A MESSAGE FROM LACMA CEO Gustavo Friederichsen

COVID-19 has changed the way we look at preventing illness, the way we conduct business safely and has shattered conventional wisdom when it comes to consumer and even our member expectations.

Before the pandemic, solo and small practices, groups and large integrated systems were caring for patient populations. Now, the healthcare industry is morphing in real time to solve complex virus-related issues, from testing to treatment to preventing spread. LACMA is no different. As members know, we launched the COVID-19 Rapid Response Initiative and have helped hundreds of practices across the county

“As we say goodwith financial and supply help. We heard from minority- and womenbye to 2020, LACMA owned practices that needed supplies, resources to reopen, technology guidance to deploy telemedicine and guidelines for how to open. will continue to listen Yet, the most impactful action we launched was the PPE program, a to our members weeklong series of PPE events. More than 2,300 practices participated, and another 1,000 requested shipment of supplies. A total of $12 so we can deliver million in PPEs was provided to solo and small practices. We have partnered with AltaMed Health Services and Cal State Los Angeles to unprecedented value provide PPEs to an additional 500 independent solo and small practices. for membership.” The issue of Los Angeles Medicine is also about change. Dr. Diana Shiba, Dr. Jeffery Lee, Dr. Omer Deen and Dr. Jerry Abraham form the new, diverse board leadership for the 149th edition of officers. As social and racial unrest continues to plague our country and communities, the new Health Equity Council and Race Against Time Zoom conversations will look at how racism impacts access to care, the provision of care and the role LACMA can play to help minority communities and their physicians. We continue our partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health to address the pandemic, food insecurity and how COVID-19 has exacerbated the vaping epidemic. When I wrote this column, the virus had killed more than 6,000 Angelinos, infected 250,000, and is hospitalizing 800 daily. There is no question supplies will be a challenge for physicians well into 2021, which is why LACMA will identify sustainable solutions to make a difference for providers. As we say good-bye to 2020, LACMA will continue to listen to our members so we can deliver unprecedented value for membership. We must deliver on not just supplies but on policy, practice resources, group-specific solutions and evolve as the practice of medicine has evolved literally overnight. It is my hope that members continue to share what we are doing right, what we can do better to earn membership, maintain your membership, and help you to thrive in a postpandemic world. As always, let me know at gustavo@lacmanet.org.