One physician laments the unbalanced nature of the medical spa series in 2005. He says there was no critical analysis of where medical spas fit in medicine.

Physicians can be agents of change for ethnic patients when it comes to early detection. The Network of Ethnic Physician Organizations has developed an accredited continuing medical education course to educate them.

Ana Ivanova, MD * Lawrence Sharpe, MD * Vellore Muraligopal, MD * Robert Kotler, MD * Thomas Horowitz, DO * George Ma, MD

The CMA is putting pressure on Congress and Gov. Schwarzenegger to reverse their actions. "The double whammy of Medicare and Medi-Cal cuts is insulting and injurious to access to care," says Jack Lewin, MD, CEO of CMA.

In mid-January, many poor and disabled Californians were being deprived of prescriptions under Medicare's new drug plan, so Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation approving $150 million to cover medications for up to 30 days. The contribution was effective as of Jan. 12 for the state's more than 1 million Medi-Cal/Medicare beneficiaries, also known as dual eligibles.

Physicians can spread the word to parents and grandparents about buckling up kids better. An estimated 82 percent of children who are placed in a child safety seat are improperly restrained.

Southern California Physician interviews physicians just getting settled in medicine. Generally, they like their work (and their time off), have warmed to managed care and see opportunity in technology. Meet the new generation of medical leaders.

Cloning is complex and there are many issues that need deciding. What better group to propose research guidelines than doctors.

Nearly 100 UCLA, USC and Western University medical students jumped at the chance to network with physicians on Jan. 5 at the Los Angeles County Medical Association's Ninth Annual First-Year Medical Student Dinner.

There's a new kid on the block named health savings accounts (HSAs). HSAs, coupled with high-deductible health plans (HDHP), are the latest innovation to treat our ailing healthcare system.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have sponsored a nationwide initiative to promote secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with known atherosclerotic vascular disease.

This month, the 2006 Winter Olympic Games will be held in Torino, Italy. Of significant concern to Olympic organizers is the issue of public health and safety. A flood of people puts a strain on the normal resources of an area and creates health and safety issues. See how organizers of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City handled the challenge.

Specialization offers patients the "best of times," through focused research and advanced technology. However, specialization also allows for the "worst of times." Too often we label ourselves as our specialty. Perhaps we can bring back more caring and compassion in our daily work by thinking of ourselves as physicians first.

Eisenhower Medical Center is a story of turning adversity into great advantage. A tragic event precipitated the idea of building a world-class medical center in the Coachella Valley: A prominent valley resident suffered a heart attack and died before reaching a hospital. And now after nearly four decades, the medical center has charted a course into new frontiers of medicine and technology.

The Riverside County Medical Association Board of Councilors reviewed the membership report, discussed the medical marijuana program and learned about the Inland Empire Palliative Care Coalition.

In an effort to improve the delivery of healthcare services to limited-English proficient (LEP) Californians, the San Bernardino County Medical Society renewed its participation in a collaborative of 28 physician and medical organizations from across the state. The group is called the Medical Leadership Council on Cultural Proficiency.

On Nov. 28, 2005, San Bernardino County Medical Society Emeritus Board Member Gebre-Christos Gobezie, MD, retired from the board after 22 years of service.

You are invited to nominate a fellow member or citizen you feel qualifies for an award. Act now! The deadline for nominations is March 13.

The Medicare physician reimbursement cut fostered a great debate among physicians. Should we be Medicare-participating provers or nonparticipating providers? Should we opt out of the Medicare system completely?

The California Medical Association played an integral role in the passage of four pieces of legislation profoundly important to the physician community in 2006 and beyond.

Experts share six essential elements in medical billing success.

Los Angeles physician Alexander Kaplan, MD, helps ex-gang members and formerly troubled teens change their lives by removing their tattoos.