Frank Meza

Physician

Frank Meza was a highly respected figure in the medical field, serving as the Physician in Charge at East Los Angeles Kaiser and a Partner at Southern California Permanente Medical Group. He later became the Chief Medical Officer at Altamed, where he continued his mission of serving the Latino and Chicano communities. His life is a testament to perseverance, commitment, and a deep-rooted connection to his cultural heritage. Beyond his medical practice, he actively sought to recruit Latinos to pursue careers in medicine and education, even before completing his medical school training. His advocacy and contributions to the Latino community have had a lasting impact, with many of today’s West Coast Latino physicians crediting him for their current medical opportunities.

Early Life and Educational Path

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Frank was the son of immigrant parents from Mexico. His early years were spent in downtown Los Angeles, and later, his family moved to Frogtown, a predominantly Spanish-speaking community. His mother worked as a garment worker, and his father was employed at the Musso & Frank Grill, a famous Hollywood restaurant. Tragically, his father passed away when he was just four years old, and he was raised by his mother, who placed a high value on education and physical activity.

Dr. Meza’s interest in running was apparent from an early age. His talent for cross-country running earned him a college scholarship, which marked the beginning of his academic journey. While pursuing his studies, he faced challenges, particularly in German, Latin, and Chemistry. However, these challenges never deterred him from his goal of becoming a doctor. Frank transferred to California State University, Northridge, where he pursued dual degrees in journalism and public health. His hard work paid off when he completed both degrees and continued his medical education, earning his M.D. from the University of California, Davis, in 1978.

A Career Focused on Healthcare and Advocacy

Meza’s career was marked by his dedication to serving underserved communities, particularly within California. In 1983, he became a partner at Southern California Permanente Medical Group, where he led various initiatives to improve healthcare access for Latino populations. He was committed to addressing healthcare disparities, including promoting educational opportunities for Latinos in the medical field. His work focused on patient care and creating a supportive environment for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Throughout his career, he maintained a strong focus on community service. He served as a staff physician at Kaiser Hospital starting in 1981, and his efforts were crucial in establishing the East Los Angeles Kaiser facility. This facility was essential in offering family medicine, pediatrics, and OB/GYN services to the Latino community. His leadership and vision helped shape the healthcare landscape in Los Angeles, providing much-needed services to underserved populations. His influence continues to be felt today, as many of the programs and initiatives he launched remain pillars of the healthcare system.

A Legacy of Leadership and Education

Frank’s contributions to healthcare go beyond his clinical work. He played a significant role in educating the next generation of healthcare professionals, teaching at several prestigious programs, including the Kaiser Family Practice Residency Program, White Memorial Hospital Family Practice, and the University of Southern California Clinical Program. His efforts to increase educational opportunities for Latinos in medicine were especially impactful, as he worked tirelessly to mentor and guide aspiring medical professionals.

Dr. Meza was honored for his work throughout his life. In 1998, he received the Health Advocate Award from the American Diabetes Association, and in 1999, Kaiser North of California recognized him with the Latino Physician Trailblazer Award. These honors reflect the breadth of his influence and the deep respect he earned within the medical and Latino communities. His leadership also extended to the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Academy of Family Practice Board of Certification, where he served in various capacities.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond his professional life, Meza was deeply committed to his community. He founded a scholarship fund to support students in his community who aspired to pursue higher education. He also remained active in the Aztlan Track Club, which hosted races and promoted physical fitness in East Los Angeles. His love for running continued throughout his life, and he often coached cross-country track at Loyola, running alongside varsity team members. His passion for sports and physical activity inspired those around him, and his dedication to community service extended beyond his professional endeavors.

Meza’s interests included skiing, scuba diving, and biking. He enjoyed vacations with his family and friends and was an avid traveler. Despite his many professional and community commitments, he always made time for his personal passions and valued spending time with loved ones. His life outside medicine reflected his belief in balance and maintaining physical and mental well-being.

Frank is survived by his wife, Tina (nee Nevarez), and their children, Francisco and Lorena. His legacy lives on through the countless individuals he inspired, mentored, and helped throughout his career. His impact on the Latino community, particularly in healthcare, will continue influencing future generations. His unwavering commitment to serving others, his leadership in the medical field, and his dedication to improving healthcare access for underserved populations make him a true trailblazer.

Frank Meza’s life was a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to his community. His career in medicine, advocacy for Latinos in healthcare, and contributions to improving the lives of others have left an indelible mark on the medical field. As a physician, educator, and mentor, he exemplified what it means to be a servant leader. Meza’s legacy will continue to inspire others to pursue careers in medicine and community service, just as he inspired those who knew him throughout his remarkable life.

Learn More:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ9K82qmazg 

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-35020-7_7 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9CiPR0bGyE 

https://www.mimentor.org/posts/dr-frank-meza-a-leader-in-the-chicano-health-movement-part-1 

https://www.mimentor.org/posts/dr-frank-meza-leader-in-the-chicano-health-movement-part-3