I am equal parts grateful and invigorated to have the honor and privilege of serving as president of the California Medical Association (CMA). I am excited to have the opportunity to work alongside you all in advocating for our patients, our profession and our communities.
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Over the past year, we have accomplished so much – particularly with the passage of Proposition 35, which was resoundingly approved by voters by nearly 68%. And yet there is still so much to do. In the coming months, CMA will continue our work with member physicians on priorities such as ensuring the sustainability of physician practices, reforming our Medicare physician payment system, protecting public health and shaping the future of medicine in California.
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At the national level, the 2024 election has brought a mix of challenges and opportunities. CMA will continue to advocate for the core positions held by our physician membership including:
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- Health care funding: Nearly 15 million Californians and half of births in the state are covered by Medicaid, 6.6 million Californians are covered by Medicare and 1.9 million Californians are enrolled in Covered California plans. Cutting funding will negatively impact the health of millions of Californians, as well as people throughout the country.
- Settled science of vaccines: At the core of CMA’s position about quality care is a strong belief in the settled science of vaccines. It is essential to California’s success and the health of Californians that these issues be addressed with a focus on evidence-based policies.
- Access to care: Timely access to care can be a matter of life and death. CMA remains committed to ensuring our patients can avail themselves of the medical services they and their family members need, while providing necessary protection for physicians who provide that care.
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Rest assured, CMA will be closely monitoring developments at both the state and federal levels, ensuring that you are informed and empowered to navigate whatever challenges may arise.
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As we tackle these challenges, CMA will continue to emphasize what I believe makes us such a powerful force: our individual voices and our collective action. The individual voices of our members have brought issues to the forefront and crafted policy solutions, including Prop 35. And our collective action has been the follow-through that turns those ideas into real change. From advocating as respected voices on the issues impacting our patients to testifying before the legislature and lending our voices to grassroots efforts to lobby lawmakers, your advocacy is what makes our victories possible.
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So, whether through formal or informal channels, in our large gatherings or in one-on-ones, I encourage all members to bring your voices, your ideas and your energy to our advocacy efforts. Together, we will build a strong, inclusive and resilient future for health care in California. I encourage you to explore how to get more involved, from lobbying in Sacramento to D.C., to connecting with your physician colleagues, to serving as a trusted spokesperson on behalf of physicians and patients. Visit cmadocs.org/opportunities for more information.
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Thank you for your dedication to our profession, and I look forward to the work we will accomplish together this year.
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Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D.
President, California Medical Association
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