ACEP Now: What are your thoughts on consolidation among insurers and health care providers?

Dr. Garcia: I believe it helps insurance companies but not providers. The No Surprises Act was well-intentioned, but it unintentionally allowed insurers to avoid paying us. For example, my emergency medicine group is currently in litigation with UnitedHealthcare over unpaid bills. Insurance companies are driving health care these days, leaving little power to physicians or patients. We need laws that restore power to doctors and patients. While I support free enterprise, I don’t think insurance companies belong on Wall Street, as they’re more focused on profit margins for shareholders than approving necessary care. This issue is very personal to me, and I’ll strongly advocate for it.

ACEP Now: How would you encourage other physicians to follow in your footsteps from bedside practice to a legislative role?

Dr. Garcia: I’ve been in emergency medicine for 26 years, and I love my job. However, I realized that one decision as an elected official can impact a large number of people. In emergency medicine, we help one person at a time, but as legislators, we can influence policy that benefits many. I encourage my colleagues to get involved at any level—city, county, state, or federal. Congressman McCormick, an emergency physician, recently endorsed me, and we’re both working to open the doors for more doctors to get involved in addressing the health care crisis.

ACEP Now: What are you hoping to accomplish in Congress?

Dr. Garcia: Our campaign is focused on addressing the fentanyl crisis. I plan to introduce the Americans Against Fentanyl Act, which would impose manslaughter charges on dealers and require comprehensive rehabilitation programs for addicts. This approach was effective in Portugal’s heroin crisis in 2001, and we can replicate that success here. Additionally, we need to address the cost of living. My oldest son struggles despite having two incomes in his household, and this speaks to the urgent need to control inflation and government spending. We should only spend what we have rather than borrowing and taxing. As a physician, I understand the importance of providing care to everyone, regardless of background, and I believe that those in public office need to embody a commitment to serving people. That’s why I’m running.

ACEP Now: What’s the best thing about being an emergency physician?

Dr. Garcia: Being able to help anyone, anywhere, at any time with their emergency is one of the greatest gifts of my career.