HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. — A program in California hopes to help reduce a growing physician shortage by turning to resources in another country. 

AltaMed Health Services, the nation’s largest federally qualified health center in Los Angeles, is taking part in the Licensed Physicians from Mexico Pilot Program. 

AltaMed has added seven physicians licensed in Mexico to their staff for three years. 

Dr. Laura Castro Castrezana is one of seven doctors from Mexico who have been practicing medicine at AltaMed since January 2023 and will serve patients in the LA and Orange counties for two more years. The pilot program was made possible by Assembly Bill 1045, which allows qualified physicians from Mexico to work at a California Community Health Center for three years. 

A representative from AltaMed said the bill addresses the growing physician shortage in the U.S.