Citizens Choice Healthplan HMO - Board Members

Summary
Dr. Kahen is Medical Director of South Atlantic Medical Group (SAMG) which operates primary care medical clinics and serves several thousand patients throughout Los Angeles. He is the founder and medical director of SAMG Inc. He is President of an Independent Practice Association, Board Chairman of an HMO, Board Certified in Pain Management and Ambulatory Medicine and as a General Physician. He is Trustee for the Pacific Regional Chapter of the American Academy of General Physicians. He is a designated provider who renders medical services through the immigration related services (medical evaluations) for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Education
Dr. Kahen received his Medical Degree from Ahwaz Jondi-Shapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran, 1978 after completing Rotating internship at Firoozgar Medical Center in Tehran following a neurology residency at Wadsworth VA Hospital.

Medical Certification/Licensing
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certification and Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) 1983 State of California Medical License 1984

Professional Society Memberships
Board of Trustees, Pacific Regional Chapter, American Academy of General Physicians
California Medical Association
American Medical Association

Hobbies
Dr. Kahen has practiced medicine in Los Angeles since 1984. He is married, the father of six children and supports local philanthropic causes. He also enjoys traveling.

Summary
Paul Kahen is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Honored Citizens Choice Health Plan (HCCHP). Prior to being CEO at HCCHP he served as co-owner of a management company in Los Angeles County. He has a vast knowledge in establishing strategic business direction and oversees operations in fast paced healthcare business environments; utilizes expertise in business planning, development, strategic alliances, business financing, marketing and sales to manage a wide range of healthcare provider services. Mr. Kahen has also ventured into varied business interests outside of the healthcare field.

Education
Mr. Kahen has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics.

Professional Society Memberships
Member of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
Member of the California Association of Physician Groups

Hobbies
Mr. Kahen is married, the father of two children and involves himself in various community events. He enjoys equestrian events and traveling.

Summary
Albert Aguilar is a family nurse practitioner. He is currently the Director of Nursing for a non-profit organization that provides health care services to low income communities. He is responsible for training staff and the development of nursing protocols.

Education
Mr. Aguilar started his academic career at Mt. San Antonio College, where he graduated with an Associate Degree of Arts. He holds an Associate Degree of Science in Nursing from Rio College . At California State University of Long Beach he completed his studies by receiving his Nurse Practitioner Certification and both his Bachelor and Master of Science Degree in Nursing. In 1997 he started his medical career as an emergency room technician. Once he became a registered nurse, he dedicated five years working in an intensive care unit at a large hospital in Long Beach. 

Medical Certification/Licensing
In the state of California he holds certification as a family nurse practitioner.

Professional Society Memberships
He is a current member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Hobbies
In his time off Albert enjoys spending time with his three children, his wife and close friends. He is a history aficionado with interests in people study and behavior.

Summary
Maria D. Acosta is currently the Los Angeles District Manager with the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Minority Business Development Agency. She has over 15 years of Federal Government Service and over 15 years experience in the Private Sector, in Senior and Managerial Positions. Maria’s background is in financing, accounting and management. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her exemplary performance practices and achievements. She is well recognized in the U.S. Federal Government, City and State Governments, as well as in the Financial and Business Communities.

Education
Ms. Acosta attended the Fresno State University where she received her Finance / Accounting Degree. She also received her Business Administration Degree from Golden State University.

Professional Society Memberships
In addition to her membership on this Board, Maria is also a board member to the Port of Los Angeles, the Metropolitan Water District, and the Mayor of Los Angeles' Minority Business Opportunity Committee.

Hobbies
On her time off, Maria enjoys gardening and visiting museums. Maria is very community & civic oriented and serves in various committees, boards and presently oversees the Agency’s Minority Business Opportunity Committee for the City of Los Angeles. She provides pro-bono tutoring to inter-city high school and college students in the field of Accounting and Financing.

Summary
Richard Powell has been the Medical Director of Medpoint Management, a Management Services Organization administering numerous IPA’s and medical groups across Southern California, since 2005. Prior to moving to L.A., he spent two decades as an Internist in private practice and as a clinical researcher and international lecturer.

Education
Dr. Powell received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Miami and completed residency in Internal Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Medical Certification/Licensing
Dr. Powell received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Miami and completed residency in Internal Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Medical Certification/Licensing Licensed to practice medicine by the state of California.

Professional Society Memberships
American Medical Association, American College of Physicians and National Association of Managed Care Physicians.

Hobbies
Dr. Powell enjoys travel, food-both cooking and dining, and football. His goal as a CCHP Board Member is to see the plan achieve its full potential in serving the Southern California community.