California Northstate University names Dr. Richard Isaacs, former Kaiser CEO, as new dean

A new dean has been named for California Northstate University’s College of Medicine.

Dr. Richard Isaacs, 60, an ear, nose and throat specialist, began in the role starting in June, according to his LinkedIn page. He has taught as a head and neck surgery professor at the Elk Grove university since July 2015.

He previously served as the director and CEO of The Permanente Medical Group and The Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group until last month.

Isaacs said his plan is to remain active in head an neck surgery.

“This practice has defined me for 28 years,” he said.

He took the CEO position in 2017, according to his biography still posted on the Kaiser website. Prior to that, he served as physician in chief at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento from 2005 to 2017.

He was named among Modern Healthcare’s 50 most influential physician leaders and 100 most influential healthcare leaders.

He possesses advanced certification in surgery on head and neck tumors, according to his LinkedIn page. He will also serve as CNU’s vice president of medical affairs.

“I am thrilled to contribute to advancing medical education at California Northstate University College of Medicine,“ Isaacs said in a news release. “The mission to establish a strong pool of physicians to address the expanding health requirements of our country is admirable ... I am excited to help shape the future physician workforce and advance the development fo a top-tier medical center in the region.”