The California Medical Association (CMA) held its 154th House of Delegates (HOD) meeting October 18–19 at the Marriott hotel in Los Angeles, bringing together more than 800 physicians and medical students from across the state. This year’s meeting was defined by collaboration, advocacy, and a shared commitment to protecting patient care amid unprecedented federal challenges.
The CMA celebrated new leadership as René Bravo, MD, a pediatrician from San Luis Obispo, was inducted as the association’s 157th president. Several distinguished awards were given to honor physician excellence, including: the Gary S. Nye Award, to P.T. Koenig, MD; the Compassionate Service Award, to Shagun Bindlish, MD.; and the Frederick K.M. Plessner Memorial Award, to Salvador Sandoval, MD, MPH. Meanwhile, the House of Delegates applauded Dr. Richard Pan as he announced his campaign to bring physician leadership back to government by running for the House of Representatives in California’s 3rd District.
Delegates focused on a single, urgent theme: responding to federal funding cuts and other attacks on health care, public health, and medicine. The adopted resolutions will guide CMA’s efforts to oppose reductions to Medicare and Medicaid, safeguard evidence-based medicine, and strengthen physician workforce development and education pathways. These actions reflect CMA’s determination to ensure that California remains a leader in patient-centered care. Policy discussions also addressed immigration and patient safety, reaffirming CMA’s support for comprehensive immigration reform and opposing enforcement actions that deter patients from seeking care. Delegates approved governance updates to maintain transparency and accountability within CMA and its representation at the American Medical Association.
Modernizing CMA’s Structure
The CMA also adopted significant bylaws changes to improve efficiency and representation. In order to ensure timely and organized debate, the House introduced a Resolution Sorting Committee tasked with prioritizing and routing resolutions to either the House or the Board of Trustees for final policy decisions. Additionally, Council Reference Committees were formalized to allow councils to revise reports after member testimony, enhancing responsiveness during Annual Sessions. The Young Physicians Section was renamed the Early Career Physicians Section, reflecting the broader scope of physician engagement.
Other changes included clarifying the function of the House of Delegates, updating rules for introducing business, and extending council member terms from one year to two years to promote continuity. Term limits were adjusted to allow exemptions for trainees and leadership roles. The CMA Delegation to the AMA also received updated language emphasizing its role in advancing CMA policy priorities, building relationships, and supporting leadership development at the national level.
For physicians in the Sierra Sacramento Valley region, these decisions carry real significance. Protecting federal funding ensures stability for practices serving vulnerable populations in our area. CMA’s commitment to expanding physician training pathways supports local residency programs and helps address regional shortages in primary care and specialties. Policies grounded in evidence-based medicine strengthen our ability to deliver comprehensive care without political interference, while CALPAC’s record-breaking fundraising empowers Sacramento physicians to influence legislation that affects our patients and practices.
As health care faces mounting challenges, the 2025 HOD reaffirmed that organized medicine remains a powerful force—locally and statewide.
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Cover Photo by Laura James, courtesy Pexels
