Liz T. Lopez De Gutierrez has devoted her career to transforming health care access and patient education, and she now serves as manager of patient growth and retention at Altais Medical Group. In this role, she provides critical guidance to seniors navigating Medicaid and Medicare, conducts individual appointments to explain benefits and eligibility, manages patient inquiries and follow-ups, identifies housing solutions, organizes community initiatives and maintains strong relationships with patients. Her work consistently combines strategic vision, operational expertise, and a passion for empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to navigate complex health care systems.
Ms. De Gutierrez’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for these accomplishments. She earned a Master of Business Administration from La Sierra University in Riverside, California, and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California. This combination of advanced business and public administration training provided her with the skills to design innovative programs, manage operations effectively, and create meaningful educational initiatives for patients and communities.
Prior to this position, Ms. De Gutierrez dedicated nearly eighteen years to Family Care Specialists Medical Group in the same role. During her tenure, she established an information center for seniors that became a model for similar programs, providing vital guidance on state-funded insurance programs. She authored the business plan for the center and secured funding, earning sponsorship for her graduate studies from White Memorial Medical Center. Her leadership strengthened relationships with colleagues and physicians, many of whom continue to seek her guidance through educational sessions she conducts at White Memorial Medical Center.
Before these roles, Ms. De Gutierrez worked as the director of field operations at Maximus Healthcare Options, overseeing outreach initiatives designed to connect underserved populations with essential healthcare resources. Earlier in her career, she was the senior business development manager at White Memorial Medical Center, where she developed joint education programs and created comprehensive resource centers that offered multiple community services in one location. Her innovative approach inspired other hospitals to replicate her successful model.
Ms. De Gutierrez also contributed her expertise at St. Francis Medical Center, Encino Hospital Medical Center, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center and March of Dimes, supporting programs aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes. She began her professional journey as a lactation educator at Santa Marta Hospital, teaching mothers how to breastfeed and launching initiatives such as the car seat program. Identifying gaps in services, she advocated for a stroller program, collaborating with Graco to secure affordable options and improve family support.
Ms. De Gutierrez’s certifications include lactation educator and doula certifications from the University of California at Los Angeles and a pastry chef certification from Le Cordon Bleu, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and a diverse skill set. She attributes much of her success to divine inspiration, believing that many of her ideas are guided by God.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. De Gutierrez is civically engaged through church activities and community service. She enjoys woodworking, knitting, crocheting, reading, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her impact through a part-time role with Smiley Dental in the Los Angeles Unified School District, teaching fifth graders about dental hygiene.
Ms. De Gutierrez’s legacy is defined by innovation in patient advocacy, excellence in Medicaid and Medicare education, and dedication to improving the lives of those around her through compassionate service and community engagement.