A Consistent Influence

For 123 years, SCMMA has been a
constant voice for the local medical community

About the Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association

In 2023, the Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association (SCMMA) formed by combining two longstanding medical societies – the Santa Cruz County Medical Society (SCCMS) and the Monterey County Medical Society (MCMS).

The first physician-led organization began in 1900 when physicians from Monterey County, San Benito County, and Santa Cruz County came together for the benefit of patients. In 1903, 13 Santa Cruz County physicians formed the Santa Cruz County Medical Society. Then in 2010 the San Benito County Medical Society was founded. While the Santa Cruz County and Monterey County Medical Societies shared staffing, administration, and operations from the 70s through 2001, the Societies have remained separate and independent. In 2021, leadership of the two Societies opened a dialog resulting in the formation of a Joint Task Force to explore opportunities greater impact and a stronger voice in organized medicine locally, regionally, in California and Nationally. 

Now in 2023, a new chapter unfolds for the now merged Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association, ushering in an era of growth and enhanced opportunities for medical professionals and the communities they serve along California’s north-central coast. This marks a pivotal moment as the SCMMA embarks on a journey to offer an even broader platform of support and resources to physicians and their patients in the region.

A great deal of thanks is expressed the physician leaders of these counties, present and past since 1900, who have been elected by the members and have served unselfishly to give back to the community and profession by representing the voice of all physicians of this region in the house of medicine!

SCMMA is a professional association representing physicians, residents, medical students, and fellows in all modes of practice and specialties in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. The purpose of SCMMA is to work collaboratively with local, regional, state, and federal agencies to advocate for the professional practice of medicine, helping to improve the health of Santa Cruz County and Monterey County communities, while ensuring excellence in patient care, public health, and the education, support, and well-being of physicians and their patients. SCMMA is a component medical association of the California Medical Association (CMA).

Membership in the SCMMA and CMA acknowledges physicians’ commitment to the profession of medicine and to preserving its honored place in modern society. With more than 680 members, SCMMA is committed to keeping the practice of medicine in the hands of physicians, helping to champion health care initiatives, and advocating for patients.

Now more than ever, the trajectory of medicine relies heavily on the unity of physicians, working collaboratively towards shared objectives and the amplification of our collective voices.

Mission

Physicians of the SCMMA are dedicated to the promotion of the science and art of medicine, protection of public health, and the betterment of the medical profession.

Vision

To be the preeminent physician association providing leadership and guidance on issues of healthcare delivery.

Values

  • Protection of the patient-physician relationship
  • Protection of the profession of medicine
  • Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • The well-being of physicians
  • Community Service
  • Trust, Integrity, Honesty, Transparency, and Innovation
  • Access to quality health care for all people
  • Healthy communities