How Our Mascot Got His Name.
Armando embodies a story of community, remembrance, and a shared commitment to advancing healthcare excellence.

The story of Armando began at the 2024 Urgent Care Convention, when attendees were invited to help choose a name for our koala mascot. After the naming contest had concluded and suggestions were being reviewed, a meaningful recommendation from Payman Arabzadeh, MD, emerged: to name the mascot Armando in honor of Armando Samaniego, MD, MBA, whose leadership and commitment to urgent care left a lasting impact on the profession and the people within it.

Dr. Samaniego, who served as UCA Board President, passed away unexpectedly following the 2022 Convention. A respected leader, physician, colleague, and advocate for urgent care, he was a passionate supporter of Accreditation and the pursuit of excellence across the field. In recognition of his leadership, service, and enduring legacy, we proudly named our mascot after him.

Today, Armando serves as a welcoming guide and symbol of the values Dr. Samaniego championed: quality, compassion, service, and a commitment to helping healthcare organizations achieve their best. Through Armando, we carry forward a piece of his spirit and celebrate the impact one person can have on a profession, a community, and the people it serves.

We are proud to share Armando’s story and honored to remember the leader who inspired his name.

To learn more about Dr. Armando Samaniego’s life and legacy, read these public tributes: The Urgent Care Community Mourns a Loss and Tribute to Dr. Armando Samaniego, STAT MED Founder and Chief Medical Officer.

Continue the Commitment to Quality.
Armando’s story reflects CAUCQ’s mission to support organizations in achieving excellence. Learn more about Accreditation, Certification, Qualification, and Commendation programs designed to help centers strengthen quality, safety, and operational performance.