December 22,
2025By Physicians for a Healthy California CEO Letter
As we close out 2025, I want to thank you for the partnership and shared commitment that made this year’s progress possible. Together, we continue advancing a common mission: expanding access to care and promoting health equity. Here’s a snapshot of what we accomplished together in 2025.
Investing in the Education Pathway and Delivering Care
We awarded $85 million to 231 residency programs across California, funding 270 new physician training positions focused on regions serving high Medi-Cal populations. Demand approached $460 million, underscoring both the scale of need and the importance of sustained investment in graduate medical education (GME) in underserved communities.
Investing in Physician Leaders
We awarded more than $30,000 to 13 medical student projects statewide, reaching over 2,300 people through free clinics, mobile health fairs, screenings and community outreach—while preparing the next generation of culturally responsive, community-centered physicians. Further, in partnership with the Shared Harvest Foundation, we are documenting the impact of loan forgiveness on physician wellness and retention in underserved areas—demonstrating how targeted financial support advances workforce diversity and health equity.
Advancing Equity
PHC’s work continues to gain recognition beyond California. We hosted our annual Health Equity Leadership Summit and were featured on the Centering Health Equity podcast for our analysis of the Chief Health Equity Officer landscape. We also presented at state, regional and national forums, elevating conversations about workforce diversity and investment in under-resourced communities.
GME Startup Solutions
This year, we re-launched GME Startup Solutions to provide technical assistance to health systems and regional collaboratives building and scaling GME programs in underserved communities—expanding PHC’s role as a capacity builder and thought partner.
Looking Ahead
Progress like this is built on a shared belief that where someone lives should never determine their access to high-quality care. In the year ahead, we will host our inaugural GME Leadership Summit, expand GME Startup Solutions, and continue serving as champions, catalysts and conveners for health equity across California.
Together, we are building a healthier, more equitable California.
With gratitude,
Lupe Alonzo-Diaz
PHC President & CEO