The California Medical Association hosted its 51st annual Legislative Advocacy Day on April 9, bringing more than 350 physicians, medical students and residents from across the state to Sacramento to advocate for important health care issues affecting Californians.
Avleen Gill, DO, John Hiller, DO and Brandon Hendricks, DO
SSVMS was well represented among the delegation, joining physicians from across the state and the region for meetings with legislators at the state Capitol. Altogether, CMA physicians held 133 meetings with legislators or staff at 116 of 120 legislative offices.
Physicians, including SSVMS members, were ready to go after a morning training.
Primary talking points included CMA-backed bills to establish a physician health and wellness program and for the package of legislation dedicated to reforming the prior authorization process.
“We were thrilled with the level of participation at Legislative Advocacy Day from our members, who turned out in big numbers again,” said SSVMS Executive Director Aileen Wetzel. “With the Capitol right in our backyard, we have a special opportunity, and a responsibility, to be there to advocate for physicians in our region and throughout California.”
SSVMS President Adam Dougherty, MD (right) makes a point during a visit with the SSVMS delegation to the office of Sen. Roger Niello, who represents parts of Sacramento and Placer counties.
“It was a very effective day of communicating our message to decision-makers, including those who don’t always agree with us,” said Adam Dougherty, MD, who had a high profile at the event as SSVMS president and as a member of CMA’s Board of Trustees. “It’s more important than ever in our current environment for physicians to aggressively advocate for our profession and our patients. I’m proud of our members for turning out to join us at the Capitol and telling our story about the challenges we face daily trying to help our patients.”
Sara Aghamohammadi, MD, Ellen Shank, MD and Dayna Isaac, MD
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Legislative Advocacy Day and for making a difference in the practice of medicine in California!
