LACMA president, Jerry Abraham, MD, MPH, CMQ, received the full support of the LACMA board of directors last week as Dr. Abraham seeks to become the next CMA Vice Speaker.
“The Vice Speaker’s role is to make sure all voices in the House of Delegates are heard as issues arise so that we may reach a sound consensus,” said Abraham. “I pledge to do exactly that. Together, we can shape the path forward, ensuring a thriving medical profession. Please reach out to me; I eagerly await your thoughts and feedback and look forward to the opportunity to serve you.” Read Dr. Abraham's full statement below.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
My name is Jerry Abraham, and I am asking for your vote as the next Vice Speaker of the CMA House of Delegates.
We must speak with one voice as advocates to safeguard the future of medicine in California.
Like so many of you, I struggle to keep up with the unrealistic demands of caring for 20 to 30 patients a day, completing notes, closing charts, and emptying inboxes. As a full-time primary care physician in a safety-net community health center, I live the struggle of paying down my six-figure medical school debt, while experiencing the various challenges in medicine that threaten to limit viable practice options in California. Physicians are experiencing burnout and moral injury at ever-increasing rates. The status quo is unsustainable.
Take the example of Vanessa, a medical student I train at Charles Drew University. Because of a shortage of GME positions in California, she is considering the possible necessity of moving out of state for residency and fears she won’t be able to afford to make her way back home. What can we do to ensure her future in medicine here in California?
We and future physicians will reap the consequences of policies enacted today. We need leadership experienced in advocacy and dedicated to medicine’s future in California for generations to come. As a full-time clinical physician with the majority of my career in front of me, I share the challenges you face. My commitment to this cause is resolute, and I am poised to champion the voice of our House as a tried and trusted leader prepared to serve you on day one.
The Vice Speaker’s role is to make sure all voices in the House of Delegates are heard as issues arise so that we may reach a sound consensus. I pledge to do exactly that. Together, we can shape the path forward, ensuring a thriving medical profession. Please reach out to me; I eagerly await your thoughts and feedback, and look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
My name is Jerry Abraham. I ask for the honor of your support and your vote as Vice Speaker.
Sincerely
yours,
Jerry
Jerry P. Abraham, MD MPH CMQ
Candidate for Vice Speaker
+1.832.687.3242
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