Shaila Dameron, eight-years-old from Rialto, has her immunizations up-to-date and is ready for the third grade. Keep your children happy and healthy by making sure they’re current with their childhood immunizations. With many Inland Empire schools beginning a new year in August, it’s not too soon to make an appointment. LaSalle Medical Associates offers low-cost immunizations and also accepts most insurance. Photo by Carl Dameron.
Keep your children happy and healthy by making sure they’re up-to-date on their childhood immunizations. With many Inland Empire schools beginning a new year in August, it’s not too soon to make an appointment. LaSalle Medical Associates offers low-cost immunizations and also accepts most insurance. Photo courtsey of Carl Dameron.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Whether your child is starting kindergarten or a senior in high school, visiting the pediatrician for immunizations should, for many students, be an important part of the back-to-school preparations.
And with many schools starting in August, it’s not too soon to make that appointment.
“It is important not to wait until the last minute,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, President of LaSalle Medical Associates. “As we get closer to September, more schools will be opening for a new year, and we will become even busier.”
There are four vaccinations all kindergarteners must have before entering school for the first time, said Dr. Cheryl Emoto, Medical Director for LaSalle Medical Associates. And, as they grow older, children need additional immunizations.
“Children entering kindergarten should receive boosters for DTap (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chicken pox), she said.
If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only booster immunizations for the above diseases are needed. However, they should have also received vaccinations for these and several other diseases prior to age 2, and as kindergarteners may need several doses of immunizations if not “caught up.”
When children turn 11, they can and should receive the meningitis vaccine for the first time, Dr. Emoto said. The Center for Disease Control also recommends children this age receive a tetanus (Tdap) booster, she noted.
Parents can schedule these vaccines shortly after the child’s 11th birthday, but they can also can be part of a back-to-school immunization routine for any student, even those over 18.
“Children older than 11 who have not received these vaccines should also come in to get them,” she said. “And if you have a teenager who is enrolling in college, planning to live in a dormitory, and hasn’t been vaccinated for meningitis, they should be vaccinated now.”
Girls age 9 and older, and young women up to age 26 can receive the vaccine against the human papiolloma (HPV) virus. While giving this vaccine to girls in elementary school is not without controversy, many doctors, including those at LaSalle Medical Associates, are highly in favor.
“The HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer,” Emoto explained. “It is important that a girl receive three doses, which are given over a six-month period, before her first sexual encounter in order for the vaccine to be fully effective.”
One vaccination not available during the back-to-school season is the flu shot. These are given in fall, when the vaccine is available from manufacturers.
“We depend on when the vaccine is shipped,” Emoto said. “We may have flu vaccines in September this year, but in past years it wasn’t until October that we received the vaccine. Once we receive it, we encourage all children six months to 18 years to receive an annual flu vaccine.”
Children younger than 8 who are being immunized against flu for the first time receive a two-part vaccine, she said. The second dose is given four to six weeks after the first.
“Healthy children 2 years of age and older also have the option of receiving the vaccination as a nasal spray instead of as an injection,” Emoto said. “The nasal spray is just as effective.”
As it stands now, the flu vaccines that will be given in 2009 won’t protect against the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu. But that could change by the time traditional flu season arrives.
Emoto noted that several manufacturers are working to develop an H1N1 vaccine, When vaccines are available, she said, LaSalle Medical Associates will rely on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control as to who should receive that immunization and when.
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For more information or to make an appointment call LaSalle Medical Associates at (909) 890-0407.
Dr. Albert Arteaga circa 1995, when La Salle Medical Associates had been open for a little more than a decade.
Dr. Albert Arteaga recently. He is the founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, which recently celebrated 25 years in practice.
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the top enrollers in the state in the Healthy Families program, which makes health care affordable for children in low and moderate income families. One of the ways LaSalle made people aware of this program is by having employees stand in front of the clinics in costume, as these two women are doing in front of the Mt. Vernon clinic in San Bernardino.
The San Bernardino County Medical Society recognized Dr. Albert Arteaga for outstanding contributions to the community.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, and his wife Maria, with an award he received from the San Bernardino County Medical Society for outstanding contributions to the community.
La Salle Medical Associates held a health fair at its Fontana office, which opened in 1984 as the first in the LaSalle Medical Associates clinics.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On the first day, owner Dr. Albert Arteaga and his wife Maria, then employed as his nurse and still his chief assistant, saw two patients at their clinic in Fontana. Today, La Salle Medical Associates has grown to four clinics and 120 employees, and an Independent Practice Association (IPA) serving more than 100 doctors.
La Salle Medical Associates celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, having seen its first two patients on June 13, 1984.
“I think 25 years shows we have been doing a good thing, and we have been doing it for a long time,” Dr. Arteaga said. “It proves two things. Number One, we are honest. Number two we are reliable. We aren’t here today and gone tomorrow. In the medical field, being solid means being reputable and reliable.”
Dr. Arteaga has built his practice with a philosophy that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. La Salle Medical Associate clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.
As founder and CEO of LaSalle’s four Inland Empire clinics, Dr. Arteaga set out to not just aid those in need, but to change patients’ perception of “going to the doctor.” He explains, “I want everyone to feel that going to the doctor is no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.” The Applied Surveys of nearly 300 LaSalle patients showed that fully 100 percent of those surveyed believed their doctor and other staff had listened carefully, explained things and treated them with respect.
In his 25 years in business, Dr. Arteaga has strived not only to be a great physician, but also a good businessman. Treating patients (customers) with respect helped him build a solid customer base, who in turn has recommended LaSalle Medical Associates to their friends and family, and some of who now have chosen LaSalle for their health care needs for three generations.
Dr. Arteaga has also focused on keeping expenses low. And he has helped many patients who might otherwise struggle to pay for even basic medical care to find insurance that will foot the bill.
Since Dr. Arteaga’s practice was pediatrics, La Salle Medical Associates initially focused on serving children of the lower income and disabled. Dr Arteaga quickly realized there were even greater community needs.
With his guidance, LaSalle expanded its service to include family and internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology. All stemming from Arteaga’s “obligation to “help whenever I can.”
Public and professional recognition has not escaped LaSalle Medical Associates and Dr. Arteaga. Earlier this year the California Medical Association awarded him the “Ethnic Physician’s Leadership Award for 2008,” recognizing his contributions to medical care in the Latino community. He also was named one of the top 15 Latino-owned businesses in the Inland Empire by Hispanic Lifestyle magazine.
For his efforts to provide healthcare services to the Inland Empire’s children, Arteaga was awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for his outstanding contribution to the community.
Inland Empire Health Plan selected the clinics as Riverside and San Bernardino counties’ best healthcare provider, while the African American Health Initiative selected LaSalle as a “model provider” of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County.
The Sa
n Bernardino Board of Supervisors has presented Dr. Arteaga the Resolution Award for his outstanding community efforts, and the Inland Empire Health Plan awarded LaSalle Medical Associates a Proclamation Award in appreciation of outstanding community work and for being the state’s number one enroller of the Healthy Families program, an insurance plan for children of low- to middle-income families.
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to lasallemedical.com.
For just over a month, the LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. clinics were only flu treatment centers to cope with the public’s concern about swine flu. Now, business is back to normal at LaSalle clinics. La Salle President Dr. Alebert Arteaga and his associates focus on providing quality affordable health care, as in this photo where he is overseeing signups for low-cost prescription programs.Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA) A month ago, many were panicking as a newly-discovered, sometimes deadly strain of influenza, known as “swine flu,” made its way from Mexico to the United States.
To deal with the concerns of its patients, LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. temporarily converted its medical clinics to “Flu Treatment and Prevention Centers” and saw more than 300 people a day with flu symptoms. Less than four weeks later, as the spread of this flu strain waned, LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. returned to business as normal.
Still, swine flu, officially known as “novel H1N1 influenza A” hasn’t gone away. In May, San Bernardino County recorded its first death from swine flu, also the first death in the state, although the patient had other serious health issues as well.
Medical experts warn there could be many new cases when the flu season returns this fall.
“Because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, so the illness may become more widespread and severe as a result,” said Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, San Bernardino County Health Officer.
It’s possible to contract swine flu and other types of influenza at any time of year, even in summer. So, LaSalle Medical Associates and the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health work together to educate people about preventing spread of this virus.
“Swine flu is a Type A strain of influenza that can cause body aches, coughs, sore throats, fevers above 100 degrees, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea,” Dr. Arteaga explained. “As with all strains of influenza, there are other potential more serious complications, possibly even death.”
To limit the spread of swine flu, Dr. Arteaga urges anyone with the above symptoms to stay home from school and work until they are well, and limit contact with others. They also should contact a health care provider, especially if worried about the symptoms.
Everyone should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, wash hands frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitizer, and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Also, healthy people should to the extent possible, avoid contact with those who have flu symptoms and avoid large gatherings.
According to founder Dr. Arteaga, the primary mission of LaSalle’s clinics is “to offer high quality medical care to the whole family with courtesy and respect.” LaSalle accepts most insurance, and is also an affordable option for many without health care coverage.
As of early June, there were 114 cases of swine flu in San Bernardino County.
This strain of flu is resistant to flu vaccines that have been developed so far. However, flu vaccines are modified every year to include new strains.
For more information about swine flu, contact the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or by calling 1-800-236-4636, or the California Department of Public Health at www.cdph.ca.gov or 1-888-865-0564. The state health department also maintains www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov with additional information.
The San Bernardino County Public Health Department also can provide information on its toll-free number, 1-800-782-4264, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its website is www.sbcounty.gov/dph.
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to www.lasallemedical.com.
This LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. clinic on Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, along with the other three clinics operated by LaSalle, has temporarily been converted to a flu treatment center. Many people sick with flu symptoms have visited a LaSalle clinic in recent days, a few were tested for swine flu, but LaSalle has not yet treated anyone with a confirmed case of swine flu.
(San Bernardino, CA) LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. has temporarily converted its medical clinics to “Flu Treatment and Prevention Centers” to deal with patients’ concern over the swine flu virus. But only a few patients have symptoms that could be linked to the swine flu, said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
“We halted all operations except checking people who have come in with flu symptoms,” Dr. Arteaga said. “We have recently seen 300 to 350 people a day at our clinics with flu symptoms. Of those, we recommended three or four be tested for swine flu and only a few of these actually received treatment with Tamiflu or another antiviral drug.”
Only one case of swine flu has been positively identified in San Bernardino County as of May 1 and this did not involve a LaSalle patient. The case was identified in a Marine stationed in Twenty-Nine Palms.
The media’s high publicity of the swine flu pandemic may have caused undue concern, Dr. Arteaga said. Still, it was necessary that word get out about this disease. He compared it to the necessity of a doctor giving patients a warning about possible side effects of prescription drugs.
“Sometimes people feel the side effects before they even take the medication,” he said. “When we hear a warning over and over again, our suggestive nature makes people think that what is a possibility has become a reality.”
Nevertheless, Dr. Arteaga encourages people with flu symptoms to seek medical attention.
“Don’t panic. Swine flu is only a possibility,” he said. “But it is a possibility with serious repercussions.”
“It is a strain of Type A influenza, which causes tiredness, body aches, fever along with a cough and sore throat,” Dr. Arteaga explained. “As with all strains of influenza, there are other potential complications such as internal infections, pneumonia and possibly even death.”
According to public health officials, swine flu has killed more than 150 people in Mexico and one in Texas.Many others, especially in Mexico, have been sick enough to require hospitalization. In California, there have been 16 positive cases of swine flu and 43 probable as of May 1.
This strain of flu is resistant to flu vaccines that have been developed so far. However, flu vaccines are modified every year to include new strains.
According to founder Dr. Arteaga, the primary mission of LaSalle’s clinics is “to offer high quality medical care to the whole family with courtesy and respect.” And, right now, that is to help people with flu symptoms.
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to lasallemedical.com.
For a low-cost or in some cases, free, flu shot this LaSalle Medical Associates clinic at 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave in San Bernardino is the place to go. Other clinics are at 1505 W. 17th in San Bernardino, 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA) Now that the cold weather is upon us, with winter fast approaching, it’s a good time for anyone to get their annual flu shot.
Just ask Dr. Albert Arteaga, the president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates in San Bernardino. “Flu shots make a very big difference.” Dr. Arteaga, a pediatrician for more than 20 years, spends every flu season surrounded by coughing and sneezing patients. “It is especially important for the young and the elderly to protect themselves from this disease, but anyone can avoid the unpleasantness of the flu and its potentially serious complications with an immunization. Why avoid the shots?”
Aside from the tired feeling, the body aches and fever, flu symptoms can be much worse. “There may be intestinal problems that develop,” Dr. Arteaga says, “and other potential complications such as internal infections, pneumonia and possibly even meningitis. Why take a chance?”
The reason many avoid flu shots is simply the fear of the needle. “I can understand that,” Dr. Arteaga says, “and then what happens is those people influence their friends and then you start hearing ‘The shots will just give you the flu themselves,’ and ‘Shots don’t really make a difference.’ The fact is shots do make a difference. They really do help.”
The following groups of people are especially encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control to obtain a flu shot: • Anyone 50 years of age or older • All children and adolescents 6 months through 18 years of age • All health care workers and essential community service employees, such as police and firefighters • College students who live in dormitories • Any other adults living in a dormitory or other institutional setting • Anyone not vaccinated within the past year who is planning a trip between April and September 2009 to the tropics or the southern hemisphere • Anyone planning travel with a large group • People with chronic medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, HIV and others • Pregnant women • Anyone who lives with or cares for a person who meets one of the above conditions
Patients on Medi-Cal, Medicare and many insurance plans will receive their immunizations at no charge. For anyone else, the fee at LaSalle Medical Associates clinics is a mere $15.
As Dr. Arteaga says, “It takes just 30 seconds and a very short, minor sting to possibly save weeks of discomfort and potential serious complications. Is it worth it? You bet.”
Dr. Albert Arteaga graduated from medical school in 1976, completing his pediatric training at Loma Linda University in 1984 and starting practice that year in Fontana. He expanded into San Bernardino four years later, and in 1996 formed LaSalle Medical Associates, an IPA, comprised of primary and specialty care physicians serving more than 105,000 patients in the Inland Empire and East Los Angeles.
According to founder Dr. Arteaga, the primary mission of LaSalle’s clinics is “to offer high quality medical care to the whole family with courtesy and respect.” And, right now, a big part of that is to provide flu shots for people.
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to lasallemedical.com. -end-
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Dr. Albert Arteaga, founder and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates received the Ethnic Physicians Leadership Award for 2008.
The California Medical Association gives the Ethnic Physician Leadership Award annually to a doctor who has done outstanding work within an ethnic community. As is the case with Dr. Arteaga, who is Hispanic, the award also often recognizes a doctor who is a member of a specific ethnic community.
“I want all of my patients to feel that going to the doctor is no more intimidating than going to the grocery store,” he said in accepting this award. “This is much easier to succeed in when our patients understand that we are here to answer any and all of their questions and provide them with individual recommendations based on their current situation.”
Almost 25 years ago, Dr. Arteaga founded LaSalle Medical Associates as one clinic in Fontana. Today, it has grown to four clinics and an Independent Practice Association serving more than 100 doctors.
From the start, Dr. Arteaga has operated LaSalle Medical Associates with the principles that all patients deserve quality medical care, and all deserve dignity and respect. He accepts and even reaches out to not just his largely Hispanic clientele, but also to elderly, low-income and disabled patients who must rely on Medicare and Medi-Cal.
“As the son of an Adventist minister, I know I have an obligation to help whenever I can,” he said. “That is what we do.” The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to lasallemedical.com.
(LOMA LINDA, Calif.) “We want you to be assertive when it comes to your health issues. I want to know about you like you want to know about me. We need to be partners.”
Dr. Edna Arteaga-Hernandez, president and CEO of the Inland Empire’s Arther Medical Corporation, gave this message during a workshop of the Inland Empire Disability Resources EXPO held Thursday Oct. 23rd at the Loma Linda University Medical Center Drayson Center.
Doctors need to know each patient’s health issues, Dr. Arteaga-Hernandez explained. This includes not just what medical conditions, but also issues such as whom they live with, whether they are employed and what medications they’re already taking.
A primary care doctor is important, she said.
“You should have one doctor who knows you best,” she said. “That doctor will coordinate your health care. Your primary care doctor will be your advocate, kind of like a lawyer.”
Primary care doctors or their staff should handle obtaining referrals to specialists when needed. They also should be making sure that any special medical needs a patient has are being accommodated. For instance, if a patient has diabetes and needs a certain type of blood sugar monitor, the doctor should be fighting to make sure the patients’ insurance approves this.
The intake form patients fill out when they first see a new doctor is important, she said. It allows patients to confidentially describe their past medical history, so the doctor doesn’t have to waste time asking the same questions.
Also helpful are medical records from a prior doctor and keeping a medical diary.
A medical diary is a small notebook in which patients start by listing surgeries and other serious medical issues they’ve had in the past. Later, they can add to the diary when they receive immunizations or face other health issues.
Patients should also keep a diary of what medications they take, Dr. Arteaga-Hernandez said. This is especially true if patients are experiencing unpleasant side effects like nausea or drowsiness.
“Medications help you, but there are very few that don’t have side effects,” she said. “What we want to do is minimize these.”
Since there are so many medications available, good communication between doctor and patient about these side effects will almost always help them find drugs that best overcome the effects and make the patient feel better.
“You have to tell your doctor, ‘I can’t take this. It keeps me up all night.’” Dr. Arteaga-Hernandez said. “Eventually, we will find wonders. Your medications should help you to live a long life, but also a good one.”
Dr. Arteaga-Hernandez’s presentation was one of many exhibits and workshops designed especially for those suffering from various disabilities. Other topics addressed include housing, transportation, advocacy, employment and technology to assist with daily living and education.
Over four consecutive years she has received the coveted Polaris Award of Excellence in Public Relations Community Service for her radio talk show, “Cita con su Medici.” Additionally, Arteaga-Hernandez has aided students in various medical departments at Loma Linda’s School of Medicine and at Western University of Health Sciences.
For more information about Dr. Arteaga-Hernandez and other community doctors, call LaSalle Medical Associates at (909) 890-0407.
Dr. Arteaga-Hernandez is a member of the LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. Independent Physicians Association. (IPA.)
Dr. Ghaly checks the vital statistics of Beatrice Cuellar, who plans a long and healthy life by following her physician’s recommendations for staying healthy.
(LOS ANGELES) – Age 65 may be the official beginning of life as a senior citizen, but those who pay good attention to their health can live 20, 30 or more years after they reach that milestone.
The keys to a long life are paying careful attention to the medications one takes, and maintaining a healthy diet, said Dr. Azmy Ghaly, owner of Senior Care Clinic in East Los Angeles. Exercise can also go a long ways in boosting longevity.
“Seniors are living longer because if we diagnose early, there are medications and new technologies that can cure their diseases,” Dr. Ghaly explained. “But we still have bad habits that need to be addressed.”
Senior Care Clinic, a practice specializing in senior citizens, works with its patients to help them make choices that will lead to long, healthy lives. Whether this is by using the latest advances in medications and technology, advising them on healthy lifestyle choices, or simply caring for each patient as an individual, Senior Care Clinic is held in high regard by the senior citizens who already rely on it for medical care.
“We love it here,” said Carlos and Beatrice Cuellar, who have been patients at Senior Care Clinic for six years. “The doctors, the service, everything here is fantastic.”
Besides providing friendly service and expertise in the latest medical breakthroughs, doctors at Senior Care Clinic make sure they have complete medical histories for their patients. This includes keeping inventory of medications their patients are taking.
“Taking the right medications is crucial,” said Dr. Ghaly. “At Senior Care Clinic, doctors encourage their patients to bring ALL medications they take to every appointment. That way, the doctor can evaluate which ones are necessary, which ones aren’t, which ones might cause harmful interactions with others, and which ones are not helpful.”
“Sometimes it is necessary for a patient to take three or four medications for diabetes, and five or six for high blood pressure,” he added. “But as doctors, we should not assume things, so bring in the medications every time.”
“It is also important to watch your diet as you get older,” Dr. Ghaly said. “Most senior citizens need 1,800 calories, those with diabetes only need 1,500. Seniors (and others) should eat three balanced meals each day, low in sodium and cholesterol. Senior women should have a high-calcium diet, as this reduces their risk for osteoporosis.”
Exercise is not as essential as proper medication and a healthy diet, according to Dr. Ghaly, but for most seniors, it will greatly improve their quality of life.
“Exercise can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes,” he said. “And if you have arthritis, it can help your joints to feel better. It also can help a senior’s mental well-being, as seniors who walk are less dependent on others for their needs.”
With proper medical care, diet and physical activity, seniors will live well into their golden years.
Senior Care Clinic was established in East Los Angeles in 1994, and is affiliated with nearby White Memorial Medical Center. A staff of four physicians, headed by Dr. Azmy Ghaly, handles all geriatric health care needs. Physicians are fluent in Spanish and several other foreign languages.
Appointments are welcome, but not necessary. For more information about Senior Care Clinic, call (323) 307-0800.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Dr. Albert Arteaga, founder and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, is a finalist in the sixth annual Spirit of the Entrepreneur awards sponsored by the Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino.
He will be honored during a black-tie awards ceremony at the Riverside Convention Center on Wednesday, Nov. 12. This event begins at 6 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, with a dinner and awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
Dr. Arteaga is one of three finalists in the Corporate Entrepreneur Category, which recognizes the top entrepreneurs in medium to large-size companies. The award also honors local business people who have overcome challenges and given back to their community.
“I am honored to be named a finalist,” he said. “I’ve always thought that putting the needs of my patients first is a good way to do business. This award recognizes LaSalle Medical Associates as among the best in the Inland Empire, so that tells me my fellow business people also recognize it as a good business practice too.”
When Dr. Arteaga first opened LaSalle Medical Associates in 1984, he set out to not just aid those in need, but to change patients’ perception of “going to the doctor.” He explained, “I want everyone to feel that going to the doctor is no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.”
Dr. Arteaga started out as a pediatrician. Now, as the CEO of four medical clinics, his practice serves more than 100,000 people each year, from babies to seniors. He also owns an Independent Physicians’ Association serving 115 doctors.
Many of his patients are on Medi-Cal, and with a growing number of elderly patients, many on Medicare. Some have no health insurance at all. But with a strong belief that everyone deserves quality health care, Dr. Arteaga has parlayed this commitment into a business that last year made more than $40 million.
Dr. Arteaga has practiced a different approach to health care since the beginning. He models his practice after the way his father, a Seventh Day Adventist pastor, ran the churches of which he was in charge.
“It seemed to me my father had a good way of running his business, which was churches,” Dr. Arteaga said. “He welcomed anyone who even approached the door of the church. And if the people weren’t good Christians, he still accepted them, knowing that in time, most of them would change their ways.So I said, my clinics are going to be run like churches. We don’t exclude patients. We welcome all who come in.”
That was 24 years ago. On the first day, Dr. Arteaga and his wife Maria, then employed as his nurse and still his chief assistant, saw two patients. Last year, Dr. Arteaga’s five medical clinics had 108,061 visits, and grossed a little more than $40 million. Michael Stull, director for the Inland Center for Entrepreneurship, started this recognition program soon after coming to CSUSB in 2002.
Stull said this program not only promotes awareness of the Center for Entrepreneurship, but also provides role models to CSUSB students and local individuals interested in starting their own business.
“The Center for Entrepreneurship provides our students with solid instruction in how to be successful, which new businesses have a great need for in these economic times,” Stull said. And the businesses we are recognizing have been doing great things for awhile, which should serve as a motivation to anyone just starting out.”
Sponsors this year include The Business Press, Inland Empire Magazine, 951 Magazine, the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency, the Riverside County Economic Development Agency, the City of Riverside, Best, Best & Krieger, Citi, Quick Caption, Varner & Brandt, Citizens Business Bank and Tech Coast Angels, the Inland Empire Economic Partnership and the Small Business Development Center.
For more information, go to www.inlandspiritawards.com or call Stull at (909) 537-3708.
LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 17th St. and 565 North Mount Vernon in San Bernardino and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For an appointment or more information call LaSalle Medical Associates at (909) 890-0407.
Guests at a previous Inland Empire Disability Resources EXPO visit the Inland Empire Health Plan booth.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Dr. Edna Arteaga-Hernandez will highlight October’s Inland Empire Disability Resources EXPO. The free event is slated for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday Oct. 23rd at the Loma Linda University Medical Center.
She will speak on “Getting the Most from Doctor Visits and Medications,” topics of paramount importance to today’s patients.
Exhibits and workshops at the EXPO will explore health, housing, transportation, advocacy, employment, assistive technology and education.
Dr. Arteaga-Hernandez is the president and CEO of the Inland Empire’s Arther Medical Corporation.
Over four consecutive years she has received the coveted Polaris Award of Excellence in Public Relations Community Service for her radio talk show, “Cita con su Medici.” Additionally, Arteaga-Hernandez has aided students in various medical departments at Loma Linda’s School of Medicine and at Western University of Health Sciences.
The EXPO is presented by the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative, a group of 70-plus organizations serving people with disabilities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. “We dedicate our efforts,” say the Collaborative’s leaders, “ to promoting equal opportunity, universal access and full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.”
The Inland Empire Disability Resources EXPO is set for Thursday, October 23 from 9-2 at Loma Linda University Medical Center, 25040 Stewart Street in Loma Linda. For details on this free event call (909) 890-5833 or (909) 890-1623 TTY. On line you may write to iedisabilitiescollaborative@gmail.com.
For more information about Dr. Arteaga-Hernandez and other community doctors, call LaSalle Medical Associates at (909) 890-0407.
Dr. Arteaga-Hernandez is a member of the LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. Independent Physicians Association. (IPA.)
