On May 2, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a committee hearing titled, “What Can Congress Do to Address the Severe Shortage of Minority Health Care Professionals and the Maternal Health Crisis?” Presenters included U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, Texas Congressman and physician Michael C. Burgess, M.D., and California pediatric hand surgeon Michael Galvez, M.D.

In his testimony to congress, Dr. Galvez emphasized the critical role of programs like CalHealthCares in alleviating loan burdens, enabling physicians to serve the needs of underserved areas effectively. The program, managed by Physicians for a Healthy California – the philanthropic arm of the California Medical Association – is a vital tool in ensuring that providers can afford to work in areas where they are needed most. Dr. Galvez’s testimony underscored the necessity of such forward-thinking programs to tackle health care disparities and improving access to care for all communities. 

To watch the full hearing, click here. To watch Dr. Galvez's testimony, featuring CalHealthCares, click here.