About Us
Champions for Health is the new name for the San Diego County Medical Society Foundation. As we have matured over the past 11 years, and as Health has taken on a greater meaning than just healthcare, we have been blessed with a growing number of champions working with us to improve the health of our community. Recognizing and incorporating all these important partners is what Champions for Health exemplifies.
Founded in 2004 by the leadership of the San Diego County Medical Society, our efforts have provided a caring and efficient resource for patients in need, created a network of physician volunteers, reduced costs and stress on healthcare infrastructures, and established a healthier community and workforce through quality preventive care.
Our partners have helped us to expand from providing access to specialty care through Champions for Health Project Access San Diego, to a wide variety of prevention programs focused on our community’s most vulnerable residents.
Mission Statement
To improve community health and wellness, access to care for all, and support for physicians through engaged volunteerism.
Purpose and Vision
Champions For Health addresses the unanswered healthcare needs of low-income and uninsured San Diego County residents. Champions for Health has garnered much support since 2004, and has provided a coordinated vehicle for physician engagement and volunteerism. Physicians help us change lives doing what they love to do: caring for their patients.
Today, we mobilize volunteer physicians and our network of partners to serve the uninsured with prevention and specialty care treatment, and step into the gap with defined programs, improving access to care, supporting physicians and the medical community, and improve community and physician wellness. Health is a right for every human. Read more about our powerful impact.
Awards and Recognition
2019 Healthcare Heroes, Grossmont Healthcare
2018 District Director’s Award, County of San Diego
2012 Healthcare Heroes, Grossmont Healthcare
2012 District Public Health Champion, County of San Diego
2011 Adarsh S. Mahal, MD Access to Health Care and Disparities Award, California Medical Association Foundation
2011 Leadership Award, 10 News
Leadership
Champions for Health is led by a qualified Board of Directors composed of physicians, healthcare professionals and community leaders working to ensure all programs and services align with our mission.
Executive Committee
Preeti Mehta, MD
President
Scripps Memorial, Ximed
Maria Carriedo - Ceniceros , MD
Vice President
San Ysidro Health
Karrar Ali, DO
Secretary/Treasurer
Sharp Chula Vista, Vituity
Paul Hegyi, MBA
CEO
San Diego County Medical Society
Adama Dyioniziak, MPH
Executive Director
Champions for Health
Board of Directors
Carey Riccitelli
Eimaneh Mostafian, MD
Hernan Goldsztein, MD
Jennifer King, DNP
Kathy Hahn, CPA
Linda Louise Hill, MD, MPH
Monique Knight
Nikolas London, MD
Steve Koh, MD, MPH, MBA
Ex Officio
James Schultz, MD, MBA
Medical Director
Adama Dyoniziak
Executive Director
Staff
Our team is dedicated to serving our community – We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to contact us with any suggestions or to share your thoughts.
Adama Dyoniziak
Executive Director
Andrew Gonzalez
Director of Community Health
Gabriela Stichler
Director of Marketing & Development
Celene Salazar, RN
Project Access Program Manager
Evelyn Penaloza
Project Access Care Manager
Dessaray Reyes
Project Access Care Manager
Serena Matthiasen
Quality Improvement Manager
Barbara Mandel
Alzheimer’s Project Consultant
Volunteer
Join volunteer specialty care physicians and other healthcare providers in leading the efforts towards changing lives.
DONATE
Access to care for all is our mission, it shouldn’t be a dream that is out of reach. Our physician volunteers and partners, who support Champions for Health, transform the lives of patients from pain and dire medical diagnoses to health, renewed family involvement, and productive work and community life.
