BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Dr. Jasmeet Bains says the establishment of a University of California medical school in Kern County would address the shortage of health care professionals and improve access to care.

Physicians who run for elected office say they’re proud to serve patients in ways that go beyond the individual contacts in the examination room. This fall, doctors will appear on the ballot with other political candidates seeking public office. They are a small group relative to the total number of physicians or elected leaders in the nation. However, they said their experiences in medicine are great preparation for serving in office, and they spoke to Medical Economics about the process of campaigning and why more doctors need to get involved in politics.

Video shows John White, a local Bakersfield man, sharing his difficulties trying to reach EDD disability services via phone and online. He says that one afternoon, he called nearly 200 times. Eventually, he contacted his local representative for help.