LACMA CEO Named 2025 Trusted Advisor of the Year at LABJ Health Care Leadership Awards

August 27, 2025 | Biltmore Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) proudly celebrates its CEO, Gustavo

Friederichsen, for being named the 2025 Trusted Advisor of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal at the 2025 Health Care Leadership Awards.

Held at the historic Biltmore Los Angeles, this marquee event honored the visionary individuals and organizations transforming health care in the region. Gustavo was recognized not only for his strategic leadership, but for his deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.

Honoring Visionary Leadership

Gustavo was selected among a distinguished group of finalists in the Trusted Advisor category, earning recognition for a landmark year that included:

• Forging a Gun Violence Prevention Campaign in partnership with L.A. Care Health Plan and the L.A. County Department of Public Health

• Driving record-breaking membership growth at LACMA

• Championing successful legislation

• Spearheading a $10,000 donation to Undue Medical Debt, which erased over $2 million in medical bills for 1,740 L.A. County residents

Gustavo also served as a featured panelist, providing insights on evolving workforce dynamics and leadership strategies, and returned to the stage to present multiple awards as a Platinum Sponsor representative.

2025 LABJ Health Care Leadership Honorees

Individual Awards

• Trusted Advisor of the Year: Gustavo Friederichsen, Los Angeles County Medical Association

• Outstanding Health Care Volunteer: Lois Bennett, PIH Health

• Outstanding Health Care Innovator: Parini Mehta, CO Architects

• Hospital Executive of the Year: Annette Sy, Keck Medicine of USC

• Health Care Executive of the Year: Dr. Kavitha Bhatia, Prime Healthcare

• Hospital CEO or President of the Year: Marty Sargeant, Keck Medical Center of USC

Organization Awards

• Outstanding Community Outreach: Prime Healthcare

• Outstanding Collaboration: Keck Medicine of USC, UCLA Health, and OneLegacy

• Best New Product or Service: Sollis Health

• Best Health Care Technology & Advancement Product: SprintRay Inc

• Top Safety Net Provider: Antelope Valley Medical Center

• Community Clinic of the Year: Gracelight Community Health

• Educational or Institutional Program of the Year: UCLA Health

• Top Research Organization: City of Hope

• Top Medical Center or Hospital System: UCLA Health

Looking Ahead

LACMA extends its sincere congratulations to all 2025 nominees, finalists, and honorees. This year’s awards highlighted the strength and resilience of our region’s health care ecosystem—made possible by leaders who advocate with courage, innovate with compassion, and serve with unwavering purpose.

As Gustavo said in his remarks:

“Leadership today requires more than strategy—it requires humility, imagination, and the belief that transformation is always possible when we work together.”

We are proud of Gustavo and the entire LACMA team for continuing to advance physician leadership, community health, and meaningful partnerships across Los Angeles County.