Larry A. Bedard, MD, FACEP - Emergency Physician, Chair of the Board of Directors

Sausalito, CA – Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Larry A. Bedard, MD, FACEP is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions to Emergency Medicine and Health Policy Reform.

Dr. Larry A. Bedard, MD, FACEP, is a distinguished emergency physician and medical politician whose career has been defined by groundbreaking contributions to medicine and public health legislation. With decades of expertise, Dr. Bedard has been instrumental in shaping policies that ensure equitable access to emergency care and advance the legalization of cannabis for medical and compassionate use.

Dr. Bedard’s pivotal role in revising the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), alongside Congressman Pete Stark (D-CA), solidified emergency medical care as a legal right for all. His legislative efforts extended to the advocacy and eventual legalization of cannabis in California, notably contributing to Proposition 64, which legalized adult cannabis use in 2016. As a staunch supporter of Ryan’s Law, he has championed the rights of terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana within hospital settings, reflecting his commitment to compassionate care.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science in zoology and his medical degree, Dr. Bedard completed his psychiatric residency at the University of Michigan. His two-year tenure with the United States Navy as a psychiatrist at the Navy Drug Rehab Center in Jacksonville highlighted his expertise in drug abuse, earning him the rank of Lieutenant Commander and the role of Naval educator and spokesperson.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bedard has been an active leader in medical organizations, including serving as a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), where he was a past president and board member for 20 years. He also held presidencies with the California College of Emergency Physicians and the Marin Medical Society. His contributions extend to his community through his roles as president and board member of the Marin Heart Association and Chair of the Board of Directors for Marin Healthcare District.

Dr. Bedard’s ongoing dedication to equitable healthcare, public health advocacy, and compassionate care continues to leave a lasting impact on the medical field and legislative landscape.