LACMA's First Fire Recovery Resource Fair Provides Critical Support to Healthcare Professionals

The Fire Recovery Resource Fair, hosted by the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) on Sunday, February 23, was a resounding success, bringing together physicians and healthcare professionals affected by the Palisades and Altadena fires. Held at the Collins & Katz YMCA in Los Angeles, the event provided essential recovery resources, expert guidance, and a strong sense of community for those navigating the challenges of rebuilding.

With a high turnout of physicians, healthcare staff, and industry leaders, the fair served as a comprehensive hub for wildfire recovery. Attendees had direct access to FEMA, SBA, the Department of Insurance, and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, along with legal, financial, real estate, and rebuilding experts. Representatives from the Los Angeles Builders Association, the American Institute of Architects-LA, and the Building Industry Association of Southern California also shared crucial insights on home and practice reconstruction.

LACMA President Dr. Po-Yin Samuel Huang warmly welcomed attendees, reinforcing LACMA’s dedication to advocating for its members. President-elect Dr. Heather Silverman, Treasurer Dr. Hector Flores, and board members Dr. Troy Elander, Dr. Linda Mirdamadi and Dr. Sion Roy were also present, offering support and personally thanking the experts and organizations providing critical recovery resources.

One attending physician summed up the event’s impact, saying “This event exceeded my expectations as I was able to meet with federal and state agencies, but also speak with experts in home construction as well as physicians who lost homes in the Santa Rosa fires of 2017 who shared invaluable lessons.”

One of the event’s most powerful and emotional moments was the peer support panel, featuring Dr. Jill Zechowy, Dr. Stefan Zechowy, Dr. Pat Caskey, and Sudha Schlesinger, PhD—physicians who successfully rebuilt after losing their homes and practices in the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Northern California. Their firsthand experiences, candid insights, and hard-earned lessons deeply resonated with attendees, many of whom are now facing similar uncertainties. The overwhelming response from the audience underscored the critical need for shared experiences and practical guidance. Physicians expressed immense gratitude for the panel’s honest reflections, actionable strategies, and words of encouragement, finding hope and reassurance that recovery—while challenging—is possible with the right support and resources.

Los Angeles City Councilmember for District 11, Traci Park, addressed attendees, providing an update on the city’s wildfire response efforts, debris removal, Right of Entry (ROE) procedures, federal assistance, price gouging protections, and fast-tracking of city processes to aid impacted residents.

Beyond the wealth of expert information, the event fostered meaningful connections and solidarity among attendees. Physicians affected by the fires expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with experts, ask critical questions, and gain clarity on their next steps. The availability of food, parking, and childcare ensured that participants could fully engage and focus on the recovery resources at hand.

LACMA remains committed to supporting wildfire-affected physicians throughout their recovery journey. For those who were unable to attend, the Physician Toolkit remains available as a continually updated resource, offering real-time information on assistance programs and expert guidance.

LACMA will also host a second Fire Recovery and Resource Fair in April 2025 in South Pasadena. More details will be announced in the coming days.

LACMA extends heartfelt appreciation to all attendees, partners, and experts who contributed to making this event a success. Together, we continue to stand strong for our medical community.

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