About Us

Our Story

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.

Non Discrimination Statement

Champions for Health is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or abuse. The organization prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status. This prohibition also applies to discrimination or adverse treatment based on an individual’s association with a person who possesses, or is perceived to possess, any of these characteristics.

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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

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Karrar Ali, DO

President

Sharp Chula Vista, Vituity

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Rakesh Patel, MD, FAAFP, MBA

Vice President

Neighborhood HealthCare

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Arlene J. Morales, MD, FACOG

Secretary/Treasurer

Fertility Specialists Medical Group

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Paul Hegyi, MBA

CEO

San Diego County Medical Society

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Adama Dyoniziak, MPH

Executive Director

Champions for Health

Board of Directors

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Carey Riccitelli

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Hernan Goldsztein, MD

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Jennifer King, DNP

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Kathy Hahn, CPA

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Kevin Yoo, MD

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Maria Carriedo - Ceniceros , MD

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Nikolas London, MD

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Preeti Mehta, MD

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Steve Koh, MD, MPH, MBA

Ex Officio

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James Schultz, MD, MBA

Medical Director

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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.

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Adama Dyoniziak

Executive Director

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Andrew Gonzalez

Director of Community Health

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Gabriela Stichler

Director of Marketing & Development

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Evelyn Damanhoury

Project Access Care Manager

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Dessaray Reyes

Project Access Care Manager

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Barbara Mandel

Alzheimer’s Project Consultant

Volunteer

Join volunteer specialty care physicians and other healthcare providers in leading the efforts towards changing lives.

Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Donate and Change Lives