On May 22, a group of physicians representing the California Medical Association (CMA) Ethnic Medical Organization Section (EMOS) and the CMA Foundation’s Network of Ethnic Physician Organizations (NEPO) gathered in Sacramento for the 6th annual EMOS/NEPO Ethnic Physicians Leadership Day.

During the morning session, participants learned about several issues facing the practice of medicine in the legislature, including a CMA-opposed bill (SB 491) that would allow nurses to practice without physician supervision.

The group also heard inspiring words from Sen. V. Manuel Perez, from the Imperial Valley who is sponsoring a CMA bill (AB 1288) that would increase residency slots across the state with an emphasis on serving medically underserved communities. Perez talked about growing up in Imperial Valley and the struggle his family had finding a doctor in the area. The bill would increase the number of doctors in such underserved communities. His bill enjoys bi-partisan support and is expected to pass.

Armed with the information from the morning training, participants headed to the Capitol in the afternoon to meet with over 14 legislators. They provided legislators with unique health care perspectives from ethnic physicians and physicians working in ethnic communities.

Contact: Alecia Sanchez, (916) 444-5532 or asanchez@cmadocs.org.