Beyond SDCMS, I have actively represented San Diego physicians at California Medical Association (CMA), serving on the Council on Legislation, the Ethnic Minority Section, and as Past Chair of the Council on Medical Services. These roles have allowed me to advocate for meaningful policy changes that support both physicians and our patients.
Physicians today are burdened by mounting challenges — burnout, workforce shortages, unsustainable Medicare and Medicaid cuts, and increasing government interference in the physician–patient relationship. These issues threaten not only the viability of our practices but also the quality of care we provide. Now, more than ever, we need strong physician advocates to ensure our collective voice is heard and that we push back against policies that undermine our profession and patient care.
I remain committed to this fight and to working alongside my colleagues to protect the future of medicine in San Diego. I would be honored to have your support as I seek election as a La Jolla Director on the SDCMS Board.
La Jolla Director #2 Audra Robertson Meadows, MD, MPH, FACOG (1):
I am honored to be considered for a position on the San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) Board of Directors. As a board–certified OB/GYN, Professor, and Vice Chair at UC San Diego, I have dedicated my career to strengthening physician leadership, transforming health systems, and advancing policies that promote equitable, excellent care for all.
Throughout my career, I have served in key leadership roles within organized medicine, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Massachusetts Section and the Massachusetts Medical Society, where I worked to shape maternal health policies and statewide quality initiatives. As a founding director of the Perinatal–Neonatal Quality Improvement Network of Massachusetts (PNQIN) and lead for the state’s AIM Initiative and Maternal Equity Bundle, I collaborated with hospitals, policymakers, and clinicians to drive measurable improvements in maternal outcomes across more than 30 hospitals.
At UC San Diego, my work continues this mission through NIH–funded research, health systems science education, equity–focused perinatal quality improvement, and leadership in the Center for Learning Health Systems. SDCMS plays a vital role in advocating for physicians, strengthening professional well–being, and ensuring healthcare policies reflect the needs of both providers and patients.
As a strong advocate for physicians at every stage of their careers, I am committed to bringing my expertise in policy, quality improvement, and health system leadership to the board. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues, advocate for our profession, and strengthen the future of medicine in San Diego. It would be an honor to contribute my experience to the important work of SDCMS.
La Jolla Director #3 Emily A. Nagler, MD (3):
I have had the immense privilege of serving on the Board of Directors as the Young Physician Section Director. As I have progressed in my career, I have found that San Diego County Medical Society has transformed this large city into a close–knit community.
Knowing that I have a fantastic group of doctors I know and trust to send patients and family members to, while working together to create a greater good for physicians in our city, has been such a comfort. My goal is to continue to provide that same service to my colleagues all over the county.
Living and working in La Jolla as well as having clinics in Hillcrest and Oceanside allows me to see the unique variety in patient and physician needs throughout San Diego County. I would be honored to be a La Jolla Director in the SDCMS and appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve on the Board of Directors in this role.
North County Director #2 Theophilos [Phil] E. Yphantides, MD (3):
I am truly honored to be nominated for the San Diego County Medical Society North County Director position. I am blessed with a 28–year marriage to the love of my life and have three wonderful adult children. Since graduating from UCSD School of Medicine in 1997 and completing my Family Medicine Residency at UCSD in 2000, I have spent my entire career serving the San Diego community.
From 2000 to 2006, I worked in full–time patient care at Neighborhood Healthcare and Palomar Hospital, serving as Outpatient Medical Director. From 2006 to 2022, I worked with Sharp Rees–Stealy Medical Group in family medicine and urgent care, collaborating with teams on quality, value, and patient experience initiatives. I also served on the Board of Directors and as Medical Director for the group’s Urgent Cares.
Since 2022, I have been privileged to serve as the Chief Medical Officer of Palomar Health Medical Group, where I continue to support and empower our practicing physicians. In addition to my clinical and administrative roles, I serve on the Board of Directors for TrueCare, helping to guide the critical work of our local community health center safety–net providers.
As physicians and community leaders, we must continue to collaborate to improve the patient experience, quality of care, value, and clinician well–being amidst the growing complexity of modern healthcare. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside physician leaders across the county to champion these priorities and ensure that all our patients receive exceptional care, regardless of where they seek it. Thank you for considering me for this role on the SDCMS Board.
AT–LARGE DIRECTORS [top]
At–Large Director #3 Kyle P. Edmonds, MD (3):
I am a Clinical Professor of Medicine and a Palliative Medicine Specialist at UC San Diego where I have held multiple leadership roles over the past 13 years.
At CMA, I am the Vice Chair of the Council on Membership, Governance, and Bylaws, represent the University of California at the Council on Legislation, and serve as a member of the Governance Reform Technical Advisory Committee. I am also a Delegate from California to the American Medical Association and an active member of the policy work of the PacWest Caucus.
I have been involved in organized medicine and health policy since I was a first–year medical student and am grateful to be considered for another term on the Board of Directors.
At–Large Director #5 Daniel D. Klaristenfeld, MD, FACS✽ (3):
It is an honor to be considered for a position on the San Diego County Medical Society Board of Directors.
As a general and colorectal surgeon at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, it is my privilege to bring the view of a subspecialist working in a community setting to SDCMS.
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
YOUNG PHYSICIAN DIRECTOR [top]
Young Physician Director Quinne C. Sember, MD (1):
I completed my fellowship in hematology/oncology at Scripps in June 2024 and now work as a breast medical oncologist at UCSD. Given this recent transition, I am acutely aware of the issues faced by physicians early in their careers. I recognize the important role that SDCMS can play in improving these issues and hope to broaden its influence among my peers.
I first joined SDCMS while in fellowship and have been impressed by my experiences with it thus far. I have prior experience in organized medicine, including serving as a District Delegate in the Resident and Fellow Section of CMA during my time in fellowship, and experience with the Texas Medical Association and physician advocacy groups working to improve healthcare for patients in Houston during my internal medicine residency.
I hope to expand my experience in organized medicine through SDCMS as I appreciate the important role organizations such as these can play in ensuring the future of medicine is bright for all of those involved. I am honored to be considered for this role.
AMA DISTRICT I ALTERNATE DELEGATE [top]
AMA District I Alternate Delegate William T–C Tseng, MD, MPH✽ (3):
It is an honor to be your AMA candidate. For over two decades, I have practiced in San Diego and witnessed firsthand the impact of numerous policy decisions on patient care. I believe that active participation in the AMA House of Delegates is critical to advocating for meaningful and lasting improvements in healthcare. I have had the privilege of serving as your past president and as your representative at the CMA Board of Trustees. These experiences have given me deep insight into the challenges physicians face and the leadership necessary to drive meaningful change.
I am passionate about advancing policies that address social determinants of health, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity. These are issues where the AMA has a vital role to play. At the same time, I am committed to fostering physician leadership amongst our next generation, particularly among medical students and residents. The AMA serves as a powerful platform for mentorship and professional growth, and I am eager to work alongside my colleagues to drive progress while empowering the next generation of physician leaders.
As we confront the challenges ahead, it is more than ever, we raise our voices at the national level to ensure that fact, not fiction, prevails; that misinformation is challenged and dispelled; and that the voices of those who provide care from the first lines are not silenced remotely by distant policymakers who dictate from the social media channels of DC. Physicians must be the ones to shape the future of healthcare.
As medicine enters a new era, we must take an active role in the integration of Artificial Intelligence — guiding the technology rather than being guided by it. We have all seen the consequences of relinquishing control, as electronic medical records remind us daily of what happens when external forces dictate how we practice. We cannot let industry interests alone shape the future of our profession.
For over two years, I have worked to understand the role of AI in healthcare and have been fortunate to contribute to these discussions while assisting in teaching a course on its applications. This journey has deepened my appreciation for both the potential and the challenges of AI in medicine. By standing together, physicians can ensure that technology enhances patient care rather than undermines it, keeping the focus where it truly belongs, on our patients. Thank you for considering my candidacy for AMA Alternate Delegate. I am committed to serving as a strong and effective advocate for San Diego and look forward to working with my colleagues to help align and advance the mission of the AMA.
CMA DISTRICT I DELEGATES [top]
CMA District I Delegate Christopher M. Bergeron, MD, FACS (3):
I am honored to be considered for re–election to the Board of Directors of San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS). As a surgeon in our community, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that a strong, unified medical society can have on advocating for both patients and healthcare professionals. I once again ask for your support to be able to continue to contribute my experience, vision, and commitment to improving the healthcare landscape in San Diego.
With 20+ years of experience in organized medicine, I understand the challenges that physicians face in providing the highest quality care while navigating an increasingly complex healthcare system. Through my Head and Neck Surgery practice, I have witnessed the evolving needs of our patients and the pressures placed on medical professionals; from administrative burdens to financial constraints to the growing demand for equity in healthcare access. As a member of the SDCMS Board, my goals have, and will continue to be, to help shape policy that fosters better work-life balance for physicians, promotes innovative patient care solutions, and ensures the sustainability of our healthcare system.
I am passionate about advocacy and collaboration, and I believe in the power of the collective voice. Together, we can create a stronger, more supportive environment for physicians and the patients we serve. I look forward to bringing my leadership skills, problem–solving abilities, and deep dedication to the Board, where I will continue to work to ensure that our organization remains a powerful advocate for patients and medical professionals in San Diego.
CMA District I Delegate Corrie D. Broudy, MD (3):
I am a rheumatologist at Sharp Rees–Stealy and have the good fortune to be challenged by complicated patients and do what I love. Also, I have had the honor to serve as the Division Chief since 2020 and as a member of the SRS Well Being Committee and the Sharp Metro Campus Well Being Committee since 2014.
I have worked tirelessly to improve physician satisfaction and prevent burnout. This was challenging when I first started working on the Well Being Committee and has proven to be a bigger test since the COVID pandemic. I am grateful and honored to be nominated to serve on the SDCMS Board. I have had the pleasure to represent SDCMS at the CMA House of Delegates in 2024.
I look forward to greater participation and opportunity to work with the physicians in San Diego to make our voices heard so that we can continue to provide the best medical care to our patients. I look forward to collaboration with other physicians in San Diego to address the challenges we face in this rapidly changing environment. I look forward to working with you to advocate to improve access to care and services, and bring back the joy into our medical practices.
CMA District I Delegate Edward [Lalo] R. Cachay, MD (3):
It is both a privilege and an honor to be considered as your District I Delegate. As your representative, I am committed to ensuring that our physicians not only survive but thrive in today’s challenging healthcare environment.
Since joining UC San Diego in 2001, I have dedicated my career to clinical care, teaching, and research, with a focus on infectious diseases and HIV. My personal journey, academic career, and leadership roles have deeply shaped my understanding of the challenges we face. Over the past decade, serving in various leadership positions, including on the UCSD Board of Governors, I have learned to navigate the complexities of productivity–based models and reimbursement systems while advocating for access to quality care for all patients.
None of this is possible without prioritizing our physicians’ and clinical staff’s well–being and satisfaction. If elected, I will bring an attentive ear and a strong voice to the SDCMS Board, representing your interests, enhancing our profession’s mission, and improving patient care. Together, we can create a fulfilling and sustainable future for all physicians.
I humbly ask for your support and the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for your consideration.
CMA District I Delegate Steven Li–Wen Chen, MD, FACS, MBA✽ (3):
It is an honor to be considered for re–election to a position as a Delegate for SDCMS. As a surgical oncologist in independent practice with offices in Mira Mesa and Encinitas, I hold privileges in the Scripps, Sharp, and Palomar systems, allowing me to get a broad overview of county issues.
Prior to my current practice, I have been an academic physician at UC Davis while serving as Chief of breast surgery and an employed physician at City of Hope in Los Angeles. Through these different places, I have developed experience in multiple practice modes and will ensure that our policies and positions take all modes of practice into account.
My experience in organized medicine has spanned serving on the Board of the Los Angeles County Medical Association and the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, as well as nationally including being a Past President American Society of Breast Surgeons, as well as prior service on the Governing Councils of the Young Physicians Section of the AMA and the Young Fellows Association of the American College of Surgeons. I continue to serve on committees of the AMA, American College of Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, and the American Society of Breast Surgeons and thus stay up to date on the issues facing the professional practice of surgery and medicine, while also serving as a delegate in the AMA House of Delegates giving me a broader view of the needs of other specialties.
I continue to believe that if we do not defend our profession and our ability to act as professionals in the best interests of our patients, we will lose the right to be a profession. SDCMS and organized medicine are key links to ensuring that being a physician continues to mean being a professional. I ask for your support to allow me to help represent you and your concerns.
CMA District I Delegate Mojgan Hosseini, MD (3):
I am honored to be considered for the Board of San Diego County Medical Society. As a physician deeply committed to our medical community, I believe SDCMS provides an essential platform where physicians can unite their voices to advocate for excellence in patient care and physician wellbeing.
I am a pathologist and Chair of physician Board of Governors at UCSD Health. I have been a practicing physician in San Diego County for the last decade. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable leadership experiences across health care systems and have actively participated in various healthcare initiatives.
As healthcare continues to evolve, physicians face unprecedented challenges. SDCMS plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing a unified voice for physicians at local, state, and federal levels. My vision for SDCMS centers on a few key priorities: strengthening physician wellness, environment of practice, and professional relationships, advancing health equity and access to care, and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. I believe that by fostering stronger connections within our physician community, we can better serve our patients and address the evolving challenges in healthcare delivery.
I am committed to working collaboratively with our members to address these issues while preserving the fundamental values of our profession. I thank you for your support and I look forward to the opportunity to serve our medical community and advance the mission of SDCMS.
CMA District I Delegate Quinn Kerr Lippmann, MD, FACOG, MPH✽ (3):
I am honored to be considered for a District 1 Delegate position on the San Diego County Medical Society Board. I have served in this role on the board for the past year, and it is a privilege to work with physicians across many specialties and practice types to unify our voices and work towards improving health care for our patients and quality of life for our members. I am a member of the CMA Council on Medical Services, helping to identify issues most relevant to our state medical community and craft resolutions that guide our legislative priorities. I am also the current Vice Chair of the District 1 delegation to the House of Delegates.
As a urogynecologist with the Permanente group, I bring the perspective of a large group physician. Prior to moving to California in 2023, I was a partner in a 30 physician private practice in Virginia. Working in two very different practice models has given me varying perspectives that allow me to see different sides of the patient and physician experience and I bring this broad view to the board. I am passionate about organized medicine and love engaging new physicians and medical students and showing them that while this work is serious it is also fun and invigorating!
With the tumultuous political landscape, coming together as physicians is more vital than ever, and I would be honored to continue my work with the SDCMS Board.
Sincerely, Quinn Lippmann
CMA District I Delegate Yolanda Marzan, MD (3):
It is an honor to serve and be considered for a term as a SDCMS District 1 Delegate.
I am a physician anesthesiologist at Anesthesia Services Medical Group (ASMG), practicing predominantly in the south bay for the past 9 years. I have served as Chairperson of the department of Anesthesia at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center for 4 years, have been a board member in ASMG for 3 years and currently serving as Vice President/President–Elect of ASMG.
It is a privilege to advocate for patient care, in particular access to patient care services in underserved communities. I also look forward to promoting the value and importance of physician anesthesiologist presence in all surgeries and combating physician impersonation by allied health providers in all fields of practice, in particular anesthesiology.
Our collective voice through the CMA is extremely important if we wish to truly be heard and make a change. It is a privilege to be chosen to be a part of this group and I look forward to contributing and maintaining the highest level of patient care for all our communities. Thank you for the opportunity.
CMA District I Delegate Bijal V. Patel, MD, MBA (3):
I am honored to seek a position on the Board of Directors of the San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS). As a dedicated physician, leader, and advocate, my mission is simple: Care for the People who Care for People.
Physicians are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet we face increasing pressures — administrative burdens, declining autonomy, and systemic inefficiencies that take us away from what we do best: caring for our patients. If elected, I will champion physician–first policies that restore joy to medicine, protect our professional integrity, and amplify our collective voice in shaping the future of healthcare.
As President of Balboa Nephrology, we work with our 50+ physicians to serve all of San Diego and Imperial Valley counties. We drive patient–centered, value–based care, integrating innovative models to enhance physician autonomy, and ensuring our voices are central in healthcare decision–making. We strive for negotiating partnerships that are physician–led and pursue implementing stainable care models. I am committed to doing the right thing and empowering physicians.
With my background as an MBA graduate and Fellow at the Center for Innovative Leadership at Johns Hopkins, I hope to bring strategic leadership to SDCMS, ensuring that we advocate for doctors, by doctors. My priorities include advocating for physician autonomy, fighting for policies that put decision–making back in the hands of doctors, reducing burnout by cutting bureaucracy and improving work–life balance, and supporting financial and contracting strategies that help physicians navigate the business side of medicine. I will work to strengthen advocacy efforts at the local and state levels, ensuring our voices are heard and respected. By fostering collaborative innovation, we can drive physician–led solutions that shape the future of healthcare.
Together, we can strengthen, protect, and uplift the medical community in San Diego. I would be honored to serve you and advocate for our profession, our future, and our patients. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.
CMA District I Delegate Kristen N. Rice, MD (3):
Thank you for considering me for the position of District I Delegate. I was active in the student section of the Colorado Medical Society and AMA during medical school, and have recently felt a pull to return to this important work.
I am a hematologist/oncologist in a mid–sized private practice. Like many of you, I have noticed my daily work and the care of my patients becoming ever more difficult. It feels as though every day brings a new hoop we must jump through to get our patients the tests and treatments they need to be healthy.
The insurance and pharmaceutical companies have powerful lobbyists to shape healthcare legislation so that it works for them, and if physicians are not at the table advocating for ourselves and our patients, they will define the future of healthcare. We can’t allow that to happen. Becoming active in the medical society makes me feel like I am doing my part to change medicine for the better.
I attended the recent California Medical Association House of Delegates meeting as a temporary Delegate. It was exciting to again be in a room full of physicians focused on the same goal: deciding how best to use our energy and influence as a medical society. I also observed that District I is an exceptionally strong, informed, and passionate group of physician leaders. I am looking forward to working with them and learning from them for the next 3 years and beyond.
CMA District I Delegate Mark W. Sornson, MD, PhD✽ (3):
It has been my privilege to have served as a Past President of SDCMS, and multiple other roles within SDCMS and CMA, representing the physicians of San Diego.
Taking part in the Presidency, Executive Committee, Board, Finance and Legislative Committees has reinforced my conviction that when we speak with a unified voice and build relationships, we can make a difference. Serving as a San Diego Delegate to the House of Delegates I will continue to bring the perspective of our local physicians to the matters raised at the House.
We in San Diego have a voice at CMA beyond our numbers due to the strength of our advocacy and the strong local support of our members. Decisions made today on our key issues will greatly affect our futures. I am honored to ask for your vote to continue my service as a Delegate.
CMA District I Delegate Nicholas [dr. Nick] J. Yphantides, MD, MPH (3):
I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve as the President of our medical society last year and for my current role on the board as the Immediate Past President. These are very dynamic times in health care and I am committed to continuing to advocate for our regional physician family and the precious patients that we all so diligently serve. My professional passion has been to be a catalyst to improve the health and well–being of our local population with a primary focus on those who need it the most.
Currently, I am serving in a tapestry of strategic yet part time roles including as the clinical advisor for the San Diego Wellness Collaborative, which is a regional nonprofit organization that improves health equity and population health in San Diego County through multi–stakeholder collaborative initiatives. Up until recently, I was supporting Palomar Health and Palomar Health Medical Group as a part time executive clinical consultant and I continue to serve as a volunteer board member for a variety of charity and local service–based organizations.
For twelve years, I was so blessed with the strategic and impactful opportunity to be the first ever Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the County of San Diego’s Health & Human Services Agency. During that time I helped lead the regional COVID response, and provided leadership in response to the County’s Hepatitis–A Outbreak and the Migrant Caravan Crisis. My role also included oversight over the regional Emergency Medical System, leadership of Medi–Cal’s Healthy San Diego and as a public advocate for Live Well San Diego. Prior to my service with the County, I served as the CMO of one of the largest regional Federally Qualified Health Centers called Neighborhood Health Care, was the publicly elected Board Chair of Palomar Health, and was the first CMO of the Council of Community Clinics.
As a candidate for the District I Delegate position I look forward to my ongoing involvement on our board and advocating for our noble profession locally while working to strengthening our regional collective impact even further. Together we must continue to strive to improve the health and wellness of our patients and their families. My greatest life joy is as the full time single father for my two daughters and being an actively engaged resident of my Escondido community. Your support is sincerely appreciated.
CMA RESIDENT AND FELLOW DELEGATE [top]
CMA Resident and Fellow Delegate Shawn A. Ali, MD (1):
I am privileged to be considered for the 2025–2026 RFS Delegate of the San Diego County Medical Society. I began my medical training here in San Diego and returned to complete my hematology/oncology fellowship.
I am passionate about addressing critical issues in healthcare, including access to quality care, physician well–being, and advancing medical education. I aim to bring the voices of residents and fellows to the forefront, ensuring our perspectives shape policy and drive meaningful change.
With a collaborative spirit and commitment to equity, I will work tirelessly to represent our community’s interests and uphold the values of excellence and compassion in medicine.