The California Medical Association (CMA) recently hosted its 51st annual Legislative Advocacy Day. On April 9, 2025, more than 350 physicians, medical students and residents from across the state gathered in Sacramento to advocate for important health care issues affecting Californians. CMA physicians held 133 meetings with 116 of 120 legislative offices, speaking to CMA’s priority issues including a bill to establish a physician health and wellness program and a package of bills dedicated to reforming the prior authorization process.

“Thank you to all the physicians who took time out of their busy schedules to attend CMA’s Legislative Advocacy Day. Physician voices are essential in shaping health policy at this pivotal moment,” said CMA President Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D. “This year, the more than 350 CMA physicians in attendance met with 116 of 120 legislative offices, providing physicians with a chance to share their real-world experiences with policymakers.”

Legislative Advocacy Day attendees also enjoyed hearing from freshman Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank), who told physicians, “We need your voices now, more than ever” and encouraged them to continue advocating throughout the legislative process. 

CMA’s prior authorization legislative package got some attention with a press conference featuring CMA President Dr. Udovic-Constant and bill authors Assemblymember John Harabedian, Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo and Senator Josh Becker. Click here to see KCRA coverage. 

Check out the photos from this year’s Legislative Advocacy Day (feel free to download, repost, tag and share with your colleagues!).

And the Golden Gavel goes to….

The CMA Political Action Committee (CALPAC) also concluded its 5th annual Golden Gavel contest in conjunction with Legislative Advocacy Day, ending with a fundraising total of just over $20,500.

The annual contest challenges physicians from each county medical society to make a new donation or upgrade their current level of giving to CALPAC. 

In a tight contest, the physicians of the San Francisco Marin Medical Society took the top spot with dozens of members contributing toward the effort. Physicians of the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society were a close second followed by the Orange County Medical Association. 

See you next year!

We are grateful for the time everyone took out of their busy schedules to speak with legislators on the issues impacting the delivery of health care in California. We hope to see you next year for CMA's 52nd Legislative Advocacy Day!