May 9, 2025 by matray

In recognition of extraordinary work in support of physicians, physician practices and patient care, the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) has been awarded the Medical Professional Liability Association (MPL Association) 2025 Humanitarian Award of Excellence. This award is presented to individuals or organizations that have undertaken outstanding efforts to meet the needs of affected people during times of crisis or to affect long-term change to improve the human condition.

LACMA was founded in 1871 and is the largest regional medical association in the nation with more than 7,000 members. At the outset of the Los Angeles fire catastrophe, when only seven acres were burned, LACMA mobilized staff, galvanized the board of directors, and notified its network of 14,000 physicians across the region to be aware of the potential for disaster. The fires eventually destroyed lives and livelihoods; disrupted pivotal services such as public health, medical care, and infrastructure. Nearly 50,000 acres and 15,000 homes, businesses, and structures were lost in both the Palisades and Eaton fires.

“The Los Angeles County Medical Association exhibited both a tremendous response and ongoing commitment to physicians in the face of the disaster,” said J. Michael Conerly, MD, chair of the MPL Association’s Board of Directors and President and CEO of LAMMICO. “This award honors them for their important service every day but particularly throughout the tragedy of the wildfire devastation. We applaud LACMA for addressing the immediate needs of its physician members including home and medical practice rebuilding, practice sustainability, patient communications, and so much more, as well as the ongoing efforts to continue to assist those impacted.”

"The Los Angeles County Medical Association is honored to receive the MPL Association's Humanitarian Award of Excellence,” said LACMA chief executive officer Gustavo Friederichsen. “We are proud to support our members and have seen so many segments of our community come together, show resiliency, and make countless contributions to support those on healthcare's front line of service.”

“The rebuilding process will take several years but LACMA is here for the survivors, regardless of membership status, just like we were during the public health crisis of 2020 as we stay true to our conviction: ‘Doctors take care for patients. LACMA takes cares of you,’” Friederichsen stated. Friederichsen will accept the award on behalf of the Los Angeles County Medical Association at the MPL Association’s annual meeting on May 22 in Austin, Texas.