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New CEO and executive medical director named for Washington Permanente Medical Group

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:00:00 PST

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Linnae Riesen
Linnae.M.Riesen@kp.org
206-316-0224

SEATTLE — Washington Permanente Medical Group announced new leadership with Taejoon Ahn, MD, MPH, selected as its new CEO and executive medical director, effective September 30. Dr. Ahn now leads one of Washington's largest multispecialty medical groups, with over 1,200 clinicians caring for more than 550,000 Kaiser Permanente members.

WPMG is the independent, physician-owned medical group that provides care for Kaiser Permanente members in Washington state, working exclusively with Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Ahn succeeds Dorian Reid, MD, who has been serving in an interim capacity since September 2025.

“We're proud to welcome Dr. Ahn to lead WPMG. His leadership in the Washington market, in partnership with regional president Cynthia Dold, will allow Kaiser Permanente to continue delivering on its mission for our members, clinicians, and communities," said Viral Shah, MD, chair of the WPMG board of directors.

With more than 15 years of experience as a physician executive, Dr. Ahn has built a distinguished career leading health care organizations through growth, innovation, and transformation. His leadership spans clinical operations, governance, physician engagement, and care delivery innovation, with a consistent focus on improving the experiences of both patients and clinicians while advancing organizational performance.

“I am honored to join WPMG,” said Dr. Ahn. “I believe deeply in the value of integrated care and coverage, and I see Kaiser Permanente as a model for the future of health care in America. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated people of WPMG, Kaiser Permanente, and the KP Medical Foundation as we continue to bring high-quality, coordinated care to more people across Washington.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Ahn to Washington and to Kaiser Permanente,” said Cynthia Dold, regional president of Kaiser Permanente Washington. “His deep experience leading physician organizations will be an incredible asset to our organization and the members we serve. Together, we will build on the strength of our integrated care and coverage model, working closely with our physicians, care teams, and employees to expand access, advance high-quality care, and improve the health of the communities we are privileged to serve.”

Dr. Ahn most recently served for 12 years as the president of John Muir Medical Group. Prior to that he served as vice president and medical director of urgent care services for John Muir Medical Group, faculty for the HIV/AIDS National Clinical Consultation Center at the University of California, San Francisco, and assistant clinical professor of Family & Community Medicine at UCSF. He served on the board of John Muir Health and was a founding director on the board of Canopy Health.

He also served on the California Academy of Family Physicians board of directors, medical practice affairs committee, audit and compliance committee, and chair of the legislative affairs committee, and on the California Medical Association’s Specialty Delegation and Council on Legislation.

Dr. Ahn received his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, where he also completed a residency in family and community medicine. He received his master’s degree in public health with an emphasis on epidemiology from the University of California, Berkeley. He is an alumnus of the California Health Care Foundation’s Leadership Fellowship and is a certified physician executive with the American Association for Physician Leadership (formerly the American College of Physician Executives).

About Kaiser Permanente

Magnet recognition joins a growing list of national recognitions earned by Los Angeles Medical Center, including being named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals and Best Cancer Hospitals by Newsweek and a Best Regional and High-Performing Hospital by U.S. News & World Report.

“Magnet redesignation recognizes the strength of our nursing practice and the collaborative clinical environment that supports outstanding patient outcomes,” said Harsimran Brara, MD, area medical director, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. “We’re proud of our nurses, physicians, and care teams whose dedication, innovation, and partnership continue to elevate the care experience for every patient.”

During the Magnet appraisal process, nurses, physicians, leaders, and interprofessional partners demonstrated the culture of excellence that distinguishes Los Angeles Medical Center. Their commitment to collaboration, evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and innovation helps ensure exceptional care for patients and contributes to healthier communities.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center has awarded Magnet designations to the following Kaiser Permanente facilities in Southern California:

2026 — Riverside Medical Center earned Magnet with Distinction
2026 — Moreno Valley Medical Center earned Magnet with Distinction
2025 — Woodland Hills Medical Center earned Magnet with Distinction
2023 — Fontana Medical Center
2023 — Panorama City Medical Center
2023 — Baldwin Park Medical Center
2022 — West Los Angeles Medical Center
2022 — Ontario Medical Center
2021, 2026 — Los Angeles Medical Center
2021, 2026 — Downey Medical Center
2018, 2023 — Anaheim Medical Center
2017, 2021 — Irvine Medical Center

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Kaiser Permanente and UH Mānoa expand mental health workforce

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:00:00 PST

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Linnae Riesen
Linnae.M.Riesen@kp.org
206-316-0224

About Kaiser Permanente

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