With Gratitude: A Retirement Message from LACMA CEO Gustavo Friederichsen

Dear LACMA Members and Partners:

As I reflect on the past ten years serving as your CEO, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the journey we’ve shared. When I first joined LACMA a decade ago, I saw an organization with a storied past but a future that needed a new spark. Together, we didn’t just find that spark—we ignited a "Renaissance" for organized medicine in Los Angeles.

My mission from day one was simple: "If it matters to our LACMA members, it matters to me." I wanted to build an infrastructure that truly served the physician—from the solo practitioner in a small clinic to the specialists in our largest systems; from physicians providing care directly to their patients, to our academic colleagues and educators. We focused on making LACMA a place of belonging especially those physicians caring for the most vulnerable patient populations and the younger generation of doctors who are now the vibrant heart and future of the organization.

Looking back, I am most proud of how we stood together during our most challenging moments. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we didn’t just talk about support; we acted, launching the Rapid Response Initiative to get PPE into the hands of over 4,000 practices, our Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) partners and to health plans, HMOs, and hospitals.  In 2025, LACMA also stood with physicians and communities impacted by the L.A. fires, helping connect fire victims with needed resources, support, and care.

We launched the first "Saving Private Practice" conference which evolved into today’s “Business of Medicine” platform to ensure physicians have solutions, resources, and options. LACMA was the first medical association in the U.S. to offer more than words, but to spring into action investing in prevention, intervention, and support following mass shootings.

We developed partnerships, aligned with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and L.A. Care Health Plan to launch the first of its kind gun safety education campaign and parallel support for Stop the Bleed campaign with Garfield Medical Center.

LACMA was also the first to hold a multi-day conference on the subject of physician wellness. Each of these impactful events were wholeheartedly endorsed by our board of directors.

A revitalized FutureMedLA foundation led by chair, Dr. Troy Elander and several new committees and councils such as the Public Health & Equity to Medi-Cal and Search Committees helped transform the LACMA community.

Being recognized as the 2025 Trusted Advisor of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal was a deeply humbling moment, but it was truly a reflection of the collective work of Lisa Le, Sheri Carr, Nick Fisher, Audrey Healey, Sheila Hoyer, our public affairs consultants, Ortega Strategies Group, and CMA finance team! None of this would have been possible without the tireless dedication of our "small but mighty" team and the wisdom of our veteran leaders, our board of directors and members and business partners, who guided us each and every day.

As I look toward the future, I am confident that LACMA is in excellent hands. I am proud to announce that the LACMA Search Committee comprised of Dr. Silverman, Dr. Flores, Dr. Peter Richman, Dr. Jeffery Lee, Dr. Omer Deen, Dr. Linda M. Mirdamadi and led by Dr. Stacey Ludwig, has selected Maneva Group to help us conduct a comprehensive national search for the new CEO. I am certain they will find a leader who will continue to build upon the foundation we have laid together and start a new journey with much success.

As I step into retirement on December 31st, LACMA is stronger, more inclusive, and better prepared for the future. It has been the honor of my professional life to lead this association. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, your membership and unwavering commitment to fellow physicians and the patients of Los Angeles County.

Finally, gratitude is an emotion and a state of appreciation for the positive things in life. It involves recognizing the goodness we experience and acknowledging that it comes from sources outside ourselves, fostering a sense of thankfulness.

I’m forever grateful to our nearly 8,000 members.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

Gustavo