2022 Installation of Officers & 151st President Dr. Omer Deen

Members and guests of the Los Angeles County Medical Association gathered at the Petersen Automotive Museum on July 14 to celebrate Dr. Omer Deen as its 151st president

On July 14, members and guests of the Los Angeles County Medical Association gathered at the Petersen Automotive Museum to install new officers for the 2022-2023 year and welcome Dr. Omer Deen as its 151st president.

Upon arrival, guests were able to tour “Bond in Motion: Official Collection of Original James Bond Vehicles ” before heading up to the mesmerizing outdoor space atop the museum for the welcome reception.

After the tours and toasts, dinner service was opened, with guests enjoying more of the spectacular view. Dr. Jeffery Lee opened the ceremony, warmly welcoming attendees, thanking LACMA Board members, special guests, and other legislators and leaders in attendance and recognizing the valued event sponsors.

“It has been three years since we convened in person to honor the incoming President and Officers. So we are grateful for your presence and excited to see our members here. And to have it here at such a sophisticated location is an added bonus. This museum displays the innovation and history of automobiles, so it is fitting that LACMA showcase the innovation and history of organized medicine in LA County in this venue. Plus, one thing you should know about Dr. Omer Deen who we are here to honor this evening, he loves cars!”

After sharing thoughts on his term as president and announcing the extension of his Practice Makeover Initiative for 2023, Dr. Lee thanked his Executive Committee and LACMA staff before concluding his remarks: “...[A] new year is beginning. I am confident that LACMA will be in good hands under the leadership of Dr. Omer Deen. Again, thank you for allowing me to serve the physicians of Los Angeles.”

The inspiring invocation was then led by Imam Jihad Turk before

LEFT | Dr. Omer Deen with his first remarks as LACMA’s 151st President.

BELOW | Dr. Troy Elander installs new LACMA officers (left to right), Dr. Jerry Abraham, PresidentElect; Dr. Po-Yin Samuel Huang, Treasurer; and Dr. Heather Silverman as Secretary.

Guests enjoy sunset views from the museum rooftop while watching a video from Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Dr. Maria Lyberis.

a break in the ceremonies as guests enjoyed dinner.

Following dinner, LACMA’s 149th president Dr. Diana Shiba took the stage to honor the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dr. Maria Lymberis. A 40-year member of LACMA, Dr. Lymberis was unable to attend the event, but she shared an emotional video message with her beloved healthcare “family” and honored the memory of her husband, partner, and protector of more than 60 years, Pedro.

Dr. Shiba then introduced a video reflecting on Dr. Lee’s impact as president.

Former LACMA president and chair of the Patient Care Foundation, Dr. Troy Elander then came to the podium to perform the official installation of the Officers before officially swearing in Dr. Deen as president.

“The honor of serving as the president of LACMA is one of the highest that can be bestowed upon you by your colleagues. It is a demanding post that requires your clearest thinking, your deepest caring, and your

highest ideals. It is possible that you, Omer, will find this both challenging and rewarding.” After reciting the President’s Oath of Office, event attendees were treated to a video introducing Dr. Deen. The video included touching stories and words of gratitude from co-workers, colleagues, patients, and Dr. “Why do we do any of Deen’s family. this? Because it is our job, Before sharing his vision for the year ahead, Dr. Deen as physicians, to advocate thanked LACMA staff, leadership, for the health of our and “colleagues, friends…family, patients. And it is the job and a special thank you to my friends who are joining us from of the Los Angeles County Torrance Memorial today. It Medical Association to means a lot to me that you’re advocate for physicians.” here! Thank you to my family, Dr. Sara Deen, my daughter Zara, my son Musa, and of course, Mommy and Daddy. I wouldn’t be anywhere without your support, your sacrifice, and your love.” “This is an honor of a lifetime,” Dr. Deen Continued. “Thank you all for your trust and your support! “As physicians, we advocate for the health and wellness of our patients. Today we face new challenges

PHOTOS PAGE 8 TOP ROW | Guests entering the museum were greated with a large screen welcome message from LACMA and event sponsors. Dr Omer Deen enjoying the celebration with his wife, Dr. Sara Deen. Dr. Deen with his wife and children, Zara and Musa.

MIDDLE ROW | Dr. Jeffery Lee presents Dr. Omer Deen with his official gavel. Dr. Deen with colleagues and friends. Dr. Deen with his proud parents.

BOTTOM ROW | Guests enjoy the museum’s James Bond car exhibit.

PHOTOS PAGE 9 TOP ROW | LACMA Past Presidents (left to right) Dr. David Aizuss, Dr. Troy Elander, Dr. Sam Fink, Dr. Diana Shiba, Dr. Pedram Salimpour, Dr. Jeffery Lee and Dr. William Averill Dr. Diana Shiba introduces a video honoring Dr. Lee’s term as president. Event Sponsors were recognized for their support throughout the event.

MIDDLE ROW & BOTTOM ROWS | Guests enjoy catching up with colleagues and friends amidst the dynamic architecture and beautiful views. Attendees recieved swag bags, keepsake event programs and LACMA’s 150th Anniversary Book as they left the event. Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services LLC congratulates

Omer Deen, M.D.

151st President of the Los Angeles County Medical Association

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to the health of our patients. So in typical LACMA fashion, as we have before, we now pivot and deploy energy and resources where necessary.

“A few challenges we face today include health impacts of gun violence, reproductive health, health equity and access to care. We are faced with legislative and procedural challenges that impact the physician-patient relationship. Paper burden, documentation, prior authorizations & step therapy, to name just a few.

“I could go on listing all the ways LACMA works for physicians...legal assistance, contract negotiations, grants and assistance with starting practice, medical school grants, and collaborative projects for medical students to get involved in advocacy in Sacramento as well as research to advance their careers.

“Why do we do any of this? Because it is our job, as physicians, to advocate for the health of our patients.

“And it is the job of the Los Angeles County Medical Association to advocate for physicians.

“For those of you who are here today and are not current members of the Los Angeles Medical Association, please join us so we can continue fighting for that ever sacred physicianpatient relationship.

“Again, thank you all so much for being here with us to celebrate all of us!” n On behalf of LACMA staff, leadership, and physician members, we heartily thank Dr. Lee for his leadership, and we welcome Dr. Deen and look forward to working together in support of all LA County physicians.

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LACPAC Holds Successful Fundraising Event for California AG Rob Bonta

LACPAC, the political action committee of LACMA, held a fundraiser for California Attorney General Rob Bonta on July 12th at Señor Fish in DTLA. Designed as an intimate gathering, attendees heard the AG’s perspective on reproductive rights post-Roe v Wade, gun violence, access to quality care and health equity, and much more. Special thanks to attendees, CALPAC, and Allied Pacific IPA for cochairing the event, particularly CEO Dr. Kenneth Sim.

“This was a fantastic event as we hosted AG Bonta, exceeded our fundraising goal by 78%, and built new friendships and coalitions,” said LACPAC Chair, George Fouras, MD. “We will continue to engage membership to support our PAC efforts to ensure LACMA plays a vital role in shaping state healthcare policy as one-third of the California Legislature resides in Los Angeles County.”

Allied Pacific IPA CEO Dr. Kenneth Sim, LACPAC Chair Dr. George Fouras, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Mike Steenburgh, Vice President, Centers for Membership, Marketing and Component Relations for the California Medical Association enjoying the event at Señor Fish in downtown Los Angeles.

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LACMA 2021-2022 President Dr. Jeffery Lee joined LACMA staff as they presented Practice Makeover Recipients with checks, supplies and resources.

QUARTER 1 RECIPIENTS Dr. Lourdes Bahamonde Dr. Payman Joseph Dr. Amit Paliwal Dr. Cheryl Powell Dr. Sharon Yegiaian

QUARTER 2 RECIPIENTS Dr. Jeffrey Huang Dr. Augustine Iluore Dr. Maryam Seddigh Tonekaboni Dr. Donald Stevenson Dr. Paul Wallace

QUARTER 3 RECIPIENTS Dr. Vicki Anakwenze Dr. Cesar Chavarria Dr. C Freeman Dr. William King Dr. Behrooz Yagoobian

LACMA’s Medical Practice Makeover Initiative is more than a slogan. It’s a promise to small, independent medical practices that meet certain criteria, that help is on the way.

So far this year, fifteen practices have received the $5,000 grant along with robust resources, PPE supplies, consultation services and staff support. An additional 6 practices have been given Practice transformation consultancy free of charge. But we’re not done yet! Use the QR code on the opposite page or visit LACMAinteractive.com to APPLY before the Sept. 15 deadline for quarter 4!

In 2022, a total of: • 20 small practices will receive $5,000 grant + practice transformation assessment, guidance and resources (5 practices in each season of 2022, Winter,

Spring, Summer, Fall) • 8 additional practices will receive practice free transformation assessment, guidance and resources

Use the QR code or visit LACMAinteractive.com to APPLY TODAY!

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