More than 150 health care leaders, physicians, and advocates are gathering in Pasadena this week for the third annual Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) Health Equity Leadership Summit. The event provides a space for in-depth dialogue, hands-on trainings, and collaborative workshops focused on advancing health equity across California.

During the summit, PHC is recognizing seven individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to reducing health disparities and advancing equitable care in California.

The Health Equity Leadership Awards honor students, physicians, and institutions who are breaking down systemic barriers to care, elevating underserved voices, and advancing inclusive, community-centered approaches to health. This year’s recipients reflect the breadth of leadership needed to achieve equity—spanning medical education, public health, advocacy, and frontline care.

“The Health Equity Leadership Summit provides an essential forum for physicians, health care leaders, and community advocates to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange best practices, and strengthen collective efforts to advance health equity across California,” said PHC Board Chair Sunita Mutha, M.D. “It’s an opportunity not only to highlight the incredible work being done across California, but also to inspire new ideas and partnerships that will help ensure all communities have access to the care and resources they need to thrive.”

Read more about this year’s honorees below.

California Medical Student Health Equity Leadership Award

Sarah Ponce, M.D./MPH candidate, Keck School of Medicine of USC

Sarah Ponce is being honored for her outstanding leadership in advancing sexual health equity through research, education, and grassroots advocacy. She has authored pioneering work in female sexual medicine and launched bilingual community workshops that address pelvic health in underserved populations. Through her leadership with Tight Lipped and her educational contributions at Keck, Ponce is expanding access to sexual medicine training and ensuring that patient voices shape medical practice. Her work embodies the next generation of community-grounded physician leaders.

California Resident Health Equity Leadership Award

Haley Tupper, M.D., M.S., MPH, UCLA

Dr. Haley Tupper is being honored for her dedication to addressing disparities in lung cancer detection and care through systems-level research, policy engagement, and global health leadership. Her work bridges domestic and international efforts to improve access to preventive and specialty care, particularly for low-income and marginalized communities. As a resident leader, she exemplifies how physicians can influence health equity far beyond the clinic through coalition-building and strategic reform.

California Young Physician Health Equity Leadership Award

Christine Santiago, M.D., MPH, Stanford University

Dr. Christine Santiago is being honored for her innovative work at the intersection of clinical care, medical education, and community engagement. From launching street and reentry medicine rotations to addressing food insecurity and disability inclusion, Santiago integrates social determinants of health into patient care and physician training. Her efforts have transformed health systems and empowered learners to serve with equity at the center of care.

Diverse Physician Leadership Award

José Luis González, M.D., Healthcare in Action

Dr. José Luis González is honored for his visionary leadership in delivering care to California’s most vulnerable populations. As the founding medical director of Healthcare in Action, he built a statewide model of mobile, addiction, and primary care for people experiencing homelessness. His work has redefined what compassionate, high-quality care can look like—and where it can be delivered. Dr. González’s career is a testament to the power of culturally responsive, community-based medicine.

Frank E. Staggers Sr., M.D., Outstanding Ethnic Physician Organization Award

Chinese Hospital, San Francisco

Chinese Hospital receives this year’s award for its unwavering commitment to providing linguistically and culturally appropriate care for over a century. Founded in response to discrimination, it remains the only independent, Chinese-governed hospital in the U.S. and continues to evolve to meet the needs of a diverse, growing community. Through its clinic network, prevention efforts, and inclusive governance, Chinese Hospital is a national model of culturally grounded care delivery.

Adarsh S. Mahal, M.D., Access to Health Care and Disparities Award

Lindsay Mazotti, M.D., FACP, Sutter Health

Dr. Lindsay Mazotti is recognized for her leadership in building inclusive, innovative medical education systems that strengthen the health care workforce and expand access to high-quality care. Her work developing longitudinal integrated clerkships, advancing faculty diversity, and leading system-wide workforce strategy has helped reshape the pipeline of physicians serving California’s diverse communities. She is a driving force behind transformative, equity-focused medical education.

Robert D. Sparks, M.D., Leadership Award

Alma A. Lopez, M.D., Kaiser Permanente and KPSOM

Dr. Alma Lopez is honored for her deep commitment to mentoring future physicians and serving her community through culturally informed care and medical education. From leading service-learning programs to co-founding MiMentor, she has dedicated her career to improving care for underserved communities while nurturing the next generation of diverse physician leaders. Her work embodies the values of compassion, equity, and community-driven care.

These awardees are not only leading change within their institutions—they are reshaping California’s health care landscape to be more just, inclusive, and community-driven. Their collective work reflects PHC’s mission to grow a diverse physician workforce and promote health equity statewide.

To learn more about the 2025 Health Equity Leadership Award winners, visit phcdocs.org/equity-summit/awardees.