Stanford Health Resident Physicians’ Contract Negotiations Will Enter 11th Month
Palo Alto, CA— In a powerful show of support, Assemblyman Marc Berman (AD-23) and State Senator Josh Becker (SD-13), two prominent state representatives from Stanford Health Care’s legislative districts, have stepped forward to advocate for the institution’s unionized housestaff. These physicians, represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU), are now entering their eleventh month of contract negotiations with the health system.
In a joint letter to David Entwistle, President and CEO of Stanford Health, Assemblyman Berman and Senator Becker criticized the healthcare system’s reluctance to agree to a first contract with fair wages for its residents and fellows. Amid the cost-of-living crisis in the Bay Area, many of these dedicated doctors are struggling to afford basic necessities, such as housing and childcare.
“Stanford Medical Center is a world-renowned healthcare system, a source of pride for the constituents in our district. However, the resident physicians’ stories of housing insecurity, childcare struggles, and safety concerns are deeply unsettling,” the letter by Asm. Berman and Sen. Becker read. “Considering that Stanford’s revenue is in the billions, there is no reason that compensation cannot keep up with the cost of living in the region.”
Stanford Health Care is one of the wealthiest health care systems in the country, earning more than $788 million in profits in 2022. However, residents say that the hospital has repeatedly failed to take the concerns of its housestaff seriously, countering their economic proposals with an offer that cuts vital program benefits that many rely on.
“We organized precisely because of this lack of respect, and we are still dealing with an administration that refuses to recognize the realities of what it takes to provide world-class medical care in the Bay Area,” said Dr. David Dupee, a third-year resident in psychiatry. “The longer Stanford disrespects us and fails to meet our basic needs, the tougher it will be for the institution to attract and retain passionate doctors.”
The letter by Asm. Berman and Sen. Becker concluded, stating that “We stand in solidarity with the resident physicians and trust that their contributions will be recognized and rewarded appropriately.”
The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is the largest house staff union in the United States. A local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing over 30,000 resident physicians and fellows. Our members are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities.
