New Physicians’ Association Formed to Champion Independent and Small Group Practitioners in Sacramento
February 21, 2024
SACRAMENTO, CA—The Physician Association of California (PAC), representing more than 14,000 physicians, today announced its leadership team and official launch. PAC is dedicated to amplifying the voices of independent practitioners in Sacramento, advocating for their unique interests in the healthcare delivery system. With a mission to empower and support independent and small-group physicians, PAC aims to drive positive change for physicians and shape the future of healthcare delivery in California.
“PAC will be a strong voice in Sacramento for my patients and independent physicians like me,” said Dr. Omer Deen, an internal medicine physician and member of the PAC Board of Directors. “It’s getting more and more difficult to practice medicine independently and we need someone in Sacramento fighting for us. Independent physicians aren’t just doctors: we are also small business owners with unique advocacy needs. PAC will work together with all healthcare stakeholders and other physician organizations in Sacramento on our behalf.”
The Association will be led by longtime healthcare advocate Matthew Robinson, who previously held senior government affairs roles at Kaiser Permanente and Amazon. In these roles, he advocated for patients, employees and physicians in the challenging California legislative and regulatory environment. He also previously represented the California Association of Health Facilities, where he advocated for 850 skilled nursing facilities, 500 intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled, and 120,000 employees.
“PAC is the only statewide association that exclusively represents the interests of independent physicians and small practice groups across California,” said group CEO Matthew Robinson. “Our members are vital community providers who ensure critical access to quality care. California has a diverse healthcare market with an increasingly complex legislative and regulatory environment for healthcare providers. PAC gives a voice to our members and their patients in that marketplace and in the Capitol where important policy choices are being debated.”
PAC’s Board of Directors includes:
- Dr. Kenneth Sim, General Surgeon, Los Angeles
- Dr. Wayne Kleinman, Anesthesiologist, Los Angeles
- Dr. Pedram Salimpour, Pediatrician, Los Angeles
- Dr. Join Luh, Radiation Oncologist, Eureka, CA
- Dr. Andrew Stein, Orthopedic Surgeon, San Leandro, CA
- Dr. Omer Deen, Internal Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
- Debra Phairas, Practice & Liability Consultant, Napa, CA
- Douglas Shin, J.D., Attorney at Law, Los Angeles, CA
About PAC
The Physician Association of California (PAC) is the voice of California’s small group practice and independent physicians. PAC’s members are trusted community providers who provide critical access to care throughout the state. PAC advocates for its members at all levels in Sacramento so they can focus on what they do best: providing the highest quality care to their patients. More information can be found at http://www.pac-md.org. Follow us on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.