Family physician, experienced health care executive, and U.S. Navy Veteran will work to advance health equity and community well-being
Gold Coast Health Plan announced the appointment of Dr. James Cruz as its new chief medical officer (CMO), effective immediately.
Health Technology Insights: Health Technology Insights: Latest News And Innovations – Roundup
A board-certified family physician and experienced health care executive in leading clinical teams and medical strategy in California’s Medi-Cal system, Dr. Cruz will lead GCHP’s quality improvement, utilization management, care management, health equity, and pharmacy teams.
“Dr. Cruz has devoted his career to caring for low-income and vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “He is a mission-driven leader with extensive experience in health education, health care administration, and care systems transformation who is committed to improving the health outcomes and reducing the health care inequities experienced by our most vulnerable members. I am confident that he will help lead us into the next phase of our work as we continue to find new ways to connect our members with care.”
Health Technology Insights: Viome and Scripps Research Partner to Create First At-Home RNA Test for Colon Cancer Prevention
Dr. Cruz joined GCHP in 2023 as senior medical director, where he focused on delivering high-quality care through an integrated and coordinated network. He has been serving as acting CMO since Aug. 2024, succeeding Dr. Nuñez, who was named CEO in May.
“I am honored to lead a team dedicated to ensuring that every member has access to high-quality, compassionate care,” Dr. Cruz said. “I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality health care – no matter their background or circumstance – and I am proud to bring that commitment to my role as CMO and to continue serving the Ventura County community with dedication and purpose.”
Prior to joining GCHP, Dr. Cruz served as CMO of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan and Molina Healthcare of California, where he oversaw clinical programs including utilization and care management, pharmacy, quality improvement, and implementation of California’s CalAIM initiatives. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at AltaMed Health Services, Health Management Associates, and Arcadian Management Services, and led family medicine residency programs across Southern California.
A U.S. Navy veteran and champion of medical education, Dr. Cruz currently serves as President of Latinx Physicians of California, a statewide advocacy organization. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and completed his residency at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Health Technology Insights: Waters and Becton Dickinson Biosciences Diagnostic Solutions to Merge in $17.5 Billion Deal
To participate in our interviews, please write to our HealthTech Media Room at sudipto@intentamplify.com
Source- PR Newswire
