The practice of medicine in California is at a crossroads...
RENÉ H. BRAVO, M.D., F.A.A.P.
The recent pandemic has accelerated changes in how and even where we practice medicine. And California is well known to set precedents for national health policy.
It is critical now that experienced leadership continues to engage in the tough questions we all face.
And California physicians do not represent a cultural monolith…we are as diverse as the people we serve. From our ethnic heritage, to our modes and even scopes of practice, we represent a very unique spectrum of professionals. We are unified in the House of Medicine by our desire to serve our patients to the best of our abilities and to always protect their interests above all.
When difficult healthcare decisions need to be made, we are the unique and experienced voices that are called upon. We must continue to earn the trust society ( and our patients) put in us.
Healthcare in the Golden State 2024
Many of our counties are struggling. Physician shortages loom in many parts of California with the trends towards early retirement. Healthcare financing, whether it’s Medicare, MediCal or private health insurance continue to provide challenges in access. Even how we organize ourselves in terms of counties and regions are facing big challenges. The guilds and local smaller medical associations are facing membership and economic issues which threaten their viability. I’ve lived through that.
And we must not forget the real forte of organized medicine.
Despite where we live... large counties, small counties , urban, suburban, rural…. All politics is local.
The community relationships we have with our LOCAL elected representatives are critical in elevating our voices in Sacramento...that is the “secret sauce” of organized medicine. That is why ALL counties matter.
And our modes of practice often reflect the communities we serve. The solo independent practitioner, the organized groups, the midsize single specialty groups, the FQHC’s, ALL play significant roles in healthcare provision today. Their absence would be catastrophic for the delivery of healthcare in California. Yet we must agree the recent developments in Sacramento and Washington all reflect developing challenges to how we provide healthcare. Our battles are still in front of us.