FUTUREMEDL A ANNOUNCES 2026 LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE AWARD HONOREES
LOS ANGELES
MEDICINE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
A HISTORIC EVENING FOR L ACMA DR. HECTOR FLORES TAKES THE GAVEL AS 155TH PRESIDENT
SEE ALL THE PHOTOS!
LOS ANGELES
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CEO Letter
LEADERSHIP & A CALL TO ACTION 11 COLLABORATION, 155th INSTALLATION
OF OFFICERS
A historic evening celebrating Dr. Hector Flores’ installation as LACMA’s 155th President and his call for greater collaboration across healthcare.
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Mid-Year Legislative Update Physician Advocacy Advances Key Priorities
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FutureMedLA Foundation Reveals 2026 Healthcare Awards Honorees Meet the 2026 Los Angeles Healthcare Awards honorees whose leadership, advocacy, innovation, and community impact are helping shape healthcare across Los Angeles County.
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CMA HOUSE OF DELEGATES IN OCTOBER
How LACMA Helps Shape Statewide Health Policy
LADOCS.ORG
LACMA Leadership LACMA’s Board of Directors consists of dedicated physicians working to advance the interests of physicians and the patients they serve. We always welcome hearing your comments and concerns. You can contact us by emailing or calling Lisa Le, Chief Operating Officer, at lisa@ladocs.org or 213-226-0304.
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HEADQUARTERS Los Angeles County Medical Association 801 S. Grand Ave, Suite 530, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Tel 213.683.9900 | Fax 213.226.0350 ladocs.org LACMA CEO Gustavo Friederichsen | gustavo@ladocs.org LACMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS LACMA OFFICERS Hector Flores, MD | President Stacey Ludwig, MD | President-Elect Christopher Libby, MD | Treasurer Valencia Walker, MD | Secretary Heather Silverman, MD | Immediate Past President COUNCILORS-AT-LARGE Robert Bitonte, MD, JD | D1 C. Suzanne Cutter, MD | D1 Samuel Fink, MD | D6 Marc Mendes, MD | D6 Linda Mirdamadi, MD | D1 Samuel Nyamu, MD | D6 Sion Roy, MD | D5 COUNCILORS Stephanie Booth, MD | D10 Christina Burns | Alt. Student Councilor, KPSOM Diego Caivano, MD | D14 Justin Chang, DO | Alt. Resident Councilor Preston Dang | Student Councilor, Western Omer Deen, MD | D9 Troy Elander, MD | FutureMedLA Chair, Ex Officio C Freeman, MD | D1 Sidney Gold, MD | D17 Po-Yin Samuel Huang, MS | Past LACMA Leader Councilor John Lam, MD | D6 Roberto Madrid, MD | Ethnic Physicians Committee Gwendolyn Lee, MD | Young Physician Norman Lepor, MD | D7 Karen Miotto, MD | D5 Kimberly Petko, MD | CHLAMG Councilor Peter Rosenberg, MD | D2 Shireen Saxena, MD | Resident Councilor Diana Shiba, MD | SCPMG Silpa Yalamanchi, MD | Facey Roxana Yoonessi, MD, JD | SCPMG TRUSTEES & DELEGATION CHAIR Jerry Abraham, MD | CMA Trustee Resa Caivano, MD | CMA Trustee Jeffery Lee, MD | CMA Trustee Ilan Shapiro, MD | AltaMed, Chair of the LACMA Delegation
From LACMA's CEO
Gustavo Friederichsen
LEADERSHIP
After a decade of leading LACMA and working with outstanding leaders, a tremendous staff and valued business partners, I now have the unique opportunity to reflect on two physicians in particular: LACMA Immediate Past President Dr. Heather Silverman and President Dr. Hector Flores.
Ask any CEO about the importance of a strong, unified board of directors, and the answer shouldn’t be a surprise: it’s crucial to have a committed and engaged board for organizational success, but it’s equally important to have an engaged board president; someone who embraces the responsibility while leading by example.
Ask any CEO about the importance of a strong, unified board of directors, and the answer shouldn’t be a surprise: it’s crucial to have a committed and engaged board for organizational success, but it’s equally important to have an engaged board president, someone who embraces the responsibility while leading by example. Last year, Dr. Silverman was handed the gavel to lead the 30-plus board members with a clear vision, a genial tone, and a philosophy that every board member should be heard, regardless of opinion. One year later, the momentum under Dr. Silverman was nothing short of unprecedented, starting with instilling a culture of inclusion. For example, where there were dissenting, even controversial opinions, she made sure board members felt comfortable sharing those points of view. And, in an age of Zoom calls, it can be a challenge managing parliamentary procedures while respecting time limitations and full agendas. Dr. Silverman took on the challenge with a steady hand. The next milestone was LACMA supporting Measure ER, a county half-cent sales tax measure for five years that is projected to generate approximately $1 billion annually to strengthen Los Angeles County’s healthcare safety net. The measure came at a critical time following passage of H.R. 1, federal legislation that significantly reduced Medicaid funding and placed additional financial pressure on Medi-Cal providers, community clinics, and hospitals serving the region’s most vulnerable patients. Following thorough board discussion and debate, members voted to support Measure ER and contribute to the campaign to ensure its success. The measure passed by 1.28%, or fewer than 26,000 votes. Finally, with the June gubernatorial primary looming, Dr. Silverman led an often spirited discussion regarding support for former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. The Secretary visited with the board in January to have a frank conversation about healthcare in California, physician reimbursement
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challenges, concerns over health plans, and the constant threat of federal cuts impacting patients and the doctors who care for them. The result was a board vote to support Xavier Becerra and contribute to his campaign. Becerra finished ahead of all candidates and more than 3% ahead of second-place finisher Steve Hilton. Three significant milestones. One president. A critical moment in LACMA’s 155-year history. From humble beginnings to becoming the first Latino president of LACMA, Dr. Hector Flores arguably has impacted more lives over his fivedecade career than the average Los Angeles physician. Beyond his reputation as a stellar doctor committed to his patients, Dr. Flores is also a quiet statesman, able to navigate public policy with precision and negotiate political terrain unlike most, while always doing the right thing on behalf of those patients: advocating for them, developing
solutions, and dismantling barriers to care. While Dr. Flores, at press time, is only a few weeks into his tenure as president, his impact is already being felt through the progress being made on behalf of Medi-Cal patients, not just in the region, but across the state. He speaks nationally on topics that are not only important to Angelenos but also of interest to those living in areas where healthcare access is being threatened. As the 155th LACMA president, Dr. Flores brings wisdom, character, integrity, and humility to the role. His wit is legendary, his charm genuine, and his concern always evident. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Flores as we face real issues in Los Angeles and a board poised to take on the next challenges, including the prospect of a new administration in Sacramento, the midterm elections, workforce issues, and much more. Now is the perfect time for Dr. Flores to make an impact across California.
155th INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Collaboration, Leadership, and a Call to Action Dr. Hector Flores Becomes LACMA’s 155th President and Calls for a New Era of Collaboration in Healthcare
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History was made on August 1 as more than 300 physicians, healthcare executives, elected officials, medical students, residents, sponsors, family, friends, and community leaders gathered at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown to install Dr. Hector Flores as the 155th President of the Los Angeles County Medical Association. In accepting the office, Dr. Flores became the first Latino physician to lead the Association, marking a significant milestone for organized medicine in Los Angeles. The evening began with a VIP Champagne Reception on the hotel’s outdoor terrace, where guests gathered to celebrate Dr. Flores’ decades of service to medicine and the community. California legislators presented certificates of recognition honoring both Dr. Flores and Immediate Past President Dr. Heather Silverman and shared personal stories reflecting on Dr. Flores’ character, leadership,
Left: Guests gathered on the InterContinental’s outdoor terrace for a VIP Champagne Reception celebrating Dr. Hector Flores’ installation. The reception featured tributes from elected officials, presentation of certificates of recognition, and heartfelt reflections honoring Dr. Flores’ decades of service to medicine, physician leadership, and the Los Angeles community. Below: LACMA’s newly installed officers, from left: Dr. Valencia Walker, Secretary; Dr. Stacey Ludwig, President-Elect; Dr. Christopher Libby, Treasurer; and Dr. Hector Flores, President.
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and lifelong commitment to improving healthcare. One of the most memorable moments of the reception came when Dr. Flores’ daughter, Tahlia Flores, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her father, offering a deeply personal reflection that set an emotional tone for the evening. The celebration continued with a spirited mariachi performance honoring Dr. Flores’ heritage as guests entered the ballroom for the formal installation ceremony. Among the distinguished guests were former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra; California State Senators Bob Archuleta, Sasha Renée Pérez, and Susan Rubio; Assemblymembers Dr. Jasmeet Bains and Blanca Pacheco; along with leadership from the California Medical Association, healthcare executives, physician leaders, and community partners from across Southern California. The evening celebrated not only the installation of a new president but also the enduring strength of physician leadership. Current and former LACMA leaders took the stage throughout the evening, illustrating the continuity of leadership that has guided the organization for generations while welcoming a new vision for the future. The program also honored the service of Immediate Past President Dr. Heather Silverman, recognized veteran healthcare journalist Dr. Daniel B. Borenstein with LACMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and improving care for patients throughout Los Angeles County. A Call for Collaboration Rather than delivering a traditional inaugural address, Dr. Flores used the occasion to outline a vision for healthcare rooted in partnership, physician leadership, and patient-centered solutions.
Top: The InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown’s fifth-floor terrace, overlooking the city skyline, provided the backdrop for the VIP Champagne Reception honoring Dr. Hector Flores. Second: Dr. Flores’ daughter, Tahlia Flores, delivers a heartfelt tribute during the VIP Champagne Reception, sharing personal reflections on her father’s lifelong commitment to service, family, and medicine. Third, from left: Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains, Dr. Hector Flores, Senator Bob Archuleta and Senator Susan Rubio. Bottom: Immediate Past President Dr. Heather Silverman and her husband, Dr. Michael Gales, display a Certificate of Recognition presented during the VIP Champagne Reception.
“The work ahead is going to be tough,” he said. “The only way we can do it is to work together. Together is going to be the key.” Throughout his remarks, Dr. Flores challenged the healthcare community to move beyond longstanding divisions between physicians, hospitals, health plans, specialty care, primary care, and community clinics.
The only way we can do it is to work together. Together is going to be the key. “For too many years, we’ve spent a lot of time bickering with each other,” he said. “We’re not really taking the time to figure out how we can work together toward solutions that benefit the patients we all care about.” Instead, he called for a new model of engagement. “Rather than vilifying each other, we need to engage each other.” That theme of collaboration extended well beyond healthcare organizations. Dr. Flores emphasized the importance of working alongside elected officials, community organizations, industry partners, and patients themselves to address California’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
Top: Dr. Hector Flores delivers his inaugural remarks after being installed as LACMA’s 155th President, calling on physicians and healthcare leaders to strengthen collaboration and restore the joy of medicine. Middle: A lively mariachi performance opened the evening, celebrating Dr. Flores’ heritage and setting a festive tone for the Installation of Officers. Bottom: Vibrant floral centerpieces and thoughtfully curated touches reflected the warmth, heritage, and significance of the historic evening.
Reflecting on nearly four decades practicing with Family Care Specialists, he shared how his physician partners regularly revisited the personal statements they wrote when applying to medical school, asking themselves whether they were still living the mission that first drew them into medicine. “The answer was always yes,” he said. Despite the demands of caring for a safety-net population, he noted that while they often felt exhausted, they rarely felt burned out because they never lost sight of their purpose. “We were tired,” he said. “But we were never burned out because the exhilaration of treating the community we set out to serve is what kept us buoyant.”
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That experience shaped one of the central priorities of his presidency. “Part of what I’d like to do,” he said, “is bring the joy of medicine back for all of us.”
Part of what I’d like to do is bring the joy of medicine back for all of us.
Dr. Flores connected physician well-being directly to physician autonomy, arguing that physicians must be trusted to exercise their clinical judgment without unnecessary barriers. “Physicians need autonomy,” he said. “They need to be able to direct and control their own destiny and, even more importantly, the destiny of their patients.” He warned against the moral injury physicians experience when systems prevent them from delivering the care they know is right. “They should never feel the moral injury of being directed to do something other than what their training, heart, and commitment guide them to do.” Throughout his remarks, Dr. Flores recognized the mentors, colleagues, partners, and organizations that shaped his career, from Family Care Specialists and Adventist Health White Memorial to L.A. Care Health Plan, AltaMed, the California Medical Association, LACMA, and many of the physician leaders who encouraged him to become active in organized medicine decades ago. Their collective influence reinforced the message that meaningful progress has always been built through relationships. Quoting the first-century scholar Hillel, Dr. Flores concluded with a challenge that captured both the spirit of the evening and the work ahead: “If not us, who? And if not now, when?” He paused before offering one final reminder: “The work starts today.” Recognizing Leadership and Service Opening the evening, Dr. Heather Silverman reflected on a year marked by significant challenges for physicians and the healthcare system.
Left: Dr. Hector Flores celebrates the evening with longtime friends, colleagues, and healthcare leaders who have supported his decades of service to patients and organized medicine. Right: Guests listen as Dr. Hector Flores shares his vision for LACMA, calling for greater collaboration, physician leadership, and a renewed commitment to the joy of medicine.
“Every year brings crises and opportunities,” she told the audience. “We listened, we collaborated, we understood the gravity of the situations we faced, and we recognized opportunities and took action.” Her remarks highlighted LACMA’s advocacy on behalf of physicians during a challenging year for healthcare in Los Angeles County, including efforts surrounding Measure ER and broader issues affecting patients and practices throughout the region. She thanked LACMA’s staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, and members for their commitment throughout the year and offered special appreciation to CEO Gustavo Friederichsen for his decade of leadership. “I am deeply looking forward to serving under the leadership of Dr. Hector Flores,” she said. “He will occupy the mantle of leadership with the dignity and grace of his humanity.” One of the evening’s many special moments came as 153rd LACMA President Dr. Po-Yin Samuel Huang presented the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Daniel B. Borenstein. Dr. Huang praised Dr. Borenstein’s decades-long commitment to healthcare journalism, physician advocacy, and helping the public better understand the complex issues facing medicine. He also recognized Dr. Borenstein’s longstanding support of women physicians in leadership and his efforts to elevate their accomplishments throughout his career. The recognition served as a reminder that advancing healthcare depends not only on physician leadership, but also on trusted voices who help tell the profession’s story with integrity. A Historic Installation Before the formal installation, L.A. Care Health Plan CEO Martha Santana-Chin delivered a heartfelt introduction that reflected both decades of friendship and a shared commitment to improving healthcare. She described Dr. Flores as someone who has spent his career answering the call to serve, whether mentoring future physicians, advocating for underserved communities, expanding opportunities for Latino physicians, or bringing organizations together around common goals. “If servant leadership had a face,” she said, “it would be Hector’s.”
Top: Outgoing President Dr. Heather Silverman welcomes guests and reflects on a year of resilience, collaboration, and advocacy on behalf of Los Angeles physicians. Bottom: 153rd LACMA President Dr. Po-Yin Samuel Huang presents the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Daniel B. Borenstein.
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Santana-Chin spoke of Dr. Flores’ humility, optimism, and unwavering belief that lasting change happens through partnership rather than ego. “LACMA could not have chosen a more thoughtful, principled, and compassionate leader for this moment.” Following a moving video tribute featuring reflections from his colleagues, Dr. Troy Elander, LACMA’s 140th President and Chair of the FutureMedLA Foundation, administered the presidential oath before Dr. Heather Silverman presented Dr. Flores with the presidential medallion and gavel, officially installing him as LACMA’s 155th President. The evening also marked the installation of Dr. Stacey Ludwig as President-Elect, Dr. Christopher Libby as Treasurer, and Dr. Valencia Walker as Secretary, welcoming a new generation of physician leaders committed to advancing LACMA’s mission, strengthening physician advocacy, and shaping the future of organized medicine in L.A. Looking Ahead Closing the evening, CEO Gustavo Friederichsen thanked the sponsors, physician leaders, volunteers, and LACMA staff whose dedication made the celebration possible. He also highlighted the continued growth of the FutureMedLA Foundation and encouraged attendees to support both FutureMedLA and LACPAC as investments in physician advocacy and the next generation of medical leaders. As guests departed, the significance of the evening extended well beyond a ceremonial passing of the gavel. It represented a renewed commitment to physician leadership at a time when healthcare faces unprecedented challenges and a call to unite around the shared purpose that brought so many into medicine in the first place. Under Dr. Flores’ leadership, that vision begins with a simple but powerful belief: the future of healthcare will be shaped by physicians and partners working together for the patients and communities they serve.
Top Right: L.A. Care Health Plan CEO Martha Santana-Chin introduces Dr. Hector Flores, reflecting on decades of friendship, collaboration, and his lifelong commitment to physician leadership and community health. Bottom Left: LACMA’s 2026–2027 officers, from left: Dr. Valencia Walker, Secretary; Dr. Christopher Libby, Treasurer; and Dr. Stacey Ludwig, President-Elect, take the oath of office, pledging their commitment to advancing the Association’s mission and serving the physician community. Bottom Right: Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and his wife, Dr. Carolina Reyes, applaud during the installation ceremony.
Top: LACMA past presidents joined by Xavier Becerra and his wife, Dr. Carolina Reyes. From left: Dr. Robert Bitonte, Dr. Heather Silverman, Dr. Diana Shiba, Dr. Reyes, Xavier Becerra, Dr. C Freeman, Dr. Jeffery Lee, Dr. Troy Elander, Dr. Omer Deen, and Dr. Jerry Abraham. Left: LACMA recognized the generous sponsors whose support helped make the 155th Installation of Officers possible, including Presenting Sponsors the Cooperative of American Physicians, First Point Partners, and One Health Partners.
SCAN TO VIEW THE INSTALLATION PHOTO ALBUM
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CMA Mid-Year Legislative Update: Physician Advocacy Advances Key Priorities As the California Legislature enters the final stretch of the 2025-2026 legislative session, the California Medical Association (CMA) continues to shape policy on issues that directly affect physicians and their patients. The 2026 Mid-Year Legislative Update highlights progress on physician-led care, reducing administrative burdens, responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), and public safety. Among CMA’s top priorities is reforming the prior authorization process. CMA-sponsored legislation (AB 539) would extend approved prior authorizations to one year, reducing delays in patient care and eliminating repetitive paperwork for physicians. Another sponsored measure (SB 1146) would require AI-generated healthcare advertisements to clearly disclose when images, audio, or video have been artificially created or altered, helping protect consumers from misleading “deepfake” content.
Throughout the session, CMA also successfully opposed or amended several bills that could have expanded scope of practice without appropriate physician oversight or increased unnecessary regulatory burdens.
Throughout the session, CMA also successfully opposed or amended several bills that could have expanded scope of practice without appropriate physician oversight or increased unnecessary regulatory burdens. Advocacy efforts helped defeat proposals affecting naturopathic prescribing authority and school immunization exemptions while securing amendments to preserve physician-led care in legislation involving certified nurse-midwives. As AI continues to emerge as a major policy issue in Sacramento, CMA has worked to support innovation while opposing legislation that could impose excessive documentation requirements or limit physicians’ ability to use AI tools that improve efficiency and patient care. CMA is also sponsoring legislation to modernize California’s e-bike safety laws, responding to rising injury rates with new safety standards, consumer education requirements, and equipment updates. The Mid-Year Legislative Update reflects CMA’s ongoing commitment to protecting physician autonomy, improving patient care, and ensuring physicians have a strong voice in shaping California health policy. Physicians interested in learning more or becoming involved in legislative advocacy can explore additional opportunities through CMA’s physician leadership programs.
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FUTUREMEDLA.ORG
FUTUREMEDLA REVEALS THE 2026 LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE AWARDS HONOREES Every day, leaders across Los Angeles are expanding access to care, advancing new approaches, mentoring future physicians and improving health across our communities. On Friday, November 13, 2026, those accomplishments will be celebrated at the 13th Annual Los Angeles Healthcare Awards, as the FutureMedLA Foundation welcomes physicians, healthcare executives, local leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry partners to the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel for one of Southern California’s premier healthcare events. More than an awards gala, the Los Angeles Healthcare Awards is an annual celebration of the people and organizations whose work is strengthening healthcare throughout Los Angeles County. It is an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships, celebrate excellence, and be inspired by the leaders making a difference in our communities every day. The 2026 nomination pool reflected the extraordinary work taking place across Los Angeles County. From visionary healthcare leaders and tireless advocates to innovators and champions, this year’s nominees showcased the depth of talent, compassion, and commitment shaping the future of healthcare in our region. Following a thoughtful review by the FutureMedLA Board of Directors, a select group of individuals and organizations was chosen for recognition at the 13th Annual Los Angeles Healthcare Awards. We are proud to introduce the 2026 honorees, whose inspiring stories and lasting impact are featured on the following pages.
MEET THE HONOREES
T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E FUTUREMEDLA.ORG 25
NOW
T I C K E T S N O W AVA I L A B L E FUTUREMEDLA.ORG
MORE THAN A CELEBRATION While the evening recognizes extraordinary leadership, it also shines a spotlight on the growing impact of the FutureMedLA Foundation. Proceeds from the Los Angeles Healthcare Awards support scholarships for future physicians, leadership development programs, healthcare advocacy initiatives, and efforts to expand access to care in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles County. Every ticket purchased, table hosted, and sponsorship secured helps advance the Foundation’s mission to invest in the future of medicine while creating healthier communities across our region. This year’s event is an opportunity not only to celebrate remarkable achievements, but also to experience that impact in action. JOIN US Whether you’re attending to celebrate a colleague, connect with healthcare leaders, host clients, or simply be inspired, the Los Angeles Healthcare Awards promises an unforgettable evening of recognition, networking, and celebration. Guests will enjoy a hosted reception, elegant dinner, and an inspiring awards program honoring this year’s exceptional class of recipients. Individual tickets and tables are now available, and attendance is expected to sell out. Join us to witness the growing impact of the FutureMedLA Foundation.
HEALTHCARE VISIONARY OF THE YEAR
Martha Santana-Chin
Martha Santana-Chin is recognized as Healthcare Visionary of the Year for her exceptional leadership during one of the most consequential periods for healthcare in Los Angeles County. As President and CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, she has emerged as a leading voice in protecting access to care amid unprecedented challenges facing Medi-Cal and the healthcare safety net. Through strategic collaboration, coalition-building and decisive action, she has brought together healthcare providers, public agencies, and community organizations to strengthen the healthcare system, address coverage instability, and advance solutions that protect millions of Angelenos. Her work continues to shape a stronger, more resilient healthcare future for Los Angeles County.
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BECOME A SPONSOR Organizations looking to demonstrate their commitment to healthcare excellence are invited to partner with the FutureMedLA Foundation through event sponsorship. Sponsorship offers meaningful visibility among physicians, healthcare executives, health systems, community organizations, and decision-makers while directly supporting programs that develop physician leaders, invest in medical students, and improve healthcare access throughout Los Angeles County. We look forward to gathering with the Los Angeles healthcare community on November 13 to honor this year’s recipients, recognize the strength of the region’s healthcare community and advance the FutureMedLA Foundation’s growing impact. For tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities, visit FutureMedLA.org
LACMA LEGACY AWARD
Dr. Kenneth Sim
Dr. Kenneth Sim is the inaugural recipient of the LACMA Legacy Award, a special honor presented by the FutureMedLA Board of Directors to recognize a previously honored Los Angeles Healthcare Awards recipient whose impact has continued to grow over time. Since receiving the Independent Physician Leadership Award in 2014, Dr. Sim has helped transform healthcare delivery through physician-led innovation and value-based care. His leadership has contributed to the growth of one of the nation’s leading physician-led healthcare organizations, supporting more than 20,000 providers caring for over 1.5 million patients. Throughout his career, he has championed physician independence while advancing coordinated, highquality care that improves outcomes for patients and communities. The LACMA Legacy Award recognizes leaders whose enduring contributions continue to shape the future of medicine in Los Angeles and beyond.
Hector, With sincere gratitude for nearly 40 years of mentorship and friendship. I owe you more than I could ever hope to repay. Felicidades amigo! - Felix Drs. Felix and Chasity Nuñez
FUTUREMEDLA.ORG
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Jim Mangia
Jim Mangia receives the Community Impact Award for his extraordinary leadership in helping unite healthcare organizations, community leaders, labor partners, and elected officials behind Measure ER, securing a historic investment in Los Angeles County’s healthcare safety net. As President and CEO of St. John’s Community Health, Mangia played a central role in building the coalition that helped make Measure ER a reality, ensuring long-term funding to protect access to care for vulnerable communities across Los Angeles County. His leadership demonstrates the power of collaboration to improve public health and create lasting change. For more than four decades, Mangia has been a tireless advocate for health equity and community-based care, making a profound impact on the lives of countless Angelenos.
HEALTH ADVOCACY CHAMPION
Hilda Solis
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis is recognized with the Health Advocacy Champion Award for her unwavering commitment to advancing public health, healthcare access, and health equity throughout Los Angeles County. As Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, she has championed initiatives that strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve access to care, and protect vulnerable communities. Her leadership helped advance Measure ER, securing long-term investment in the county’s healthcare safety net, while also guiding county responses to public health emergencies affecting residents across the First District. Through decades of public service, Supervisor Solis has demonstrated how thoughtful policy and collaborative leadership can improve the health and well-being of millions of Angelenos.
TWO ADVENTURES. ONE UNFORGETTABLE SEASON. Celebrate by the shore at the LACMA Beach Party on September 12, then set sail for an unforgettable Whale Watching adventure on October 10. Space is limited! Register now to join the fun.
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SHINE THE LIGHT MEDIA AWARD
LAist — Health Coverage Team
The LAist Health Coverage Team receives the Shine the Light Media Award for outstanding journalism that informs, educates, and empowers the public on the healthcare issues shaping Los Angeles County.
INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS
Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries is being recognized with the Innovation in Healthcare Solutions Award for redefining how healthcare can support healing, recovery, and long-term well-being for some of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable residents. For more than three decades, Homeboy Industries has pioneered a comprehensive model that integrates behavioral healthcare, substance use treatment, mental health services, workforce development, case management, and reentry support. By addressing the underlying causes of poor health, trauma, and justice system involvement, the organization has created a continuum of care that extends far beyond traditional healthcare settings.
Through thoughtful, in-depth reporting, the team has explored healthcare access, public health, mental health, health policy, and the experiences of patients and providers across the region. Their reporting has elevated community voices, promoted accountability, and helped Angelenos better understand the complex issues affecting healthcare today. Their commitment to accurate, impactful journalism continues to strengthen public awareness and support informed conversations about the future of healthcare in Los Angeles.
The opening of its new Home of the Angels campus marks a transformative investment in Los Angeles, expanding access to residential treatment, recovery services, and community-based support. Homeboy Industries continues to demonstrate that innovative, whole-person care can improve health outcomes while helping individuals heal, rebuild their lives, and reconnect with their communities. PURCHASE TICKETS NOW
YOUR MEMBERSHIP AT WORK
How LACMA Helps Shape Statewide Health Policy LACMA’s delegation brings the concerns of Los Angeles physicians to organized medicine’s statewide policymaking body. In the middle of October, LACMA physicians will head to Sacramento for the annual meeting of the California Medical Association’s House of Delegates (HOD). Many physicians may not be familiar with HOD, yet the decisions made there help determine how CMA represents physicians before lawmakers, regulators and the public.
Their work begins well before the October meeting as they review proposals, speak with colleagues and identify issues that matter to local physicians and patients. At the House, they participate in delegation caucuses, offer testimony, propose amendments and work with physicians from other regions to build support. Afterward, they help bring information about CMA’s actions back to LACMA members.
The House of Delegates is CMA’s policymaking body. It brings together hundreds of physicians representing county medical societies, specialties, and practice settings across California. Delegates consider proposals on patient care, public health, medical practice and the governance of organized medicine. They debate the proposals, suggest changes and vote on whether they should become CMA policy.
The 2026 meeting will place renewed emphasis on proposals written by CMA members. Issues scheduled for consideration include pediatric hospital capacity, immigration enforcement in health care settings, medical debt, behavioral health training, prescription drug costs, physician peer support, hospital discharge planning and resident well-being. Each began with physicians identifying a problem and asking their professional association to act.
Policies adopted by the House help guide CMA’s legislative advocacy, regulatory work, legal strategy and public positions. In practical terms, the HOD is one of the places where physicians decide what their statewide association will stand for, and what it will work to change.
Los Angeles physicians also hold prominent leadership roles in this year’s House. Psychiatrist George Fouras, MD, serves as Speaker of the House and will preside over its proceedings. Longtime LACMA leader and family physician Jack Chou, MD, is CMA president-elect and is expected to become president at the conclusion of the October meeting.
LACMA’s delegation ensures that Los Angeles has a voice in those decisions. Los Angeles County presents challenges on a scale matched by few places in the country. Local physicians care for an exceptionally diverse population while confronting workforce shortages, safety-net pressures, behavioral health needs, administrative burdens and persistent gaps in access to care. What happens here often anticipates problems that will eventually affect physicians elsewhere in California.
The HOD may seem far removed from a busy practice day. In fact, it is one of the clearest routes from daily medical practice to statewide advocacy. Through LACMA’s delegation, Los Angeles physicians do more than have a seat at the table—they help decide what California medicine will fight for next.
Delegates carry that experience into the HOD.
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