The California Medical Association (CMA) is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime member and physician leader Larry A. DeGhetaldi, M.D., whose vision, intellect and compassion shaped health policy and physician advocacy in California for decades.

Dr. DeGhetaldi was widely recognized as a medical economist, educator and tireless advocate for physicians and patients. A self-described “numbers nerd,” he used data not as abstraction, but as a powerful tool to advance fairness and equity in medicine.

Among his many legislative achievements was the Congressional passage of the Medicare geographic payment fix in 2015, which secured more accurate payments for California physicians and improved patient access to care in numerous communities across the state. He also led successful efforts to block harmful federal proposals that would have undercut access to care.

Over the past four decades, he served CMA in numerous leadership roles, including as a trustee, delegate to the House of Delegates, and chair of both the Health Reform and Medicare Reform Technical Advisory Committees (TAC).

Dr. DeGhetaldi’s influence extended well beyond California. On CMA’s behalf, he traveled frequently to Washington, D.C., meeting with Members of Congress and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officials to advocate for fair physician reimbursement and stronger patient access. He testified before the Institute of Medicine, CMS, MedPAC and other national bodies on Medicare issues, helping to shape payment policy at the highest levels.

In 2024, CMA honored Dr. DeGhetaldi with the Gary F. Krieger Speaker’s Recognition Award, praising him for “wielding numbers with clarity and impact” and for his decades-long commitment to mentoring colleagues and educating policymakers. CMA leadership noted his rare ability to translate complex data into compelling stories that resonated in the halls of government and at the bedside alike.

Beyond his policy work, Dr. DeGhetaldi was known for his generosity of spirit, his humor and his devotion to the Santa Cruz community he served throughout his career. He was also deeply committed to Medi-Cal, serving on the board of the Partnership HealthPlan in Santa Cruz and representing CMA on the California Department of Managed Health Care’s Financial Solvency Standards Board. His colleagues remember him as both a brilliant strategist and a steadfast friend.

“Larry DeGhetaldi was a rare leader who combined deep compassion with an extraordinary command of health policy,” said CMA CEO Dustin Corcoran. “He had a gift for turning complex data into clear, compelling stories that advanced the cause of physicians and patients alike. His voice, his wisdom and his friendship will be profoundly missed.”

CMA extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. DeGhetaldi’s family, friends and colleagues. His leadership and legacy will continue to guide organized medicine in California for years to come.