. He has practiced medicine in fifteen countries across five continents. He volunteers with the Southern Arizona Rescue Association, a search and rescue organization under the Pima County Sheriff's Department, and participates regularly in overseas medical missions. He speaks Spanish fluently. He and his wife Jeanie have four children.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Arizona, B.A. Spanish (2000)
Medical School
The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson (2004)
Residency
Family Medicine, St. Louis University (2007)
Additional Training
Master of Public Health, Global Health, Johns Hopkins University (2013)
Certifications
Languages
English, Spanish
Who is Dr. Kartchner right for?
Dr. Kartchner is a strong fit for patients who want a physician with deep roots in the Tucson community and broad clinical experience across international and military settings. Adults seeking preventive care, travel medicine, or management of complex primary care needs benefit from his background in global and public health. He sees patients of all ages and speaks Spanish fluently. Patients preparing for international travel will find his travel clinic expertise and Certificate in Travel Health particularly valuable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Kartchner specializes in family medicine and preventive medicine. He also runs a travel clinic and holds a Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine. His public health training at Johns Hopkins further shapes his preventive approach to patient care.
Yes. Dr. Kartchner holds board certification from both the American Board of Family Medicine and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He also holds a Fellowship in the American Academy of Family Physicians, earned in 2012.
Yes. Dr. Kartchner holds a Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine and runs a travel clinic at The Family Doctor. He has practiced medicine in fifteen countries across five continents and brings firsthand international medical experience to pre-travel consultations.
Yes. Dr. Kartchner is fluent in Spanish and sees Spanish-speaking patients at The Family Doctor.
Dr. Kartchner served ten years on active duty in the United States Air Force and completed 23 total years of military service. He deployed to Iraq and the Horn of Africa and participated in humanitarian missions to the Amazon Basin. He served as a flight surgeon with the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard, providing medical support for F-16 and MQ-9 aircrew.
Dr. Kartchner transitioned to a part-time role at The Family Doctor in 2026 to dedicate more time to overseas medical work. He remains part of the practice alongside Dr. Jordan Salmon, who joined in 2026 to lead and expand clinical operations.
Dr. Kartchner earned his undergraduate degree in Spanish and his medical degree at the University of Arizona. He completed his family medicine residency at St. Louis University and later earned a Master of Public Health in Global Health from Johns Hopkins University in 2013.
Yes. As a board-certified family physician, Dr. Kartchner trained in the full scope of family medicine, including care for newborns, children, and adolescents. The Family Doctor sees patients of all ages under its membership model.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026