Our Providers
Erick D. Lopez, M.D.
Dr. Lopez received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley where he obtained bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology as a double major graduate. During that time, he also obtained a graduate certificate in public health given his strong interest in public health outreach and improving health care disparities with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. He then completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Following this, Dr. Lopez moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to complete his Internal Medicine training at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center.
Dr. Lopez furthered his training by completing a comprehensive fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. During his time in residency and fellowship, Dr. Lopez enjoyed participating in research, had multiple publications, and attended and presented at national, state, and local meetings.
Dr. Lopez’s goals are to provide compassionate care and to help improve sleep health in his community. His career interests are in sleep medicine, obesity medicine, and preventative health.
Richard P. Knudsen, M.D.
Dr. Knudsen received his undergraduate degree from the University of California. His selected major was Human Biology; he had devised an individual, interdepartmental field accentuating the humanities in conjunction with the sciences. He completed his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati. Richard was double promoted in Pediatrics and finished his residency in that specialty at the University of California. He returned to Cincinnati and served as Chief Resident in Pediatric Neurology at the esteemed Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Dr. Knudsen furthered his training with completion of a post doctoral Fellowship- at the respected University of Pittsburgh -within the field of pediatric epileptology and discipline of advanced clinical neurophysiology.
Dr. Knudsen has practiced years of sleep medicine. He is board certified in Sleep Medicine and Neurology/Psychiatry and Neurophysiology and Pediatrics and Epileptology. He is published in various peer-reviewed resources. He is repeatedly invited to lecture at major Society gatherings. He is comfortable in offering care to all age groups.
Aynur Okcay, M.D.
Dr Aynur Okcay completed a comprehensive Sleep Medicine Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
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The Center for Sleep Medicine at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota is one of the largest sleep medicine facilities in the United States. The center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
She has extensive research background at Mayo Clinic focusing on cardiovascular aspect of sleep disordered breathing.
Dr Okcay has published several papers and a book chapter and gave presentations in both USA and international Sleep Medicine Conferences.
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Having a Primary Care background, Dr Okcay realizes an inseparable relationship between healthy sleep and overall well-being.
Dr Okcay listens closely to her patients to create a unique plan that will fit the individual patient's lifestyle and improve the quality of their sleep.
Gregory Nelson, R.R.T.
Gregory Nelson is a Registered Respiratory Therapist specializing in CPAP and BiPAP. Gregory excels at providing his patients with the one-on-one care that enables them to be successful with their sleep therapy. Gregory also serves on the Board of Advisors for Pima Medical Institute. He has also hosted several classes for hospice nurses, teaching them about basic respiratory care relating to oxygen, and CPAP/BIPAP which has aided them with their continued education and patient care techniques.
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Gregory’s passion for patient care is what drives him to providing the most knowledgeable and personable one-on-one care. He strives to provide the best care possible at Arizona Sleep Center for many more years to come.
