Frank Meza, a respected 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. His life was dedicated to improving healthcare and expanding educational opportunities for the Latino and Chicano communities. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, his journey was defined by his resilience and commitment to his cultural roots. Even before completing his medical school, he worked diligently to inspire and guide Latinos to pursue careers in medicine and education. His contributions through organizations such as the Hippocrates Circle, the Latino Medical Student Association, and MiMentor helped pave the way for many Latinos in the medical field.

Dr. Meza’s educational path was challenging, but his perseverance never wavered. He attended Cathedral High School, excelling in academics and athletics, particularly running. Although he faced difficulties in subjects like German, Latin, and Chemistry, his dream of becoming a doctor kept him focused. After transferring to Cal State Northridge, he earned a dual bachelor’s degree in journalism and public health. His hard work and dedication led him to medical school, where he achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming a physician.

For nearly five decades, Meza worked tirelessly to reduce healthcare disparities and improve access to medical care in underserved communities across California. His advocacy efforts contributed to the increase in opportunities for Latino physicians. In addition to his role as a physician at Kaiser Hospital, he also served as an instructor at Los Angeles Kaiser Medical Center, where he mentored the next generation of healthcare providers.

Frank grew up in Los Angeles to immigrant parents 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 balancing academics with physical activity, which led to his passion for running. This love for the sport earned him a college scholarship and continued to influence his life.

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 medicine.

Meza’s legacy inspires those who follow in his footsteps, and his contributions to healthcare and education remain significant. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter, and his impact on the medical field and the Latino community will never be forgotten.

Frank Meza’s lifelong dedication to improving healthcare and fostering opportunities for underserved communities continues to inspire future generations.