Lunch & Learn: Navigating Nuance: Korean Cultural Dynamics in Patient-Centered Care We are excited that CalOptima Health’s Community Health Department is hosting a special Lunch & Learn focused on understanding and serving the Korean community in Orange County. This presentation will explore the cultural stigma surrounding mental health and how traditional values can contribute to unaddressed psychological distress and elevated suicide risk. Participants will examine the cultural concept of 눈치 (nunchi) and learn how to recognize subtle, nonverbal cues that may reveal patient needs beyond what is explicitly communicated. We will also discuss the impact of migration stress, trauma, and intergenerational dynamics on health behaviors. Participants will leave with practical, culturally responsive strategies to build trust, bridge communication gaps, and co-design care plans that honor Korean patients' unique cultural contexts and needs!

With physician shortages already projected to reach all-time highs, the proposed H-1B Visa fee hike would worsen staffing shortages, specifically in rural areas, and add to a practices financial challenges. With physician shortages already projected to reach all-time highs, the proposed H-1B Visa fee hike would worsen staffing shortages, specifically in rural areas, and add to a practice's financial challenges. bit.ly/4yrra6S

Cybersecurity threats put patient safety and sensitive data at risk. @DoctorsCompany shares strategies to strengthen safeguards, address vulnerabilities, and build a culture of cyber vigilance across healthcare teams. Read more: thedoctors.com/the-doctors-a…

Recently, our Board met with Asm. Diane Dixon to hear about her work in the Legislature on health care, scope of practice, and liability protections. We also discussed what she thinks the County can do to address physician workforce issues and protect access to care for Medi-Cal patients. Thank you, Asm. Dixon, for being a steadfast friend to physicians during your time in the Legislature!

Governor Newsom signed SB 1049, a CMA-sponsored law giving physicians 90 days to correct minor billing errors instead of facing unfair claims denials. A win for doctors and the patients they care for.

In September, we hosted a ScART event for women to transform the residual scars of their breast cancer journeys into painted expressions of resilience, healing, & hope. Each brushstroke tells a story of courage, recovery, identity, & the beauty that can emerge after profound personal hardship. Now we are hosting an art exhibit to offer the community a moving opportunity to witness how scars become symbols of strength and how art can help give voice to survival. In September, we hosted a ScART event where women transformed the residual scars of their breast cancer journeys into painted expressions of resilience, healing, & hope. Each brushstroke tells a story of courage, recovery, identity, & the beauty that can emerge after profound personal hardship. Everyone is welcome to join us for a free open house to honor all breast cancer warriors and hear the stories behind the art they have created! Date: Sunday, September 25, 2026 Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM Location: OCMA (5000 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660) Light refreshments provided by The Doctors Company No RSVP needed

Governor Newsom has signed AB 2346, a CMA-sponsored bill that modernizes e-bike safety laws and better protects young riders. This law has roots right here in Orange County. OCMA physician members saw the rise in e-bike injuries firsthand in our emergency departments, trauma centers, and children's hospitals, and raised the alarm. Their experiences helped elevate a local concern into a statewide priority. Authored by Assemblymembers Lori Wilson and Marc Berman, AB 2346 sets new e-bike safety standards across California, including a statewide 10 mph sidewalk speed limit, consumer education requirements, and required lights and speedometers beginning in 2029. #AB2346 #EBikeSafety #CAHealth #OCMA #CALeg

Congratulations to Edinger Medical Group, MemorialCare Medical Group and Hoag Medical Group! "OCMA is proud to celebrate these organizations for being named among Orange County's best medical groups in the Orange County Register's Best of Orange County 2026." From personalized patient care to comprehensive, evidence-based medicine and convenient access to specialists, services and facilities, each group is making a meaningful difference for patients across our community. Thank you for your commitment to exceptional care in Orange County! bit.ly/4AGOZZQ

CMA sues state to enforce Proposition 35 and protect Medi-Cal funding Last week, the California Medical Association (CMA) and the California Association of Health Plans filed a lawsuit directly with the California Supreme Court to protect Proposition 35, the once-in-a-generation investment in health care that California voters passed overwhelmingly. CMA led the coalition that drafted and passed Prop 35 to make the MCO tax permanent and direct its revenue toward strengthening Medi-Cal and improving access to care. The state's SB 125 undermines that promise in three ways: It diverts dedicated Medi-Cal funding to backfill the state budget. It exceeds the limits voters placed on taxing commercial health coverage. It was enacted without the three-fourths legislative vote required to change a voter-approved law. When Medi-Cal funding is diverted, patients who can't get timely care turn to crowded emergency rooms, wait times grow for everyone, and clinics, groups, and practices are put at risk. Higher taxes on commercial coverage also mean higher premiums for patients and employers, including the more than 14 million Californians with commercial coverage. We agree California must adapt to new federal requirements under H.R. 1. But Prop 35 anticipated federal changes and provided a way to address them. The lawsuit asks the court to invalidate SB 125, require a structure that complies with both state and federal law by December 31, 2026, and ensure revenue is used as Prop 35 requires. California needs a sustainable MCO tax to support Medi-Cal. The answer cannot be to ignore a law the voters approved. Learn more: mcotaxlawsuitfacts.com #Prop35 #MediCal #CaliforniaHealthCare #OCMA #CMALeads

Oh, the Places OCMA Goes! Our Past President, Joanna Tan, MD, took her OCMA swag on an adventure with her to Oktoberfest! While we had to live vicariously through her this time, a great time was had by all! Where have you taken OCMA? Share your photos with us, and we will spotlight them!

Once tort reform legislation is passed, courts attempt to interpret the intent of that legislation in specific cases. @DoctorsCompany examines how case strategy, early motions, and appellate outcomes can help safeguard the intended protections of reforms: thedoctors.com/the-doctors-a…

AI scribes can reduce documentation burden, but their use also introduces potential risks. Learn from @doctorscompany how clinicians and practices can mitigate risk when using AI scribes: thedoctors.com/articles/ai-s…

Understanding today’s medical malpractice landscape requires examining both claim frequency and severity. Learn what's driving increasing claim severity and how it affects clinicians and patients from @doctorscompany: thedoctors.com/articles/fewe…

🏆OCMA is proud to name Eric H. Ball, MD, FAAP, 2026 Physician of the Year! Pediatrician, Vaccine Advocate, Legislative leader, Community champion. OC’s children couldn’t have a more passionate defender. Congratulations, @DrEricBall! #OCMAPhysicianOfTheYear

Join us for "The Business of Medicine & Meeting the Market" Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Dinner @ 6:00 PM | Program @ 6:30 In person or Online Eric Nuttall, CPA, will discuss the practice valuation & financial readiness process, provide insights into what the M&A market is looking for, along w/ best practices to implement to meet the market, even if you don't sell, & show you that good business can also mean good medicine In-Person: lnkd.in/gNDkktea Webinar: lnkd.in/gVXG6RpZ

The HHS Accessibility Rule has fast-approaching key compliance deadlines for healthcare providers. Learn what hospitals and medical and dental offices need to know to stay compliant and reduce risk from @doctorscompany: thedoctors.com/articles/hhs-…

OCMA has joined the list of Orgs opposed to this dangerous initiative. Its impact on our patients and communities would be devastating at a time of unprecedented uncertainty. Our patients deserve the best possible care. This senseless initiative would endanger that.