About
In 2023, Cypress Foundation merged with Physicians for a Healthy Central Coast (PHCC).
PHCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation and serves as the philanthropic arm of the Medical Association serving the Counties of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito.
The foundation's Tax ID # is 45-2774675.
Mission
"Lead efforts to build a diverse physician workforce, support medical career growth, promote physician well-being, and help improve access to high-quality patient care on the Central Coast."
To fulfill its mission, Physicians for a Healthy Central Coast acts as a bridge linking physicians and other community health leaders through the works of the foundation. We work in collaboration with our partners to support the improvement of patient health and access to physicians for all who live, work and play in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Strategic Themes
The following strategic themes represent key priorities and aspirations that drive the PHCCs core program strategies.
I. Physician Pathways Continuum - Service to PRIME Central Coast
A comprehensive, equity-driven continuum supporting future physicians from early exploration to independent practice.
II. Physician Well-Being​ - Coming Soon: The JOY OF MEDICINE Program will launch in January 2026
Free confidential counseling by license and vetted therapists and coaches, Free entrance to the Annual JOY Of MEDICINE SUMMIT in Sacramentol, and access to program services and resources that support physicians personal and professional fulfillment.
Board of Directors
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Chair of the Board
Grant Hartzog, PhD
Professor, MCD Biology, UCSC
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President
Violetta Barroso, MD
Kaiser Permanente, Watsonville
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Immediate Past Chair
Jack Watson, MD
Kaiser Permanente Watsonville
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Treasurer
Anastasia Klick, MD
Salinas Valley Medical Clinic, Primecare
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Secretary
Donna J. Odryna
Executive Director, SCMMA/SCMMAF
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Director & Past CMA/SCCMS President
Donaldo Hernandez, MD
Hospitalist, Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Sutter Health
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Director
Thomas Horvath, PhD
Dean of the College of Science & Interim Dean
of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, CSUMB
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Director
Melissa Nothnagle, MD MSc
Famlly Medicine Residency Program, Natividad
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Director & Past SCCMS/PHCC President
Christopher O'Grady MD
Pajaro Valley Medical Clinic
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Director & Past SCCMS/PHCC President
Jeannine Rodems, MD
Santa Cruz Direct Primary Care
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SCMMAF was founded as CruzMed Foundation in 2012, the name changed to Physicians for a Healthy Central Coast in 2017 and merged in 2023 with the Cypress Foundation of Monterey. We are grateful to the founding leadership of this organization.
We bestow the honor of "Director Emerita" to the following past leaders of Physicians for a Healthy Central Coast (PHCC) or the Cypress Foundation (TCF).
Joydip Bhattacharya, DO
Founding PHCC President
David McNutt, MD
Founding PHCC Secretary
David South, MD
Founding PHCC Treasurer
Willie Elliott-McCrae
Founding PHCC Director
Donna Odryna
Founding PHCC Director
Alfred Sadler, MD FACP
Immed. Past TCF and PHCC President