SMLMA Regional Connections | Programs & Events

Save the date: Friday, March 7, 2026:

Empowering Physicians to Shape Healthcare Policy

Your Voice Matters in Healthcare Policy

Learn how to effectively advocate for your patients, practice, and profession at all levels of government

Friday, March 7, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel, Santa Rosa

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How Healthcare Policy is Made: Navigate federal, state, and local legislative processes
• Effective Communication with Legislators: Craft compelling messages that get results
• Current Policy Challenges: Prior authorization, scope of practice, workforce issues
• Coalition Building & Media Relations: Amplify your voice and build strategic alliances
• Joining Organized Medicine's Advocacy: Plug into CMA/SMLMA advocacy infrastructure
• Personal Action Planning: Develop your roadmap for advocacy impact

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced legislative staff, physician-advocates, and policy experts
• Interactive Workshops: Practice advocacy skills in small group sessions with expert feedback
• Continental Breakfast & Networking: Connect with physician colleagues across specialties
• Comprehensive Resource Toolkit: Take home materials to support your advocacy journey
• CME Credit Available: Earn continuing education hours while building advocacy skills

For more details: Check back here as they are confirmed or call us at (707) 525-4375 or via email: exec@smlma.org

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SMLMA Physicians and Residents attend the Annual CMA Legislative Advocacy Day in Sacramento.  Want to join us in 2026? 

Pictured: Julia M Shaver, MD, Alice Renaud, MD, Harjot Bhandal, MD, Warren Chin, MD, Avinish Ramchandani, MD, Wendy Davies, Executive Director & Catherine Gutfreund, MD

Let us know you are interested in participating by emailing SMLMA at exec@scma.org or call (707) 525-4375

About the event

The California Medical Association (CMA) hosts it annual Legislative Advocacy Day every April in Sacramento. 

CMA's Legislative Advocacy Day consistently brings together more than 400 of physician and medical student leaders from all specialties and modes of practice. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with legislators on priority health care issues.

Attendees received hands-on experience while learning the nuts and bolts of advocating for their patients and profession.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet and lobby legislators on priority health care issues and learned how to become an advocate for their patients and the business of medicine.

2024 Healthcare Wellness Awards: Click here to view all the photos from the awards festivities. 

Click here for expo program that lists the nominees and sponsors.

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