About Frank Meza

Frank Meza was a respected physician whose career was centered around his passion for healthcare and a deep dedication to the Latino and Chicano communities. As the Physician in Charge at East Los Angeles Kaiser, a Partner at Southern California Permanente Medical Group, and the Chief Medical Officer at Altamed, his contributions spanned multiple roles that allowed him to impact the medical community significantly. His professional life is a story of relentless dedication to improving healthcare access, reducing healthcare disparities, and inspiring Latinos to pursue careers in medicine and education. Frank’s tireless advocacy continues to leave a lasting legacy, shaping the lives of many healthcare professionals and the communities he served.

Early Life and Education

Frank was born in Los Angeles, California, into a family of Mexican immigrants. His early years were spent in downtown Los Angeles, and later, his family moved to Frogtown, a predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhood. His mother worked diligently as a garment worker, while his father was employed at the famous Musso & Frank Grill, a well-known Hollywood restaurant. Unfortunately, his father passed away when he was only four years old, and he was raised by his single mother, who placed a strong emphasis on academics and encouraged Frank to stay physically active throughout his childhood.

Dr. Meza’s love for running defined much of his early years. His exceptional talent in cross-country running earned him a scholarship to attend college. During college, he encountered challenges, particularly with courses such as German, Latin, and Chemistry. Despite these struggles, he remained focused on becoming a physician. He transferred to California State University, Northridge, where he pursued dual degrees in journalism and public health. After completing these degrees, he applied to medical school and earned his M.D. from the University of California, Davis, in 1978. This marked the beginning of his medical career and his dedication to helping others through healthcare.

Career and Contributions to Healthcare

Frank’s career was dedicated to improving healthcare access for underserved populations, particularly within Latino communities. In 1983, he became a partner at Southern California Permanente Medical Group, working diligently to provide medical services to traditionally underserved populations. His commitment to providing care to Latino communities and his advocacy for more educational opportunities for Latinos in medicine were cornerstones of his career. He recognized the importance of representation in the medical field and worked to pave the way for future Latino healthcare professionals.

In 1981, Frank joined Kaiser Permanente as a staff physician and became the Physician in Charge at the East Los Angeles Kaiser facility. This facility was instrumental in providing the Latino community with vital family medicine, pediatrics, and OB/GYN services. Under Meza’s leadership, the facility was able to provide essential healthcare to many families in need. His tireless work ensured that underserved populations had access to high-quality care, laying the foundation for the programs that continue to serve the community today.

A Legacy of Education and Advocacy

Throughout his career, Frank placed great importance on education and mentorship. He was dedicated to increasing Latino representation in healthcare and worked actively to support Latino students pursuing medical careers. He was an instructor for numerous prestigious programs, including the Kaiser Family Practice Residency Program, White Memorial Hospital Family Practice, and the University of Southern California Clinical Program. His mentorship helped many aspiring doctors, offering them the support and guidance they needed to succeed in medicine.

Frank’s advocacy efforts in the medical community went beyond teaching. He recognized the significance of having more Latino professionals in the medical field to serve Latino communities’ needs sitters better. He worked tirelessly to create opportunities for Latino students to pursue medical careers, providing mentorship and advocating for policies allowing greater access to healthcare education. His work in this area has profoundly impacted the field, and many of today’s Latino physicians attribute their success to the doors he helped open.

In recognition of his dedication to healthcare and education, Frank received numerous honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Health Advocate Award by the American Diabetes Association in 1998 and the Latino Physician Trailblazer Award by Kaiser North of California in 1999. These honors reflect the respect he earned in his field and his impact on the medical community and the Latino population. His professional affiliations included service on the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Academy of Family Practice Board of Certification. Meza also founded and served as the national chair of Chicanos for Creative Medicine, an organization that promoted the inclusion of Latinos in healthcare.

Personal Life and Community Contributions

Frank was an active member of his community outside of his professional life. He remained deeply involved in the Aztlan Track Club, which promoted health and fitness within East Los Angeles. His lifelong love for running continued even as he entered adulthood, and he spent nearly 20 years coaching cross-country at Loyola, often running alongside his students. His dedication to coaching and mentoring had a lasting impact on the young athletes he worked with, many of whom looked up to him as a role model.

In addition to his contributions to sports, Frank was committed to education. He established a scholarship fund to help local students pursue higher education and actively guided them through the challenges of academic life. He believed that education was one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, and he prioritized giving back to his community by providing resources for students to achieve their goals.

Meza loved outdoor activities, including skiing, scuba diving, and biking. Despite his busy professional and community life, he always made time for his family and friends. He valued his time off and enjoyed sharing those moments with his loved ones, whether on vacation or spending quality time together.

Frank’s life was characterized by a deep commitment to healthcare, education, and service to others. His efforts to provide quality healthcare to underserved Latino communities have impacted the medical field. Through his advocacy, mentorship, and leadership, he helped pave the way for future generations of Latino professionals in medicine. His legacy is a reminder of the power of determination, service, and education.

Meza’s work continues to inspire and shape the future of healthcare, and his contributions will never be forgotten. He is survived by his wife, Tina, and their children, Francisco and Lorena, who continue to carry forward his values of service, dedication, and community involvement. Frank Meza’s story is a powerful example of the difference one individual can make in the lives of others, leaving a lasting mark on both the medical community and the Latino population.