San Mateo County Medical Association

01/07/2026

FREE new webinar Jan. 13 featuring California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Erica Pan & former CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez. Hear about recent federal changes, current California recommendations, and efforts within the public health community to continue to promote science-based decision-making. https://www.cmadocs.org/event-info/sessionaltcd/CME26_0113_VGROUNDS

01/06/2026

Clarity and transparency are essential when public health guidance evolves. Clear communication about the evidence behind changes to vaccine recommendations helps build trust and understanding.
Routine vaccinations continue to be a cornerstone of public health — saving lives, preventing suffering, and protecting our communities.

01/05/2026

Big news for local health care! 🎉
San Mateo County has completed a $217 million rebuild of its public hospital, improving seismic safety, expanding access, and modernizing facilities to better serve our community. This major milestone brings stronger care infrastructure for residents and patients across the Peninsula.
Read more 👇

San Mateo County has completed a decade-long, $217 million rebuild of its public hospital focused on seismic safety and accessibility ahead of the new year.

01/05/2026

Incoming SMCMA President Dr. Pradeepa Selvakumar shares her vision for 2026, emphasizing strong advocacy, physician autonomy, and meaningful engagement. She highlights the evolving physician membership - now younger and majority female - along with SMCMA’s commitment to supporting practice sustainability, improving access to care, and ensuring physicians have a strong voice in San Mateo County.
Read more here ➡️ https://www.smcma.org/news-events/news-press-releases/looking-ahead-a-message-from-smcmas-2026-president.aspx

Looking Ahead: A Message from SMCMA’s 2026 President

12/18/2025

Sutter Health — one of Northern California’s largest health systems — has reversed its recent move to stop providing gender-affirming care for patients under 19 after families and advocates spoke out and organized protests. While appointments that had been canceled were rescheduled, there is concern the change may not be permanent amid ongoing federal pressures and policy uncertainty. Read the full story 👇
👉 https://www.sfstandard.com/2025/12/16/sutter-trans-youth-healthcare-reversal/

San Francisco Standard

After parents rallied and raised the alarm, Sutter Health reversed its plan to stop gender-affirming care for patients under 19. But families fear the pause is temporary as federal threats loom.

12/16/2025

We’re proud to introduce the 2026 San Mateo County Medical Association Board of Directors! 🎉
This dedicated group of physician leaders will help guide SMCMA’s work in advocacy, physician support, and community health in the year ahead.
Join us in welcoming and thanking them for their service.
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Meet the 2026 SMCMA Board of Directors

12/16/2025

Health care costs continue to rise — and California hospitals and patients are feeling the impact. A new analysis looks at how state health spending, affordability efforts, and hospital costs intersect as policymakers debate what comes next.
This is an important read for anyone concerned about access to care and long-term sustainability of our health system.
Read more 👇
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The federal budget bill President Donald Trump signed into law in July is creating uncertainty for states trying to rein in health care spending. In California, a lawsuit by the hospital industry challenging state spending caps cites the law, which will slash Medicaid spending, as one of many financ...

12/15/2025

Multiple states argue the $100,000 fee for each new skilled worker visa for foreign employees working in the U.S. threatens critical education and healthcare services.

12/10/2025

• Last year, 17,000 H-1B visas were granted or renewed within the health care sector. Our health care workforce cannot afford to lose this many professionals, which will happen when the normal $500-$1,000 visa fee skyrockets to $100,000.

The Trump administration’s demand for companies to pay a $100,000 fee to hire an immigrant worker using an H-1B visa has created turmoil among rural health providers.

12/10/2025

America’s health-insurance reality is shifting — deductibles and premiums under Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) are rising, creating tough choices for families across the country. This isn’t just national news — it impacts all of us. If you or someone you know is renewing coverage soon, definitely take a close look.
Read more ➡️ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/08/health/obamacare-deductibles-premiums-health-insurance.html

💬 What changes have you seen in your healthcare plan lately?

People who have health insurance under the Affordable Care Act will face higher deductibles and higher premiums.

12/10/2025

🚨 Public-health warning for Bay Area residents: A recent outbreak tied to wild-foraged mushrooms has led to dozens of hospitalizations — and at least one death. Authorities urge caution, especially with “death-cap” species.

Awareness is prevention.

Read more:

One death and several cases of liver failure were reported due to mushroom poisoning.

12/08/2025

California is standing up for newborn health. Despite a recent federal advisory panel decision to scale back universal birth-dose vaccinations for Hepatitis B, California (along with other West Coast states) is urging that all newborns still receive the birth-dose — a strategy credited with reducing childhood infections by 99%. It’s a powerful reminder that preventive care saves lives. 💉 Read more 👉

Despite a controversial federal shift on infant vaccination, California doctors and state health officials continue to back the long-standing practice of giving hepatitis B shots to babies at birth.