Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO, Heritage Provider Network, Salutes Legacy Award Winner, Former California State Assemblyman, Dr. Keith Richman, of Lakeside Medical Group

MARINA DEL REY, Calif., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO, Heritage Provider Network, salutes Legacy Award winner Dr. Keith Richman, of Lakeside Medical Group, part of the HPN Family.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100203/LA49033)

Dr. Richman received the prestigious Legacy Award from the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce on Friday, January 29th 2009 at their annual Business Achievement luncheon. The Chamber has only given the Legacy Award out twice in the last 50 years and surprised Dr. Richman with this much-deserved award.

"Dr. Richman has brought a distinctive spirit, and has long been a friend, to Simi Valley.  His work on behalf of our community while he served as our Assemblyman in Sacramento speaks to his strong commitment to service, and his dedication to improving people's lives," said The Honorable Paul Miller, Mayor of Simi Valley, in honoring Dr. Richman.  

The Mayor added, "While representing Simi Valley in the State Assembly, Keith Richman never hesitated to tackle the most challenging of issues – whether it be arguing for workers' compensation and health maintenance organization reform, addressing the energy crisis, fighting against the imposition of unreasonable and costly regulations, increasing access to medical care, improving our State's infrastructure, or laying out a plan that would have provided for a fiscally responsible State budget process.  Keith Richman has been a voice of reason and a visionary in a system marred by partisanship and failed leadership.  And he continues to be an important voice in one of the most crucial issues facing state and local government today – that of providing for a viable and fiscally sustainable pension system."

"And, while Dr. Richman's legislative service on behalf of Simi Valley and all Californians is significant, his support of many Simi Valley charities and organizations through his representation in the Lakeside Medical Group, has made a huge impact in the community of Simi Valley as an active participant and supporter who has been committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our community. The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce salutes Dr. Keith Richman for building a 'legacy' of goodwill and improving the quality of life through his altruistic spirit," concluded Miller.

"Dr. Richman plays a vital role at Lakeside Medical Group, and in the HPN family," said Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO. " I am delighted he has been recognized with the Legacy Award from the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce for all his contributions to the community and the state."

"The Legacy Award is one I cherish," said Dr. Richman. "I am deeply honored and thank all the wonderful friends and colleagues I have in the Simi Valley Chamber for giving me opportunity to serve wherever I can."

About Heritage Provider Network

Heritage Provider Network, Inc. (HPN) is on the cutting edge of the accountable care model of health care delivery: coordinated, patient-doctor centric, integrated health care systems that represent the future of health care in the United States. HPN develops programs and services that are responsive to the healthcare needs of today's patient. HPN designs its networks to offer patients a comprehensive range of medical care in convenient locations.  It organizes and manages medical groups and independent practice associations, integrating with hospitals and ancillary care providers. This system represents a workable, successful business model that has been duplicated with medical groups, IPAs and medical facilities throughout California.  HPN is dedicated to quality, affordable health care and putting patients' wellness first.

SOURCE Heritage Provider Network, Inc.