Dr. L. Richard Van MeterMD, FCCP
Internal Medicine
at Private Physicians Medical Associates — Newport Beach, CA
About
Dr. L. Richard Van Meter earned his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine in 1973. He completed both his internal medicine residency and pulmonary fellowship at UCLA-Harbor General Hospital. He holds board certification in Internal Medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the distinction of Fellow in the College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Van Meter has practiced medicine for over 35 years. During his military service, he served as Chief of Staff at Ireland Army Hospital. He later held leadership roles as Chief of Medicine at Westminster Hospital and Huntington Beach Hospital. He maintains staff positions at Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital and UCI Medical Center. He serves on the medical school admission selection committee at UCI School of Medicine and on the Board of Directors of St. Michael's Abbey and Mary's Shelter. The Orange County Medical Association has recognized him as a Physician of Excellence. A Knight of Magistral Grace in Obedience in The Order of Malta, he brings a deep commitment to service to his work inside and outside medicine. He and his wife Sherry have two children and four grandchildren.
Education & Training
Medical School
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine (1973)
Residency
Internal Medicine, UCLA-Harbor General Hospital
Fellowship
Pulmonary, UCLA-Harbor General Hospital
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Van Meter right for?
Dr. Van Meter is well suited for adults seeking an experienced internist with deep roots in pulmonary medicine. Patients managing pulmonary conditions or complex internal medicine concerns benefit from his subspecialty background. His decades of clinical leadership make him a strong fit for patients who value long-standing physician expertise. Note that Dr. Van Meter is not currently accepting new patients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Van Meter specializes in internal medicine and pulmonology. He treats pulmonary disease alongside a broad range of internal medicine conditions. His preventive medicine focus means he works with patients to identify and manage health risks before they escalate.
Yes. Dr. Van Meter holds board certification in Internal Medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine. He also holds the distinction of Fellow in the College of Chest Physicians, reflecting his advanced expertise in pulmonary medicine.
Dr. Van Meter received his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine in 1973. He completed his internal medicine residency and pulmonary fellowship at UCLA-Harbor General Hospital.
Yes. The Orange County Medical Association has recognized Dr. Van Meter as a Physician of Excellence. He also serves on the medical school admission selection committee at UCI School of Medicine, reflecting his standing in the medical community.
Dr. Van Meter holds staff positions at both Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital and UCI Medical Center. He previously served as Chief of Medicine at Westminster Hospital and Huntington Beach Hospital.
Dr. Van Meter is not currently accepting new patients. Prospective patients interested in PPMA can connect with Dr. Davis or Dr. Cardoza, both of whom see new patients.
Dr. Van Meter serves on the Board of Directors of St. Michael's Abbey and Mary's Shelter. He is also a Knight of Magistral Grace in Obedience in The Order of Malta, an international charitable organization of the Catholic Church.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026