2026–27 SDCMS Board of Directors (BOD) Elections
2026–27 SDCMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS
March 31 — May 5, 2026
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⚠Asterisk (✽) After Name = Incumbent |
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⚠# in Parentheses After Name = Term Length in Years |
OFFICERS:
GEOGRAPHIC DIRECTORS:
- East County #1: Randall J. Young, MD, FAAEM, FACEP, MMM (3)
- Kearny Mesa #2: Dustin H. Wailes, MD✽ (3)
- La Jolla #2: Audra Robertson Meadows, MD, MPH, FACOG✽ (3)
- North County #1: Quinn Kerr Lippmann, MD, FACOG, MPH (1)
- South Bay #2: Latisa S. Carson, MD, FACOG, DABOM✽ (3)
AT–LARGE DIRECTORS:
YOUNG PHYSICIAN DIRECTOR:
RESIDENT DIRECTOR:
CMA DISTRICT I DELEGATES:
OFFICERS [top]
President–Elect Karrar H. Ali, DO, MPH (1):
I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for the position of President–Elect. Serving on the Executive Committee of San Diego County Medical Society has been deeply meaningful to me, and I remain committed to supporting an environment in which physicians across our county can succeed and flourish.
I am an emergency medicine physician with nearly two decades of clinical experience. I completed my education and training in Chicago and relocated to San Diego in 2007, where I joined Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. I currently serve as a senior partner with Vituity, a national, physician–led, multi–specialty group that provides emergency services at Sharp Chula Vista. Over the years, I have had the privilege of contributing to both my physician group and the Sharp healthcare system, including roles on the hospital throughput committee and the medical executive committee at Sharp Chula Vista. In addition, I am an adjunct faculty with the University of Rochester’s Mindfulness in Medicine program, where I facilitate mindfulness and wellness sessions for healthcare professionals.
My involvement with San Diego County Medical Society spans more than ten years as a member of the Board of Directors. The advocacy and educational efforts of SDCMS, in partnership with California Medical Association, have had a meaningful impact on physicians across specialties. These efforts have been especially critical in protecting MICRA, supporting physicians during the COVID–19 pandemic, and addressing challenges to Medi–Cal and patient access to care.
I am eager to continue advocating on behalf of my colleagues throughout San Diego County, ensuring that physicians are supported so they can best care for their patients and help them navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system.
Outside of medicine I live with my wife, Shahrzad Nooravi, a business psychologist, and my nephew, a UCSD student who hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Three years ago, I started a concierge medical practice and now have joined Coastal Concierge Physicians, a membership–based group practice serving La Jolla and the surrounding areas. Thank you for your continued support and consideration.
Secretary Rakesh R. Patel, MD, MBA, FAAFP, CPE (1):
I am honored to be nominated for the position of Secretary of San Diego County Medical Society.
I am a family physician and the CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare, a Federally Qualified Health Center and PACE organization, serving over 100,000 patients who are underserved and medically needy. I am also a CMA Delegate representing the Medium Size Group Practice Forum as well as serve on the Council of Legislation.
My background in family medicine allows me to speak of the various challenges of primary care — access, reimbursement, administrative burdens, staffing, etc. I also understand the many challenges of running a healthcare organization.
My overarching goals are to improve the health of our community, while continuing to advocate for the under– and uninsured.
Treasurer Arlene J. Morales, MD (1):
I would like to continue to represent my colleagues but changing my role from North County Geographic Director to Treasurer for San Diego County Medical Society. I am a Reproductive Endocrinologist/Infertility Specialist and founded Fertility Specialists Medical Group in 2000.
Since my first term, I have served on the State CALPAC (our CMA fundraising arm) as well as on the SDCMS Legislative Committee where we interview local political candidates to assess their alignment with physicians’ concerns. I have been involved with SDCMS since 2000 in several long–term capacities ranging from Bioethics to Physician Wellness Committees, as well as several leadership positions throughout my career in both academics and hospital systems.
SDCMS provides a vital forum/tool for physician voices to be heard by the public and government bodies both locally and statewide. SDCMS also provides a space for physicians to collaborate on issues central to continued excellence in patient care as well as our own wellness. Our voices are critical in today’s changing medical landscape where the physician–patient relationship is being influenced by several other stakeholders. It has been a privilege to serve on the SDCMS board and I ask for your continued trust and support.
GEOGRAPHIC DIRECTORS [top]
East County Director #1 Randall J. Young, MD, FAAEM, FACEP, MMM (3):
I am honored to be considered for the position of East County Director with San Diego County Medical Society. I have been a practicing emergency physician in Southern California for the past 16 years, working in a combination of academic and private hospital settings. Since 2012, I have practiced with Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG) in San Diego County.
In addition to my full–time clinical work — primarily at San Marcos Medical Center — I have held a variety of leadership roles within SCPMG, including Co–Chair of both the Emergency Operations Committee and the Emergency Management Committee for the San Diego Service Area, Physician in Charge of Urgent Care Services for Southern San Diego County, and faculty member with Kaiser Permanente’s first Emergency Medicine Residency Program. Most recently I have divided my time between bedside clinical care and SCPMG’s regional Emergency Prospective Review Program, where I collaborate with emergency physicians throughout California to discuss patient care.
Outside of SCPMG, I currently serve as a volunteer oral examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine and as a member of the steering committee for the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). In this role, I help national ACEP leadership better understand and respond to the needs of the physicians they represent.
I believe my experience in clinical medicine, physician leadership, and state and national advocacy has given me both the perspective and the skills necessary to effectively represent East County physicians and advocate for initiatives that improve the health of all San Diegans. Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to have your vote.
Kearny Mesa Director #2 Dustin H. Wailes, MD✽ (3):
I am honored to be seeking reelection as the Kearny Mesa Director on the SDCMS Board of Directors. As a cardiac anesthesiologist in private practice at ASMG and working at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, I firmly believe that representing physicians and our patients is more crucial than ever.
Major policy shifts can occur rapidly, and without the advocacy of SDCMS and CMA, vulnerable patients may be at risk. It is essential that physicians collaborate with a unified voice to shape healthcare policy, ultimately improving the lives of our patients and advancing our profession.
If elected, I am committed to continuing my role in SDCMS, advocating for the professional and patient community.
La Jolla Director #2 Audra Robertson Meadows, MD, MPH, FACOG✽ (3):
I am honored to be considered for a position on the San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) Board of Directors. As a board–certified OB/GYN, Professor, and Vice Chair at UC San Diego, I have dedicated my career to strengthening physician leadership, transforming health systems, and advancing policies that promote equitable, excellent care for all.
Throughout my career, I have served in key leadership roles within organized medicine, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Massachusetts Section and the Massachusetts Medical Society, where I worked to shape maternal health policies and statewide quality initiatives. As a founding director of the Perinatal–Neonatal Quality Improvement Network of Massachusetts (PNQIN) and lead for the state’s AIM Initiative and Maternal Equity Bundle, I collaborated with hospitals, policymakers, and clinicians to drive measurable improvements in maternal outcomes across more than 30 hospitals.
At UC San Diego, my work continues this mission through NIH–funded research, health systems science education, equity–focused perinatal quality improvement, and leadership in the Center for Learning Health Systems. SDCMS plays a vital role in advocating for physicians, strengthening professional well–being, and ensuring healthcare policies reflect the needs of both providers and patients.
As a strong advocate for physicians at every stage of their careers, I am committed to bringing my expertise in policy, quality improvement, and health system leadership to the board. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues, advocate for our profession, and strengthen the future of medicine in San Diego. It would be an honor to contribute my experience to the important work of SDCMS.
North County Director #1 Quinn Kerr Lippmann, MD, FACOG, MPH (1):
I am honored to be considered for the position as North County Director on the San Diego County Medical Society board. It is a privilege to work with physicians across many specialties and practice types to unify our voices and work towards improving health care for our patients and quality of life for our members.
I am a member of the CMA Council on Medical Services, helping to identify issues most relevant to our state medical community and craft resolutions that guide our legislative priorities. I am also the current Vice Chair of the District I Delegation to the House of Delegates.
As a urogynecologist with the Permanente group, I bring the perspective of a large group physician. Prior to moving to California in 2023, I was a partner in a 30 physician private practice in Virginia. Working in two very different practice models has given me varying perspectives that allow me to see different sides of the patient and physician experience and I bring this broad view to the board. I am passionate about organized medicine and love engaging new physicians and medical students and showing them that while this work is serious it is also fun and invigorating!
With the tumultuous political landscape, coming together as physicians is more vital than ever, and I would be honored to continue my work with the SDCMS board.
South Bay Director #2 Latisa S. Carson, MD, FACOG, DABOM✽ (3):
First, I would like to thank you for electing me as South Bay Director to the San Diego County Medical Society Board last term.
As a reintroduction, I grew up in the south county of San Diego and returned home in 2001 to practice medicine. I have had privileges at Sharp Chula Vista, Scripps Chula Vista, and Paradise Valley Hospital. I have served on several hospital committees and on the Sharp Quality Committee.
I was recently elected by my colleagues, to the position of OB/Gyn Department Chair at Sharp Chula Vista Hospital. I have been in solo private practice as an obstetrician gynecologist in the south county of San Diego for over 20 years. I am also board certified in obesity medicine and have a special interest in improving the health of those in my community. I have brought the perspective of providing care to a substantial portion of the underserved and the struggles of being a private practice physician in this current challenging medical and political climate.
It has been an extreme privilege and honor to serve and represent the physicians and patients of the south county of San Diego. In this capacity, I have been mentored by members of the SDCMS, CMA, and AMA boards on effective advocacy at the local, state, and national level. It has been an exciting experience, and I would like to continue to make a positive impact in healthcare policy and legislation.
AT–LARGE DIRECTORS [top]
At–Large Director #1 Steven Li–Wen Chen, MD, FACS, MBA✽ (3):
It is an honor to be considered for re–election to an At–Large Director position for SDCMS.
As a surgical oncologist in independent practice with offices in Mira Mesa and Encinitas, I hold privileges in the Scripps, Sharp, and Palomar systems, allowing me to get a broad overview of county issues. Prior to my current practice, I have been an academic physician at UC Davis while serving as chief of breast surgery and an employed physician at City of Hope in Los Angeles.
Through these different places, I have developed experience in multiple practice modes and will ensure that our policies and positions take all modes of practice into account. My experience in organized medicine has spanned serving on the board of the Los Angeles County Medical Association and the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, as well as nationally including being a Past President American Society of Breast Surgeons, as well as prior service on the Governing Councils of the Young Physicians Section of the AMA and the Young Fellows Association of the American College of Surgeons.
I continue to serve on committees of the AMA, American College of Surgeons, and the Society of Surgical Oncology allowing me to stay up to date on the issues facing the professional practice of surgery and medicine, while also serving as a delegate in the AMA House of Delegates giving me a broader view of the needs of other specialties.
I continue to believe that if we do not defend our profession and our ability to act as professionals in the best interests of our patients, we will lose the right to be a profession. SDCMS and organized medicine are key links to ensuring that being a physician continues to mean being a professional. I ask for your support to allow me to help represent you and your concerns.
At–Large Director #4 Jessica L. Thackaberry, MD (3):
I am honored to be considered for the position of At–Large Director #4 for SDCMS Board of Directors for the coming term.
I work as an inpatient psychiatrist at UCSD, and have served our community here in San Diego since 2012. I have been involved with CMA House of Delegates on the Specialty Delegation representing the California State Association of Psychiatrists as well as CMA Council on Legislation since 2021, and have thoroughly enjoyed the work I have done with CMA.
I look forward to potentially spending more time with District I of CMA, and to focus on the needs of my own community, bringing physicians together in advocacy for our patients and for physicians in California. I am heavily involved in the American Psychiatric Association as well, and through them I have participated in multiple advocacy days, both in Sacramento and Washington DC.
I believe that organized medicine is one of the means with which we as physicians make change in our communities and our country. I look forward to joining the SDCMS team in advocacy efforts.
At–Large Director #6 Alexander K. Quick, MD✽ (3):
It has been a privilege serving on the Board of Directors for the San Diego County Medical Society and it would be an honor to continue.
I believe SDCMS does an amazing job of advocating for patients and their physicians, and I hope to help the collective effort.
At–Large Director #8 Steve Sang–Hyun Koh, MD, MPH, MBA (3):
Dear colleagues,
It has been an honor and a privilege to have been your President and now stepping down as Immediate Past President.
My term reinforced in my mind of the importance of our organization in shaping the best possible care for our patients in San Diego. As physicians, we are stronger when together, focusing on the science of health and aligned towards what is best for our patients.
To that end, I am extremely proud to be on the slate for ongoing service to the organization as At–Large Director. I hope to continue our work together.
Thank you for your consideration.
YOUNG PHYSICIAN DIRECTOR [top]
Young Physician Director Quinne C. Sember, MD✽ (1):
I completed my fellowship in hematology/oncology at Scripps in June 2024 and now work as a breast medical oncologist at UCSD. Physicians who are new attendings face unique challenges. I recognize the important role that the SDCMS can play in improving these issues and hope to broaden its influence among my peers.
I first joined SDCMS while in fellowship and have been impressed by my experiences with it thus far. I have prior experience in organized medicine, including serving as a District Delegate in the Resident and Fellow Section of CMA during my time in fellowship, and experience with the Texas Medical Association and physician advocacy groups working to improve healthcare for patients in Houston during my internal medicine residency.
I have now served as the Young Physician Section Director for SDCMS for the past year. I hope to continue to expand my experience in organized medicine through SDCMS as I appreciate the important role organizations such as these can play in ensuring the future of medicine is bright for all of those involved. I am honored to be considered for this role.
RESIDENT DIRECTOR [top]
Resident Director Shawn A. Ali, MD (1):
I am privileged to be considered for the 2026–2027 Resident Director position with San Diego County Medical Society.
This past year, I was privileged to serve as the District I RFS Delegate. During my tenure, I actively participated in the House of Delegates and contributed to the discussion and adoption of CMA policies, advocating for issues impacting trainees and early–career physicians.
I began my medical training here in San Diego and returned to complete my Hematology/Oncology fellowship, reinforcing my longstanding commitment to this community. I am deeply invested in improving access to high–quality care, promoting physician well–being and advancing medical education.
As Resident Director, I aim to bring the voices of residents and fellows to the forefront, ensuring our perspectives shape policy and drive meaningful change.
CMA DISTRICT I DELEGATES [top]
CMA District I Delegate Puja Chitkara, MD (3):
I am honored to seek the opportunity to serve as District I Delegate on the Board of Directors of San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS). SDCMS stands at the forefront of healthcare advocacy, playing a critical role in advancing the interests of both patients and physicians in San Diego County, while also representing our shared challenges and priorities at the state and national levels.
I am a subspecialty–trained rheumatologist with advanced training in clinical investigation from the National Institutes of Health. I am the Founder and CEO of the Center for Rheumatology Excellence (CARE) with locations in San Diego and Chula Vista, where we are committed to delivering compassionate, innovative, and value–based care to patients living with rheumatologic diseases.
My leadership experience includes serving as Past President and current Board Member of the San Diego Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. I also serve as the San Diego Chapter Lead for the Alliance for Women in Rheumatology (AWIR), an international organization dedicated to advancing career development and leadership opportunities for women in rheumatology. Under my leadership our chapter recently completed a highly successful membership recruitment campaign, earning top national recognition from AWIR for achieving the greatest increase in new members among all local chapters.
Additionally, I have served two consecutive terms on the Board of Directors of the Sharp Foundation. I take great pride in supporting the organizations and communities I represent and in working collaboratively to advance meaningful initiatives.
If elected I look forward to bringing the same energy, dedication, and collaborative spirit to SDCMS. I am committed to supporting our physician members, strengthening advocacy efforts, and partnering with fellow board members to further the mission and vision of SDCMS leadership.
CMA District I Delegate Eric L. Rafla–Yuan, MD✽ (3):
Thank you for considering me for re–election as District I Delegate on the San Diego County Medical Society Board. I take this role seriously because advocating for our patients, our profession, and our communities is one of our most important responsibilities as physicians.
This is a particularly critical moment. Medicine is facing sustained attacks on science and evidence–based practice. Meeting that challenge requires physicians standing together — locally, statewide and nationally — to defend sound policy and protect public health.
In California, we also face major policy shifts ahead, including upcoming leadership changes in Sacramento and the need to understand and adapt to the impacts of HR 1. I am committed to keeping San Diego physicians’ voices at the table and ensuring that our patients and our profession are not left behind.
Thank you again for your consideration.
CMA District I Delegate Ran Regev, MD✽ (3):
NO CANDIDATE STATEMENT
CMA District I Delegate Kosala Samarasinghe, MD✽ (3):
I am asking for your support as I run for a District I Delegate seat at SDCMS.
It has been my privilege to serve as a District I Delegate for the last 3 years, I previously served as your At–Large Alternate Director for 6 years. Prior to that I served as your East County Geographic Director. I have had the honor of serving on the SDCMS Board of Directors for over 15 years to help improve healthcare access to our patients while advocating for physician rights.
I am an internist and have been in the San Diego medical community for over 20 years. I started my career in Southern California working with Neighborhood HealthCare, a federally qualified clinic caring for the lives of the underserved population in northeastern San Diego. My career later led me to a private practice in East County with Alvarado Medical Group. As my professional career in East County began to grow, I found great rewards by being part of organized medicine. I became involved at Alvarado Hospital, initially serving on hospital committees and rose up the leadership ladder to become the Chief of Medicine at Alvarado Hospital. I was also a Past President of Alvarado Medical Group. Being the Chief of Medicine at Alvarado is what ultimately led me to wanting to be more than a practicing physician. Therefore I joined the SDCMS Board.
For the last 13 years I have worked for Scripps Coastal Medical Group. Initially after joining Scripps Coastal, I served as the site lead at the Alvarado location then moved my practice to the Hillcrest location. I served on the Scripps Coastal Board of Directors, fulfilling 2 separate, 3 year terms. I currently serve on the Retirement Committee.
My involvement on the SDCMS board has enabled me to represent patients and physicians in San Diego as well as the rest of California. There has been a drastic paradigm shift in healthcare reform during the past decade and the next few years will continue to be challenging. We continue to struggle with patient access, physician welfare, and the demands of the EMR system. Scripps has opened up walk–in clinics, on–demand appointments, and expanded telehealth appointments to help facilitate patient access. Physicians continue to struggle with their work–life balance as the expanding EMR capabilities challenge our patient care time. We are working diligently with those who have a stake in physician wellness to help us succeed in delivering quality care to our patients. It is imperative that physician voices be heard not only to protect our profession, but also to protect the rights of our patients.
My interest in medicine has also allowed me to help shape the minds of young physicians. I have been privileged with the honor of proctoring first– and second–year medical students from UCSD in my clinic and have participated in their careers pathway program. I have also proctored the PA students from Stanford University. These have been very rewarding experiences. I wish to continue contributing not only to the young physicians in our community but also to the experienced physicians as well.
Please allow me to continue to serve on the SDCMS Board of Directors to represent physician and their patient interests.