On July 1, James J. Strebig, MD, JD, officially assumed leadership of the Orange County Medical Association as its 119th president. This is a critical period for organized medicine, since health reform is a top agenda item for the governor of California, as well as for the presidential candidates. Healthcare issues are constantly in the news: patient access to care; the economics of the intricate healthcare system; quality of care and more. Central to this debate is the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship, which is the fundamental underpinning of the healing process. Dr. Strebig welcomes the challenges inherent in this environment and is prepared to address the issues directly. In assuming his new role, Dr. Strebig brings a remarkable skill set comprised of keen intellect, clarity of thought, an unwavering devotion to the medical profession, and a capacity to take on the biggest battles and win.

Dr. Strebig is not your average overachiever. He earned his medical degree at UCLA in 1983 and went on to earn a law degree at Stanford University in 1988. He is a clinical professor at both UCLA and UC Irvine and serves on the medical staffs of four hospitals. He is board certified in internal medicine and three and a half years ago changed his practice to a concierge model. He devotes considerable time to organized medicine. Dr. Strebig is a delegate to the California Medical Association House of Delegates. He chairs the CMA Project SAFE CARE Task Force, the CMA Committee on Professional Liability and the MICRA Education Fund Technical Advisory Committee. He is a member of the CALPAC executive committee and board of directors. He is also an alternate delegate to the American Medical Association. Previously, Dr. Strebig served on OCMA\'s Membership Development Committee he served as a delegate to and chair of the CMA\'s Young Physicians Section, and as a member of its House Select Committee on Conflict of Interest Policy and Council on Legislation.

Dr. Strebig's presidential inauguration and installation of officers takes place on July 19, and for the first time in OCMA history, will be held at the prestigious Center Club in Costa Mesa. Since he and his family try to take time out for trips to Hawaii or other tropical areas, the evening will feature a tropical theme replete with a steel drum band, mojitos and dinner. Dr. Strebig and his wife, Rosina, are raising their two sons in Rancho Santa Margarita, where they stay busy with sports and school events.

Organized medicine is extraordinarily fortunate to have Dr. Strebig as one of its most knowledgeable, vocal and powerful leaders. We expect great things during his presidency!