San Diego County Medical Society

02/27/2026

State Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) has introduced Senate Bill 1146, a measure sponsored by the California Medical Association (CMA) to crack down on the growing use of artificial intelligence to create "deepfake" impersonations of physicians. The bill seeks to protect patients from misleading medical advice and fraudulent advertisements that weaponize the trust between doctors and patients.

As artificial intelligence becomes more capable at producing realistic videos, a dangerous new trend has emerged: Scammers are using AI to clone physicians’ likenesses and voices – without their knowledge or consent – to sell unproven supplements and "miracle cures" and dispense baseless medical advice.

“Scammers who use deepfake doctors are exploiting the credibility of the medical profession to trick vulnerable Californians into buying unproven and potentially harmful products,” said Senator Gonzalez. “SB 1146 will put a stop to this deceptive practice and ensure that when patients see a doctor online, they can trust that the person – and their medical advice – is real.”

State Senator Lena Gonzalez introduced SB 1146, a measure sponsored by CMA to crack down on the growing use of artificial intelligence to create "deepfake" impersonations of physicians.

02/26/2026

MAR 12, 2026: 6–7pm, FREE Webinar for Members and Non–Members, sponsored by SDCMS, OCMA and The Doctors Company (TDC), ‘Are You Ready for New 2026 Laws?’

Have you been briefed on all of the new California laws effective 1/1/2026 which impact medical practices? Failure to follow California laws for physicians, dentists and advanced practice providers (APPs) may constitute violation of the California Business and Professions Code which governs physician practices, as well as the governing boards for APPs and dentists. Violations may result in sanctions or an adverse action on a health care provider licensed by these governing boards. Be aware and prepared! 1 CME Credit available ‣

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02/25/2026

We are grateful for San Diego Assemblywoman Darshana Patel's work to prevent unfair and abusive financial practices by insurance companies.

CMA is proud to stand with Assemblymember Darshana Patel to sponsor , which will protect physician practices and patient access to care by prohibiting automatic downcoding by health insurance companies. AB 2431 ensures that any reduction in payment is grounded in an actual clinic review and not software algorithms, ensuring clinical accuracy. https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/51132

02/25/2026

The American Medical Association (AMA) is hosting its 2026 AMPAC Candidate Workshop April 17–19 in Washington, D.C., offering physicians practical training on how to run a successful political campaign. Registration is open, space is limited, and the deadline to apply is March 20.

Physicians interested in pursuing elected office can gain practical, hands-on guidance this spring through the 2026 AMPAC Candidate Workshop, hosted by the American Medical Association (AMA). Designed for prospective candidates, the workshop helps participants transition from the exam room to the campaign trail by building the skills and strategic foundation needed to run for public office.

The in-person workshop will take place April 17–19, 2026, at the AMA offices in Washington, D.C. Through interactive sessions led by experienced Republican and Democratic political veterans, participants will learn how to plan and execute a disciplined campaign, develop an effective message, and navigate the realities of fundraising, media relations, advertising, and grassroots organizing.

The program is open to AMA physician members, residents, fellows, medical students, member spouses, and state medical society staff who are interested in becoming more involved in the political process. Attendees benefit from bipartisan instruction that focuses on practical campaign fundamentals rather than ideology, offering insight into what it takes to run (and win) a competitive race.

AMA is hosting its 2026 AMPAC Candidate Workshop April 17–19 in Washington, D.C., offering physicians practical training on how to run a successful political campaign. Registration is open, space is ...

02/23/2026

San Diego Assemblymember Darshana Patel has introduced Assembly Bill 2431, sponsored by the California Medical Association (CMA), to protect physician practices and patient access to care by prohibiting automatic downcoding by health insurance companies.

Downcoding occurs when an insurer unilaterally alters a submitted claim to a lower-cost service code, reimbursing physicians for a lower level of care than was actually provided. Increasingly, insurers rely on automated "claim-editing" algorithms to downcode claims without clinical review, forcing physicians to spend significant time and resources appealing unjust payment reductions. As a result of these policies, physicians are penalized for delivering complex care and are often incentivized to avoid certain insurance plans or sell their practices altogether, which can disrupt patients’ continuity of care and compromise their long-term health.

“California’s physicians are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to their patients, but automatic downcoding algorithms are making this increasingly difficult,” said Assemblymember Patel. “AB 2431 ensures that any reduction in payment is grounded in an actual clinic review and not software algorithms. When we protect physicians' ability to practice sustainably, we protect patients' access to the care they deserve."

Assemblymember Darshana Patel has introduced AB 2431, sponsored by CMA, to protect physician practices and patient access to care by prohibiting automatic downcoding by health insurance companies.

02/20/2026

MAR 12, 2026: 6–7pm, FREE Webinar for Members and Non–Members, sponsored by SDCMS, OCMA and The Doctors Company (TDC), ‘Are You Ready for New 2026 Laws?’. Have you been briefed on all of the new California laws effective 1/1/2026 which impact medical practices?

Failure to follow California laws for physicians, dentists and advanced practice providers (APPs) may constitute violation of the California Business and Professions Code which governs physician practices, as well as the governing boards for APPs and dentists. Violations may result in sanctions or an adverse action on a health care provider licensed by these governing boards. Be aware and prepared! 1 CME Credit available. Register here:

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02/20/2026

On February 17th, our Retired Physicians Society had the opportunity to tour the San Ysidro Health Center and PACE facility in El Cajon. Thank you to San Ysidro Health President & CEO Kevin Matson and VP & Chief Medical Officer—and incoming SDCMS President—Dr. Maria Carriedo for leading a meaningful discussion about the diverse communities San Ysidro Health serves across San Diego County, their workforce development initiatives, and their commitment to training the next generation of providers as a Teaching Health Center.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an educational and engaging afternoon!

02/19/2026

The next networking opportunity and "Physician Social & Mixer" will be on Thursday evening, April 16, 2026, 5:00 — 8:00 PM, at Carruth Cellars Urban Winery in Solana Beach.

This event will directly benefit Champions for Health programs which address the needs of medically underserved residents within San Diego County, including Project Access San Diego and Immunize San Diego.

There is no charge for current society members or their guests to attend this hosted event as included in SDCMS’ benefit offerings. Space is limited and RSVPs are required, so REGISTER here:

San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) 8690 Aero Drive, Suite 115-220 San Diego, CA 92123 Phone: (858) 565-8888 Fax: (858) 569-1334 Email: SDCMS@SDCMS.org

02/18/2026

The latest issue of the San Diego County Medical Society's bi-weekly newsletter, "News You Can Use," is out today and available for viewing now. Find out the latest developments and news for San Diego County's physician community.

I wanted to draw your attention to a recent San Diego Union Tribune Op–Ed authored by 211 San Diego and the University of San Diego Non–Profit Institu

02/17/2026

California has confirmed a measles outbreak in Shasta County and recent exposures at Disneyland, prompting CDPH to urge physicians to review their patients’ immunization status and reinforce the importance of MMR vaccination.

California public health officials are responding to a rise in measles cases across the state, including an outbreak in Shasta County and confirmed exposures at Disneyland in Anaheim.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), eight cases have been identified in Shasta County — making it the state’s first measles outbreak since 2020. All reported cases involved individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown — underscoring the role of immunization gaps in the outbreak.

Additional cases have been reported in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Two infectious individuals also visited Disneyland on January 22 and January 28 while contagious, prompting public health officials to notify potentially exposed employees and visitors.

California has confirmed a measles outbreak in Shasta County and recent exposures at Disneyland, prompting CDPH to urge physicians to review their patients’ immunization status and reinforce the impo...

02/13/2026

Former SDCMS President and current California Medical Association Trustee Sergio Flores, MD, former SDCMS President and current Legislative Committee Chair Robert E. Hertzka, MD, and Paul Hegyi, CEO of SDCMS continued their Capitol Hill legislative trip by meeting with San Diego Congressman Juan Vargas this week. Issues covered included physician workforce topics, prior authorization reform and Medicare funding.

02/11/2026

Dr. Sion Roy is the best chance to put another physician in the California state Senate. His candidacy is crucial for California's patients and health care community. We need another strong physician advocate given the huge financial challenges health care is facing in our state.