Frank Meza

Frank Meza, a distinguished Physician in Charge at the East Los Angeles Kaiser and a Partner at the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, later took on the role of Chief Medical Officer at Altamed. He was a pillar of support for the Latino and Chicano communities, dedicating his life to advancing healthcare and educational opportunities. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, his life was a testament to determination and a deep-rooted commitment to his cultural background. Long before completing medical school, he actively worked to inspire and guide Latinos to pursue careers in medicine and education. His efforts with organizations such as the Hippocrates Circle, the Latino Medical Student Association, and MiMentor helped open doors for many Latinos in the medical field. Dr. Meza’s educational journey was not without challenges. He attended Cathedral High School, where he excelled academically and athletically, particularly in running. Although he struggled with some advanced subjects early on, his passion for becoming a medical doctor drove him forward. After transferring to Cal State Northridge, he earned a dual bachelor’s degree in journalism and public health. His determination ultimately led him to medical school, where he successfully achieved his goal. For nearly five decades, Meza devoted himself to reducing health disparities and improving healthcare in underserved communities across California. His advocacy work greatly influenced the opportunities available to Latino physicians. In addition to his work as a physician at Kaiser Hospital, he contributed as a teacher in the family medicine residency program at Los Angeles Kaiser Medical Center, helping shape the future of healthcare in the community. Frank grew up in Los Angeles to immigrant parents before moving to Frogtown. His mother worked in garment manufacturing, and his father, who passed away when Meza was very young, worked at a Hollywood restaurant.