Sacramento Valley Doctor Earns Health Equity Award

Dr. José Alberto Arévalo, chief medical executive of Sutter Independent Physicians, received the prestigious Robert D. Sparks M.D. Leadership Award at the second annual Physicians for a Healthy California Health Equity Leadership Summit.

A leading advocate for improving community health in California, PHC honored physicians and organizations making a positive impact on the health of their communities. Dr. Arévalo and six other recipients were recognized for their outstanding dedication and leadership in promoting health equity and improving community health.

"An enduring legacy measured not in years, but by over three decades of personal and professional service dedicated to championing the health and well-being of California's low income and underserved communities of color, Dr. Jose Alberto Arévalo's commitment to healthcare justice continues to leave an enduring impact," said Dr. James Cruz, board chair of the Latinx Physicians of California.

Dr. Arévalo, a family medicine physician, has been a strong advocate to improve healthcare and access for under-represented groups. Under Dr. Arévalo's leadership, SIP's Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee recently added four quality metrics to its primary care physician incentive program to include hypertension and diabetes control measures for Black and Latino patients. Additionally, SIP partnered with Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Sutter Roseville's Cancer Center, and the Placer County Latino Leadership Council to hold a screening and education event for colorectal cancer screening for the Latino community. Dr. Arévalo has published original clinical research on issues impacting under-resourced communities and received several prestigious academic awards.

Dr. Arévalo has also advocated for structural changes to enhance Latino representation in the U.S. physician workforce. He is the chair emeritus and founding president of Latinx Physicians of California. He also serves on Sutter's Institute for Advancing Health Equity Physician and APC Ambassador Council. Additionally, he has served on the boards of several impactful national and statewide community organizations.