ACCMA News

Join us for CMA House of Delegates in L.A.

There are currently open positions on the ACCMA Delegation to the California Medical Association (CMA) House of Delegates (HOD). The HOD will convene October 17-19 at the Marriot LA Live in Los Angeles, CA. ACCMA will reimburse reasonable expenses.    

 If you want to influence health care policy, help shape CMA’s advocacy priorities, and connect with other California physicians who are passionate about health care policy, this is a great opportunity to get involved.  

The CMA HOD convenes annually to debate and determine CMA policies and priorities on the most important issues affecting members, the association and the practice of medicine. The CMA HOD consists of nearly 500 delegates elected by members of component medical societies, specialty societies, and CMA sections and forums, representing virtually every mode of practice and region of the state. Within this body of 500 Delegates, the ACCMA is represented by a delegation of 48 Delegates. We currently have open positions on our delegation.   

 If you are interested in joining the ACCMA Delegation, please contact David Lopez, Director of Operations and Leadership Development, at 510-654-5383 or dlopez@accma.org.   

Take Action: Save Medicaid!

Congress is threatening deep cuts to Medicaid – jeopardizing care for millions of Californians, including veterans, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and those served by safety-net hospitals and clinics.

 Medicaid is under threat. Physicians can help protect it- Attend a local rally, use the new texting system below, or contact your member of congress via phone or email!

 1. Attend a Local Rally with ACCMA Members:

There are two local rallies happening next Tuesday, May 13th from 11:30 am- 1:00 pm at Highland Hospital (1411 E. 31st St., Oakland CA) and Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (2500 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, CA). ACCMA is coordinating a group meet up at these rallies. If you plan to attend, please register here and let us know!

2. National Voter-to-Voter Texting Campaign:

Kaiser Permanente, the CMA, in partnership with the Protect Our Health Care Coalition, has launched a national voter-to-voter texting campaign to stop the cuts to Medicaid.

 Here’s how it works:
Volunteer to send texts to voters in key congressional districts, urging them to contact their Representatives. Your personal phone number will never be shared.
Each message includes a simple link for voters to take action, amplifying your impact. All texts are pre-written and will be sent by you with a simple click!

It takes just minutes to get started.

• Create your account here: protectourhealthcare.org/join
• Please capitalize the first letters of your first and last name, ensuring there are no typos. The way you enter your information will be directly merged into the copy of the text to personalize each send.

Need help or have questions? Contact the volunteer coordinators directly at info@protectourhealthcare.org.

3. Write or Call Your Member of Congress:

Please write and call your member of Congress in their district and DC offices to tell them how these cuts would impact your patients, hospitals, clinics and community. The members of congress who represent ACCMA can be found here.

When calling, ask to speak to the healthcare/Medicaid staffer. Be sure to explain how cuts will affect your patients, practice setting, and ability to provide care.

Personal calls and handwritten letters get the most attention. So calls and letters (and then sharing your action if you’re active on social media) are the preferred method of outreach. Please encourage your friends, family and patients to reach out as well.

Your voice – and your time – can make the difference in protecting access to care for the 79 million Americans who rely on Medicaid for essential health care.

Write Your Member of Congress Urging Them to Stop the Medicaid Cuts

ACCMA Statement: Protecting Our Patients and Community

ACCMA Releases New Statement on Protecting Our Patients and Community 

The Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association has published a new policy statement, “Protecting Our Patients and Community: Values and Priorities Guiding Our Response to Federal Threats to Health Care.” 

Developed in response to mounting federal challenges to health care access, equity, and science-based practice, this document outlines the values and priorities that will guide ACCMA’s advocacy and public engagement in the months ahead. It affirms our commitment to evidence-based medicine, equitable care, and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. 

As physicians, we have a responsibility to speak out against efforts to undermine the health of our patients and the integrity of our profession. This statement articulates a clear vision for how we can work together to safeguard essential health programs like Medicare, Medi-Cal, and the Affordable Care Act; defend access to reproductive and gender-affirming care; and strengthen our health care workforce and public health infrastructure. 

You can view the full statement here.

We invite you to share this document with colleagues, community leaders, and policymakers as we continue to advocate for a health system rooted in science, compassion, and justice. Your voice and engagement are critical to this work, and we thank you for your membership and support. 

Dr. Clifford Wong: ACCMA Member of the Month

We are grateful for Dr. Clifford Wong’s contributions to improving community health and are proud to honor him as the ACCMA Member of the Month. 
 
Dr. Wong is a Nephrologist based in Alameda County and has been a dedicated member of ACCMA for many years. He is deeply committed to legislative advocacy and held the position of chair of the ACCMA Legislative Committee from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, Dr. Wong serves on the ACCMA Executive Committee and will assume the role of ACCMA President in November during the 157th ACCMA Annual Meeting. 

Do you know a physician who goes above and beyond, creating a lasting positive impact in their community? Share their story with us!

Dr. Edmon Soliman: ACCMA Member of the Month

We are grateful for Dr. Edmon Soliman’s contributions to improving community health and are proud to honor him as the ACCMA Member of the Month.

Dr. Edmon Soliman stands out as one of ACCMA’s most committed and engaged members. Since joining in 2001, he has taken on numerous roles, including serving as President from 2022 to 2023. He remains actively involved in several of the ACCMA committees and is currently serving as a CMA trustee on the ACCMA Council as well as course co-director for the highly sought after Physician Leadership Program (PLP). He is a great ambassador for the organization, promoting the benefits of membership to others and attending most social events, even hosting a couple of his own events through the Member-Led Events Program offered by ACCMA to promote physician wellness. Outside of his involvement with ACCMA, Dr. Soliman cares for patients at Kaiser Walnut Creek and helps train newer physicians in his additional role as Communications Consultant. As a self-proclaimed “techie” he enjoys digital photography and exploring new ways to use his Smartphone. He is equally “athletic” on the basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.

Do you know a physician who goes above and beyond, creating a lasting positive impact in their community? Share their story with us!

AB 2132: Required TB Screening for Adult Patients

A new California law that took effect January 1st, AB 2132, mandates that patients aged 18 and older receiving primary care services be offered tuberculosis (TB) screening if risk factors are identified, provided these services are covered by their health care plan. If a TB screening test is positive, health care providers must offer follow-up care or refer the patient to another provider. Importantly, providers are protected from disciplinary actions or liability for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill requires Medi-Cal managed care plans to ensure access to care for latent and active TB and coordinate with local health departments for enrollees with active TB. For practicing physicians, this means an increased responsibility to screen for TB and ensure appropriate follow-up care, while also being shielded from legal repercussions for non-compliance.

For more information about the law, visit: AB 2132: Health care services: tuberculosis. | Digital Democracy

For a 4-step guide about the law and how to implement it, visit:https://ctca.org/wp-content/uploads/LTBI_12-29-24.pdf

President's Page: First Do No Harm

Presidential administrations significantly impact the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities. Through the Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) and its agencies, presidential administrations have significant influence over how financial resources are allocated, the focus of federal research, and how our public health care insurance systems are managed, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Vaccines for Children program, Medicare, and Medicaid. These decisions impact all Americans but are usually felt most acutely by those most underserved and vulnerable. 

As we embark on the next four years, the ACCMA is urging President Trump and his administration to make decisions that are based on facts, evidence, and science, just as  physicians do for our patients every day. Like physicians, the new administration should first and foremost do no harm. Misinformation and disinformation must not guide policymaking decisions and undermine evidence-based public health strategies.

As physicians, we must reaffirm our commitment to evidence based medicine and redouble our efforts to educate our patients about what the evidence shows. Here are the facts: 
• Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against life threatening disease such as measles, polio, tetanus, and meningococcal disease. Because of vaccine mis- and disinformation, there has been a resurgence in vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough, endangering those who are too young or unable to be vaccinated.
• Fluoride in drinking water at the recommended level of 0.7 parts per million, like we have in our EBMUD water, is safe and keeps teeth strong. Because 72.3% of the U.S. population has access to fluoridated water, there has been a reduction in cavities by about 25% in both children and adults.
• Public health agencies are critical to preventing and responding to health crises in our communities. Federal funding and technical assistance allow local and state public health agencies to develop response plans, implement intervention strategies, and work with hard-to-reach communities.
• Since the passage of the ACA in 2010, the number of uninsured Americans fell from 48 million in 2010 to 25.6 million in 2023. California has led the way by investing and expanding Medi- Cal. Voters affirmed this commitment by passing Proposition 35 in November, significantly expanding federal Medi-Cal funding.

These are just a few of the many issues we are likely to confront in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Regardless of the president in power, physicians will always put the best interests of our patients and communities at the forefront. We will continue to be a resource to our patients, providing evidence-based and scientifically proven information and striving to better their lives and our community's health. We urge this administration to do the same.

Immigration Enforcement Guidance and Resources for Physicians

In March of 2025, the Physicians for Human Rights published a pamphlet on how healthcare providers and institutions can and should respond to efforts by ICE and other agents. View the pamphlet here. 

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The Trump Administration has overturned policies that banned immigration enforcement in “protected areas,” which includes hospitals and doctor’s offices. Practices should consider developing or updating protocols for responding to immigration enforcement visits and requests for access. The ACCMA has compiled the following concise guidance to assist members in understanding how immigration actions may intersect with clinical practice considerations so that physicians and their teams can make informed choices that minimize harm to patients. Please contact the ACCMA with any questions or requests for additional information. Read the full guide here.

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza A (H5N1))

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza A (H5N1))

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1) or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is caused by a virus that primarily affects birds and mammals, resulting in their serious illness or even death. Ongoing outbreaks of H5N1 are occurring on California dairy cattle and poultry farms. The virus can also infect humans. 

As of January 7, 2025, there are 66 confirmed human cases in the United States, with 37 cases reported in California. 36 of those cases in California are associated with exposure to infected dairy cattle. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working with local, state, and federal partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals and people who work closely with poultry and dairy cows. 

On December 18, 2024, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency to strengthen California's robust response to bird flu. However, according to the CDPH, no person-to-person spread of bird flu has been detected in California and the current risk to the public remains low.

Clinicians are asked to consider avian influenza A(H5N1) in patients with upper respiratory symptoms and exposure to sick/dead birds, wildlife, or domesticated animals, or exposure to unpasteurized (raw) milk or milk products. Please see County Health Advisories for additional details.

Symptoms in Humans include:

• Eye redness or discharge
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Trouble breathing
• Fever (100 °F or higher)
• Pneumonia
• Seizures

Transmission from sick cows, birds, or other infected animals can occur by: 

• Breathing in dust or droplets of the virus. 
• Splashing raw milk from an infected cow in your eyes, nose, or mouth. 
• Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after: 
  • Touching raw milk, cow or bird feces, or other contaminated items or surfaces. 
  • Handling sick or dead animals infected with the virus. 
• ​​Drinking raw milk. ​​​​

Note: Pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume. Pasteurization
inactivates the bird flu virus.​​

Resources and County Advisories
Contra Costa County Provider Health Advisory Updates on H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (December 11, 2024)
Alameda County HEALTH ADVISORY Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI) A (H5N1) Virus in Alameda County (December 9, 2024)
CDPH Health Update to Healthcare Providers (December 6, 2024)CDPH Bird Flu Webpage
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Bird Flu Tracking