This article originally appeared in “The Orange County Register” on June 6, 2026.
Nearly 15 million Californians live in communities with too few primary care doctors. In many communities, patients face long waits for appointments, struggle to find a physician accepting new patients, or must travel significant distances for routine care. The shortage is especially acute in rural communities, the Inland Empire, and the San Joaquin Valley, where access to healthcare often depends on a patient’s ZIP code rather than their medical needs.
The California Senate now has an opportunity to address part of that challenge.
Last week, the State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 2386, the California Physician Expansion Act, and sent it to the Senate for consideration. The legislation, authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez, would create a new licensing pathway for internationally trained physicians to practice in California’s underserved communities while working towards full licensure.
Current law requires most physicians trained outside the United States and Canada to complete an entire U.S. residency program before obtaining a license, even if they have already completed residency training and practiced independently abroad. AB 2386 would create an alternative pathway, allowing qualified physicians to practice under supervision at approved community healthcare facilities and earn full licensure after meeting clearly defined standards.
California’s need for additional physicians is substantial, and will only worsen if not quickly acted upon. Experts project that the state will need at least 10,500 additional primary care providers within the next four years to meet demand.
