West Valley Magazine features the 5TH ANNUAL WILD WESTERN FESTIVAL!
Leonard Kirschner, July 2010, Shaker
Posted on 24. Jun, 2010 by trish in West Valley 24
After years of tireless work in the healthcare field, long-time West Valley resident Dr. Leonard Kirschner’s resume is both extensive and jaw-dropping. Many organizations have benefitted as he has spread around his expertise in his effort to assist the elderly and others receive good healthcare. Dr. Kirschner currently serves as president of AARP Arizona. He is also a member of the American Hospital Association Long Range Policy Committee and the SCAN Health Plan Arizona Board of Directors, among other advisory roles. Dr. Kirschner’s previous prestigious healthcare positions include serving as director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS); vice president of state health care for Electronic Date Services; and president of the Veterans Medical Leadership Council of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. Dr. Kirschner served on active duty in the United States Air Force for 22 years commanding five Air Force hospitals before retiring in 1985 as commanding officer of the USAF Hospital, Luke Air Force Base with the rank of colonel. He spent ten years at military medical facilities outside the United States, including assignments in Turkey, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Spain, and served four years as director, cadet health services at the USAF Academy. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Vietnam Service. A graduate of Williams College, Albany Medical College, and the Harvard University School of Public Health, Dr. Kirschner is an oft-requested speaker on the subjects of Medicaid, Medicare, managed care, behavioral health and healthcare reform. His numerous awards and honors include the Healthcare Lifetime Achievement Award from the Phoenix Business Journal, the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association’s Salisbury Award, and Westmarc’s Individual Leadership Award, among many others. Dr. Kirschner lives in Litchfield Park with his wife, Peggy.
Years in West Valley? 27
What are some of the leadership positions directly you have taken on in the West Valley and what did you accomplish? Commander, USAF Hospital Luke, 1983-1985. AHCCCS Director, 1987-1993. We started major new programs providing health care services to the elderly, blind and disabled population in Arizona.
Favorite quote: “Change is good. You go first.” – Dilbert
Who in history would you most like to have dinner with? Teddy Roosevelt
What’s your favorite musical group? National Orchestra of Spain
What you miss most?
Nothing. Happy with who and where I am.
What’s your biggest inspiration and why? Staying involved in the major issues facing our nation.
What is your favorite place/feature in the West Valley? Luke AFB
What is your favorite cause? Providing health care to all the residents of the West Valley
Most overrated virtue: Making money.
What would your super power be? A much better putting stroke
What’s your nickname? Doc K
Describe yourself as a child: Inquisitive
What keeps you up at night? Thinking about what I didn’t accomplish today and need to attack tomorrow.
One phrase you wish people wouldn’t say, or would say more: “You know.”
What’s your favorite food? Anything my wife serves. She is a great chef.
What is your biggest pet peeve? People not voting
Greatest Extravagance: A 1971 Fiat 124 Spider
Tell us something about you that perhaps the average person wouldn’t know? I met my wife in Madrid buying a car. That 1971 Fiat.
What originally drew you to the West Valley? One hundred copies of military orders assigning me to Luke.
What are your goals? My personal goal is to stay healthy and in love with my wife.
What is the secret to your success? A willingness to take chances.
How do you feel the West Valley has affected you, and how do you feel you’ve affected the West Valley? The West Valley has been the ideal place for Peggy and me to find a home. We have worked to make Litchfield Park a special place to live.
What would you recommend to people looking to make a difference in the West Valley? Get involved politically.
Who was an influence in your life/career, and how did they affect what you do? My parents who were first generation Americans. They taught me the value of an education.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the West Valley, and how does what you do help ease those challenges? The economic downturn has been hard on the community so the SW Valley Chamber needs our support.
Len clearly demonstrates the words of Dr King by always contributing his efforts for others!
“Every person must decide, at some point,
whether they will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is:
What are you doing for others?” –
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Doctor Len has been a major contributor to health care in Arizona and nationally. He is entertaining and informative public speaker. Tom Donovan
One incredible human being! Len and his wife are a tremendous gift to this State.
All of his efforts have made a lasting impact on AZ, and he continues to fight the important battles. Great work, Len!!
I have known len since I was 7 yrs. old. We have maintained a very important friendship . I am proud to say he is my friend.His accomplishments have overwhelmed me.Keep up the good work!
Len is leaving admirable footprints for the benefit of all of us where ever he has been and done.