Frank Meza, a highly esteemed Physician in Charge at the East Los Angeles Kaiser and a Partner at the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, later became the Chief Medical Officer at Altamed. Throughout his career, he was deeply committed to serving the Latino and Chicano communities by improving healthcare access and creating education opportunities. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, his life was defined by resilience and an unwavering dedication to his cultural heritage. Even before completing medical school, he worked relentlessly to inspire and recruit Latinos into the medical field and education. His involvement with the Hippocrates Circle, the Latino Medical Student Association, and MiMentor helped open doors for many Latinos pursuing medical careers.
Dr. Meza’s academic journey was challenging yet rewarding. He attended Cathedral High School, where he excelled academically and in athletics, particularly running. Though he faced difficulties with subjects like German, Latin, and Chemistry, he remained determined to become a medical doctor. He transferred to Cal State Northridge, where he earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in journalism and public health. His commitment to his dream eventually led him to medical school, where he succeeded in achieving his long-term goals.
For nearly five decades, Meza worked tirelessly to reduce health disparities and improve healthcare services in underserved communities across California. His advocacy helped increase opportunities for Latino physicians, contributing significantly to the growth of the medical profession. In addition to his role as a physician at Kaiser Hospital, he also served as an instructor at the Los Angeles Kaiser Medical Center, where he helped train future generations of healthcare professionals.
Frank was born to immigrant parents and grew up in Los Angeles before moving to Frogtown. His mother worked as a garment worker, and his father, who passed away when Meza was young, worked at a Hollywood restaurant. Raised by his mother, he was taught the importance of academics and physical activity, leading to his passion for running. This love for running earned him a college scholarship and continued to influence his life’s direction.
Frank earned a B.A. and M.A. in Journalism from California State University at Northridge, a Master of Public Health from UCLA, and a Medical Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis. He later became a partner at Southern California Permanente Medical Group, which focused on addressing healthcare disparities and creating more opportunities for Latinos in the medical field.
Meza’s contributions to medical education, healthcare advocacy, and lifelong dedication to serving his community have left an indelible mark. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter, and his legacy continues to inspire many in the field.
Frank Meza’s dedication to healthcare and education inspires those who follow in his footsteps, leaving a lasting impact on the community and the medical field.