Citizens Choice Healthplan HMO - Executive Team
Dr. Nissan Kahen, M.D.
Chairman
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.
Paul Kahen
Chief Executive Officer
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.
Meg O'Toole
Board Member
Summary
Marguerite "Meg” O’Toole has held various positions in the healthcare
industry during the past 30 years. Starting as a health care indemnity insurance
salesperson, she found that managed care was more to her liking. She later focused
her professional experience on the Medicare managed care market. Meg started her
career with Blue Cross of Massachusetts. She later moved to FHP Healthcare in Utah,
Arizona and California. She held senior management positions at Foundation Health,
AHI and CareMore Insurance Services.
Education
Ms. O'Toole received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Communication
from Boston University in 1975. She earned her Masters in Business Administration
in 1986.
Professional Society Memberships
Meg is committed to meeting the needs of homeless women at WISE Place in
Santa Ana, where she has been a board member and major contributor for over ten
years.
Hobbies
Meg enjoys traveling and is a cuisine enthusiast. She is an active within
her community and has high interests in keeping involved in the ongoing Medicare
changes. Meg believes that CCHP must now take the next steps in its development
and as such CCHP will achieve this objective by staying true to its mission of meeting
the needs of its Medicare recipients.
Albert Aguilar, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP
Board Member
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.
Maria Acosta
Board Member
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.
Richard L. Powell, M.D.
Board Member
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.
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