Summit brought together leaders and professionals focused on improving health of California’s communities

More than 150 health care leaders and professionals focused on improving the health of California’s communities gathered in Sacramento on July 11-12 for the second annual Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) Health Equity Leadership Summit.

“The Health Equity Leadership Summit is a tremendous opportunity for clinical leaders and other professionals focused on health equity to come together to share and deepen their knowledge of the work to be done,” said PHC Board Chair Howard A. Kahn. “It’s also a chance for us to take stock of our progress toward health equity and to recognize and celebrate those who are working hard to improve health care for all Californians.”

This dynamic event provided an opportunity for physicians, executives, advocates, and allies to find community, engage in hands-on trainings and workshops, and hold in-depth conversations about how they are addressing the issue of health equity in California through their care of underserved communities throughout the state.

PHC, a leading advocate for improving community health in California, also honored physicians and organizations making a positive impact on the health of their communities. PHC’s Health Equity Leadership Awards highlight individuals and groups that have demonstrated a commitment to improving access to health care and reducing health care disparities for marginalized groups.

The following individuals and organizations received Health Equity Leadership Awards for 2024:

Jose Alberto Arevalo, M.D., FAAFP, of Sutter Independent Physicians received the Robert D. Sparks M.D. Leadership Award for his outstanding dedication and leadership in improving community health and promoting health equity. 

Marco Angulo, M.D., MSS, of the AltaMed's Institute for Health Equity received the Ardash S. Mahal, M.D., Access to Health Care and Disparities Award for his extraordinary interest and demonstrated efforts leading to a significant contribution toward improving access to health care or reducing disparities in health care in California.

The Seomaritan Initiative in southern California received the Frank E. Staggers, Sr., M.D., Outstanding Ethnic Physician Organization Award for taking significant action toward improving the health of its community. 

Angela Tambunting Echiverri, M.D., MPH, of the North Richmond Center for Health and Contra Costa Family Medicine Residency Program received the Diverse Physician Leadership Award for their outstanding leadership contributions to diverse communities and enriching the diversity of the medical profession.

Zainub Dhanani, M.S., of Medical Students with Disability and Chronic Illness received the California Medical Student Health Equity Leadership Award for her interest and efforts working toward becoming the next generation of leaders promoting health equity in California.

Bria L. Pettway, M.D., of Kaiser Permanente received the California Resident Health Equity Leadership Award for her work as part of the next generation of physician leaders dedicated to improving health equity among Californians facing the greatest barriers to care.

Lynnea Morm, D.O., of AltaMed Health Services Medicine received the California Young Physician Health Equity Leadership Award for her leadership and dedication to improving public health, eliminating health care disparities, and promoting health equity in California.

“Each of these individuals and organizations are incredibly well-deserving of recognition for their vital work to improve health care for those who need it most,” said PHC CEO Lupe Alonzo-Diaz. “From disability advocacy and community medicine to conducting vital research and starting up nonprofits and programs, the work these awardees do has a real and tangible impact in improving the health and well-being of our communities.”

To learn more about the 2024 Health Equity Leadership Award winners, visit phcdocs.org/equity-summit/awardees.