In a recent session of the California State Senate's Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee, a poignant testimony from Dr. Steven Obelowicz highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws against the corporate practice of medicine. With nearly 30 years of experience as a pediatric physician, Dr. Obelowicz shared his personal journey, illustrating the dangers posed by private equity involvement in healthcare.

Dr. Obelowicz recounted his initial partnership with private investors, which he believed would enhance his practice and improve patient care. However, he soon faced a troubling reality. The investors began to interfere with clinical decisions, prioritizing profits over patient welfare. This interference manifested in various harmful ways, such as limiting patient access to necessary ongoing care, canceling vital COVID vaccine clinics, and coercing physicians to prescribe specific products tied to the investors' financial interests.

One particularly alarming case involved an eight-year-old patient who received inappropriate vaccines intended for teenagers, a mistake that went unnoticed until Dr. Obelowicz resumed care. This incident underscored the critical importance of having physicians, rather than corporate entities, oversee medical decisions to ensure patient safety and quality care.

Dr. Obelowicz's testimony resonated with committee members, emphasizing the need for legislative action to protect patients from the profit-driven motives of corporate investors in healthcare. As he concluded, he stressed that without proper enforcement of existing laws, the safety and quality of care for vulnerable patients, especially children, remain at risk. The committee's discussions following his testimony will likely shape future policies aimed at safeguarding the integrity of medical practice in California.