Frank Meza

Frank Meza, a highly respected Physician in Charge at the East Los Angeles Kaiser and a Partner at the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, later became Chief Medical Officer at Altamed. He was dedicated to serving the Latino and Chicano communities, significantly contributing to healthcare and education. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, his life was marked by resilience and a strong commitment to his cultural heritage. Even before completing medical school, he worked to recruit and inspire Latinos to pursue careers in medicine and education. His efforts through organizations like the Hippocrates Circle, the Latino Medical Student Association, and MiMentor helped pave the way for many Latinos in the medical profession.

Dr. Meza’s journey was not without challenges. He attended Cathedral High School, excelling academically and in athletics, particularly running. Although initially struggled 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 perseverance led him to medical school, where he successfully achieved his goal.

For nearly five decades, Meza was committed to reducing health disparities and improving healthcare access in underserved communities across California. His advocacy and leadership were pivotal in increasing opportunities for Latino physicians. In addition to his work as a physician at Kaiser Hospital, he served as an instructor in family medicine at Los Angeles Kaiser Medical Center, where he helped train the next generation 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 encouraged to balance academics with physical activity, which led to his love for running. This passion for the sport earned him a college scholarship and continued to influence his life’s path.

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.