Dear Colleagues,

It is a great honor to accept the role of president of the California Medical Association. I am clear-eyed about the challenges we face but eager to take them on together, as we work toward our shared mission of advocating for our profession and our patients.

Like many of you, I chose medicine because I believe deeply in the calling to heal. It is a privilege to work alongside so many who uphold the highest ideals of compassion, science and service. We love the work we do because we are entrusted with helping people at their most vulnerable. And that is what I pledge will be the guiding principle of my tenure.

This has been a tumultuous year for our health care system, marked by the largest-ever cuts to Medicaid. CMA’s advocacy is needed now more than ever — and we are up to the task. CMA has led the way nationally in raising awareness and opposition around the devastating impacts of H.R. 1. The last year has been a stark reminder that what happens in Washington, D.C., affects us all, and we’ll continue the fight to restore the nation’s safety net.

We must also maintain and build upon our effective advocacy and well-earned reputation at the state level. CMA had landmark victories this year, including long-sought prior authorization reform, curbing the impact of private equity in health care and holding health plans accountable. Our voice in the State Capitol is powerful, and together we can make it impossible to ignore.

These are challenging times both as a physician and as a citizen — many things we hold dear are now under threat. Even though we come from different creeds, backgrounds and political views, we are united by our commitment to uplift and protect our most vulnerable.

I cannot guarantee perfect outcomes, but I know that our collective voices will be a powerful force for good and will move us closer to a day when all Californians have equitable and timely access to care.

Warm regards,

René Bravo, M.D.
President, California Medical Association