L.A. Blue Cross Names New Medical Director

The Los Angeles region Blue Cross of California/California Care Health Plans has appointed a new medical director, officials announced Monday.

Dr. George Au, 44, a resident of Glendora, is the new director, responsible for the company’s oversight of physicians, medical groups, independent physician associations and hospitals in the region, including eight bone marrow transplant centers, company spokesman Elise Anderson said.

Au also will serve as senior medical officer for issues throughout the company relating to transplants, as well as oversight of policies and decisions pertaining to oncology care and transplants, she said.

“After 20 years of clinical training I am now using my experience to improve the quality of care,” Au said.

A practicing oncologist, Au has served as a physician advisor to Blue Cross of California since last year.

In addition to medical education and training in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States, Au received a master’s degree in health policy and management from Harvard University.

He is certified in both internal medicine and oncology in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Blue Cross of California is a nonprofit, managed health care corporation serving about 6.8 million Californians through health maintenance organizations, preferred-provider organizations and specialty managed health care networks, according to the organization.