Physicians and other health care providers have served many roles during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic— including and beyond their work as front-line providers of care. They are public health leaders, advocates, communicators and subject-matter experts, and many are caregivers for their family members.

In the next installment of our Virtual Grand Rounds on July 13, 2021, the California Medical Association (CMA) will host a physician who has had a birds-eye view of the pandemic in California: Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, Mark Ghaly, M.D., MPH. 

A pediatrician by training, Dr. Ghaly has long worked in the safety net systems of California, with a focus on caring for vulnerable patients who fall through the cracks, from children with complex care needs to residents of our jails and prisons, and those experiencing homelessness. In this conversation with Dr. Ghaly, he will share his experience as a key decisionmaker and leader during these unprecedented times. He will discuss: how the state managed the pandemic; upcoming issues for California as the state continues its recovery process; lessons to be drawn from the pandemic to improve our health system; and ways to codify what we have learned to prepare for a future health crisis.

We will also welcome back Erica Pan, M.D., California State Epidemiologist, who will give updates on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic nationally and in California, review the progress of the vaccine rollout, and share the latest information on the evolving COVID-19 variants.

The 90-minute grand rounds webinars are free and open to all interested clinicians. Participants can receive 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Clinicians likely to encounter COVID-19 in their practice settings (e.g., front line physicians, nurse practitioners or physician assistants) are encouraged to join the monthly case-based presentations, which will include expert panel discussions and audience participation.

If you are unable to attend the live webinar, they will be available for on-demand playback at covidroundsca.org.  

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the California Medical Association and California Health and Human Services Agency.  CMA is accredited by ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The California Medical Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.