Governor Gavin Newsom has recognized Raul Ayala, MD, as the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health's selection as California Community Star for 2020. Dr. Ayala serves as the Ambulatory Medical Director at Adventist Health Central Valley Network. He has transformed the health care landscape in the Central Valley through the clinical integration of over 50 ambulatory clinics. Dr. Ayala has taken on many other projects and outreach, such as launching a rural track for a family medicine residency program, integrating virtual healthcare into clinics and homeless shelters, and expanding the graduate medical residency program in family medicine. The Governor has commended Dr. Ayala's commitment to improving care for the state's most vulnerable populations through his work leading the Adventist Health Opioid Stewardship Committee and implementing programs to address housing and food insecurities screenings.
CAFP congratulates Dr. Ayala on his recognition and is grateful for his passion and contributions to family medicine!
