PRESIDENT’S LETTER | Jeffery Lee, MD

Greetings to the Physicians of Los Angeles!

So much has happened in the past several months. As COVID numbers declined and people were getting vaccinated, patients felt more comfortable resuming their previously deferred healthcare. Surgeries were rescheduled and office visits resumed in the “post-COVID surge”. People started gathering again and moving about. Restaurants opened and masks came off. Kids started to go back to school. Similarly, LACMA has been active. In April, the LA Healthcare Awards

LACMA will attend celebrated the praiseworthy work being delivered by exceptional physicians in Los Angeles in the midst of a once-in-a-century pandemic. to the needs of LACMA partnered with neighborhood clinics to deliver badly needed PPE physicians struggling to staff and patients. In June, the Health Equity Council hosted Dr. Tung Nguyen as part of the Race Against Time lecture series. LACMA leaders did to continue their their part to promote vaccinations on video and social media. practices in an But as life seemed to be coming back to normal these past few months, the Delta variant and the stalling of vaccinations have merged to cause environment that was a bit of a setback – even causing LACMA to change our Installation Ceremony plans. difficult even before Despite this setback, I nurture much optimism for the future. The clear coronavirus. message is getting out - vaccinations work! Mountains of data show that the vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and effective. And there’s story after story of COVID patients expressing regret for not getting the shot earlier. Angelenos are plainly seeing that the tragic deaths occurring are totally preventable and unnecessary. So there is still much work for physicians to do – to talk to our patients about why they are hesitant, what the data shows, and speak clearly about the potential side effects. And physicians are setting a great example. A recent AMA survey showed that over 95% of physicians have been vaccinated! What better way to lead by example. And we see light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. We all acknowledge the need for physicians to attend to their wellness and avoid burnout. LACMA will be announcing some bold programs to assist physicians “make-over” their practices. LACMA will attend to the needs of physicians struggling to continue their practices in an environment that was difficult even before coronavirus. In November, we will be holding a Member Appreciation Event celebrating the 150th Anniversary of LACMA’s founding. So to the thousands of physician members of LACMA, thank you for your dedication to your patients, communities, and to each other.

LACMA/CMA Sponsored Insurance Programs

Your Membership Offers Additional Savings of 5%* on Already Low Rates!

Preferred Employers Insurance workers’ compensation rates have the potential for savings to physicians. Los Angeles County Medical Association/CMA members are eligible to save an additional 5%* because of their membership! LACMA and CMA partner with Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services LLC and Preferred Employers Insurance to provide best-in-class Workers’ Compensation insurance that includes safety and risk management advice along with outstanding customer service and an easy to navigate website in the event of a claim. This program is already serving the needs of hundreds of California physicians. Have you considered the Safety, Service, Stability, and Savings, offered by Preferred? Save today! It’s easy to get a quote. Visit CountyCMAMemberInsurance.com for information

or call 855-770-5257 to speak to a Client Advisor.

Underwritten by: PREFERRED EMPLOYERS Insurance

| a Berkley Company Administered by:

* Most practices will qualify for group pricing and receive the 5% discount; however some practices will need to be underwritten separately when they do not qualify for the special program terms and conditions. A minimum premium applies to very small payrolls. Program Administered by Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services LLC