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About Us

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.

A picture of the doctor with equipment on his eyes

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

Dr. Preeti Mehta

Preeti Mehta, MD

President

Scripps Memorial, Ximed

Maria Carriedo

Maria Carriedo - Ceniceros , MD

Vice President

San Ysidro Health

Karrar Ali DO

Karrar Ali, DO

Secretary/Treasurer

Sharp Chula Vista, Vituity

Paul Hegyi

Paul Hegyi, MBA

CEO

San Diego County Medical Society

Adama Dyoniziak

Adama Dyioniziak, MPH

Executive Director

Champions for Health

Board of Directors

Carey Riccitelli

Carey Riccitelli

Eimaneh Mostofian

Eimaneh Mostafian, MD

Hernan Goldsztein MD

Hernan Goldsztein, MD

Jennifer King

Jennifer King, DNP

Kathleen Hahn

Kathy Hahn, CPA

Linda Hill

Linda Louise Hill, MD, MPH

Monique Knight

Monique Knight

Dr Nik London

Nikolas London, MD

Steve-Koh

Steve Koh, MD, MPH, MBA

Ex Officio

James Schultz, MD, MBA

Medical Director

Adama Dyoniziak

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

Adama Dyoniziak

Executive Director

Andrew Gonzalez

Andrew Gonzalez

Director of Community Health

Gabriela Stichler

Gabriela Stichler

Director of Marketing & Development

Celene Salazar

Celene Salazar, RN

Project Access Program Manager

Evelyn Penaloza

Evelyn Penaloza

Project Access Care Manager

Dessaray Reyes

Dessaray Reyes

Project Access Care Manager

Serena Matthiasen

Serena Matthiasen

Quality Improvement Manager

Barbara Mandel

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.