The second Early Career Physician Event was even more successful than the first, attracting 50 doctors, who had a chance to network, swapping business cards and best practices. Hosted by Los Angeles County Medical Association District 5 leaders Stacy Waneka, MD, a Pacific Palisades family practitioner, and Eric Levander, MD, a Beverly Hills psychiatrist, the event was held Jan. 26 at Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica.

"We want to continue to create an environment in which physicians early in their career can exchange ideas that will better their practice and patient care," Dr. Levander says. "Physicians can learn about practice management ideas, new healthcare legislation and who to refer patients to."

Membership recruitment for LACMA is a priority, too, Dr. Levander says. Thus, the meeting featured a PowerPoint presentation by LACMA Treasurer Howard Krauss, MD, titled "What Has LACMA Done for Me Lately?" Dr. Krauss reviewed organized medicine's success in fighting scope-of-practice battles and passing medical staff self-governance legislation.

"Bringing in early career physicians will ultimately help improve LACMA, enriching and diversifying the organization's direction and priorities," Dr. Levander says. "We bring a fresh, new perspective when it comes to outreach and determining how the organization should be run."