San Mateo County Medical Association

02/26/2026

A concerning wildlife and public health development has emerged on the Peninsula.

Several elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu — marking the first confirmed outbreak in elephant seals in California. Officials report at least 30 seals have died, and wildlife experts are closely monitoring the situation.

While the risk to the public remains low, this highlights the ongoing spread of avian influenza and the importance of continued surveillance across species.

Read more:
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/elephant-seals-ano-nuevo-bird-flu/4043223/

Several elephant seals belonging to the famed colony at Ano Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County have tested positive for bird flu.

02/25/2026

A new initiative is coming to San Mateo County focused on helping residents live longer, healthier lives.

The Peninsula Health Care District has launched Blue Zones Ignite, a community-wide effort to improve well-being, prevent chronic disease, and strengthen population health. This initiative will assess local needs and implement strategies designed to support healthier lifestyles across the Peninsula.

Programs like this highlight the importance of prevention and the role communities and physicians play in improving long-term health outcomes.

Read more:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/peninsula-health-care-district-launches-140000582.html

Peninsula Health Care District (PHCD) and Blue Zones, the global leader in longevity research and community well-being transformation, have announced a partnership to launch Blue Zones IgniteTM assessment in San Mateo County, reaching more than 200,000 residents served by PHCD across San Bruno, Mill...

02/25/2026

California is taking action to protect public health.

State leaders have joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging recent federal vaccine policy changes, arguing they could undermine established medical guidance and patient safety. These developments highlight the importance of evidence-based decision-making and protecting trust in our public health system.

Physicians play a critical role in guiding patients and communities through evolving health policies.

Read more:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article314826441.html

California and 14 other states are suing the CDC, calling the recommendations a departure from standard medical advice that ignored federal laws.

02/23/2026

U.S. measles cases are nearing 1,000 in just the first two months of 2026, highlighting the continued resurgence of this highly contagious disease and the importance of vaccination. Most cases are occurring among individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

This rise underscores the critical role physicians and public health efforts play in protecting our communities—especially vulnerable populations.

Read more:

The nation is struggling to control the spread of the wildly contagious virus as vaccination rates continue to fall.

02/20/2026

The San Mateo County Medical Association is proud to support efforts that advance cardiovascular health for women in our community.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women, and education, prevention, and early intervention are critical. We encourage our physician members and community to join Sutter Health Mills Peninsula Medical Center for this important Go Red for Women event featuring Dr. Kaartiga Sivanesan, Director of Women’s Heart Health & Prevention.

📅 February 25, 2026
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Mills Peninsula Medical Center, Burlingame

Together, we can raise awareness and improve heart health outcomes for women across San Mateo County.

02/20/2026

Another measles case confirmed in Los Angeles County amid nationwide spike

Health officials have confirmed another measles case in Los Angeles County, highlighting a concerning rise in cases across California and the United States. The individual traveled through Los Angeles International Airport and other public locations while infectious, prompting public health outreach.

Measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. Physicians and public health leaders continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further spread.

🔗 Read more:

The L.A. County Department of Public Health has confirmed its fourth measles case of the year. The infected individual flew into LAX and visited a few San Gabriel Valley fast food restaurants.

02/19/2026

“Delay and deny”: Prior authorization continues to create barriers to timely patient care.

A new report highlights how prior authorization requirements can delay diagnosis and treatment, contributing to administrative burden for physicians and potentially serious consequences for patients. In fact, physicians report spending an average of 13 hours per week managing these requests, and some delays have been linked to hospitalizations and life-threatening events.

California recently passed reforms aimed at reducing unnecessary prior authorizations and easing the burden on physicians and patients.

Read more:

California is one of 31 states that passed laws in 2025 limiting insurance companies’ use of prior authorization to approve or deny medical treatments.

02/18/2026

Come join us on Monday, March 30th, 2026 for our Doctors' Day Mixer to give thanks to our members and the physicians of San Mateo County. The event is FREE for all physicians, regardless of membership status, specialty, practice type, or stage of career. Stop by, have a drink on us, and visit with your fellow physicians. Light appetizers will also be available.
Register HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUImsnEd84zdw8YcPf6g4yQfIkXJFikwURkpuw9LriKQl_FQ/viewform

02/18/2026

Today, CMA endorsed Congressman Eric Swalwell for California governor for his demonstrated commitment to strengthening the health care system, expanding access to care, fighting to restore devastating federal funding cuts and supporting physicians. Read more at cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/51117

02/18/2026

Major biotech expansion moves forward in Foster City, reinforcing the Peninsula’s leadership in healthcare innovation.

The Foster City Planning Commission has supported the next phase of Gilead Sciences’ campus expansion. The project will add new research and development facilities, further advancing medical innovation and strengthening the region’s role in developing new treatments.

This growth highlights the continued importance of the life sciences sector in improving patient care and supporting the local healthcare ecosystem.

Read more:

The Foster City Planning Commission is voicing support in the next phase of approval for the longtime Gilead campus expansion project.

02/18/2026

⚠️ Deepfake “Doctors” Are Becoming a Public Health Threat

Artificial intelligence is now being used by scammers to clone the faces and voices of real physicians—without their consent—to promote fake supplements and counterfeit treatments on social media. These convincing deepfake videos can mislead patients, waste money, delay proper care, and undermine trust in legitimate medical advice.

Physicians and public health leaders are urging stronger safeguards, greater transparency, and increased awareness to protect patients and preserve trust in the patient-physician relationship.

🔗 Read more:

Highly respected doctors on social media are endorsing questionable medical products — but they’re deepfakes, and they’re a serious problem.

02/13/2026

San Mateo County is expanding life-saving resources with publicly accessible naloxone (Narcan) stations installed across the community. This initiative makes it easier than ever for residents and neighbors to get overdose rescue medication when every minute counts. 💙

By placing Narcan in strategic locations, the county’s Overdose Prevention Coalition and Behavioral Health & Recovery Services aim to reduce overdose fatalities and support community safety. Let’s spread the word so more people know these tools are available when needed most.

Learn more and help raise awareness about this proactive step toward harm reduction and community health.

Read more here:

San Mateo County announced the launch of a program this week to place emergency overdose medication in publicly accessible boxes around the county.