LACMA Receives National Humanitarian Award for Physician Support During Wildfire Crisis

LACMA has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Humanitarian Award of Excellence by the Medical Professional Liability Association (MPL Association), recognizing the organization’s extraordinary leadership, advocacy, and hands-on support of physicians, practices, and patients throughout the devastating Los Angeles wildfire crisis.

The MPL Association, which represents the leading medical professional liability insurers across the country, awards this recognition to organizations that demonstrate exceptional service during crises or efforts that create lasting change to improve the human condition.

Mobilizing Early to Support Physicians

At the earliest signs of the catastrophic wildfires—when only seven acres had burned—LACMA swiftly mobilized its staff, board of directors, and physician network. The association proactively notified its 15,000-strong physician network, raised alarms about the escalating threat, and launched immediate support systems.

As the Palisades and Eaton fires engulfed nearly 50,000 acres, destroyed over 15,000 homes, businesses, and structures, and disrupted vital healthcare and public health services, LACMA stayed on the front lines for the physician community. Efforts included:

• Assisting with practice rebuilding and sustainability planning

• Supporting physician wellness and personal recovery

• Facilitating patient communication and care continuity resources

• Engaging community partners and local leaders to address urgent needs

A Commitment Beyond Crisis

“The Los Angeles County Medical Association exhibited both a tremendous response and ongoing commitment to physicians in the face of the disaster,” said Dr. J. Michael Conerly, Chair of the MPL Association Board and President and CEO of LAMMICO. “This award honors their leadership during the wildfire devastation and their tireless work to support physicians every day.”

LACMA CEO Gustavo Friederichsen emphasized the importance of the association’s mission beyond this crisis.

“This award reflects the spirit and dedication of our physician community and the entire LACMA team,” Friederichsen shared. “We are proud to stand with our members—whether it’s a wildfire, a pandemic, or the daily demands of medicine—ensuring that physicians have the support they need to care for patients and communities.”

Friederichsen noted that the rebuilding process will take years, but LACMA will continue to serve all impacted physicians, regardless of membership status, underscoring the association’s guiding principle: ‘You take care of patients. We take care of you.’

Friederichsen will accept the award on behalf of LACMA at the MPL Association’s Annual Meeting on May 22 in Austin, Texas.