Californian Medical Association CEO Steps Down

Jack Lewin on Monday will step down as CEO of the California Medical Association after 11 years in the position, the Sacramento Business Journal reports. Lewin is leaving to head the American College of Cardiology in Washington, D.C.

During his tenure at CMA, membership rose by 5,000 physicians and the organization's headquarters moved from San Francisco to Sacramento. Among other achievements during Lewin's tenure, CMA:

• Founded MEDePass, a digital identity and information company that provides Internet security and confidentiality for doctors and other health care providers;
  
  
• Acquired Audio Digest Foundation, the largest provider of audio continuing medical education products in the world;
  
  
• Launched the Institute for Medical Quality, which surveys facilities and medical practices to improve care;
  
  
• Initiated funding for community health projects through the CMA Foundation; and
  
  
• Filed an HMO class-action lawsuit that has led to more than $1.5 billion in settlements and an end to allegedly fraudulent business practices (Sacramento Business Journal, 10/20).